7 Years Of Solo Game Development

My Journey as a solo game developer from starting out to working on my third steam release. Ill go over all the methods I took and share with you guys my thoughts on the reality of solo game development. Its been a long road but Ive loved every bit of it and im excited for what the future holds!
Please Wishlist Wildkins on Steam!
WISHLIST : store.steampowered.com/app/25...
Check out my games for VR!
Horror Game:
store.steampowered.com/app/22...
Hunting Game:
store.steampowered.com/app/19...
Patreon: patreon.com/MikeyDGames
Twitter: Twitter.com/DallaraMike
Discord: / discord

[@TheBendixSA]

This guy has some big balls to do VR as his first releases to steam. Don't care if they flopped. Respect.

[@MikeyDGames101]

lmfao.

[@cykablyat1466]

straight up gigachad

[@tsuki5298]

yeah i was like wtf why :D

[@AiVaultGuy]

there are already AI sofware tools that you can use to build games even better than these with just a few clicks and in less than a week. You don't need to spend 7 years coding

[@Crouder]

every vr game flops cause no one plays vr..

[@saturn7_dev]

Thanks for your straight up honesty - unlike 99% of the rest of KZbin. You basically only ever hear about the successes, almost never the failures...I hope this last game your making does better and yes, maybe get into marking some more...good idea

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you, ya felt like there's way too many I made a game and it sold a million copies lol.

[@hyuuto.]

@@MikeyDGames101 I've released some games since 2014, it's an area that I love but I never managed to make enough money to support myself, I ended up becoming a webdev and it's my job since 2016 to this day, the gaming area is much more difficult than some people make it seem, I continue With an interest in the area and doing some small projects, I wish you all the best and that this game will be successful

[@84brcko]

Yeah, all these positive KZbin videos make you think that it is enough to go through one UE5 tutorial without any past experience in coding or even level editor for quake - 10 hours of videos. Then having like 500x less experience than this guy and in 3 days creating a game selling millions of copies.

[@cykablyat1466]

@@84brcko i don't think people understand how much work it is solo dev a game in a very likely outcome being that it may flop. I remember in the earlier years of modding for HL and Source where they provide everything for you there's mod teams of 4-10 people and it still took 2 to 3 years to get a full build out. Even when people see these indie games that that blow up in popularity they don't realize there probably were a lot of other games that failed in the meantime or were just moderately successful.

[@84brcko]

@@cykablyat1466 True. Nice nickname BTW👍

[@Grymyrk]

The fact you started at zero and ended up releasing something on steam is pretty epic. Good work.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@AiVaultGuy]

there are already AI sofware tools that you can use to build games even better than these with just a few clicks and in less than a week. You don't need to spend 7 years coding

[@mustrumx]

@@AiVaultGuy please go and do something useful instead posting this crap to someone who is tying to achieve something and probably knows about ai. And good luck to @MikeyDGames101 of course.

[@ThatGuyRy]

@@AiVaultGuy there is no AI tool that will fully build a game without coding. Yes UE5, unity, and many other programs help a lot without coding, you still need to learn to code to debug.

[@Essey209]

@@AiVaultGuyyou have 0 knowledge about anything and start yapping.

[@nulldmg27]

Working full-time construction and doing your game dev learning is impressive

[@spitefol5504]

hearing you talk about doing game dev on the side that consistently for that long while being that busy at another job is incredible really, I hope you are able to continue to do this fulltime, thank you for sharing your journey either way!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Stoked you liked it! Will try to as long as I can! Thank you for the support 😀

[@michaelpease2103]

Alright brother I am saying this from the MOST LOVING and positive place in my heart. I have worked in sales and customer-facing positions my entire life (sales, golf caddie, hotel manager, and now I have been running my own detailing business, successfully, for two years). That's to give you an idea of why I feel confident saying this: You 100% will be successful. I know for a 100% fact. But there's a catch. You desperately NEED to spend time on your "presentation". Everything about your image and public persona. This is what snatches the most positive mass attention and gives you trust and respect in the public eye. For your game AND MORE IMPORTANTLY for your physical self. Your camera quality, your haircut, your clothes, your body language & posture, your video background, your speech cadence and volume, your eye contact, and everything that's setting the scene on camera, etc. You know how games require hundreds of layers of consideration? Think the same way with your content publishing and I PROMISE you will 100% succeed in your marketing and devlog efforts. Consider the lighting, your words, your clothes, etc etc like I said above. The beautiful thing is that you can do 20 takes to get it right before posting. And take this same energy into your games. I really like your persistence and I respect your journey. You're going to do big things and I wanted to pitch this to you in hopes I might help in a meaningful way. God bless you brother. I'm proud to see you sticking with it and busting it out. Hell yeah.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Awesome advice, I really do appreciate it! These are things that completely go over my head, i'm new to the whole presenting myself thing but you're on point here. Ill keep these in mind going forward, I truly appreciate you sharing that with me. Im still learning every day and advice like this really helps make me better. Thank you for the support, its very motivating to hear!

[@dood_games]

nah f it. we out here neckbeardin it

[@michaelpease2103]

@@dood_games 🤣🤣🤣

[@troyharris8591]

@@dood_games LOL!!!

[@zakroutil]

I've been making games solo for the past six years and this video is extremely relatable, seeing you not quit even after your game doesn't succeed is very inspiring to me. I wish you all the luck with your games and devlogs and I hope you will be able to live the dream and keep making games fulltime!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Yup just have to keep swinging, as hard as that is sometimes. Quitting is the easiest thing you can do lol. Glad you liked the video, thank you for the support!!

[@mikee1of1]

Your story inspires me. best of luck on your game dev journey. much respect!

[@manuMatic]

Your perseverance is inspiring and your raw authenticity is refreshing. Wishing you much success!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@arnoldl.7076]

Good luck and thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully you'll make a living doing what you love to do.

[@nexusdodge]

What an inspiring story! Way to go! Thank you for sharing!

[@BlockBlender]

Thanks for sharing your story! Keep up the work brother!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@richiedubs1062]

Good luck brother! Keep hustling, doing what you enjoy. Makes the world a better place.

[@tinybanditgames]

Thanks for sharing your journey. Goodluck on your future projects!

[@DrSGameDev]

Thanks for sharing your journey Mikey, best of luck in the future bro!

[@MrSaebo]

Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck to you!

[@anatolii1013]

Good stuff. Thanks a lot for your efforts! Wish you the best in your game dev career!

[@-._.--._.--._.--._.--._.--._.-]

Hell yeah. I hope you keep pushing! Starting the way you did takes a lot of persistence and dealing with adversity, which many folks don't have. I am pretty certain that you'll keep improving and produce something amazing.

[@AliciaSykes]

Really impressive journey, huge respect at your determination!

[@celsladroma8048]

I salute for people who so brave and never give up...

[@markelishaev617]

great video! really inspiring and kudos on you saving all this footage throughout the years. I like how honest and open you are about the journey and impressed how you were pushing while working long hours especially in physically intensive job

[@MikeyDGames101]

Yea I had to really dive deep into the hard drive to find these projects haha. Thank you so much im glad you enjoyed it!

[@shovsoft]

Well done mate, your determination and persistence is admirable.

[@brentritchie6199]

Well done I wish you all the best and good on you for taking the plunge

[@LTGD]

This is fantastic. Very real, human, honest, and hopefully very inspirational to people who started basically where you did. You did exactly the thing that thousands turn to wanting to do every year, and you made it work. And still are! Very impressive, well done and congratulations.

[@MikeyDGames101]

I appreciate that, been a long road. Thank you!

[@albertolanataable]

Very inspiring, thanks for sharing!

[@destero8853]

I have great respect for your journey as a game dev so far, keep it up!

[@clifforderskineart]

I really enjoyed listening to your story! Thankyou for sharing

[@MikeyDGames101]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@aleksandars9254]

Thank you for sharing this super inspirational story. Wish you all the best fam. Keep pushing

[@brandonjacksoon]

Thanks for sharing your story man!

[@supertenchoo4271]

I love your story so inspiring ,thanks for sharing with us.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you im happy you enjoyed it! =)

[@hopefullyApro]

as someone who just started out a year ago this video is much appreciated, especially the honesty mate. Good Job! dont quit

[@user-ly1kf4pe3g]

Loved the video. Wishing you success in the future! Keep up the good work!

[@CodeEater_]

I'm glad I watched this video! I'm surprised with all the leetcode and c# experience you gained there was no mention of switching from construction to software engineering to help fund your projects and learn the programming language deeper or just to meet other developers who can help you learn more, i think you definitely would have a good shot at it. Thanks again for posting this video

[@raoinvoker]

great insights, i love how you never gave up on your journey. Working solo is very stressful sometimes, but you took it as a fun part of your life. Good work man, keep growing.

[@mitchellteeters6515]

I absolutely loved your video. as an aspiring developer (who hasn't developed literally anything) this was really motivating!

[@vincent1358]

your such a big inspiration, this is something ive been willing to do so long and i've tried to make a first steam release but i quited after more then 3 motnhs of concistant work.. I hope one day picking it back up and make it like you did! Thanks for the amazing video

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you so much, it's awesome to hear that. I hope you get back to your project one day! Appreciate the support 🙂

[@liamyoung1612]

Loved hearing your insight! I hope your new game goes well for you

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@Bloodyteo]

Great video man! A true inspiration of how to go for it, even when faced with failure. Don't give up!

[@CASLOAcademy]

you are definitely on the right path! congrats

[@omarvelez3867]

I put it on my wishlist. As soon as it comes out I will be more than happy to buy the game and support you. Keep up the work my man!

[@hglock]

I really enjoyed the video. Fingers crossed for Wildkins, already on wishlist . Good luck!

[@AttaKru]

you are great! what a dedication!

[@pedroazevedo8956]

I've just subscribed! And it only took this one video! Keep going, Sir.

[@stephenrichardson5222]

Sweet video man, cool journey!

[@marcoinoc]

Love the vid men very encouraging!

[@cariyaputta]

Really inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[@sparen2210]

Awesome Video! It was really enlightening to learn about your story and see how I could maybe adjust my learning style when it comes to Game Dev :)

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear it! Good luck, its worth the work! 🙂

[@Karlos11188]

Keep up the good work and good luck with it.

[@abdullahnaim10]

Amazing journey!!! Great video!!!

[@SasoriKeK]

Best of luck on your journey!

[@mdougf]

Loved it!! The story is impressive and inspiring! And I love the honesty. Keep it going!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! Awesome to hear that

[@jonasherman9195]

Amazing video! Respect!

[@mmuekk]

You got a new subscriber. Good luck with your journey

[@joyfulfishman5445]

Very inspiring story, I wish you the absolute best and I'm certain you'll be a huge success!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@prizmik]

Well done mate, keep it going!

[@MohamedAli-dk6cb]

Your consistency and persistence in learning and developing real products over the years, without any constraints from school or work obligations, is simply amazing. Respect, bro, you are an inspirational figure.

[@ar-condicionado-splinter]

Really amazing seeing your progress in gamedev! Inspired me to come back to my routine of gamedev too!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thats awesome, makes me really happy to hear that. Thank you very much!

[@1995oskardukowski]

I like to wish all the best. Game is now on my wishlist (:

[@wwanc]

Really great information, was a pleasure to hear your journey. Wishing you all the best in the future. Subscribed, liked and look forward to your future videos.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! Love to hear.

[@tbranch227]

Inspiring, man! Great job and I'm subbed now

[@brandonjacksoon]

Good luck! I hope you will made your dream game!

[@titanovsky]

Thank you for the detail info.

[@dddoes9528]

Respect the grind sir !!

[@Zhilajoon]

Your resilience is inspiring. Impressed you kept going whenever you had a setback and went to leetcode to improve. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@uff3511]

This is such a honest video. I think everyone can feel how hard game dev really is. I like the success stories of indie games. But I think you show greatly how hard it truly is and how high the chance of failing is. wish you the best with the next release!

[@Hintz6]

Amazing that you stayed motivated for as long as you did. As someone who quit their job and tried the self-taught route, I don't know that I have the same mettle as you. Best of luck to you going forward.

[@georgeburlacu4664]

Good luck! Very inspiring video for all of us who started to learn game dev sometime xD

[@jakejoyride]

Inspiring. And interesting that today I had idea what game I would do

[@tuatec]

All the success to you! You really deserve it!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Appreciate it! =)

[@tony99659]

Awsome content, kudos for all the hardwork and passion!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@DannieHansenWeb]

Now that is what i call perseverance. Wish you all the best on future releases. Definitely subscribed.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! I saw you joined my patreon.. very thankful, I appreciate it a lot! =)

[@soulbakerTV]

I've been struggling with getting into the code for years now, Like I wish to build whats on my mind but I can never push myself hard enough to do it. Your video is inspiring keep on doing what you love man! Huge respect to you! FOR THE HORDE ! :D

[@Mobster_WOR]

I love games and I would love to learn about it but I know it's really hard and I know I don't have the capabilities to do it. You really need to love this area, it's probably one of the hardest in the field. You are a goat man!

[@tony-ceee]

Wine bottle in the background tells one more story about the solo game dev. Jokes aside, thanks for sharing!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Lmao. Really should clean my room more often, its still there XD

[@MrKwizzles]

really interesting watch, all the best

[@ebitdaddyca3676]

I genuinely wish you the best in your journey. Loved the video, loved the honesty. I JUST quit my job to go full time on my app so I understand your feeling. I also learned programming on the fly back in august 2023 while I started to work on the project.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you that's amazing to hear! Ya it's a sketchy choice to make haha, I hope the best for you too! Good luck with your app.

[@YANOS192]

i enjoyed this video !! you ever motivated me to start learning game making i have 0 idea it's not my domain ( i have a like a standard 9 to 5 job i'm happy with for now ) but i want to do something i love

[@muralielumalai]

love your honest speaking

[@user-zw8um7mb3j]

Proud of you, keep going :)

[@geekworthy7938]

Dude! You are doing AWESOME!!! Best part is that you like what you are doing! Just remember to throw yourself into the games that you want to eventually play! No matter what type of game it is! You can make all kinds of videos about what you are doing. I haven't really seen many people who in-depth game devlogs. I see how they touch on certain points, but not EVERYTHING they did which could be an eye opener. Remember to make Shorts on KZbin as much as possible. They are the billboards which drive people to your videos!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! Ya going to be trying to share as much as I can about my process, appreciate the support =)

[@jarenagra2804]

bro i wish i had your dedication!

[@sovannseung6985]

I love your story journey

[@IzzaldinSamir]

Thanks for keeping it real!

[@erickdelgado8515]

atta babe mikey. Keep that hard work flowing.

[@85percentcocoa]

good luck man. wish you all the best!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@personalgao]

great video, first time I see your channel and I was hooked the whole 17 min. Keep up the good work.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@briannabadet]

Ahhh!! I’m so proud of you❤️❤️

[@FoozleCC]

Epic story. Resonates with so many of us game devs. Keep going!

[@MikeyDGames101]

Awesome to hear it, thank you !

[@envygamer]

I can totally relate to you, In 2017 I was put in a spot where I kinda ventured into a similar path, and right now after watching your video I believe I am in the same spot as you were before getting your first Steam launch. It takes balls to go this dark path and it is very lonely too, wish you all the luck

[@MikeyDGames101]

Haha ya you're definitely in your own bubble for a lot of it. Thank you, I hope your game does well!

[@skylarmuffin8145]

Thank You for the leetcode recommendation, I never heard of it before today, just finished 10 eazy ones, they are so much fun, and I can tell I have so much yet to learn. it's super fun and those little puzzle solving things is how I like to learn. ^-^

[@MikeyDGames101]

No problem! They are super helpful, good luck! My least favorite are the tree problems haha.

[@zachwhite1241]

@@MikeyDGames101 which study plan do you recommend on leetcode?

[@MikeyDGames101]

Personally I just targeted easy ones at the start, avoid tree and linked lists problems as I've never had to use that in game dev ever lol. I wouldn't recommend doing leetcodes if you haven't done any prior coding tutorials. The biggest help for me was learning how to improve my coding to be not so basic. The most value came from one's that had me write different kinds of loops with lists and dictionarys.

[@egorpavlikhin969]

I applaud your resilience. Grinding your way from nothing to multiple steam releases is a big achievement. The one thing I personally found from making games is that art (3d, design, etc) makes up more than 60% of most games and doing all that solo is just impossible.

[@marcus_leon]

I like this origin story type videos about developers, as a dev, coding also changed my life.

[@TheUngoliant]

the fact that you where able to learn all this and make this progress while working so many hours is very impressive 💪

[@lucasabratti598]

Cool work dude! Looks awesome! Keep it up

[@MikeyDGames101]

Right on, thank you!

[@FutureEnvy]

Very awesome video! Keep it up. Starting to inspire me to try my hand at game dev, its been a life long wish to develop games, now I feel stuck in factory work.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! You should definitely give it a try, just have fun with it. Even if it's just a small session when u can you'll be happy to see the ball rolling. I would wake up hating my job every day, but thinking about what I did the night before was super enjoyable and made me feel good. Even I had only done 20 min of it. Enjoy the process even when it's frustrating. You'll get that taste of some small thing working and be hooked lol. You 100% can do it my friend.

[@JoshChristiane]

This was awesome!!

[@TheOnlySirC]

Congrats on pushing through the grind, literally! You never gave up, even though you worked crazy hours at a different unrelated job. 💪

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! Spent a lot of time thinking about game dev at work lol, helped get me through it.

[@bigdikdude4207]

Actually kinda cool idea with WildKins. Going to add it to the wishlist and cross fingers for succesful release.

[@valideno9592]

you are inspiritaional! wish you all the luck with wildkins

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you!

[@ericb6048]

HI Mike. I appreciate that you are genuine about ..everything. SUBBED You have a longggg road ahead.. find your motivation, deep dive, push. Most games are assets plopped into scenes.. The visual is as important as the animation and audio is just as important. Mood, lightning, optimization, understanding the tech inside and out.. intimately. Break down components and understand them to optimize use cases for best results. Best of luck.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Thank you! Ya it seems to be a constant learning experience for sure. Appreciate the advice, you're totally right.