How He Sold Over 200,000 Copies Of His Game w/ PontyPants - Full Time Game Dev Podcast Ep. 028

[@thomasbrush]

Amazing convo. Can we all give a round of applause emoji's to Ponty? ► Play Climbing Game: store.steampowered.com/app/2497920/A_Difficult_Game_About_Climbing/ ► Enroll in my 3D workshop, free!: www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-15-minute-3D-game ► Play Puncha Bunch: store.steampowered.com/app/1512590/Punch_A_Bunch/

[@Pontypants]

THANKS FOR HAVING ME ON THOMAS! 🥳 LOVE the podcast, feels surreal to be watching myself on it lol!

[@thomasbrush]

Thanks for coming on. Had a blast chatting!

[@TUKMAK]

Hahah Thomas called you Mr. Potty at the end of the podcast 😂

[@GreedAndSelfishness]

Are you finnish by any chance? Your accent seems like it.

[@vdimension6300]

✌

[@moeburhanimeez7354]

Heeey! Long time no see!

[@BigTuna-Games]

Just finished the whole podcast and it’s so refreshing to hear what his goals were. The fact that he invested his money, paid his house off and no longer works at a job hits so close to home. I have similar goals. I know it sounds impossible but it’s possible. So great to hear!

[@prostoGDPlayer]

Good luck bud, it's all possible!

[@ghabrielF]

Thomas went out in the woods to find a missing dude called pontypants, I'm glad you found him and he is well and alive!

[@thomasbrush]

He's alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ThomasStewartDev]

Hahaha calling him Potty at the end - I almost spat out my coffee. Seriously though, this influx of A Tier podcast guests has been awesome - I hope you keep going!

[@kyletallant360]

Longtime viewer of both Thomas and Ponty-- this was the best, most real podcast yet. I'm a AAA developer easing into indie, and this answered many questions about devlog credibility (and more background into Ponty's journey). Thanks guys, really enjoyed it!

[@Ammerfest]

*Timestamps* [00:00] *Why did you stop making KZbin videos?* > PontyPants' career and lifestyle [04:00] *Is it worth doing game dev logs on KZbin?* [07:15] *Interesting control schemes in games* > Games: _Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy_ [09:06] *Should you design your game with streamers in mind?* > Games: _Thronefall, A Difficult Game About Climbing_ [13:11] *Is it worth doing game dev logs on KZbin? (cont.)* > Mentions: @DevDuck [19:09] *Thomas' perspective* > Mentions: _@Danidev, Ludwig Ahgren / offbrand games_ [22:56] *Making KZbin content for gamers* > Mentions: _@SebastianLague, @JonasTyroller_ [28:22] *Dev logs are spoilers* [31:02] *Buying vs. creating assets* > Games: _Only Up!_ [34:32] *Thomas' perspective* [36:02] *Choosing a game's Look* > Mentions: _Ken Levine_ [42:00] *Playing and getting inspiration from games* [44:40] *Core game mechanics, Speed runners* [47:13] *Choosing a game's Look (cont.)* [48:57] *PontyPants' method of game development* > Games: _Worms_ [54:20] *Planning vs. Discovering a game* [56:06] *Scope and complexity of games, focusing on a single mechanic* > Games: _Horizon Zero Dawn, Dark Souls, The Witness, Braveboy_ [1:04:06] *PontyPants' game announcement* [1:06:45] *Saving vs. Investing a game's revenue* [1:12:06] *Outlook* > Mentions: _@ThinMatrix_

[@RoniRauch]

Thanks a bunch

[@RetroBreak]

Thank you so much for making these! The podcast has been amazing. Glad to hear you’re going to keep making them! Sounds like you’ve got some great guests lined up too! Would be happy if you just kept these up and spent the rest of your time making the games!

[@zedekai9456]

100% agree

[@kidzorro]

I think what pulls people in is not so much the technical side of game development, but the theory and philosophy of games. It's quite broad, but still very interesting to follow. This channel in particular is very good at that.

[@renalksen]

This podcast is on fire lately, I had gotten used to gamedev KZbin repeating itself, but this podcast and the Jonathan Blow gave me a lot of new insights and very up to date actioanable advice.

[@reptilianaliengamedev3612]

Please don't stop doing dev logs Thomas! That is my favorite thing is to watch you make games. Even when you are struggling, I love watching your process. I have learned so much from you just watching your perspective good and bad.

[@travanator4366]

These podcasts are such a good resource for new and experienced devs. Such good guests and content please keep'em comin.

[@fabianbrandtaudio]

Wow what an episode, you're crushing it! This is really fun, also amazing to hear from Ponty. Very heartfelt conversation and many, many great lessons and tips to pick up. Looking forward to the future of the podcast!

[@MrChambers]

This is a really cathartic episode. I enjoyed it, and like Ponty have been enjoying these casts and hyped for the direction this channel is going.

[@thomasbrush]

Awesome I’m glad you’re liking it

[@FaithGamer420]

Another great video, I like it that you upload these interviews so often, thanks.

[@RickyWiild]

35:57 I’m a big fan of this and hold faith in this approach. My game DoomBreaker stands out in its own unique way for these very reasons. Another great podcast,this content is awesome. The authenticity and flow of the conversation between you two was refreshing and entertaining 😎 very cool.

[@IndieGamesWTF]

Thank you so much Thomas for hosting this podcast. you truly bring out the best in every game developer you interview. We can really grasp their different personalities and learn so much! How about organizing a roundtable with some of them?

[@PoshPennies]

great chat! enjoyed this 😊

[@amirshokuhi]

These podcasts were so inspiring and motivating for me to continue working on my project. Thanks a lot, Thomas!

[@lambbonesdev]

Love the podcast Thomas been dying for something like this, love hearing game devs just talk about stuff

[@mana_mamba]

Loving these game dev convos!

[@bachwaregames]

This podcast was my favourite of them all, since I can relate to almost everything pontypants is saying about the struggle with gamedev, KZbin and foddian games. Going through the _exact_ same thing :) keep up the good work guys. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@freddieje]

I really enjoyed this episode. Going to download A Difficult Game About Climbing now. Thank you!

[@SuperEssenceOfficial]

love how authentic both of you are

[@TUKMAK]

NO WAY KEN LEVINE?!?!?!?!?? IM SO EXCITED! You and him have a surprising amount in common. He's a very interesting guy to listen to I love his perspective on games

[@Javiwido]

First time seeing the podcast. Really love the conversation and the way the dialogue went.

[@zionen01]

Game dev is very hard, and youtube content is very time-consuming. Any creator that provides something of value in youtube should be able to promote or use the channel as they see fit until they see fit, in the end they're putting in work to put something of value for others to consume so nothing is owed either way. Thanks for these videos Thomas, insights from established game devs is super valuable.

[@SlimeShisho]

YES!!!!!! FINALLY. BEEN WAITING FOR YEARS

[@goma8167]

Cool podcast Thomas and Ponty. I loved it. Thomas you talk a lot about Dani, I hope you'll be able to have him on the podcast one day.

[@luckyboy5nu]

i think pontypants should make a second channel where he just uploads a raw video of him chatting every once in a while or something, no editing or fancy stuff

[@jordanhwang]

thank you so much for bringing on Ponty!!

[@HeroGetsu]

Man I love ponty I wish he still made videos I watched them over and over before punch a bunch came out

[@SlimeShisho]

Those devlogs are so good. I watch them all over from time to time

[@AaronGwynaireGameDev]

Using your own assets makes the work feel a lot more worth while. It gives substance to the journey you’re on. You put more of yourself into it, the overall result will convey a more unique real experience :)

[@TUKMAK]

@Thomas Brush if you're jealous that Ponty made his game in a year, remember that he made it in a Canadian year.

[@PoshPennies]

😂

[@TUKMAK]

@PoshPennies Hi Viv!

[@ObsidianContraption]

The biggest takeaway i got from this is "it's not about making a lot of money, it's about spending less money"

[@DarkDiaspora]

I love these Dev logs Thomas, thank you

[@RealBrianRussell]

def enjoying the podcasts!

[@Gathrey]

Love the Pod! waiting for that ConcernedApe vid to drop XD XD

[@EvanGreenstone]

Loving these, thanks Thomas

[@SlimeShisho]

31:09 that "why" is exactly how my former boss said it when I handed in my resignation lmfao

[@joc_a.b]

32:22 Thomas jumpscare

[@DaveUnreally]

I'm halfway through the video, great conversation fellas.

[@redpandacreations]

Miss Ponty’s more regular videos but I like the idea of having an accompanying “behind the scenes” type video that accompanies the full game

[@GonziHere]

47:47 is one of the most unintentionally hilarious moments that I've ever seen. And great talk, as the others.

[@joc_a.b]

Great podcast as usual! Also could you re upload the last "I played your games" live streams? You played mine and your reaction was priceless, I was hoping to cut it for a video compilation! Thanks for all the great content btw!!

[@timeglazzet852]

9:20 ponty: “it Can be, right” Thomas :😐

[@ალექსანდრეოთხოზორია]

bro i watched him from ep 1 of punch a bunch devlogs so high quality i am happy he found succes

[@nickdevprod3667]

რა პატარაა ეს სამყარო

[@ალექსანდრეოთხოზორია]

@@nickdevprod3667 ჩვენ ვართ ყველგან დ

[@True.Motive]

This is just Gold 💰 Thanks

[@Ready_Fire_Aim]

you touched on one thing i got stuck with committing. thinking i had to make a "test environment with all the features" but its not the actual game because i didn't want to give it away (story/meta) during alpha/beta playtests. then after working down that path i realize. wait. im making 2 games now ? wtf btw, dont feel bad for saying what you feel. this is great to hear. (eg, getting lost in digging for content, logs, callin the dude for cheatin ya game ha that was gold)

[@_.thealtbutton._3483]

This is cool! I'm gald to see ponty again

[@WilliamAndersonGameDesigner]

I've been a really successful professional game designer going way back to the 1990s, but now semi-retired I'm developing my own games.

[@etper]

thomas i swear youre doing a great job with guests lately ponty! how are you?

[@dejanradovic1548]

It’ s like movies, “One watch” or Blockbuster, gaming world: “One play” or “Blockbuster”, “Replay” kind of a game.

[@nubemuffin]

Another great podcast!

[@foolsanticsstudio]

For dev logs, I like seeing how a game evolves. I do jump around the dev log videos cuz it's like walking around a museum. You walk through and see if anything catches your eye. If it does catch your eye then you will stop and look for a bit. And if it really catches your eye then you will read the little info plaque. It doesn't have to be fancy or focused on entertainment. Even with AAA video game trailers, I don't care for all the flashy editing. I just want to see the game. See how the character plays. See what the art looks like. See the mechanics. I am fine with just someone flying through the level and talking. Nothing fancy. Like those behind the scenes videos of video games. The only exceptions I can think of are the older WoW trailers cuz those cinematic gold. The LoL cinematics too but Riot always outsourced those. But Ponty is right, it's a niche market for those who watch dev logs.

[@gamerggzone8789]

I encourage you to go to the podcast route. I am develop in unreal so your unity content doesn't really interest me. But this type of podcasts at this quality and developers are priceless and can be used by way more people. Good Luck !

[@danikpri50]

great podcast!

[@KeepsieX]

Great talk!

[@ivanopol]

Cool podcast But where have the game reviews gone?

[@rodroeq7956]

This is freaking good!!!!

[@lukarisisgaming]

You could do a LIVe podcast for patreons -> and afterwards put it on youtube.. so you have both.. well we know, live podcast will not have same quality, but I guess for livepodcast where patreons can ask some AMA questions would be awesome.. I know I would have some

[@josh_swanson]

Interesting that Thomas is changing his design philosophy. He used to say you should never be totally solo because its too much work for an individual, especially if you aren't a hardcore programmer. So I wonder how he will program his games totally solo...

[@Elrinth]

I am going to make a video about how I make a health bar for my game. I absolutely loved watching Pontypants video logs :)

[@Stixxerz]

i am enjoying these podcast would be great if i was able to listen to them while at work on spotify or something

[@skippyzk]

59:05 PREACH! GET THOSE TUTORIALS OUTTA HERE!

[@doubleastudios2024]

Great podcast!!! But now I have a question running around my head thinking is Devlog nowadays useless then from the answers that PontyPants gave. But again Im loving all these podcasts its informative and motivational also With the raw real vibe going on all the podcasts!

[@Pontypants]

It's not useless but you have to know what you want out of them. If you want a sense of community and get some eyeballs on your game which can GREATLY help to improve your game - then yes devlogs can be super useful. I think the problem is that a lot of developers want to see the success Dani had which is not a realistic expectation.

[@eddielonestar7962]

Well done boys on an excellent discussion. You both remained true to yourselves. You didn’t always agree, yet remained respectful and were able to continue an intelligent discord. No one knows it all. Thomas is the man when it comes to stats and explaining the bigger picture within the game development realm. This climbing game looks good. Nice mechanics. Great channel Thomas. God Bless. 11:55 Markiplier cheated! 😅

[@Mekkablood]

There's never a shortage of game developers you can talk to, if there's where your heart is I'd stick with that.

[@skippyzk]

I like this video more than the past few but just because the guest lol

[@OptimusPrime-tb8tw]

i knew it thanks thomas🗿 for bringing this goat🗿

[@blessing496]

at this point, you are our only hope at bringing Dani back

[@roborogue_]

i love these podcasts and if you were to only do them i would not complain as i dont even watch your other videos

[@nathanfranck5822]

I think financially independant prople make the best stuff - like the self-funded scientists, just people who got out of the grind so they can nerd out on the thing they love. Its very aspirational. Hopefully I'm on the path to get there too.

[@DaveUnreally]

Haha just finished the video, haha you guys mesh well!

[@mistermelancholy7698]

awesome content!

[@bomi]

You should invite Lucas Pope

[@thomasbrush]

I did ! Waiting…

[@KukiolStuff]

Regarding the question of "should be streamers taking into account when designing a game" I'd say the answer is "No" in the sense of "Don't make a game that is aimed to streamers, Aim to a game that is FUN, to play and to watch. Then you'll nail streamers and the public.

[@MichaelKocha]

57:28 I feel attacked...

[@BigTuna-Games]

I think these podcasts interviews are fantastic! But I would love to hear the story of a successful indie dev who DOESN’T have a following. I’d like to hear their story to success.

[@thomasbrush]

Scrub thru the playlist. Lots:) some coming up too

[@LeonmitchelliGalette]

10:00 First and most contributor to marketing is GOOD PRODUCT. Then everything else is just derivative of this an enhance effect of good product.

[@BloodAssassin]

We were just joking, Thomas 😄. Can you bring literally anyone on the podcast?

[@LogicStudios_1]

Can you please get Dani on this podcast 🙏

[@Painmore]

Note to self: don't trust free assets. although i wonder if it's ok to take free assets and alter them a bit maybe avoid potential lawsuits

[@OzzbitGames]

I called it!

[@roborogue_]

32:25 scared me what the hell 😭

[@xordodo]

can somebody, please, point me to the "danny" or "dani" channel they mention couple of times.

[@astro_case]

So you want to be a solo game developer? First - follow Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps to get out of debt. Second - pay off your mortgage. Third - get you a husband/wife that'll happily financially support you. Fourth - Install a game engine of your choice.

[@timmygilbert4102]

When you are so American you think there is metric time and imperial time units 😂

[@thomasbrush]

Even years are Canadian 😂

[@Comic_Culture]

Wow another gem here. Bring Kevin Levine alright 🙏😜

[@skippyzk]

1:01:54 I don't want chores

[@DaveUnreally]

I’ve gotta say, I’ve been waiting for games to become simplified myself. That’s the beauty of retro games. You want to play? Great, turn it on play a while, good to go. You don’t need to spend days learning controls or remembering complex mechanics. The Megaman x games are some of the best games, and they are just beautifully polished simple mechanic linear games. Also, I friggin hate crafting and farming in games that don’t need it. Why do I want to make 40 different types of food if all they do is the same thing, increase my hp? One more note on my rant. I agree about the text too. Gonna catch flack but something I hate about Nintendo games is how they feel super over polished. So much text, and 0 discoverability or creative play. Side note, it’s refreshing to hear I’m not the only one. Really cool to hear after my comment pointy bring up the Nintendo fairy and focused games, and Thomas mentioning Super Nintendo, those focused game back then are what were kind of coming back too.

[@heyheythrowaway]

You should play UFO 50 if you haven't. Breath of fresh air and reignited my love for retro and modern indie games.

[@DaveUnreally]

@ I’ll check it out!

[@danchovy1111]

FINALLY

[@babakfp]

Just customize the assets.

[@DaveUnreally]

I’ve gotta say, I’ve been waiting for games to become simplified myself. That’s the beauty of retro games. You want to play? Great, turn it on play a while, good to go. You don’t need to spend days learning controls or remembering complex mechanics. The Megaman x games are some of the best games, and they are just beautifully polished simple mechanic linear games. Also, I friggin hate crafting and farming in games that don’t need it. Why do I want to make 40 different types of food if all they do is the same thing, increase my hp? One more note on my rant. I agree about the text too. Gonna catch flack but something I hate about Nintendo games is how they feel super over polished. So much text, and 0 discoverability or creative play.

[@TUKMAK]

If your game blows up and you guys make at least 100k in expendable income, please, if you want to keep making games please invest that money

[@axps4964]

1:01:55 you love the sense of discovery but hate open world games, wht.

[@gordomilicoensilladeruedas]

32:26 pffff jajajajaa

[@sahebsidhu5544]

No way

[@packdebienvenida]

why that comment on Unreal Engine? What do you use, instead? It looked a pretty lame comment.

[@D.KRyley-mq1do]

Lol it's the unreal look. Pretty easy to tell what he's talking about. Dumping assets from the unreal marketplace

[@packdebienvenida]

@@D.KRyley-mq1do asset flip is one thing, Unreal Engine is a tool. Just look at how many Unity games use the same assets. The comment against UE is simply nonsense.

[@D.KRyley-mq1do]

@packdebienvenida i think the point is going over your head. Megascans have a distinct look, that's his point

[@D.KRyley-mq1do]

@packdebienvenida why are you so offended anyway, it's just a tool as you said

[@packdebienvenida]

@@D.KRyley-mq1do I am not offended buddy, I was just pointing out a lame comment. This guy is a multiplicator of information and works as solo dev and KZbinr. It's good to say out loud when he says dumb things, that's all.

[@xikes]

Who is this Danny??

[@brinch6216]

His name is Dani. He had a very popular game dev channel