Why Vision Matters in Game Design

[@Vercidium]

“You will never know if you’re going in the right direction if you never move” This devlog is pure gold. You said a lot of things that I needed to hear. Thank you

[@mz_eth]

Amazing devlog, but uhh I wouldn’t listen to this guy, they’re clearly off their meds ;)

[@Vercidium]

Oi ;)

[@longbranchgooberdapple2238]

Special thank you for game design document template.

[@deanomitegames737]

I love you devlogs. I am also a solo dev and i feel like our strong skills are opposite probably, since art is my weakest skill and your art is excellent. I love hearing your perspective on things. Keep it up!

[@deanomitegames737]

Something I have learned is to play well with your strengths and weaknesses. I am doing my game art in crayon so it still has a cute and unique look even though I am not great at art.

[@noxabellus]

@@deanomitegames737crayon! thats awesome I bet its adorable

[@renatacunha-]

This is very nice! In my case, I always loved cozy games like these, and playing Stardew Valley had me thinking about taking an idea I had years ago a little more attention... I am quite good with the art (even though I haven't practiced for ages), but the main problem for me is how make it work as a game, I'm so bad at programming that I feel it couldn't go any further :(

[@deanomitegames737]

@@noxabellus i wish i could share photos in these comments, but i think it is!

[@sansmojo]

I'm not a game developer, but a software developer and casual gamer. I'm usually drawn to games by aesthetics as much as anything else. I love watching these videos and will definitely buy your game.

[@thelemon5069]

I hope there's a nice coffee shop with crimson hollow themed coffee drinks ^-^ that sounds so cozy to me as a barista

[@tomaspalazzi]

Amazing video, congrats Courtney!

[@humble-hedgehog]

Inaction is definitely holding me back right now. Thanks for breaking down the earlier stages of GameDev!

[@aurabeth1680]

Solo dev / student here! Thank you for all your help through these videos. This one came at the exact right time for me, and I can't thank you enough!

[@MissyMona]

I am just so relieved you're still working on your game after the whole Unity drama. Great work! Edit: The Game Document is so useful as a solo dev!

[@roadracerdave7645]

elaborate on this drama?

[@uselesslyuseless2125]

@@roadracerdave7645 they tried to take a lot of money from devs , nobody liked that now they backed down , idk if people will trust them in the future to use their platform again

[@Nounsi_Dev]

@@roadracerdave7645 hi, im a little late but basically unity change its fee to game developers. They changed it back but a lot of developers left

[@jaybee4288]

Unity changing their payment plan to take money from peoples sales or something.

[@sleepylichdisease]

i work in QA, and as far as i can tell, you're doing a great job! before you even said what the feeling was, i tried to guess, and landed on "curiosity," and i was right, so i'd say you're doing something right!

[@claremiller9979]

You are wise beyond your years, Courtney. I work as a product owner developing software for a very large government project, and everything you said is true of our projects as well - vision is key, vision is everything. With it, your team all move towards the same place. Without it, as a product owner I would constantly be fielding questions from all over, dealing with unsuitable code or design elements, and wasting time and (tax payer) money. You're so right about lack of action being the real enemy in a creative project too - any step forward shines new light, like walking around the map in Warcraft 😂 so we can see what could work, what won't, what the actual constraints are (and not just what we think they could be) I love watching your journey, and wish you all the best for it. You're smart, talented and driven - a truly formidable combination.

[@luckywright7285]

So happy to see more of the game! Checking back right now after months! :)

[@AlonsoJoaquinComposer]

Hi Courney! Excelent video, it's really great to get to know more about your process, vision and how you are progressing with the game. It's pretty interesting how our vision gets clearer and clearer as we work on something, facing the blank page is definitely scary and it's the biggest obstacle in my opinion, but once we let go of the fear we somehow find ways to navigate through all of this abstract ideas until we find what works and what we want. Certainly looking forward to more Crimson Hollow content :) By the way, for quite a while I've been working on some music sketches inspired by Crimson Hollow I'd like to show you soon. Good luck!

[@Dragynn999]

You know, I was only looking for a quick GDD template since I am not working all by myself any more and stumbled upon this video. I can wholeheartedly and 100% confirm many of the points you made here. Especially the one moment in which you point out that inactivity is the main threat to any creative work. I'll leave you a subscription here because I am really interested what you are gonna make out of your project. Best of luck :D

[@crimsonhollowgame]

Thank you! Please let me know if you have any feedback for the GDD template :)

[@Dragynn999]

@@crimsonhollowgame If there is one thing that I think is missing, it is a topic inside the Game Scope section. A shortened summary of the story or it's most important events. Pretty much like a to do list to keep reinforcing the really important plot points that HAVE TO BE THERE in check. It helped me quite a few times to determine if the planned events are just too much or what could be removed if needed. In my opinion quite an important point in the planning phase that goes through many iterations.

[@yeahSkippy]

I love your updates on the development, and how you show the process of creating such a beautiful hand-drawn game. It is unique in style and aesthetic. Your discussion of what a vision does (for any game) is profound and has really made me think about others I've played and what I imagine their vision to be at their inception and release. I can't wait to see more of Crimson Hollow in the future. I absolutely adore your art coming to life, as it's magical in it's own way. 😊

[@jackb5806]

The art style is beautiful. You are very talented. I'm looking forward to where you take this.

[@crimsonhollowgame]

Thank you!

[@Freej3]

@@crimsonhollowgame I can't wait to try your game ^^❤

[@sjernfel]

Glad to see an update on your game ✨

[@aliseromeiko]

I love Crimson Hollow already. Been diving deeeeeep into Weather Factory games this year, and Crimson Hollow feels somehow familiar in that way. Best of luck with the project and thank you for bringing so much beauty through this project.

[@wniawnia]

Thank you for the advice!

[@yesthatmousyiris4887]

I admit I was having a bad day today, this video made me feel better thank you

[@thenamelessone123]

This person is an incredibly advanced creator - brilliant advice

[@bartsworkshop]

Great video, lots of gold nuggets in your words, can't wait for the game to be finished!

[@oyeedraw8407]

It's always so nice to see updates on this project. The visuals are very distinct and calming to look at

[@talitanaka]

Your game looks so cozy, I am excited to play it one day. I studied game design and worked in the industry for a bit, and I was taught early on about the importance of setting up an *intention* for game projects. I like the word intention better still to this day, as I like that it's an intentional tool that I use as a designer, and a tool that's useful for design and creation in general even. I do like the way that you talk about it though, adding the important core emotion, in a way that isn't too dissimilar to the aesthetics from the MDA framework, and I think that aesthetic is incomplete without a core emotion. And of course, the best way to really learn all those lessons is to actually make a game. Game design isn't a skill you read about, it's a skill you do. Reading and videos and lessons help but making games is the only real way to learn how to make games.

[@esmaarts]

Happy to see more of your process. And thank you for sharing the game guide. 😊

[@cinnamonsparrowdesigns]

This world you're building looks so beautiful I can't wait to get lost in it and discover everything about it. I love exploring in games and finding cool things. Seeing your process is so interesting! I can't wait to play it :)

[@error17_]

You always impress me! Good luck with your game

[@lucvanderburgh8386]

This video helped amazing with the game design block I had. Thank you! I really enjoy seeing the progress you are making on the game.

[@EmergentGameDev]

Great video covering the foundational groundwork that should be laid before you begin developing a serious project! I'm a solo developer and I just created my own game design document a few days ago...I already feel a lot better about where my game is going, and I know its going to help me keep scope in check.

[@Molegul]

This is a brilliant video, and I am more and more excited to play this.

[@michaelbird9148]

I appreciate your approach to making a game, and I think you're really showcasing what an indie developer can do with a strong vision, good use of their skills, and (I'm sure) tons of hard work. Your thoughtfulness here really seems to let it all shine! So cool.

[@masen0593]

I love these devlogs, watching your progress on this incredible game is so cool!❤❤❤

[@meinonaa]

Hey these are some really great takes on game vision, thank you for sharing!

[@mightylion5]

I’m so happy a new episode is out. I’ve been checking on your channel every once and awhile just to see if there was a new video. Keep up the good work, I hope you enjoy making this game just as much as I enjoy watching these videos.

[@katelynsewell3928]

Hi I hope you are doing well and thanks for the update! ❤

[@soirema]

brilliant, thank you so much

[@charlesmetal8224]

I'm an amateur dev of sorts, so these kinds of videos interest me. I can look for ideas, insights, and just to see what other people have done. I haven't heard of Crimson Hollow before now but the game looks good. Will wishlist when I get home.

[@ELF_Productions]

glad to see some more content from you. awesome topic to delve into

[@niuage]

The amount of work and beautiful artwork that would have gone into this game is huge! I really like the world you're creating. Whether I'm working on a race game or a rogue like, the best part to me about game dev is feeling like you're creating your own world.

[@LaCarteRouge]

would love to see more vids like this, about general game design principles that can apply for any developer

[@l.g.k6898]

I am so so SO !!! Excited to get the game! Your game has honestly been on my Wishlist ever since your very FIRST video, posted 7 months ago! 🥰 I can't WAIT to explore crimson hollow and see all the fine details well KNOWING that you drew everything by hand!! YOU ARE AMAZING!! 💫

[@screwdriver1337]

Great to see your progress on the game! It looks incredible!

[@mivical]

this game is so gorgeous & has a wonderful sense of atmosphere :)

[@doodlepears]

I really love this series! The game looks stunning but learning about the development process is even more fascinating.

[@BlanketBaron]

This a wonderful breath of fresh air! Great video, articulate and engaging. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheJanemba999]

Top of my wishlist this one! Love seeing the progress you can do it!

[@MarcosCodas]

Another incredible, inspiring video. Thank you!

[@dzizs03]

great video Courtney. it's very apparent that you've put your passion, knowledge and hard work into this game and I know it will pay off. thank you for sharing your insight of the process and the document to help aspiring devs narrow down their vision. I'm excited for your game release, it really looks wonderful.

[@bennie_Winnie22]

Just wishlisted this today on steam! I can’t wait to play ❤

[@CaligoTalesAnimation]

Great video! You shared valuable insights about moving yourself and pursuing your dreams! Keep up the good work!

[@oliverc6948]

Thanks for the special thank you 😮! This video is truly powerful.

[@michaelfurniss_WI]

Amazing devlog. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you for sharing the game design doc.

[@saesarandom]

Incredible video! Clarity of Courtney's judgment oozes through every pore.

[@do_it_like_rei]

Thank you for the game design document!! It''s helping me gather my thoughts :)

[@IndieDX]

Great video. Thank you also for sharing the document!

[@saadat7703]

You've made really awesome progress sine you're last devlog, I'm amazed! And thank you for the tips and the way you inspire so many people to explore their passions, even outside of game development. Rooting for you!

[@polygnomial]

Awesome topic and video. It is tempting to simply dive in with ideas without a vision, but a core vision is often what can be the difference between a cohesive experience and a scattered one. Please make more such videos on game design, it is very educational. PS: The art is in sync with the feeling of "curiosity". Going great. :)

[@a.j.nunnaurbiz6535]

Definitely keeping my eye on this game! I love the art style, and the atmosphere!

[@rinaxis7770]

Меня так сильно вдохновляют ваши видео, I like it, seriously! Очень приятный голос, аудио- и видео- наполнения, и эта мотивация.. Спасибо вам большое❤

[@polishmayor]

I LOVE this game already! One thing I saw is that the last word in one lines goes to the next, it’s sometimes harder to read like that, I would much prefer if the text doesn't fit in one line it "writes" on the next line from the beginning. Just a little suggestion❤ Waiting patiently for release, take your time to make the game truly amazing.

[@yavuzhanbaykara6372]

So beautiful working

[@Everything3dAnimation]

Amaizig Thank you !

[@joewilliams8286]

I have to say your art is absolutely fantastic! Great job

[@michalzarddev]

i love the artstyle,might get back into digital arts because of this game ngl.

[@momoooring]

I always loooove your artstyle. It's so good, you're really talented. Keep it up!

[@tinne26]

I don't particularly think "vision" is the right word, but I'll concede there's probably no perfect word for it anyways. A lot of the things you talk about (cohesiveness, having everyone on the same page, focusing on a mood, understanding that ambiguity and accepting the natural flow of things isn't contrary to "having a direction", settling on the technical foundation and requirements, etc) fit within this, but I'd even add more: making something that's not just a purposeless collage of cool features, finding an identity, creating a meaningful experience. "Vision" may be an ok starting point to start exploring, but I don't think it's descriptive enough of what's really needed for a meaningful videogame. There are tons of AAA games that have a "clear vision" (as per your description, and even broading it a bit) and yet fail on half of those previously listed points, especially cohesiveness, the identity of their gameplay and not looking like a collage of disconnected features. Of course the scale is very different to indie dev, but their problem is not the lack of a nicely documented vision, but that without real understanding the vision often ends up only as a superficial concept, guiding little more than the aesthetics and the list of key mechanics to clone from other established games in the genre. "Vision" doesn't capture the required ambition, the required depth in identity and cohesiveness. Being also a musician, the best alternative description I could come up with right now would be "serving the monster". Once the song starts, you don't just ask yourself if you can add a cool melody, or what makes _other_ songs cool. You have to ask yourself what this song needs, what can enhance it the most... even if that often means limiting yourself to play a boring backing line so another instrument can shine. You play for the song, not for yourself. And it needs to be ambitious enough to be worthy of being called a "monster" in some form. Not on scale, though! On meaningfulness, on ideas, on identity, on mood, on uniqueness! Sure, for videogames you first need to decide on a technical foundation, and you should have your set of preferences (I also love isometric, especially when it's as good looking as yours!)... but afterwards you have to be ambitious and keep searching for the right recipe(s). Adding more sugar without control won't make the cookies sweeter in a good way. Or take this very comment: some nice ideas, but too long and unfocused for its own good. You have to find the right proportion for each ingredient... and as you mention, since the whole thing is a creative process, you will often come up with unexpected results; learn to embrace them and make the best of them, this is actually what helps your project forge a unique identity. The problem is that this requires wisdom, being able to look at your own work from many different perspectives without letting your ego mislead you in the process... and that's so hard. If wisdom could be succinctly explained in a youtube video, why would we even need to get old.

[@artdragflyf1288]

Thank for your video

[@zentoa]

This really helped thank you :)

[@OGO161]

You might be solo developing this, but this looks and feels very high budget. Can't wait to play!

[@escapeundergroundgame]

Vision in game development is the creative compass that defines a game's direction, ensuring consistency, motivating the team and attracting players, documented in a design statement but remaining flexible to adapt. Good luck with your game!

[@snappycrow8326]

I really love youre style, and god, the animatons are so good! I can't get over the vampire vibes that this geme is giving. I'm deffenetly going to play it when it comes out!

[@noarh654]

Great video!!

[@ThePancakeJedi]

The art looks amazing. If the game play is any fun I bet this game will be a smash hit.

[@user-vw6bk4pb4l]

Was about to began building a game with a friend. It fell flat a few weeks in because we couldn't agree on the importance of vision. He proposed an idea by word of mouth and expected us to dive right in and start programming. He thought writing the idea down with as much detail as possible or a basic design document was unreasonable and was a waste of time. Makes sense if it's a casual hobbyist project, but not if you're trying to build something commercially viable with a limited amount of time and resources.

[@jleekas]

this game looks awesomeeeee, thank you for this video!!

[@beelzer]

love the art, well done

[@RandalfStudio]

Выглядит просто прекрасно. И большое спасибо что показывает как и что делаете, я узнал много нового.

[@barborahalova3514]

So well made ❤

[@renidea9523]

Ty for the document.

[@anastazia3166]

I can't wait for your game to come out, even though English isn't my first language, it's definitely worth racking my brain 😍😍😍the atmosphere is just amazing 😍

[@MarushiaDark316]

Wishlisted. If I might make a suggestion ... I don't know how easy this would be to implement, if it's something you already have planned or if it conflicts with the design aesthetic of your game, but I think adding shading to your dialogue talksprites would be a good way to increase polish. I can understand not adding it to the game set pieces since they'd be lit from different angles and you'd want them to be reusable; but the talksprites I feel could stand out a lot more since they'll be right up in the player's face. At the moment, they appear rather flat based on what I saw in the video.

[@burbank41]

awesome!

[@gamertonic9398]

Great video for a game with gorgeous art style.

[@mgodoi3891]

I want to play that game. It's a masterpiece

[@katyusha06]

Thanks, really helpful

[@jingmingyap230]

Ay what a video on time, I am also working with my fyp where I plan to design a game. Sadly I am probably going to solo dev with a clear deadline. :D From my understanding, vision is equivalent to High Concept I guess? Correct me if I am wrong

[@Makhatyax]

Your videos are all really well done, and in a way soothing! Congrats :) I may have one question though if you have the time to anwser. How did you make the skin color changes at the end of the video please? You can change it directly in game, but it's not a 3D model right? So what was the process behind it? Is it an object with all the sprites put up together, and then you can change the color of each sprites? Thanks a lot if you see my comment and answer me :)

[@luckyhomestead]

After 7 months, at last you found what the game actually is... congratulations ;)

[@AJ_elaia]

Heyy ! what software do you use to draw in your video ? Thank u !❤

[@hamzahgamedev]

Is it just me or anybody else wants a Netflix series for Crimson Hollow..? 😍

[@nunyabidnis3815]

Just wish-listed this game on steam.

[@OldDogStudioVG]

I've heard it stated that Subnautica isn't so much a survival game, as much a horror-toned exploration game. And to be fair aside from free-diving caves or aggroing leviathans without a vehicle it isn't hard to survive.

[@sghhg415]

it's amazing how a solo developer is able to create this

[@mikedanow8341]

Oh my gosh! The snow in the windows!

[@AK-qy9oi]

I saw on your FAQ you are using Midjourney in your production process. How is using AI affecting your ability to come up with your own original ideas for the game? In what capacity could players expect ideas for characters and environments to be AI generated?

[@LANGIMATION]

The mods for this game are gonna be crazy...

[@MarathonGuy1337]

Wow that's really generous with the template at the end their, I suck at formatting things which always leave my GDDs this Orwellian mess of words

[@DrZygote214]

Do you mind if i ask, has the unity disaster affected you at all?

[@ZennExile]

Gothic, isometric, and full of magic. There's a vision.

[@jaybee4288]

Good luck Courtney👍