My Wife and I Made an Indie Game and it Made Millions!

Check out Eastshade on Steam! store.steampow...
Wishlist our new title Songs of Glimmerwick! store.steampow...
Sometimes I live stream development at:
/ eastshadestudios

[@riddlesphinxx]

“I quit my job as an environment artist at Suckerpunch…” ahhhh that explains SO much!

[@exosproudmamabear558]

Yep it explains a lot. I loved that movie

[@riddlesphinxx]

@@exosproudmamabear558 wrong suckerpunch but I’ll assume you knew that XD

[@exosproudmamabear558]

@@riddlesphinxx Now I realised it is suckerpunch productions not suckerpunch the movie but I guess I am getting dumb dumb I have no idea why a person in the film industry would go do games but there was cgi in the movie so I didnt ponder on it too much. Yeah suckerpunch's games' have really good and pretty environment

[@BdR76]

"This company has come a long way since we started it in my parents' pool-house" vibes

[@nekronavt]

@@BdR76 That's a really weird take on it. He wasn't born on this position, he earned it. How is that a "parent's pool-house" situation?

[@5MadMovieMakers]

Someone at Nintendo said " A good idea solves multiple problems at once." Sounds like the inspiration mechanic was that!

[@FruitFire]

This has no replies... Lemme fix that.

[@NickGreyden]

@@FruitFire I'll help too

[@FruitFire]

@@NickGreyden lol

[@abbosimmo]

Indeed

[@FruitFire]

@@abbosimmo indeed

[@NenaBanshee]

I first played Eastshade in a very dark moment of my life. It help me a lot to navigate through those difficult times. It was my shelter and I believe still is. I played the game countless times. Thank you all for this save haven.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

and thank YOU for playing! Your kind words mean a lot to us!

[@astrosoup]

Same. I go back to it when things look really bleak for me. It is a refuge.

[@user-sl1wt1dv4y]

your grandma is goated with the sauce

[@eastshadestudios8335]

ROFL

[@AngelxVillian]

LOL

[@guzvar]

LMAO, even

[@TheAwesomeShaz]

lmaoaooaoa XDDDD

[@cartruck4118]

this i dont understand

[@stacked_turtle_studio]

Your story is a complete inspiration. I never thought I'd tear up watching a devlog for a game I never played. Gonna have to change that soon.

[@frontendprotogy6749]

Good to live in a country where you can make video-game and make money from it.. people in west are privileged..

[@Malzov]

@@frontendprotogy6749you act like america is the only place games are made 😂

[@NoahBerzerk]

@@frontendprotogy6749 what ? are you not from this planet ?

[@TheBunnyHarvestman]

@@frontendprotogy6749 I understand what you mean. Being from 3rd world too, Westerners have no idea how privileged their lives that they can do this. I wanted to be a game developer when I was younger but there were no college programs in my country that offered that course when I was younger. And even now, only pricey private colleges offer the classes.

[@אולדסקול]

@@frontendprotogy6749 Even in Western countries, it's a privilege to be able to live in your family's huge property without worry while you work on your dream project.

[@2_Elliot]

This man is living the dream. Absolute respect for everything you’ve accomplished in life!

[@pakarpintu4917]

No !!! he woke up and never forget his dream

[@NewBeginnings-vx6ic]

I'm gonna be totaly honest, this doesn't look like an Indie game. This looks like it was made by a big game studio.

[@quickmix-streammusic7019]

11:40 man you're making me cry out here. so happy for you guys.

[@donnaofsadness]

I had no idea you guys are also behind "Songs of Glimmerwick"! I can't wait for it to come out and now knowing that the Eastshade devs are behind it I'm even more excited!! Eastshade is such a beautiful game and a well needed change of pace for the "cozy" genre, such a lovely atmosphere and amazing story.

[@danib1600]

Eastshade is still one of my favorite cozy games of all time. I replay it to completion every few years. It's one of the games that got me interested in the field. Thank you for talking about your experience developing it. The Eastshade pie made me cry a little, too. Have had Songs of Glimmerwick on my wishlist for years. I check in every now and then to see if you've announced a release date. I'm impatient, but I know you folks aim for quality. That takes time. On top of that, as a dev, I know how time-consuming the process is. Best of luck 💖

[@1UPCherry]

No way you made Eastshade! I bought that game years ago and I still play it sometimes. It's such a stress relief I really feel no pressure when I play

[@sickkidsindrift6517]

Beautiful story. My wife and I are starting to do something similar. Thanks for being an inspiration.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Amazing and very exciting! Wishing to the best on your journey!

[@id104335409]

Creating a game that is not a shooter is something special. Something that stands out significantly just because it requires a lot of thought and creativity and not walking the well known path. Your resilience has been tested and you have prevailed. Congratulations on your game!

[@benfrese3573]

So all games you know beside Eastshade are shooers?

[@id104335409]

@@benfrese3573 THAT is what you got out of it?

[@benfrese3573]

@@id104335409 Yeah, it's the first sentence. I didn't read the rest after this non sense.

[@ranianour9282]

​@@id104335409What I personally got out of your comment is that you believe all shooters are the same boring thing without any creativity, which is hilarious considering there are MORE copy pasted roguelites and platformers than shooters.

[@ThefamousMrcroissant]

The true indie spirit lives in this project. Eastshade is a marvelous game, and you deserve to be proud of your accomplishments.

[@YoutuberZer0]

Life has been busy but I still can't believe I missed this. Eastshade has been my favourite game for a lot of reasons since I played it. It's so nice to get more insight on its story as well as generally be reminded of how beautiful and tranquil its experience was. Thanks so much!

[@fizzed87]

Your KZbin marketing strat is goated, never heard of your studio or games but instantly wishlisted Eastshade and Glimmerwick after watching this video, can't wait to play them at some point in the future

[@pixelpondering]

It still amazes me that the inspiration mechanic came so late in the process...it feels like this is what the game was built around. I am a sucker for games that require you to take things slow and watching the beauty of the game kept me trying to find as much inspiration as possible to put all of that beauty on canvas.

[@struanpeat5116]

eastshade reminds me a bit of outer wilds, not necesarily in its mechanics, or tone, but more in how it feels once you've "seen everything" and "finished" the game. you can only experience these things for the first time once, and now that it's over there's nothing else like it. outer wilds has been out far longer and so has spawned it's own sub-ganre of exploring time loop games (forgotten city is my next favorite after outer wilds) and i hope eastshade or any game from you guys helps spawn it's own sub-ganre, because i enjoy the feeling of these games so much.

[@soapandbutter]

Eastshade is such a beautiful game. Thank you for making it.

[@AdrianMark]

I'm so glad you guys made it! I bought Eastshade sometime during the pandemic I think? I can't remember, but it was such a lovely diversion walking around and talking to the characters. Making paintings was so much fun.

[@lifeleaderquest1277]

Absolutely concur, I played this on Steam and was astonished at how the "explore slowly and smell the roses" approach made such a difference in the cozy feelings I got from the game. I am tired of all the grinding and killing games, and this one was exactly opposite of all of those. I applaud your efforts for making a game that has left such a long-lasting, positive impact.

[@yarop1794]

Eastshade was truly a beautiful experience. And it's indie nature made it even better! I loved getting places I wasn't supposed to be in with the bike :) I wish I could play it again for the first time!

[@ArseneDofficial]

Loved this game and it's rare poesy and feel, I will gladly play through it again when the time is right. It's a warm bubble, an intimate Island I wish to go back to, like a holiday destination I keep thinking about. You're story is amazing, and you and you're team can be proud of this jewel. I am waiting for your sparking next game with confidence. Cheers from France.

[@davidinark]

I had never heard of Eastshade before this video popped up on my feed. I debated whether to click on it since it didn't really seem like something that was up my alley. Now, I sit with misty eyes over an Eastshade pie. This was a brilliantly told tale of your journey into the game's development, and if the game is even remotely close to your own storytelling, I know I am going to enjoy playing it. So, while your revenue curve for it may be waning, rest assured there are many of us out here who will be discovering the inspiration for the first time because of this video. Congratulations on your game and I can't wait to see what else you come up with!

[@optimalstate3190]

Totally didn't cry at the Eastshade pie. Just got a little dust in my eye. That was the sweetest thing! It's very inspirational hearing about your adventures and accomplishments on this title. The universe has such interesting ways of putting challenges and rewards in unexpected waves. It's like a game in itself. I hope lots of good success to your future endeavors and anxiously await hearing about the next game you'll be working on.

[@eyeoftheosprey6678]

Eastshade is in my top 5 games of all time. Believe it or not it inspired me to take up painting. I was going to leave painting as a late-in-life hobby. But after this game I thought, "why wait!" The music of Eastshade is still in my head. Oh, and who knew how fun it would be to zip down a forest path on a circus bicycle!

[@carljenson1573]

So awesome that after painting in game you’re ready to reach for some real life brushes. Maybe you can sell a painting for 500 glow stones!

[@bevs9995]

list the top 5?

[@eyeoftheosprey6678]

@@bevs9995 #1 Ghost of Tsushima #2 Lost Ember #3 Slime Rancher #4 Eastshade #5 Tchia

[@elideeart7239]

Eastshade is absolutely one of my favorite games. I played it the first time on a whim and found myself wrapped up in a blanket six hours later, determined to find every little secret and detail squirreled away. I would load it up during my most stir-crazy moments of lockdown, and recently went back to it just a few months ago. It's so... calming. The world is beautiful, it's engaging, and just wandering around feels so fulfilling. Thank you for this game, and thank you for sharing this video about the process with us.

[@patricioaroncastrillonross8372]

omg i think i remember playing the demo YEARS ago and then completely losing track of this game, it was so good and felt so wholesome

[@TorQueMoD]

Great video man! Came here after your interview with Thomas Brush. Glad to see you doing so well :)

[@gaborbiro815]

This game have a very special place in my heart. I played through at least 3 times so far and enjoyed every minute of it. It is such an experience you won't get anywhere else. Only thing I disliked about it was the non transparent windows. The world needs more games like this. No violence, no killing, just pure experience and beauty.

[@yavor05]

A wonderful game of peace and beauty, in a world where companies sell violence and brutality as things that are "cool" and "fun". Best of luck!

[@calastrophe.]

Eastshade was an incredibly magical experience. I loved every moment of it. Thank you for this wonderful gift.

[@christinaedwards7072]

I think its safe to say the move to youtube worked haha. i had no idea that there was so much involved in your game! I have to get it now. I thought it was just the painting mechanic, thats it.

[@peterstein4376]

37 seconds in, and I legit feel a deeper sadness than I have in a long time. Not due to anything you've said or done, but because I see what I should (and want to) be doing but can't. I don't envy you, I admire that you were able to live this. The artwork is beautiful, and I'm happy that you have succeeded.

[@gabrieldesimone4644]

Thanks, is never too late. One day I'm going to work on my dream game, I know. Thanks for your inspiration, looking forward to play your game. And all the blessings to your family, from Argentina.

[@xayberoptix]

A story beautifully told. Congrats on your success!

[@chromiumjade]

I'm not much of a gamer -- I like RPGs and exploring so my boyfriend insisted we watch this earlier today. I did play some games in the previous century like Myst, Riven, Black & White, Omikron, etc. but I walked away for a long time as little caught my eye. More recently, I enjoyed Ghost Giant after I got my Oculus Quest 2 a couple of years ago. I'm saying all this because I wish I had known about your game sooner. I've just bought it on Steam and am looking very much to playing it. Better late than never. Kudos to you and your wife for creating such a fabulous looking game.

[@exosproudmamabear558]

Fuck I love eastshade. Please make one more game like it with more filters and mechanics. I usually cant play the games from start to finish without taking a break but damn it was so relaxing and so good that I played nonstop. The puzzles werent difficult but they still needed brain power to solve ,graphics are nice,stories are amazing and damn I like drawing mechanics. I would die for one more game like this.

[@applesauce_0743]

Wow, glad this landed in my YT recommended! As an avid hiker/landscape photographer in Washington, this is EXACTLY the type of game I would be into!! Definitely going to get this, and play it when I get some free time from college!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

That's amazing! Thanks for watching! And hope you enjoy Eastshade!

[@jackfrost884]

That is some amazing environment design. It's such an underrated aspect of games. So many games are just corridors.

[@douglasemsantos]

What a great journey you've been through! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@Electrogamer58]

I’m a game developer with dreams of this becoming a reality. Your story is beautiful and inspirational, and makes me want to work even harder to make my dreams a reality

[@Faemoonkin]

Beautiful story, man

[@Baka_Dan]

Hey there Eastshade dev! This was a wonderful and well thought out video! I wish the best for your upcoming titles and I can only hope to get to a level of sustainablity as you guys! Very excited for you and happy that your game was a success. You're wife sounds like a wonderful person to have helping you. My wife is helping me VFX for my game so just funny. Stay blessed!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Best of luck to you in your own gamedev journey!

[@Lucas-cf5sz]

A travelling artist. This game has been at the top of my wish list for a while, it sure is intriguing but i wasn't sure what the philosophy was. Most of my favourite games have taken the same route to my library, i observe them in obscurity which builds into anticipation. Partly because i have an over saturated library and it's difficult for me to justify buying more games so all i can do is admire the store page wondering "is this for me?". Alas It's nice to see the people behind a game and hear about the vision and process. I'm growing tiresome of the same old game mechanics, tropes, and story-lines in AAA/AA games of today and have been branching out into the more experimental/unique titles and it's been a real breathe of fresh air. Nice to hear it was a success. All the best.

[@RebekahParkhurst]

I instantly recognized Eastshade! Beautiful game. I loved this experience. Very happy that this decision worked out for you financially!

[@anna-sophiewinter2814]

Eastshade is permanently installed and I keep returning to it - it's a very real joy to visit this place. The inspiration in the game trickles into real life, the music fills the soul and the combination of being an artist, exploring in a safe and whimsical environment, and having mysteries to solve are so fulfilling! Every aspect is magical! All I wish for is more of the same world: more commissions, more mysteries, more making tea while soaking up the wilderness and the artisan towns. No need to change the game in any way, the same people, towns and aesthetics are warm and familiar, but know that "Return to Eastshade" is the sequel we all need.

[@xiaowei1]

Beautiful. Thank you to the youtube algorithm for pointing your content my way, and the joy at listening to your studio's inspirational story.

[@onesheisty]

What an amazing and inspiring story. Awesome that the missus jumped in to help. Listening to this tale was like a game in itself. A game where the Dev breaks the 4th wall where the user helps the dev irl struggles as the dev builds a game, in-game. and the payoff is... user gets to play a fully fleshed-out game that we witnessed being built.

[@GuanoLad]

I love a game where you fulfil quests to open up more parts of the world to explore. I also love a game with a unique style. Eastshade was exactly the game I wanted during Lockdown, getting to explore a pleasant welcoming world while being stuck indoors, so thank you for making it.

[@jessesgamereviewstipsandst5517]

Never played the game, but glad you guys found success in game making. Not sure what came first but the idea to do art and buffs to increase creativity is already an existing game mechanic in Sims 4. Not sure on legal issues but would love the idea of using existing mechanical from various favorite games to build your own. Hope you guys find success in the next one as well.

[@AlexFoulon-hh1jv]

Your wife did an amazing gesture with that cake. It really is the people around you that makes a moment special

[@AlexFoulon-hh1jv]

And congratulations on pursuing your dream ! Makes me want to get up and start coding out my dream place haha

[@toyo8460]

Im really glad it all worked out well in the end! Might check it out.

[@Tigs2]

I have never heard of Eastshade but i will be searching and buying the moment i finish typing this message. The comments about the ‘safe haven’, the music is what i need. I am a cancer sufferer and NEED somewhere to feel safe and get away from this crappy world. We all need escapism at some point and for some reason in our lives. Thanks in advance. Looking now! Edited 10 mins later to add ‘i have it’ thanks and good luck’.

[@tylerkling935]

The pie is making me tear up. Thank you for sharing this story :)

[@rafezetter8003]

This game has been in my wishlist for a while - now I've seen good footage I think I'll enjoy it.

[@GlitchedEnt]

I finally feel justified for putting ice to stop my ramen from cooking. GOAT

[@BadGamerEmJay]

This is one of my favourite video games. I’m so glad you took out the survival aspect of the game, not my jam lol. This game got me hooked from just how beautiful it is. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it and didn’t want it to end. It’s one of the games I decided to get the platinum trophy for, it’s number 10 on my list. Video games are my go to when I am sad, low or stressed. Thank you for creating one that made me happy. I will always be interested in what you and your team do.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thank you so much for the support and kind words! It means the world to us! And thank you for playing Eastshade!

[@nandans2506]

You are blessed with an amazing wife. All the best for your future endeavours

[@josephan6953]

just a random comment here, you can just put the soup base into your boiling water along with your noodles. it dissolves right away so you don't have to mix it into your noodles.

[@Ncfsailing2]

Dude I love this game. It has changed the way I view the real world. It has made my life so much more interesting. Great job!

[@Brubarov]

That's what expressing your soul means, giving it life and sharing it. And that is what most AAA games lack, a soul. Thank you for believing in yourself!

[@amaryllis0]

I remember this game very fondly, and I had no idea it was such an indie success story! Wonderful :)

[@thewrongaccount608]

I'm so glad I bought this game. It's so beautiful and relaxing. Thank you! I moved from Boston to Seattle. Yes snow is no joke. You'd often hear about people dying of heart attacks trying to shovel a driveway.

[@milliamp]

Something I never really understood is why so many games and game studios only ever build dystopian hellscapes. We can't easily reshape the real world but in virtual worlds we can make beautiful environments where people can enjoy spending time, but most developers almost never do.

[@Trustee-of-The-Most-High]

During my decades of collecting and playing videogames just as any other art i have witnessed revivals of any kind. Meaning that if you abandon eastshade someone will bring it back after you. Trust me, games will never die nor stop moving forward but i wouldn't like to see such beauty go through the add-ons and plugins system from someone else. What I'm sure of is that some new developers will take it as fanart for their own games

[@Nightmare-1756]

I have never heard somebody explain designing a game like this 😮. It just makes you feel the love and dedication that went into the game. Im buying this game now ❤

[@j-dided]

Awesome you took the leap but never forget who helped you get there, your grandmother! I hope you have and do special things for her! Cause she is a beautiful soul! Many people try and fail but don’t have the back up like your grandmother was for you, cherish her!

[@a.u.r.a.]

So so so inspiring and just a really beautifully told story. Got a little teary eyed when you mentioned your partner making that pie for you. Keep up the great work!

[@SkyHighBeyondReach]

Such a triumph! Proud of you :)

[@clay2889]

This is awesome. Happy for you guys!

[@SliceOCheeze]

Love this game! I replay it once a year every time around christmas holidays. It makes you feel so good playing it.

[@Blinkers2007GameDev]

this is truly inspirational. Incredible. Congrats man. You were passionate, talented and commited, and the result was succes. Wish nothing but the best for you :)

[@seedublancaster9755]

Had never heard of this game before stumbling on this video. Looks gorgeous and such an astonishingly simple and original core mechanic. Look forward to trying it at some point. The Vihart endorsement just adds to my interest!! =P

[@LowestExpectations]

Well done. I've had this game on my wishlist for quite a while. Maybe I should pick it up.

[@Tom-bi7ir]

good for you bro, kudos. And your lucky you have such a great wife

[@johnny_eth]

I grew up the in the 80s and 90s. My teenage years were spent playing the mysts and journeyman project. Lately I've played games like the witness, the recent cyan games and Quern. I think I found Eastshade on steam through recommendations, and bought it based on the trailer. I enjoyed Eastshade so much. Everything is so beautiful and well crafted and fun. But the best part I think was the blend of visuals and music. I still listen to it now and then and it immediately triggers memories of the game. It sounds a lot like the music from Uru Ages beyond Myst.

[@TackleProd]

SO happy for you! I hope my indie game becomes a hit as well

[@A1stardan]

I'll definitely get the game soon. Want to support you ✌️

[@OverlandBound]

Thank you genuinely for sharing. It’s an inspiration, and damn fine storytelling.

[@exhilex]

glad to see someone's venture going successful and big!

[@michelero4297]

Grats! Your hard work paid off. Good luck with your new game studio adventure. Here, take my money! :)

[@viktorm9401]

I would LOVE it if Eastshade Studios made physical copies Eastshade and maybe even with a bonus of Leaving Lyndow on the disc with all patches for both PS 4 and Xbox. I hope Danny, his wife and team will endeavor to do so. I have talked to Danny before and I hope he will decide to reach out to any of the many smaller game publishers such as Red Art Games, Pixelheart, Limited Run Games etc. Eastshade is a fantastic game with a magical atmosphere and an outstanding soundtrack, and it deserves to be more than just 1s and 0s online!

[@ThaGameOverMan]

Because of THIS VIDEO.. Eastshade is now on my wish list and will be in my cart when I have the $$$ to spare! Looks like such a serene game!! 😊😊

[@SkylarDark]

I loved eastshade, my favorite walking simulator ;) Very proud of your work^^

[@yonimaor1005]

I envy your determination and your talent. You are also very lucky to have found a partner you can create with.

[@PS1212]

Huge fan of this game & its prequel, love this.

[@Virtualangello]

Thanks for inspiring me. I'm planning to start my own indie game studio. See you in 5 years (Hopefully😅)

[@zaraewilkins]

Not that this was the intention, this was such an amazing marketing video!

[@anamistink6805]

Grats man! follow that dream. I remember stumbling across this when it first came out. After watching Im gonna go back and check it out.

[@patrick-aka-patski]

What a beautiful story! I wish you all the best for your future projects and your life as a whole

[@ulicesisaia]

I was looking for some inspiration or strenght to start making my first game today, I have a ton of doubts but i want to make this, I work in the industry for nearly 2 years now, as an employee... thanks bro, I love the idea and the experience of your develop journey. The last part, the last 2 minutes, when you talk about your fullfilness and proud it's what i looking for. I hope return to this coment in some time and say "ey, you know what? it's almost finished!!" and I know that thiw will not be a hit and it's not my intention, but neither is to make a "game jam " type of game, i just want to amke this little thing by myself that came to me in a dream, nothing new, nothing big, but i think it will be nice

[@Rare_Creature_]

I'm really happy for you guys, I'm hoping to catch up on bills so I can buy a nominal computer and I will keep Eastshade in my sights.

[@GirlyGamer-BoardGameGran]

What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. An absolute joy to listen to and watch.

[@matsnilson7727]

This game looks great, and hearing about the development process was very interesting too. I actually had no idea so few people were involved. Since I'm a cheap bastard, I've been checking the Playstation store regularly for at least two years to see if Eastshade is ever included in a sale, but no luck so far. I think it actually might be the ONLY game I'm interested in that's never been included in a sale at some point. I'm not saying the game isn't worth its original asking price - it most likely is - but I just find my stubbornness a bit funny. I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet some day, since I really do want to play it.😄

[@bryanmiller841]

I love stories like this, very inspiring. Congratulations on your success and never giving up.

[@nots0]

This is a great story you have there my man.

[@mymblemeep9383]

Whoa, I loved your game and I’m so happy this video found its way to me. Thank you for creating this magical experience for us.

[@unchainedninja3958]

Love this story, it is so inspiring!! Much love! And the game looks so beautiful!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

thanks so much for the kind words! And thanks so much for watching!

[@Blitzkrieg1605]

Beautiful success story. I loved hearing this. Loved Eastshade as well. Fantastic vibe and game world. The vast majority of indies end up in failure unfortunately. Risking it all is always... a risk. I am glad you made it. Looking forward to other games you want to make.