I have something to say... Harsh truths and Honesty | Indie Game Dev

[@sasquatchbgames]

You can check out our follow up to this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5ScoqmirZyZnZI

[@tezwoacz]

Dont do what this man here done. Game dev is a learning journey, until you know what you are doing and are confident in your skills dont throw your day job(or house) away, doing so will only set you up for failure.

[@unit102]

Exactly, its a learning journey, once you become experienced and fully master it then taking risk could be possible, but then again, you are making something for the people and hoping they either (accept it) or (or want it !!) what we are looking for is (They really want it!) not (accept it) and in order to go that far its either something new (rare/hybrid mixed genre game), small niche in high demand which no one wants to do it, and not something over saturated (like 2D Mario clones !) remember - you are taking a risk after all, otherwise, back to the Fast food job while hoping for a better job interview somewhere 😆

[@littledudefromacrossthestr5755]

​@@unit102well said

[@cyberpunkspike]

@@littledudefromacrossthestr5755 No, that pile of syntax was far from well said.

[@littledudefromacrossthestr5755]

@@cyberpunkspike explain

[@ExoticCheeseDev]

@@cyberpunkspike explain

[@calebdouglass6911]

Iv been working on my game for more than 2 years and Iv never showed it to anyone. this video is great and you nailed the way I feel every day.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Glad you could relate! and even if you haven't shown your game to anyone, 2 years of work on a single project is a huge accomplishment!

[@chillie_dude]

Playtesting is the single most important thing during any game dev. You need playtesters to know what is fun, find bugs, what is clear/confusing etc.

[@andrewmrkva8003]

Second that. Show your game! It’s scary but too important to wait if it’s a game you want others to play eventually. Playtest it with people you know first to break the ice. They will go east on you and you’ll get better at asking for feedback.

[@seubmarine5347]

To add to all of that, if you plan to live from your game, you should promote it, or else you won't sell well.

[@faztznya5207]

Start showing, it's a good way to market your game before launch, if you keep showing your game and updates, will probably increase your sales when you launch it

[@DOSRetroGamer]

The "I will be successful if I just work hard enough" fallacy

[@madmeatlog270]

Not a game dev or in the space at all, this just popped up in my feed and I am not disappointed. The genuine yet almost stern take was refreshing and amazing to hear. I wish you and your family the most success. I will definitely play your game once it releases as well! Good luck👍

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks! Really appreciate it!

[@HE360]

Here's what I've done. I got a job as a school bus driver where I work 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening. So, in between 9:40 am to about 2:40 pm I got 5 hours to work on game development or pretty much anything I want. And then when I finish my bus route (after 3 hours in the evening), I could come home and work on game dev (or whatever I want) for the rest of the night. And thus, I earn good income and get to work on my dream. Well, I explain this in a video on my own channel. But, this is just food for thought with me trying to achieve my dreams while staying afloat too.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Smart idea, it’s great that you’ve found a way to pursue your dream!

[@sindelio]

Congrats brother!!

[@professorjack2099]

Instead of selling the house, couldn’t you just rent it out indefinitely forever?

[@MiniatureGiantsGameDev]

Game development videos have an evergreen kind of quality to them. I have only made about 18 videos and from those its clear to me which 4-5 just keep on bringing in steady views. I released 1 video this past year (2022) and netted +136 subscribers over the course of the year mainly from all the other videos. So first thing is to keep producing content, and then to limit the time investment in the content production - I really dont think at this stage that 40 hours on one video is anywhere near worth it. i've spent less than that on all my videos combined. Then, people like Thomas Brush it must be said are not (in my opinion) deriving a primary income from selling games. He's super talented and think about it, when you watch any of his videos he ALWAYS has just a few more spots or an extra day or two of discount on his COURSES. How many times have you seen him punt Neversong? Never? Hardly ever? So his business is not games - he likes that - but his business is largely education with a sprinkling of games on the side - still good cash, but there is less competition and way higher value in selling courses to his audience who are people like you and me - game developers. Who is your audience? And how are you getting THEM to Wishlist your game? It's not game devs Im sure. I would definitely consider doing a Kickstarter once you have built your audience more, which I reckon you will succeed in doing over this year. Wishing you both all the very best on this adventure.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks, really appreciate it!

[@TYNEPUNK]

think about it this way. This single video has outperformed my very best indie dev videos and I have been actively promoting and working 20hr days for 11 years now on this game (the one before 8 years, before that 8 years, and the list goes on, I made Amiga games in 90s etc, I've never once had an indie game dev video do as well as this one Im watching, and its only 4 weeks old.). So in actual fact you are completely trouncing many of the indie veterans :) I am also ex GTA/Rockstar and have been deving games since I was 9. So actually, you're killing it, keep it up.

[@sasquatchbgames]

damn man, thank you so much, this was really great to hear! And 20 hour days!?!?! You're a freakin machine!

[@TYNEPUNK]

@@sasquatchbgames yeh, I was until I got DVT.. note to all move around!!

[@xanderpixel281]

I respect your courage and I really wish your studio will take off! Good Luck !

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks so much, we really appreciate your support!

[@NicheVeraldi]

I'm sure someone else has told you this, but I'm watching this video 8 months later. Y'all currently have 10.6K subscribers and this video has 28K views. Huge shout out to y'all for sticking with this and channel and with Veil of Maia! I'm wishlisted and I'm hoping for all the best!

[@bluestrawberry1225]

this is the first time like ever I find a person who is in the same position as me right now, I have a low salary, full time job and I'm a game dev hoping to get some income from my game, while also funding a family with 5 people mostly kids, thank you for that video I really appreciate that.

[@aztecagames]

Watching this in August 2023 and you have thousands of subscribers and this video has over 20k views. Congratulations! Keep going!

[@viktornobunaga]

I have been working in game development for 12 years as a game designer. The coolest game design book I've ever read starts with "your first games are gonna suck and there's no way to change that except make more games". And I felt it in my own skin. I hope you know what you're doing when you bet so much on your first project. Do you really need 15-20 hours of playing time? Even big titles don't always do it. I wish you luck anyway!

[@sasquatchbgames]

Nope certainly don't need it, it's just a hope.

[@SlowPursuit]

What is the title of the book (if I may ask?).

[@viktornobunaga]

@@SlowPursuit If I remember correctly, it was Level Up by Scott Rogers

[@briandawley7808]

Hello in the future, to the past you, but you're also now in the future... Anyway, here's a reminder that when you posted this video, you had 608 subscribers. You now have almost 13,000. Nice work, way to keep it up!

[@taylorfontaine8748]

Another quote that I love that fits the theme of the video is; Every defeat is psychological, except death. A year and a half after the video: 35k subscribers.

[@luckysgi-5karrow378]

Aaaaand bam! I'm one of the 5.33k subscribers 5 months in of the upload of this video! Best wishes + luck, and I'll be keepin' an eye out for your game!

[@cotestudios]

(Sorry if I used bad English, I'm still improving my language.) Hello my friend. This is the first video I watched on your channel, I met you today and I felt very similar feelings. It was interesting getting to know someone who lived a similar life to me, miles away. I've been living what you said for exactly 2.5 years :) I have to deal with everything myself, from their music, to their drawings, to the design, to their coding. I quit my full-time job, gave my life to a game while people were traveling and having fun, basically I focused on "achievement". I continue to live and improve my game on my own by financing myself with small jobs. There is a saying: "If your path in life is clear, you are probably living someone else's life." In other words, those who choose the difficult and bumpy road are those who prefer to live their own lives.. I appreciate you. Your wife must be proud of you. I'm sure. And one day your child will be proud too. I don't have a family :) Fortunately you have that. I wish you success. I've already added Samurado and Veil of Maia to my wishlist. 🤩

[@esFjord]

I really appreciate the vulnerability. I recently took a bit of a gamble move to try to pivot into the game industry & it definitely helps to know I'm not alone in trying to tackle this crazy dream. Thank you Sasquatch B Studios! 💚

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks & best of luck to you!! It can definitely be scary shifting gears and going after your dreams, and I know it's not for everyone, but good for you! I really hope it works out for you too!

[@nanomantube]

Thanks for this video, it hits home for me. I started game development 3 years ago and have finally released a demo for my game after 2 years of work. All done on on the side while working a full time job and taking care of a family. After my demo was released I expected a least a mild reception and average wishlists, but it's been mostly crickets. I think I have 6 wishlists in 4 weeks. I can't describe how discouraging that is. However, like you said it's important to keep at it. We only have this one life to live and if you really want it, don't quit. No successful person ever made it by giving up, whether gamedev or any other endeavor. I wish you the best on your gamedev studio!

[@2changJRPGmusic]

Just putting a demo up isn't enough you need to create a funnel towards your steam page. Make a KZbin channel, post tweets, do the legwork. It's discouraging but also it's all in your hands and if you fail it's because you didn't cultivate an audience. If this project fails for you then next project start cultivating an audience sooner with your next one.

[@ArchOfficial]

It takes several years to get an audience. It took me about 2-3 years to get an audience making mods in a community that I'd been part of since the beginning. I have no advice, but it's some context. Perhaps expect a few years of marketing to revive an IP.

[@slandshark]

Did you do more than just post a demo? Did you get it into hands of any major (or even minor) gamer youtubers or journalists? Where did you post the announcement for your demo?

[@Betruet]

Almost at the 1k guys, your are smashing it even if the numbers dont feel right to you. Much love headed your way.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Really appreciate that, we've gotten some incredible support in the comments here and it means a lot! Thanks for your kind words! :)

[@AIAdev]

You doubled subs in 3 months vs the last 8 month peiod! Lets go! Thanks for the shoutout, I appreicate it Brandon. Here's what I'll say on the topic... I feel this way too, and I don't think it just goes away. I was making videos for months getting a few hundred views and then my first devlog for Mana Valley took off for whatever reason. Then not too long after a video I had posted 6 months prior took off and that momentum carried through my next 3 videos. I started getting approached by sponsors and then the views tanked. Sponsors were upset I wasn't hitting the average numbers they were paying me for. But from a youtuber perspective every metric other than views was above videos with way more views. I guess all this to say that... it's easy to always feel discouraged no matter what your size is. Getting in the right state mentally is the only way to combat against it. I've started looking for ways to monetize other things in the space because of this. Sponsors are a great way to make money, but they don't understand youtube and often put requirements on the creator that aren't best for the audience, so I figured I'll make some of my own things (assets, courses, etc) I can promote in a way that fits more naturally with my content than a sponsor segment. One of my goals for last year was to hit the monetization threshold for youtube. I was able to surpass that in a crazy way but I wouldn't put any eggs in the youtube revenu basket for game dev. In the last 28 days my channel has received 134,000 views and the estimated ad revenue for that amount of views is $120.22 USD (which is obv also before taxes). Unfortunately to make a living from YT ad revenue alone a channel needs to be bringing in millions of views per month. Unfortunately only the largest creators in the space are bringing in those kind of numbers. For the last 28 days... Blackthornprod (1.4M views), Dani (1.47M views), Brackeyes (1.3M) and well.. that's the only people I closely follow that have passed 1M views per month. Granted Brackeyes hasn't uploaded in years and Dani hasn't uploaded in months so... it is a testimate to a passive income stream if you do hit those numbers. Hopefully this isn't discouraging, I don't mean it to be. I want to see you succeed. I think building a platform on youtube still has immense value. I just think for most creators that value comes in using the platform as a marketing tool to promote the creator's other products/services.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Wow, thanks for opening up like this man! Really appreciate it, as well as getting a glimpse inside your channel and everything, really cool of you to share like this. Nope, didn't find it discouraging at all. I think the one thing I could have done better in this video was explain what I mean by "making a living from YT" - because my plans from the very start have been exactly what you said in your last paragraph. Ad revenue will buy my coffee lol. Maybe not even that, at least for a long while. Sponsorships are a little more exciting but again, without views I don't expect large payouts and yea, YT is a crapshoot sometimes, so that could make that stressful. I'm trying to build a channel that gets consistent results that grows over time, which IS happening right now, so I got that going for me. I even have it graphed out. It looks very pretty :D However, to your point, I think YT is an amazing platform to build an audience. And once you have an audience, you can make money. You don't need a million subs to make money on YT, you need 1,000 super-fans that love everything you make, 1,000 people who will buy your course (and no, not Udemy, I think those are far too cheap and people could value their expertise a little more and create their own course and charge more for it, unless it's something you throw together quickly.) Or 1,000 people that are willing to buy...whatever product/service you're offering. I've never seen YT as a way to "make money from making videos" - that'll be a small paycheck that'll be a "nice to have" - but I've always seen it more as a platform that will act as the foundation for my studio, and all the services/products we have planned to create. If anything, your comment encouraged me, not the other way around. Thanks so much for your kind words man, they mean a lot to me. Cheers! And can't wait for your next devlog!

[@DragoncloudH]

Not sure if you will see this. But i want to thank you for this videos. Game Dev has always been where I knew I wanted to go, I even went to college to build the skills I would need for it, but life took me pretty far off course for a decade and i started thinking it was too late. I tried picking an early microsoft dev kit but felt like i just didnt have time to retrain myself on all the skills and coding to make it work. Afterwards, I lost my brother a couple of years ago as well and since then I have been struggling with the decision to make some changes in my life, my full time job being the hardest thing for me to let go of. Fast Forward, about a month ago i finally decided to use what little time i can to focus on creating a few projects and started watching a bunch of tutorials and videos to help keep me focused even when I am not at home and at my computer. Thats how i found your videos, and your story resonated with me. Ive been struggling alot with the thoughts that i may be too old to get started or that I may just not have enough time to even bother and it has put a damper on my progress. But your videos have given a bit of clarity on that struggle and I am going to keep pushing through to learn as much as I can to make that dream a reality Long story short, I really appreciate your videos and your channel is an instant sub for me as well. Thank you

[@brendanjrice7307]

What you are describing is literally everything I feel right now as an aspiring artist and musician. I have very little confidence in myself that I actually am capable of achieving what I’m aiming for and I can’t even excuse myself for simple things like ignorance or not being perfect immediately. Honestly this video deserves way more attention because it really does highlight the unbelievable and incomprehensible struggles of chasing a dream. Thank you

[@sasquatchbgames]

It's really hard. I'm so head you found this validating for your experience, even if it's not game dev. Good luck!! It's a hard/rewarding road

[@KenWaite]

Wow. I am not a gamer, but I am a serial entrepreneur, and found your story and your mindset and your passion, both inspiring and encouraging in my own pursuits. Thank you and keep going.

[@shavais33]

You didn't come up on my feed, even though I have subscribed to a couple of indie game dev vloggers. I just now searched for "indie game dev", and this video showed up high on the list. Seems like that must mean that you're trending at this point? I was looking for encouragement, someone new to listen to, to try to help keep my head in the game. This was perfect. Exactly what I was hoping for. The vulnerability is very relatable. I'm amazed by your courage to risk everything and dive headlong into trying to make a living doing KZbin content creation and indie game dev. I think your video has good pacing, the sound effect punctuation is entertaining and engaging; I think have a good voice, personality, and presentation style for this. I think you're an excellent communicator. It is hard to be vulnerable, but I think the authentic, live-feeling, personal touch is a key ingredient for success. I'm curious if KZbin is still the best platform for this? Have you looked into Spotify or Rumble, etc.? I'm going to head over to your channel and probably binge watch a number of your other videos, now. I really hope that you end up making a big success of all this. It's hard to imagine that you won't, eventually, it seems like you're hitting all the right notes. But I once said to an employer of a small company that I worked for that "the only way we fail is if we stop trying." He said "..or run out of money. That's a very serious possibility," heh. So, well, here's hoping you become profitable before that happens!

[@amrakarmaMisophoniac]

I respect your hustle. I sold my car mostly because I hate driving but also to focus on my game. Sometimes you have to sacrifice and gamble it all to live your dreams. Fyi you are lucky to have a supportive spouse.

[@jellyfilled2011]

Wow, what a powerful video. I think its so important to accept and embrace the hardships that come with pursuing your dream. Anyone can dream big dreams. When you run out of that initial motivation its so easy to lose sight of the goal and let the negative emotions convince you that maybe you weren't good enough, or you weren't lucky enough, or to blame someone else. Real progress comes when you can accept those thoughts, process them, and continue on anyways. That's the way the valley of disappointment manifests itself in my brain anyway. I just found your channel but I'm so excited to see your progress in the future. It seems like you have the right mindset and I think it's only a matter of time until you get where you wanna be. Best of luck to you and your wife on your dream! Also for future reference: February 23, 2023, 2.18k subscribers

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks so much for the encouragement! It really means a lot. We have big plans, not just with games but with other stuff too, I think we can make it!

[@ThomasStewartDev]

This was extremely encouraging for me. (Currently at 2.3k subs & just went full-time) Keep it up!

[@LeRandomNotions]

I came across this video by searching “being a solo game dev log” and you had a juicy thumbnail. Really enjoyed the message of the video. I’m always fascinated and moved when hear about people going all in on something they love and why. Just a minor thing, at times it felt like you were about to start repeating yourself but you were doing a stream of thoughts kind of thing so all good 😊 . I was invested in your mad lad story so I saw the video to the end. You came across relatable and genuine. Lastly, I really appreciate the editing/sound design for keeping my tiny attention span going. Hope this help! Your glow up is any day now 😊

[@robsdroid6856]

I just put my notice in at my soul sucking job. I have exactly 1 years worth of money. I have been tinkering with game dev for a while.... I am going for it. I hope that you find the success you are looking for.

[@StealthyShiroeanGames]

Dude, this is so relatable. I can't say I'm working on a game to push out for commercial release yet but I'd like to in the near future. But building a YT channel and game dev really is stressful. It's a grind and yeah, it can be pretty discouraging. Especially if you have other people that are wondering what the hell you're doing with your life. But it's as you said, we just need to keep at it and in time, things will get better as long as we're trying to make progress. And look at your channel now! Over a 1K subs, so you definitely have improved. If you're putting that much work into YT (and it definitely shows in your videos) I can't imagine you not gaining subs. I've been consuming your content for only a little while (think I discovered you last week), but I really appreciate the down-to-earth nature you have. While I watch and like many of the game dev channels you mentioned, I tend to like channels like yours more. Game devs who are still in the trenches trying to figure all this stuff out. It's really inspiring and keeps me motivated to continue in my own work. So, thank you for this video and for talking about uncomfortable truths!

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks man! Comments like this really help validate that I'm not making a massive mistake on a daily basis lol. Good luck with your journey!!

[@OandCoGames]

New to your channel here. I'm seeing 8.08K subscribers as I watch this video now - quite the bump from the 600 you mentioned in the video! Stay strong my dude! You voiced very real and common emotions in this video that all of us go through. Thank you for keeping it real. I'm excited to follow along from now until launch!

[@DeepFriedOreoOffline]

This is an amazing video! I have worked in the industry, and currently work a labour job as I struggle to find success carving my own path. I thought this would be the less demoralizing road, but really, there's no having a good time without struggle. Like you say though, I learn a LOT about how this whole ecosystem works with every new video I release, and have started trying to find ways to balance KZbin with other avenues such as asset creation and such. The whole thing about knowing your not alone really is a relief to hear sometimes, and it's also amazing to see you've nearly quintupled your subscribers since the release of this video! Wishing you all the best, and hoping that if I keep working toward my goal and improving my contributions to the community, that I will get there too!

[@ThePouetman]

I have been following your journey a bit like watching a train derail in slow motion. I feel for you dude. I hope everything ends up ok and I'll keep following just to see what ends up happening with you and your family. All my best wishes

[@kricewrites]

This is such great advice. I am not an indie game developer but I am an indie author and between writing, promoting, working, family, find editors, get funds, cover art and so much more... it's exhausting but this is great encouragement. Thanks!

[@TheBcoolGuy]

You know, this is stuff I've been dealing with for years now, and I think this video has made me realise that game dev is not my passion and that I don't have the drive to see a project through. I don't want to risk everything for the sake of a game project. I don't wanna spend dozens of hours on game mechanics. I don't find what happens in the games very interesting. And that's okay. I don't have to be a game developer. I just don't know what else I can do that I can actually support myself (and a family) with.

[@thevampiret]

I have been teaching myself Game Dev (mostly coding) for a couple years now and every day I feel like I'm not where I should be. When I Watch your videos they do give me hope and confirm to me that I am indeed on the right path and that others are also feeling and sharing in the same struggles as I am. I just want to say thank you for being real and sharing the actuality of this journey.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks for sharing, that's exactly what we wanted them to do. :) Really appreciate the support & good luck on your game dev journey as well!

[@actuallyZiggyZagga]

You're videos are gold. Keep it up you guys! You're so genuine and your honesty goes a long way in helping us grow. We need more people like you in the industry, people who take a little time to sit down and have a talk about some tough subject, genuine and honest. Truly a gem!

[@markswinimer6953]

I appreciate your videos, thanks for sharing. I'll be checking out some of your newer ones to see how you've done. Some suggestions: 1. I hate when people use the discord notification sound in a video an irrational amount (maybe justified?). 2. I like your honest tone and feel like there are just a bit too many edits/effects/sounds in the video! best of luck

[@alexisvirgen8552]

Watching this almost after a year you published (first time seeing you) and I was very glad to click your channel and see that you still create videos. I’m just beginning my journey so hopefully I can come back to this comment in a year and see some good progress!

[@KyleGameTesting]

Watching this now congrats on the growth bro. And yes this is a beacon of hope!

[@toegap202]

watching this video now, 7 months after it came out. You now have almost 9k subs. you've 10x's your subs in 7 months. Well done good and faithful

[@MindSorcery]

Hey Brandon! I've began the same journey 2 month ago. I think the worst for me is being overwhelmed by the sheer number of hats i must put on. I do really love it though even if it affects my quality of sleep . And i have to be wary of these negative thoughts that keep pushing in. In the end, it is our choice we made and this is our life, so no matter how hard, we are born for this ;) One foot in front of the other, keeping the focus, remembering to breath, this is the way!

[@jonathonbaroi3566]

This video so clearly illustrates what I am going through right now, and that I'm not alone. Thanks for the much needed motivation to keep grinding. I wish you all the best on your adventure!

[@rocketfoxgames]

Your message is spot on a truly hits home for a lot of us. People outside of the industry have no idea how much work we put in. I routinely start work on my game at 4-5 am and don't "clock out" until around midnight, only getting up to grab a bit to eat every so often. Even after all of that, it's incredibly difficult to get people to notice your work. That said, It brings me immense joy to work on games and I wouldn't want to do anything else! I wish you the best of luck and I will jump over to steam and check out your game!

[@OliverBeebe]

i really appreciate this channel! you're doing basically exactly what I hope to be doing one day, running your one indie game studio, so it's really inspiring to see your journey. I don't know for other people, but for me I came to your channel for the devlogs. I understand those are probably harder to make, and you might not have anything you think is interesting to talk about or that you want to show for spoilers sake, but I think that might be a good way to keep the channel growing. That's just my completely uneducated opinion though. I for one would be interested in devlogs about anything, even if its something boring like fixing bugs. Best of luck!

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks! Really appreciate that & I hope you get to live your dream one day too! We're still making progress on the game and hope to have a devlog out later this month (and we hope to keep them coming out more regularly too.) :)

[@solidshanks2938]

And look at you now at the end of 2023 with over 12k subscribers and a big support community. You’re doing great man, it’s motivating to me who started the game development journey back in January. I work 35-40 hours a week as a soda merchandiser. It’s exhausting work but it pays the bills and pays for my college as well as helps me save for my wedding next August. I used to have a higher up position in the company but I gave it up to pursue my passions. I’ve been working on a game called Drakenforge since January and April is when I decided to also pursue my bachelors in IT with a focus in game development. I’m busy almost every moment of the day with little to no social life just like you, but I still make time for my fiancé and for my animals (I have a needy husky, 2 cats always getting into shit, and a snake who is the pickiest eater) Even though I’m barely passed the foundation stage of my game (NPC collision, dialogue, environment interaction) all the assets are handcrafted and seeing this is like a beacon of hope out of my own crippling anxiety of this. I would love to just quit my job and do this full time to get ahead, but unfortunately we require food and shelter to live and my parents would kill me if they had to live with all my animals 😂. I wish you luck, anyone else who is doing this luck, and myself luck. I’ll see you guys on the other side ❤

[@draggytales]

I'm so glad I was randomly recommended your channel. Your videos really speak to someone who is in the very early stages of learning how to become a game dev. I'm slowly learning how to use the Godot Game Engine and watching tutorials in my spare time. I love art, I love playing videogames, so I thought, why not learn how to do it now? It's fun, but oh boy is it totally different from what I'm used to doing, especially with working a full time job with a company that LOVES to change your days and hours constantly. I have a big dream of the game I WANT to make, but watching videos like this really makes me think and remember what I want to do. Keep up the good work with these videos! Hopefully this comment helps boost your video for the constantly changing KZbin algorithm.

[@bunnyufo2016]

Just got recommended this video. Respect for taking the exciting hard road and letting us know your story/struggles. I'm currently a software developer, but ideally want to do game dev full time. I'm too sacred to just take the deep plunge like you did and hoping I can opt to get a game development job instead. However it's been tough to secure an interview without professional experience in games industry. Anyway I'll keep chugging along making short demos until my portfolio is enough to inpress my way into a job haha.

[@rohithreddy75]

A parent who cares about privacy of their children,wow.

[@medmel2160]

So funny, I'm watching this video quite some time after it was recorded and you mention "608 subscribers" telling your disappointment and saying "who knows, maybe the channel will do a lot better the time you watch this". That's awesome dude, you did it! And grats to your balls of steel for doing the house move. I can only say Bravo

[@AmyLongUS]

Not a game dev -- or even a gamer, really -- but as someone who quit a traditionally acceptable career to work on building some arts endeavors, I feel ya! Thank you for the encouragement! And, in case today is a day you need that back: You're doing it! You guys are making progress!

[@AzureScy]

I have to admit, this really got to me in so many different ways. I have been working on my game also for a very long time and perhaps even made it harder on myself by taking on something honestly too daunting for a solo developer. That being said, it is a never-ending battle between that energetic passion you feel for working on your dream against the crushing weights of self-doubt or setting too unrealistic expectations of yourself, and then topped off with feasibilities and sustainability in the long run. This is my first 'real' step into game development, despite having nearly 17 professional years in software/data/solutions development are very high/complex levels across multiple industries and segments. As funny as it sounds, game development is much MUCH harder than "real world business work" could ever possibly even conceive - and then to realize how many challenges lie outside just the arena of developing a good game sets that in an even tighter vice. It is tough - it really is, and it is very easy to criticize your every step on this journey. But like you said, we need to keep moving forward - that is the only thing we could, and we should do. Given the comedy show that is the tech industry at this point, I am also faced with slowly watching my savings burn while developing the game, it weighs on you. But I wanted to thank you for making this video - I happened across this in a somewhat darker spot lately, and this was what I needed to hear :)

[@Gamessence97]

37k views, 15.3k subs. Congrats, you're doing great! This video helped me to continue my journey as a hobbyist game dev and gaming youtuber. Thank you!

[@cancoesdocaos]

Greetings! I know this video is more than 1 year old, but just happen to me find this now. And I don't regret it! I glad that KZbin sugest your video today. I'm a brazilian guy who dream be a gamedev, and after some troubles, even thinking in give up, now that I finally got tools, I'm trying pursue my dram again! I'm already had a GDD, I'm make courses to learn what I need to make this. I have to do, learn, try, all while work in a partial office job... But, yet, I WILL AND I DECIDE MAKE WHAT I DREAM!!! You're inspiring!!! The way you open honestly and say about the hardships help me. Thanks a LOT

[@devilchats9528]

I had been sharing my game sales figures, devlogs, and other game dev stuff on my KZbin channel but have not uploaded for a while. I might get back to making videos again soon. Thanks for making this video! It was encouraging.

[@kwesichristian5517]

Thank you for these words. I had a panic attack last night while working on my project and just get so frustrated wit myself becasue I had not reached the expectations I had set out for a project I’ve been working on for years. It looks like the great big brother was sliding and threw this video in my recommendations. These words have really helped me. You have gained a subscriber sir. Will be keeping up with you

[@green8026]

Your brother is proud of you for betting on yourself, I guarantee that. Thanks for the honest, courageous advice, both realistic and uplifting.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks 😊

[@TheCrowReviewer]

You two are doing everything right on the KZbin side, I've binged watched your videos and I can say that you're building a great connection with your current viewers! Keep it up, I look forward to more videos from you guys 👍

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks so much!

[@killerbob117]

The algorithm is showing you a little favor. A 7 month old video of yours popped up in my feed. Checked it out, and now I'm invested. I appreciate the honesty and rational advice. Best of luck to you guys. EDIT: Almost 2k subs at the time of watching. 👍

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks!! Yea it's picked up a bit. Still a bit slow, but it's going better than it was, and we finally got monetized! (Getting those 4,000 watch hours can be REALLY hard when you don't get tens of thousands of views on everything.)

[@stillzen-dev]

i am so proud of you and your wife and to exist in the same space as you. i know for a fact that you two will blow up, not only do you deserve it for the shear work you’re putting in, but for helping the competition around you selflessly and for pure love of the craft. i love you both, and i am so utterly impressed with your honesty about the matter. you inspire me.

[@derekcoppinger4472]

Hey man, I wish you the best of luck in your journey! From 608 subscribers to almost 25K is quite the jump in a year! Just wanted to say keep up the great work and thanks for this down to earth video about the process. I wish listed your game and look forward to the release.

[@tsk5328]

editing looped a bit BUT I just watched it after watching "Watching GameDev Tutorials Be Like..." which was a aprel fools joke that I caught too late and it stirred me but I was not shaken till I had the BRITE IDEA to watch a bunch of game dev logs, and that shook me. to the core. people twice as far in half as long and with products that just looked so much better. was legit about to delete the game data I've built and hang up my pc. but this and the GDC talk "surviving game dev for 11 years without a hit" made me decide to suspend my disbelief at least a little longer.

[@revoletion]

I think people are more interested in YOUR story and how your game is coming along than they are in tutorials or motivational videos. I follow you because I want to see where this all ends up. You took a massive risk, the stakes are high, I want to see how you overcome these challenges. Personally though, I watch dev logs to see what ideas people cook up for their game and how those ideas look in-engine.

[@sasquatchbgames]

This is really great to know! It's easy to assume no one cares about the personal stuff or your project all that much when you're an unknown developer. We will definitely work on sharing our story and progress more and we're really excited to get started on another devlog. We're definitely still learning and stumbling, but like you said, stakes are high so we're committed to finding the way forward.

[@Lous_taunau]

Life is too short, you both are living life the right way, wish you luck and patience.

[@dontstopbelieving1]

I currently work in a call center full time and work on my game between calls. I have been working on it for about 7 months and just got steam approved. I had a son last year and my wife had to quit her job to take care of him since daycare is so expensive. I am the sole income in my house (and I don't make much). I recently put some money into my game for some assistance with some stubborn bugs I am having. I am very happy with my game so far but it also makes me feel sick sometimes. I am already struggling financially and the prospect of putting any money into something that may not make that money back is terrifying even though its a very minor amount. I can only imagine being in your exact situation. Your game looks fantastic and I wish you all the luck in the world. You certainly aren't the only one to have these thoughts or feelings

[@oristruly]

Your message is so relatable. I am still struggling in the valley of disappointment and this is just what i needed to lift my spirit. Thank you for sharing this, now I'm fired up 😤

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks for watching! You got this! :)

[@boredSoloDev]

Seeing this a year later and seeing you have at least 10k subs makes me happy and proud of you

[@jastonwinger30]

You definitely got through the valley of despair.

[@cursed24h]

as a game dev too i can understand how you feel , ngl your situation obviously generete more fear bcs you have to provide to your family, which is something i dont acctualy (im only 27) but i mean, sometimes i feel like you, this is what i wanna do for living but without be under a big company, i wanna put all my dedication and creativity on my projects but the fear for the future is always present, in my opinion for now is not something you should care too much, try all day to do your best and enjoy your work, i think in case of failure there is always time to get new job and postpone you dream, i wish you the best for your game and your family

[@jjay_jupiter]

Dude thank you 😢. I felt this deeply and you hit it perfectly! It always feels like everyone else is better at than me. But “ I don’t know what I’m doing, I just know not doing it feels worst”.

[@CodeBreakerSI]

I like how truthful and humble you are. You curve the negativity by laughing it off at the end of the video. You got this!!! Keep going and dreaming!

[@handmadegamesdev]

I think it's great that you're working as hard as you are, and I'm sure you will reach your goals. Already you have great engagement and discussion going on here in the comments. You're extra blessed because you and your wife are doing it together. That's exciting! I'm glad I found your channel. I'm looking forward to following your journey.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks so much for the encouragement!

[@keggames]

This really hit home for me. I just started my youtube channel and a new game. The solitude(even with friends helping) and jealousy of other people's success drowns me. You have several videos (specifically on not quitting your game) that have been helpful.

[@sasquatchbgames]

Glad to hear it! Keep it up. This industry takes a huge mental toll. It takes work to not drown in your own expectations of yourself. You got this!

[@SangHendrix]

I've also just stopped working at a game company after 2 years of working there. The salary was good but the job left me almost no time for myself. My dream has always been to do my own business. I did earn some money from my previous games and now I'm heading to the mobile market. My goal atm is just to earn 2000$ per month, but sometimes I'm still afraid if I'd fail miserably cuz I don't know how to build an audience.

[@sasquatchbgames]

That’s a great goal, good luck!🙂

[@christianchastain7226]

Well I can say that this video has achieved it's goal. I am currently developing a game for the first time and I have been feeling like i'm making no progress at all and I was getting very discouraged. after watching your video it has made me feel like there is hope and maybe one day down the line I'm gonna look back on where I'm at right now and laugh at where I was today. Sadly there is a lot of work to be put in before I get there. I also am having to put the work in mainly on weekends since I am still working a job that I hate to pay the bills. I know I can't do youtube cause I'm not super charismatic but I hope that at some point I will blow up and maybe I will be telling people the same thing. Don't give up.

[@BarKeegan]

After hearing about the recent Hasbro layoffs, I searched ‘why we need more indie studios’, and this video popped up. With so many of the big entertainment institutions undoing years of good work, where business has been valued over creativity, I feel we need more independents to take the lead

[@RTSun-lx7ee]

Hi, Brandon. Very glad to hear your story. I am also a game dev who quit from a game company which isn't fitting my target anymore. Because there is a world in my brain, banging my head and asking to be born. But I am not as determined as you are. My family would become homeless if I didn't take another coding job. So I have to squeeze my spare time to do my own game, which is quite depressing for slow progress.😢 Anyway, I really wish you good luck.

[@nosaokhuelegbe]

So I am watching this a year later, you have 17k Subscribers and 39k views, this is truly inspiring, keep going

[@LaquanDunbar23]

Hey dude just wanted to say thanks for this video I’m pivoting from a full time career in teaching to tech. I have been feeling so discouraged trying to teach myself coding and this really hit home a lot thank you for your transparency and motivation!

[@abdou2247]

First of all your content is amazing! Educational, very well done and explained. I just wanted to tell you that, lately, i stumbled upon a lot of "smaller" game dev KZbin channel, that has extremely good content, and i’m not events exaggerating, some times i find exactly what i was looking for. Key word here is "stumbled". YT channels like almost never show up in search results, it either shows some of the biggest channels or some of the oldest videos. Anyways, as i said, truly amazing content, very high quality, subscribed on the first video i watched and i definitely look forward to more content! Best of luck.

[@ChrisDevVlogs]

G.R.I.T. is needed to make a game, you have the same issues I have as well. We must keep going. Guts to take the risks it takes to see your art come to life. Resilience when failures inevitably happen and the ability to bounce back. Integrity in sticking to your goals. Tenacity to on your vision to see it through.

[@snakefoot5608]

As someone who is dealing with those same feelings right now, I REALLY appreciate this video. It makes me feel a little less alone in these hard times between making money and actually enjoying life.

[@Kaftannn]

Keep it up, guys. So glad I stumbled onto this video. VOM is now a must buy purely based on this vid. 😊

[@josephmanning632]

I have my own passion project I’m working on. I even ended up pausing development on that game so I could work on a smaller scale game just to get something completed (still can’t decide if that was the right move or not) only for me to be struggling to even get the smaller game done. Was feeling really discouraged, and turned to KZbin to see if there was any good advice. The world works in strange ways, you just posted this video a day ago and it is the only video I’ve watched that has gotten me motivated again to keep trying. Thanks for pulling me out of my rut. Best of luck to you and your game!

[@sasquatchbgames]

That's exactly what I wanted this video to fo, so glad it helped you!! We're thinking of starting a small project soon as well! Good luck with your projects!

[@Galakyllz]

The only thing I didn't like about this video was the Discord sound effects. I'm sure I wasn't the only person to navigate away from the video to check my instance of Discord.

[@eugeneiii2972]

"We're All Game Beginners" by professor Krystian Majewski covers the personal and mental struggles/effects of gamedev.

[@craigstewart8123]

Failure is how you learn. Keep at it. When I was a teenager, I skateboarded. Now, I’m a game programmer. Persistence is a skill.

[@MichaelCreative]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I'm just now starting my game dev journey and am using Thomas's course as well, and I really appreciate how straight forward and open you are. You got another subscriber in me! I had some off and on KZbin attempts in the past before I figured out the path I wanted to go down, but even my short bursts of time on the platform taught me how much work it is. I applaud you and your wife's consistency! That's massively impressive. Best of luck as you continue on!

[@sasquatchbgames]

Thanks so much, we appreciate it! Best of luck to you as well! We really enjoyed Thomas's course & will definitely be revisiting it in the future.

[@gamedevsecrets]

Your video on Indie Motivation brought me here. You talking about Atomic Habits made me stay, amazing book!

[@pachesan]

I thought I was a HARD Worker... than I stumbled across your youtube channel. Wow... inspiring!

[@thearkheartguy]

Good luck. I've been working on a game off and on for like 6 years. You're right - insane amount of work.

[@laak7982]

I must say the YT algorithm is on my side. I am at the beginning of my Frontend career path and I really needed to hear this thank you so much for sharing your experience and i wish you the best of luck.

[@HippieMoney]

Stumbled across your channel on a reddit thread about controlling the cinemachine camera, so glad I did! People watching this should be aware this is a CALCULATED risk. They properly planned enough money to survive for a specific amount of time and have REALISTIC goals to achieve within that time. This is how you succeed.

[@gijane2cantwaittoseeyou203]

Sometimes you dont calculate, especially if you feel you have nothing to lose. You just jump in. if you succeed you become a famous millionaire. If you fail, you die.

[@mattnoort]

Subbed. For your honesty. More game-dev videos should come with honesty instead of the glitter and glamour

[@DINGOS30]

Wow I just clicked on another indie game dev vid that claimed they were going to share all of their failures but nvr said any of them and continued to push this uppity high spirit "I'll do better next time guys!" style that i couldn't find interest in. Then i found this vid and its just what i was looking for...REALISM!

[@jorava8768]

In 22 months, you've gone from 608 subs to 46.2 thousand. So clearly things have improved since this video!

[@isatche]

2.1k subs now. Hopefully, it's a sign that the channel is picking up. Ballsy move with the house and a career, fingers crossed it'll pay off. Good luck.

[@bigdwarffrosta7877]

I would thank you very much for this truth. For being honest. I'm a 3D artist for some years and doing ok in it, coding is also getting done very slowly but I have a lot of pain in my arms, hands, legs and feets. I4m currently in the phase of learning and prototyping and all of this is getting hard but I'm making progress little by little. Thank you very much for all of this information and you shed some positivity into my situation.