I Made a Game With No Free Time

➤Play the Game - lazyalarm.itch.io/the-farm-above
I made a game for the Ludum Dare 52 Game Jam while attending University as a Full-Time Student. This is the story of the game I mad and the difficulties I faced trying to make it with No Free Time.
The Farm Above
made with:
Blender,
Asperite,
Godot,
Photoshop Elements 2018,
Paint,
PureRef,
Freesound,
Audacity,
OpenGameArt
Music:
"Hi-ya! (Super Ability)" by Hirokazu Ando
"Green Greens [Kirby Wii ver.]" by Hirokazu Ando
"Strad" by C418
"Beginning 2" by C418
"Aurora Borealis (Aurora Area)" by Jun Ishikawa
"Cosmic Cove Galaxy" by Mahito Yokota
"DS Yoshi Falls" by Shinobu Tanaka
"Up in the Sky" by Memoraphile
"Moo Moo Meadows" by Asuka Ohta, Ryo Nagamatsu
"Taswell" by C418

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

Beginning of video: "That seems like a cool game" By the end: "I'm emotionally invested in a devlog"

[@stickguy9109]

Fr also it felt relatable

[@saltyhamdi]

As a fellow university student who is very much into game dev. All I can say as a fourth year, your third year and fourth year will be VERY easy and freeing. This is only temporary. In fact, I picked up game dev in my third year, and learning a lot in Godot. Keep it up and looking forward to your next video (and game!)

[@slBrelaz]

This probably depends where you're studying. In aus 3rd and 4th year are often spent working with industry which takes a bunch more time than regular classes does. I'll be honest though my first and second years of Uni were really easy with heaps of free time, so your experience might be more similar to Lazy's. Oh also I studied game dev in Uni, so that probably helped since my passion helped me learn and complete assignments faster.

[@tysonchickennuggets]

My dad said third year was hardest for engineering

[@certified_crab]

This is completely un-related but does anyone know why the apples wont collect? When i run into the apples to collect them, nothing happens and they just get pushed around. Do you or anyone else know how to fix this? Or does the game just not work anymore?

[@slBrelaz]

@@certified_crab did you mean to ask that in the thread of a 3 week old video? If you're following a tutorial you'd have better luck asking in the comments of that tutorial. If not you'd have better luck asking on unity's stack overflow.

[@certified_crab]

@Griffork just got the reply noti, and to be honest I didn't even know that the vid was that old :/ Thanks for the reply tho otherwise I would've thought the game didn't work

[@Goodgis]

I wish you the best of luck! University can be tough, but hey at least you still get Summer Break.

[@MrManly]

I have seen your videos and they are top tier

[@loc4478]

Bruh, you can barely even calls these videos game Dev videos theses are like life lesson videos. You have an incredible ability of insight and awareness of yourself and you can beautifully describe the troubles you are facing. I can really understand and empathise with your situation and I hope you find more time for the stuff you love. 👍

[@hernyfuse]

your ability to tell a great story while showing off your games (with an extremely endearing art style i mean look at your work) is unmatched, love the content every time, and can relate a little too hard with the college free time thing

[@theothetorch8016]

As a high-schooler for whom most of this is still ahead, but always planned for the future, I find this video to be calming, motivating, alarming and scary. You make me pause upon the situation where you really truly are at a disadvantage, yet persevere nonetheless. That is exactly the kind of person I want to be. I think you show a good example here. We can look up to you.

[@LuigiTSG]

God I relate so hard to this. I just hopped in bed after working on homework till 4 AM. I find it hard to make my own projects, but I feel my creativity expanding as time goes on. I can see your talent in these amazing projects my man, keep up the great work!

[@rixisx1500]

You made a whole complete game within a day as I’m beginning to learn game dev not even scripting just the basics of it. Dude this was a real motivation…I’ve been doing this for about 3months scrapped 24 projects and have bought unity assets to help me out and no where close to being able to make a beginning to end . Earned a sub 🥰 keep it up

[@UsmanDev]

Amazing story telling here, very motivating to watch and beautiful to see you pulled through :)

[@wingbeltcreations5455]

Sophomore in college here, yeah, it's rough. I have a double major, and I set goals this year. I wanted to watch more TV, make 1 YT video a month, read a book every 2 months, and finish my first Game Jam. But I'll need an internship soon and I'll definitely need to work harder to keep my scholarships, so I'm struggling to manage it all, even if my major isn't nearly as daunting as yours sounds. This video was such a motivator, and I wish you the best in all you decide to do. LazyAlarm may be this channel's name, but calling you Lazy is so far from the truth.

[@lightupmanproduction]

This was an almost heart wrenching video at times. Your writing was inspired and nuanced, your editing was artful and entertaining. I am left with a feeling of inspiration and admiration after, thanks my friend. You did a tremendous job, keep kicking your own ass. The strongest steel is forged in the hottest fires, you're on the way to greatness.

[@AngryFryGames]

Man, I want to cry so bad😭 I don't know if you'll ever understand the impact you have on peoples lives.... I'm a high school game developer, now a Junior, and I've now started to realize how valuable free time is. Seeing my family and friends creating memories and having fun without me while I'm stuck with homework, remembering when days were so much more simple, sacrificing hobbies, sacrificing sleep each night, and wondering if I will regret my decision to prioritize school are all things that I face every day. I really felt alone in all of this and I prayed so many times for a way out. Still, again and again I've been trapped in the same pit for almost a year now. I've wanted to give up every day and told no one how I feel because I thought no one I know can relate. Then I see your video which is the exact same situation as mine(except much more extreme) yet the difference is you have succeeded! You've showed me the light and showed me that this is possible! Thank you. God Bless! and much love!❤🙏🏻

[@LazyAlarm]

Don't be afraid to talk about it! I can't tell you how helpful it has been to be able to call someone and just vent. It doesn't solve all your problems, but it helps in the short term. I call my dad every day and most of the time I'm just ranting to him about whatever is on my mind. It has helped me alleviate so much frustration and despair.

[@whannabi]

aww~ ❤

[@jorgiz0]

Keep taking care of yourself. College is hard as hell, but do not forget to take your time when needed. And remember, you dont HAVE to do the things you love in your free time, you can also use it to rest just like you did at the end of your project. You're going through some tough times, and I really hope you can surpass it. Cheering for you. And just for you to know, you have now idea how inspirating you are for me. Take care :D

[@_gamma.]

Please don’t burn out 🙏 Your videos are excellent, always a welcome notification! Good luck at uni too, you’re MUCH more productive than I was 😂 That house model rocks too

[@MrKillerbabiess]

You are my favorite game dev KZbinr right now, and I feel in a similar position to you. I am a university student as well, trying to keep up with all my work while focusing on stuff for my career. It makes it difficult to find time for my hobbies that I've always loved; and for some reason, I really thought I was alone on this feeling. Thank you for this video, it was inspiring and so fun to watch. You are an amazing story teller; never stop making these videos.

[@maximuswillcarry]

This video was impeccable, words cannot describe how well it was made and how much I loved it. From the song choices to the editing as well as the impactful script, its was truly a treat to watch. You are extremely talented.

[@melonman1252]

This is so well made, your story telling really pulls it together. Well done!

[@pro_gemer]

you are an insane storyteller, im so glad i came across your channel

[@brynion2117]

i am always amazed at how busy people are. i have 5 hours free time at least every day, i dont even know anymore how to be busy

[@mrnickhox]

This was the most existential and emotional devlog I've ever seen, almost brought me to tears from the relateability alone, wow man, life gets busy sometimes... Thank you for this video, your gamedev skills are admirable, your scriptwriting is fenomenal, keep doing what you're doing, don't give up just yet, you're onto something great here. God bless you.

[@matteoanthonyarayon793]

This was really nice to listen to while I was doing some schoolwork. I'm glad you can still enjoy your passions and hobbies, even with all that work for University. Hope I can do that when I reach that point in my life. Keep up the good work!

[@MitchFlynnMatt]

Such an inspiring story, knowing that when I get into university it’ll be hard, but with all the spare time, make use of it, love the work man.

[@Gratn]

In my finals week/last week of the year of my first year in college I appreciate the motivation you gave me. Keep up the work!

[@likelyhunterclips]

Very awesome video. Honestly inspiring me to get back into game dev and some of my other hobbies. Lately I've been focusing too much time into playing games, watching movies, watching videos. Where it doesn't feel like much was accomplished when Im done. I'm excited to get back into instruments and coding, I know I have enough time I just haven't been using it. Best of luck at university and in your game dev adventures.

[@JustTheDani]

This was an absolutely beautiful video, excellent writing dude (your similes are 10/10). Keep strong :)

[@Skeffles]

Fantastic work on the game. It's always tricky to balance life with game dev but you've done an excellent job with it and I love the 3D mario inspired graphics.

[@gamingnerd651]

This is SO motivating!

[@joshthomas5954]

Wow, I needed this. Going through some tough times myself; but I'll keep pursuing my dream to make a game of my own. While I have a career now and graduated a few years ago, it just goes to show theres never a perfect time to pursue your interests.. so might as well start now!

[@teenymeanygames]

Great work! It helps me to keep working hard seeing other peoples work ethic.

[@creeloper27]

Super relatable situation, amazing video by the way.

[@Luis-wf9ws]

This guy is just build different

[@pikisanto9235]

Thank you for sharing your feelings. It really spoke to me, God bless ya dude.

[@Xanii]

you deserve wayyyy more subs, awesome video man and fantastic game :)

[@hirador3879]

Love your contents! And as another university student and game developer (learner), I feel you very well, mate.

[@moonlightblue9196]

wow. as a uni student this is so relatable and inspiring. thank you

[@skaluli]

havent watched the video yet but its always a pleasure when you upload !! :]]

[@brooklynrobbo764]

It’s hard now but stick with it. Each year the content may get harder but it gets more manageable. This is because you learn better methods to learn that work for you and grow as a person. I’m in my third year rn and want to draw/create but I am busy with exams so will have to wait 2 months. Great video keep it up 👍🏻

[@trickstur5994]

Really love this video and I especially love the interaction with your dad.

[@Shleepy27]

I absolutely love your videos, I wish to see you uploading more often but i dont think thats going to happen for a long long time

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

Where I live, the last year of high school is the most important one (determines colleges and their tuitions) and the most difficult, by far, and college is way lighter. I barely have free time these days, but in around 5 months, I'll be done, and finally have the opportunity to chill for a bit, maybe even start learning game dev. I wish you the very best of luck. Your light at the end of the tunnel is a bit further away, but after that you'll be pretty ready to anihalate the indie market.

[@anxiousrabbit2506]

Damn, game dev video which hit deep. Respect bro and remember to relax.

[@asmetics5095]

I did not expect such high level of quality from a youtuber with only 21k subscribers, good job on the video, I subscribed

[@Shayzis]

What helped me was thinking about all the things I have planned for After school. Genuinely planned. Knowing once I'll be done, the next step is that one thing I've wanted to do for months was rewarding, but it had to wait

[@AshwinBhat00]

Its just a miracle how you can juggle all 3,university,videos and game dev hope you don't burn out!!

[@PapaSage]

Fellow game design student. Your struggles are very relatable and it brings me a lot of encouragement through my own current experience. Thanks for being vulnerable.

[@sonryle5738]

You single handedly solved all my procrastination.. thankyou :)

[@name-ie9qo]

You, Sir, are an amazing storyteller

[@SLSat]

Glad you made a new vídeo!

[@drowned_minds]

not gonna lie i really like your texture style, like its unique, mix of pixel art and painting art mushed together. would you consider doing a tutorial on your texture making progress?

[@turkeysbriggs6346]

respect all that time and effort i respect it my freind and i are making a game and it's such a hard thing to do i hope you can continue doing what you love without an unhealth amount of stress

[@HappyPurpleFella]

It's great to see someone using my favorite game engine

[@skunkgirl456]

I feel you man, Back when i was in college I barely had time to work on shit it was constant homework and or working on games, to be honest it was kinda hell.. but I will say this after i finished my game i felt really proud that i made it.

[@moonstrikergames]

I feel you man

[@loowood2488]

That was just charming. Maybe with time you'll be more familiar with the school workload and it will be less daunting. Godspeed dude.

[@alexanderhuliakov6012]

I think this game has potential, wood be cool to see a twist on it

[@SkyfallenMarshmallows]

Normally I don’t like to comment, but this is absolutely lovely😭💛 The things you said at the end was relatable and emotionally connecting, especially between 12:18-12:49 when you described the imperfections of the game to ‘I miss that feeling’ That sentence struck deep, thank you for sharing your game

[@kikolektrique1737]

hang in there man, i know your pain bud. I know it all too well

[@skpeter-jl5db]

I truly hope everything works out for you

[@oliverthornton7533]

As a high school student, this video really helped with my ideas and concerns for my future. This year has been tough with my workload increasing as I try to cling to that same feeling of control you described. I've had less and less energy to do the things I used to enjoy, or to learn new things. I can barely finish projects I start, most of the time they burn out before they even really get started. This video has helped inspire me to take things a little slower, focus on school foremost, and use my free time better. I've tried to get into game development for a while, and I found your channel while trying to decide between Godot and Unreal engine. I hope to use game development as a kind of exercise, to adjust to spending more time active, less time sitting around and letting work overwhelm me. I guess I just wanted to say thanks for making videos like these, it's really helped me describe and think through some things that have been bugging me for a while. And also helped me understand the Godot engine a little bit better :)

[@Scubadog_]

That's me right now. I still have 2 months left, but every idea until now has crashed and burned. Everything you said at the end there resonated with me on a very personal level.

[@_deltaz]

Awesome!

[@corwinbeukes4636]

What a nice story😊

[@cupofdirtfordinner]

great video man!

[@GavinusMaximusMaster]

I'm watching this video because I need a break at the end of a long school day because I don't have the mental energy or time to do any other goal I have. Take care of yourself man. Your mental health matters. I have watched people try to be superman/superwoman/superperson and burn out. Take it easy. You'll get there :)

[@destyde]

Great video!

[@DragonplayerDev]

University is bottom-heavy. You'll be the busiest you've ever been in your life in the first year, but as you move along, you'll get less and less busy.

[@Whytheguyy]

Holy crap 48 hours!!!!!!

[@stormhought]

I am on my last year of high school and started dabbing in unreal engine. I also work for two days of the week so I have time no energy to work on my game, but I hope again start right after I finish this school year

[@criminechen]

Amazing video!

[@Qui6Below]

one of the most underrated game dev channels

[@pranjaydass6240]

As a highschool student myself I also don't get much time, go to school come home eat lunch take a nap do homework and prepare for upcoming exam(s) and repeat the cycle again everyday and I also want to do so much things like learn screen play, novel reading, manga reading, going outside, etc. I don't know how much work a university put on students but I am in a somewhat same situation as you. And I am also surprised at how much foreign highschool students accomplish in 2-3 years of highschool like they really have goals and a path on the other hand I have to worry about clearing entrance exam and university. So you should be proud of yourself and don't worry you will get through this. The time will pass as it always does and you will be in a better place in mind and in the world so don't worry.

[@Wqahgd]

YOOO NEW VID!

[@user-vm6zm8rs2w]

No cost too great man

[@nicolej8794]

It definitely gets easier when you get to the third and fourth years; you will get much more free time to invest in your hobbies. As a third-year student teaching myself Xcode and Swedish, I wish you the best of luck.

[@chandra_creator]

character arc in this devlog

[@GonziHere]

Hey, you are incredible! Just set up your priorities in a way that you'll like when "looking back". I, personally, would be very content with "managed to do my studies and add an hour daily on top of it on my hobby instead of wasting time on reddit".

[@BlenderInferno]

Alternative title: Making a game in Hard mode

[@UltimatePerfection]

Now make a game that is so addicting that it causes people to have no time because it is taken by your game.

[@foxglove5657]

Just curious what is your program, I was recommended your vid and thoroughly enjoyed but I was dumbfounded with what your program could be?

[@jorgearcas1172]

Hey fella, currently going thru the same, university feels exhausting, I'm not surrounded by good people, everyone's quite fake and nothing about classes makes me wanna do anything about it, I always hope and pray to end to go home, open unity and make any arcade game that gives me joy, but as a wise man once told me, you miss the best searching the error, I started looking for a part time job and started looking for game designing universities and degrees, if something like your degree doesn't gives you joy, your career won't be better, you'll be stuck working on something you hate for someone you hate, this path may lead me to some of the poorest years of my life, but I'll be doing what I love, that's my point of view

[@baumerrr]

5:43 His Google search: "How to grow weed"

[@Christian_Luczejko]

Did you try using soapy water on your post-secondary program? It could help making free time easier to find.

[@NathanOnline]

I don’t know how you do it, I probably would’ve dropped out😅

[@user-ti8fj1fg8o]

Love your game and good job btw, but it kinda reminds me of a game my world history teacher made me play called “3rd world farmer”

[@30hig67]

Love the video (:

[@SnowyFoxFox]

My biggest regret in life is not quitting my job to focus on college. I often wonder where I would be today if I'd done that. Though I love your videos, I'd say you are asking yourself the right questions, from the right perspective. If you decided your uni course were more important than your KZbin channel, I would understand.

[@stickguy9109]

Bro this video deserves an Oscar for it's script.

[@Proxy720]

Experiencing the same exact struggle atm, thanks to my horrible time management

[@zeldamen80]

You are really cool :>

[@gaker19sc]

Yay, I'm not the only one using Aseprite as a normal photo editor!

[@odog6381]

Love the vid

[@sortextheguy]

great video

[@IvanSal778]

At this point I think I watch to see which mario game inspired you for this game design wise lol

[@dannycraftreuploads]

what do you recommend for making 3D games and don't say unity

[@addmix]

Paying tuition to be a slave to the machine. Going in to decades of debt.

[@benemy9]

Great video man. What do you study?

[@1stviperr]

Hey there, I’m trying to get into coding and all that and I’m currently trying to teach myself python using KZbin, I finished Highschool in the end of last year and now I’m thinking of studying in 2024 and taking a gap year to try and teach myself some programming languages. Do you have any advice about what direction to go into? Would just like to point out that you made a really fun game and a good video. I hope you don’t get to overwhelmed with stress and good luck with your studies and KZbin channel!🎉

[@certified_crab]

When i run into the apples to collect them, nothing happens and they just get pushed around. Do you or anyone else know how to fix this? Or does the game just not work anymore?

[@blu8009]

As someone who plans to go to university I can't say much, just know that once you finally get through the hard years, being free and in control is enough of a reward to make it worth it.

[@Midnight_Gust]

what is the app you are using for editing the textures? .Btw nice vid