I MADE An Open World Game

[@Orys-k1g]

Creating a game is an enormous challenge, but doing it while raising young kids is monumental.

[@advancenine]

It's certainly not for the faint of heart but dang it was alot of fun. They also became amazing alpha testers. Kids don't care about anything... I'd watch them walk straight through walls and realize I missed a collider... or they'd just press a mess of buttons and destroy the dialogue system. They found these issues so you guys wouldn't have to 😁 Thanks for your kind words! I really appreciate it!

[@faithdrawnstudios]

FACTS!

[@RobertBMenke]

I’m so impressed that you shipped this. Just bought it and will give it a review once I play it. Congrats!

[@advancenine]

@@RobertBMenke I appreciate appreciate you showing the ultimate support. You're amazing. And thanks in advance for the review! Its the possible way to help me. You're a good friend 😍

[@afirstlovelost]

Congratulations on the release! I can't wait to give it a play!

[@advancenine]

Really appreciate that. If you played and liked my game, I would pumped forever 😍

[@blockeontheleafeon]

It's surreal to see so many KZbinrs I know of have their games released this year, yet it's awesome to see that at the same time. I appreciate everything that goes into whatever game a KZbinr ends up making.

[@muffinman472]

Your devlogs have been a treasure. I've been meaning to go back and rewatch them all. Thank you and congrats on the release.

[@advancenine]

This comment is a treasure. Thanks for being supporting this amazing journey!

[@williamlittle6331]

Your dev log videos have been an immediate must watch for me since the beginning and I'm so excited to get to play the full game now! Taking on something this big as a part time solo dev is incredible and I think you should be proud just for bringing the project to a final release.

[@advancenine]

This is such a nice and suppotive comment. Wow... thank you! Thank you for playing the game and THANK YOU for being a part in this amazing journey. No matter how this turns out, this has been such an amazing ride and no way I could have done it without everyone's amazing support🤩

[@GetIndieGaming]

Many congratulations. What a journey! I've yet to play this although I have it marked down for the Holiday break.

[@advancenine]

Aww thank you! Cool to see you here! I really appreciate your comment. I hope you LOVE the game but would love to hear your opinion no matter what. Thanks for being cool!

[@FinalMyle]

Bought! As a former and about soon to be again, game developer myself, I have been, over the past couple of years watching numerous game dev logs and yours has always stood out to me. and I have followed you throughout your journey. Congratz on finishing your project. I can't wait to install it and start my journey. Oh wait, it's installing now. :)

[@advancenine]

Hey! Thanks for the ultimate show of support. This is such a kind compliment and gesture and I’m not even sure I deserve it. But gosh dang I sincerely appreciate it!

[@ahmedalghamdi1054]

I'm not a cozy game guy, but I will buy the game and give it a good review to support your hard work. As a new indie dev, seeing you being able to make this amazing game while having 2 kids is really inspiring! Great job man!

[@MetodistGames]

Congratulations dude, I've been following you for a long time. I wish you success and happiness.

[@rikhard13]

Hey man congrats, it was really nice to follow you in this journey with this vlogs. Thanks for that. PS: those spoilers were avoidable :((

[@GReimerGaming]

Fantastic job man! Already pumped out a couple guides in this if people are missing a few items!

[@advancenine]

Thank you so much for all the bugs you found and all the improvements you brought to the game. I literally could not have done this without you and I want to be your friend FIVE-EVER! 😄

[@unstableanimates8070]

Congrats on releasing your game. It’s amazing what a single dev has been able to achieve. The vibe of the game is so relaxing and cool. As an aspiring game dev that just is just 2 months deep in my first game this is such an inspiration. I hope this game succeeds and brings you tons of players.

[@OmegaFoamy]

I'm a bit strapped on cash at the moment so I can't quite play it yet, but I'm SO excited for you! Been following this project for quite some time and I can't wait to play it! I'm super happy for you for finally making release!

[@LuRybz]

Props for John to all the sound work of course but as a developer, I can imagine the huge amount of work behind it. Releasing a game like this is insanely difficult but you managed it! Excellent work!

[@MarkoPiroski]

Congrats on the launch! 🎉 I have watched many game developers throughout the years and many of them just never finish their dream game. But not you! You made your dream game and you should be proud of yourself and the great community that helped you! ❤ I wish you many more successful projects in the future 😊

[@fceruti]

What a great wholesome story! I've been following you for months, and it's amazing & inspiring to see you crossing the finish line. Good luck!

[@evazquez18]

🎉🎉 congrats on the launch

[@advancenine]

Thank you soooooooo much!

[@emiliozalva5719]

congratulations!! I have been following the project for a long time and I am glad that its launch has a legacy. Greetings from Argentina!! I will try Night Stones soon.

[@PokeToT]

this is so inspirational!! as a dad with 2 kiddos too, i know getting time to work on things is tough! great job and congrats on the release! looks very quaint and fun!

[@crimsonhollowgame]

What an incredible journey! Congratulations on completion!! 💜

[@advancenine]

Hooray! Thanks for the kind words and the amazing support along the way. You have no idea how much I appreciate you... and how excited I am to play your game! 😍

[@nekuyo95]

Holy, the idea of the enemies movement is brilliant! Really well done, the game looks really cute, Ill check it out!

[@pawechlebowski3410]

Following from the start, fellow dev. Congrats on the release! Game looks fantastic on video, can't wait to play it!

[@MThingz]

Congrats man. I have been following your videos for some time now. As a parent working full-time and juggling game dev on the side, I understand the struggle. You should be proud of the work you accomplished.

[@kptmaci4979]

Congrats! You are an inspiration for other gamedevs! Can't wait to play your game and rewatch your vlogs!

[@BuckeyeBunny]

Woo hoo!! 🥳🎉 Congrats on Night Stones' launch! Can't wait to cozy up and play it and listen to the soundtrack, and I hope it's an immense success. To infinity and beyond!!

[@advancenine]

Hahahaha! I'm always so happy when I see your username! Thanks for being such a critical piece of this journey. Your support means the world to me!

[@Kiki-qh7xk]

Bro,I hope your game sells a lot. You have inspired me so much on your journey. I just graduated in digital games, and I made a game that ended up winning an award here in Brazil. But doing everything alone is very complicated. Watching your journey made me grow in confidence. Thank you very much!

[@Reverie_Blaze]

Watched your devlogs a long while back, and recently was trying to find them, but just couldn't. Out of the blue KZbin has decided to recommend me this video :D so nice to see you releasing the game!

[@pladuxz]

Congrats on the release and thanks a lot for all the dev logs you did!

[@autumnshade84]

This devlog warmed my heart 😊 it’s amazing to see how much you’ve accomplished, and doing so with a full-time job and family. Would love a video or videos on how you budgeted your time. Just purchased a copy and looking forward to playing this with my partner on cozy nights 😊

[@DannyboyMT]

Congratulations on the release, just bought it! can't wait to play it 😊

[@michaeljfordham]

Congrats on completing the game! It looks and sounds incredible, and it's been fun to watch your devlogs throughout!

[@michaelpennington6304]

Congrats on wrapping it up! I can't wait to get around to playing it.

[@mattwester9093]

Just got it on steam, happy to have watched your game develop over the last year and I am looking forward to seeing what you do next. Congrats on getting to this point!

[@saraaboshousha7266]

i watched your first videos when you were starting and telling how you are getting your assets, and tell a story of your son and family. You inspired me to continue my VR game for college when i thought I missed the train, that was a year and so ago. hopefully i buy your game as soon as i get my wallet liquidated !

[@ragebbop7130]

This is actually super impressive ! That amount of polishing for a solo dev project, I'm blown away, wow... (And the gameplay and story seem great too btw !)

[@JustJack_IndDev]

Congratulations on the game. Slowly making mine, but between work, life, kids, etc. it is difficult to find time. Well done. You did it.

[@happydeadbed5995]

I remember seeing your video your first devlog about this game last year, and now it out congrats

[@DrewVanCamp]

Wow! This reveal is a roller coaster ride and I'm very impressed. The game seems at first so simple yet is clearly so complex. And I totally jive with the sundry inspirations. I'm just discovering this project and these people, but I'm instantly proud of all their hard work and thoughtful craftsmanship. Well done! Wishlisting now. My family is going to enjoy this one. Also, let's get a Switch port eventually. I'll buy it twice if that helps. Fellow game dev dad high fives all around! Keep up the great work. I'll be following your journey.

[@betweentherainsmusic]

I've been watching since day one and can't congratulate you enough! Most solo/startup indie devs give up LONGGGG before this point, especially on a game of this size, so I tend to assume that will happen. It's always so heartening to see someone make it all the way. Your composer did some great work, too. Adaptive music can be tricky but it looks like you did it well. So BASK IN THE GLORY and take a deep breath. :) You deserve it.

[@RonanLG1]

As a UI artist, seeing solo devs achieve games like this reaaaaally makes me want to start learning how to do all this myself. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@xykit]

Congrats on getting it done! I just picked it up on Steam, can't wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing your Dev Journey!

[@andresmicalizzi5420]

Man, you fill me with inspiration. I'm 41 and have 3 kids, and have been on and off going into game development for years.

[@andresmicalizzi5420]

PS: started following the Channel a couple of years ago, when you started posting. The game looks awesone

[@sunny99179]

This is an great victory!!! congratulations!! you are a big inspiration for me, meanwhile im on my pace learning the animation tree inside unreal engine and programming.. i really am so excited for also play your game because it is the ''new soul'' of zelda wind wake that i love so much

[@ErikBod]

Congratulations, but this is important. Steam only send an email to customers about a discount if the discount is at least 20% off

[@advancenine]

You are right! They will also send an email at release regardless of the discount amount. Thanks for spreading the word 🥰

[@Dardasha_Studios]

I have been following this channel for a while. To see it come together is brilliant!!! Congratulations!!

[@JackalGledhof]

I've followed this game through all the devlogs and am very happy for you to finally release it!

[@Gothicpolar]

Congrats! I don't know how you pulled all of this off with a big family and a day job.. amazing! I need to buy this soon!

[@Xeratas]

Clapping for you irl. Very cool to follow that journey. Imagine looking back to this in 30 years and know you have published this gem.

[@BankoIsMe]

In all seriousness though, this game honestly looks so cool. The amount of work put into this is amazing, and the visuals, puzzles, everything works so well together. You should keep making more games :)

[@mevrik223]

Where have you been? We missed your videos soooo much! Thanks, and congrats on the release of Night Stones, much love! ❤

[@SLHomie]

So awesome to see you completed the game! It's feels like yesterday when I saw your very first video and there was only one on the channel! ... Congratulations 🎉!!

[@rhyantrick8178]

Hi Ryan! Im Rhyan! Congrats on your game. Ive watchedyour videos and as a father too, its awesome to see someone dedicated to do what they love whilst supporting their children. We are not just doing it for ourselves but for them too! Ive just started my game developer devlog journey but i hope someday to release a video just like this! many blessings.

[@KanaNyctous]

I watched one of your dev videos a while ago (Apr 2023!), saw the game's trailer on the Wholesome Games channel a few days ago, got super excited & downloaded the demo for when I'd have time to play it- all without connecting the dots that I knew this project already until this video got recommended to me 😂 Nice when you get to be excited about something twice (especially in more difficult times) & I'm happy you made this huge accomplishment- congratulations 🥳

[@CF-lm7gu]

Congrats this looks great and I would love to play this! I remember watching your progress videos and to see this is an awesome improvement!

[@FlamerOHR]

I remember watching a few random devlogs from your channel about this game, amazing to see it is released!

[@LeDoeh]

damn you are just one of the finest guys on youtube. You talk so nicely, one must like you! I'm gonna check the game out when I have the mood for a singleplayer game. Looks beautiful!! And looking back to your first (or second) devlog - this game looks really like a fulfilled dream! Very inspiring, hope to see more :)

[@isaiahruland8096]

This right here is what gaming is about. Finding a talented individual artist (or two in this case) or indie developers and experiencing the passion and vision they have. I am sold on purchasing this piece of art solely off the demo you have here. Great job and a hope you find much success with this

[@BenJogan]

As a solo-developer in my spare time, while also working and carrying out some family tasks, I found your story incredibly inspirational! I felt so much close to your situation that I immediately bought the game. That's so nice to see that, even as a single person, it is always possible to create a game if that's your passion. PS: I also "use" my nephew as an alpha-tester.

[@Maat-ka-Ra]

great news. i wishlisted Night Stones on steam after i saw one of your dev videos months ago. i will def be buying it. thank you for your work.

[@joelhughes1112]

I enjoyed a short hike alot. Just brought your game, look forward to playing it

[@metaphoricallyspeaking]

Have looked forward to each of your devlogs - congrats on the release. Looking forward to playing. Hope it goes well!

[@DeVii13]

Just popping by to say congrats on the game, saw the videos a good while ago when you had to make water, stayed for the journey, even the revamps, love the game as a whole, hope it blows up man. If i could i'd buy it just to support, butt, later in life, have fun and all the best man

[@SquidgeMakesGames]

Well done! Been an awesome journey to follow, wishing you all the best with the launch!

[@johnnydaugherty11]

Lols that cut off on John talking was great! Well done guys! Looks so great you got my vote!

[@chronicallychic]

I haven't had the chance to play this yet but it looks SO adorable and up my alley, so I wishlisted it and will definitely be checking it out 😊 Congrats on all your hard work!

[@qooldeluxx]

I'm glad you were able to make it all the way to release!! great job i'll have to pick this one up soon!

[@MetalMightGames]

I was waiting for someone to make another game like A Short Hike! Such a great concept for a cozy game! And no farming or crafting!!! I put Night Stones on my Steam wishlist. 😉👍

[@tobario]

Congratulations Ryan. Followed your channel since the first devlog. I wish you a smooth and succesful release! It's a great achievement to finish a game and put it out there. I hope I'll be there too next year. Also respect for building a succesful youtube channel on the side.

[@ebolei]

hey man congrats, been watching the devlogs as an aspiring solo dev. Just want to say this looks great and you should be proud of your accomplishment. Wishing you the best

[@tobiasrintoul]

congratulations on finishing the game and putting it out there. I've enjoyed following the devlogs and will try check out the game soon :)

[@terasss2]

Congratulations!!! I've been following you since you started developing this game and I am really happy for you and that the hard work really paid off. I played the demo and I enjoyed it, and I bet the game is even better now! I will definitely be giving it a try!

[@hazelora]

gz! the boy also finally looks friendly. gonna check it out once i have some spare bucks for new games

[@aryavatan]

Congratulations!! What an achievement! Loved watching your journey since the first devlog till now

[@Grignote-v6y]

I stumbled upon this video and let me tell you: This game looks fantastic, and I can't wait to start playing! A new subscriber just entered the chat.

[@PenOkOh]

This is amazing. One person only?!?! Granted, you have some experience clearly. I can build worlds, craft a story, dialogue, but I would fall when it comes to manually doing code. I wish I could make something like this. Just a simple world but a rich and meaningful story.

[@Pantastical]

Congrats! I loved the demo. Can't wait to try the full game. I got the email that a game on my wishlist went on sale and was so stoked when I read it was Night Stones!

[@braydenfuller3511]

This is so exciting!!! I've been following since your first ever dev blog!! I don't have the money to get it at the moment but once I have some to spare I can't wait to try out night stoned and see how far it's come!!

[@2cats_and_a_man]

Congratulations! Finally, the game is out. When I saw the game on the top chart of Steam new games, I got very happy for you.

[@MadamMorgue]

Congrats! Time to enjoy the fruits of all your hard work. Wishing you nothing but the greatest success😊

[@AngelOf1000]

Congrats on the release, I've been following you for a while and it's been great seeing the development.

[@galaxius_games]

looks amazing! you are very talented to be able to raise a family, work a day job, and create this beautiful game! wishlisted and subscribed!

[@Surfboarder4]

It's been awesome to watch you document your journey! I can't wait to play!

[@justsophia22]

I’ve been so looking forward to your game! Best of luck with the release! Can’t wait to dive in 💜

[@jthompson7024]

KZbin algorithm brought me here even though I've never heard of the project before. This looks super cool! It looks like it has some similar vibes to the game Tunic as well

[@neemiasleal9773]

Congratulations on the release! I'll get it as soon as I can. Loved your videos since the very first one, I'm excited to get to play the game

[@davidz037]

Best of luck with the launch! I've been following this project for a while and it is really uplifting to see you pull it off :)

[@ponodude101]

Just bought it! So excited to go on this adventure after watching your journey to make it from the beginning

[@datnastysalad5616]

AHHH CONGRATS!!🎉🎉🎉 it's been such a long journey, I'm so happy for you! I'm excited to play :)

[@Asudus]

One word mate, BEAUTIFUL

[@machacaordas]

I've been following your game since earlie dev posts! Very happy for your release and I hope people will like it!

[@robertdavies5139]

congratulations dudes on all your hard work getting to this point. Well done and good luck!

[@brandonbell3133]

Keep the uploads going! We're all learning so much from you!

[@Herodragon9]

It has been an amazing experience watching your project from start to finish. It’s interesting seeing how many times your original character changed even before you introduced character customization. I’ll give the game a play through. The real question now is… what’s next for you now that you’re officially an indie game developer? I’m sure the next few months will consist of responding to bugs and player feedback, but after that…

[@Diuler]

As a fellow dev, I am astounded by what you could accomplish, you are an inspiration for all of us out there

[@colechristian3765]

There are 16 reviews as of now! Great job, and congrats on the release! Really enjoyed this retrospective style of devlog for the release

[@iamsushi1056]

Everything looks super great! I hadn’t touched the game since before the boat was added to the demo, so seeing all the changes that happened in those few months last night on the Steam livestream was a real treat. I’m really going to enjoy accidentally breaking the full game :P

[@mortenmller3114]

Congrats. The game looks really beautiful, and very impressive - especially since you are a solo developer. Hope the launch goes well :)

[@adammortonmusic]

Congrats on the release - been following your devlogs for a while and loved the demo! Will have to pick up the full version now :) Also wanted to send compliments to Jonathan for the awesome soundtrack! Great music for a cozy game :)

[@dorzaii]

The soundtrack really reminds me of old school Maplestory but then modernized. Love it!

[@beardyluke]

Great job! Congratz... It is like yesterday I started watching your devlogs and now the game is done. Amazing.