My First Year as a Full Time Solo Game Developer

My first year as a full time game developer has been a tough one. I definitely made some mistakes but its been a great learning experience. In this video I wanted to share an update on how things have been going. The things I did right and the things I wish I did differently. Even though I did succeed with the current game I was working on I still have a lot more fight left in me.
Check out my games for VR!
Horror Game:
store.steampowered.com/app/22...
Hunting Game:
store.steampowered.com/app/19...
Patreon: patreon.com/MikeyDGames
Twitter: Twitter.com/DallaraMike
Discord: / discord
0:00 Intro
1:30 Expectations
3:14 Start of the year
4:28 What went wrong
8:43 Wishlists
9:09 KZbin
10:55 Money Made
11:33 Future Plans

[@CodeMonkeyUnity]

Great job on your learning journey! You learned one of the most important lessons in professional game dev, think long and hard and spend a long time picking a good game idea. Something that both matches your skillset AND is marketable. If you find an idea with both those elements everything becomes much easier. Best of luck with your next game!

[@MikeyDGames101]

I appreciate that, thank you! Ya really taking my time on the next project, game dev is a constant learning experience lol. I love your videos btw, you're a legend!

[@damsen978]

There's something about this channel that makes him so genuine. Probably the clean level of editing and video lengths that respect our time. Mikey doesn't seem to act an explosive attitude like PontyPants or Dani and i think that's what i like more about him, because its just him with no pretensions to get more views. Anyway i wish you luck Mike, on everything you do.

[@PomuLeafEveryday]

Your biggest mistake was not putting links to your games in the description so I can check them out

[@MikeyDGames101]

I normally do, forgot too this time. Has been fixed, thank you!

[@PomuLeafEveryday]

​@@MikeyDGames101Awesome! Would you say making VR only games has worked against you? Instead of making hybrid games which can be played on PC with keyboard and mouse, and also on a VR headset if you owned one.

[@MikeyDGames101]

@pomuleafeverday Yes very much so. Learning the VR route took a lot of time away from focusing on a lot of other things that are at least transferable within game dev. It took me months to figure out to properly use hands, Uis, player centering, ect... Now adays theres a lot of pre built systems you just slap in but when i started it was still new. However VR can still be a pain in the butt no matter what lol. I took a big risk on something that i thought everyone would start using but instead, everyone played with their VR headset for 1 week then now it collects dust lol. As far as hybrid games I didnt really think that way,. For the most part PC games dont transfer over very well to being good VR games. My personal opinion is when really good PC games get a VR version people are just more excited to play a game they love in VR but not because its more fun/feels better. Like minecraft in VR (prob fun for a very small bit and a lot harder to do things), its mostly to feel the nostalgia of minecraft in a VR setting, not because it would make a good VR game. Thats my personal take though. Also with VR you get a lot of "simplistic" things or tasks you can have someone do where in a PC environment it would be boring/much less impactful. Like making a pizza with ur hands in VR, opposed to making a pizza with a keyboard and mouse. So when it comes to VR I think you have to try and focus your game design around those elements. Im sure theres been games that have ported successfully to both and worked but I think you get a lesser of a game for the trade off. Oh last thing. I use to wear that headset for hours and hours straight, playtesting, bug fixing, testing out mechanics... ect. It made me never wanna put on a VR headset again lol. I still have like permanent headset hair from that strap. The trade off is I dont think ill ever get motion sickness again my brain got so use to it.

[@NicorusG]

​@@MikeyDGames101 I couldn't agree more about VR. Personally, as I'm developing a game on Oculus quest, even simple tasks like displaying text on the screen can be a pain in the butt.

[@deinemum2750]

You really took that “presentation” advice serious! ❤ such a great improvement to the previous videos. Keep going through the struggles it’s worth it!

[@free3dnft485]

Introvert here, watching KZbin videos while my unity is open in the background thanks for the words of inspiration, back to the game 🎯

[@richardrogue]

You've done great so far my guy and I know that you will only do better in the future.

[@dood_games]

Hes my guy...

[@JasonSandeman]

Hey man, just want to say, Good Hustle. It is tough, after all said, making "only" 100$, but this isn't a failure, it is part of the learning process. Right now you have taken the step into a scary world, and are on the learning curve, so rn it is more like you are investing in yourself, and you studio. I am also an introverted person, and the prospect of being a game dev scares the crap out of me, so seeing that you are doing it helps me immensely. In a couple words, THANK YOU.

[@nerdmassa9086]

I root for you bro, we are in the same situation, i left my old full time job in august to focus on my game im developing since 2014 xD worked on it on and off part-time since 2023, now going 100% since it's a bit complex

[@Nature4U1]

I like your realism and transparency. What you're doing is challenging, managing multiple responsibilities while pursuing your dreams with such dedication and consistency. It will definitely help you to do some user testing: let people you know play the game and stay behind without commenting or helping them. Let them interact and ask them to speak aloud as much as they can, so you understand what they are enjoying and most important, what are the pain points of your game so you can focus on improving them. Afterwards, ask them why they were struggling and how did they expect the game to be or respond in such situations. Do that with 5 or 7 people that represent more or less your audience (so more friends and cousins rather than parents or grandparents). This is UX testing and it is more useful than you would expect. Great job!

[@dreamingacacia]

Condolences, good luck in the future. I'm on my 4th year as a full time solo game dev. My game is expecting to be out in a few months. This game had only been worked for around 2 weeks. I have 10 years experiences in gamedev circle without a single commercial release on steam. Only several tech demos released on itch. I reached the conclusion 2 weeks ago that, it's because of skill issue. Scope planning is the most important in all seriousness.

[@laszloeszik5033]

I am really sorry to see your struggles man. But it is encouraging that you learned a lot along the way and let's hope, even so, I am sure things will be better in the future. I looked at the screenshots of your game, and off the bat - though of course, the game is in development - I saw inconsistency in the art. I see near photo real textures like the ground, sand, clouds and stylized rocks and figures. This project could use an artist's touch is what I mean. :) Reading about it (creature collecting) I think the art of the game could be a Miyazaki-inspired cartoony style, even with cartoon shader (to put some thin black lines around stuff) with matching GUI style. This is of course just an idea, but anyways, a consistent art style would make this game pop. I wish you all the best, and hope to see you succeed! :)

[@dannyryan7788]

I love your content man. I like your mindset and enthusiasm. Something an important mentor of mine said which has stuck with me is “you cannot shortcut these learnings”. I don’t think you’re letting anyone down by going back to the drawing board with your game, or just moving onto other things.

[@ManyFishGames]

One thing it looks like is the youtube videos helps you to stop and celebrate the successes and the things you have learned from. We tend to only focus on the bad especially when we get into our heads and that isn't healthy. So I support to promotion of putting out videos because it forces you to slow down and look at what you have accomplished! Great work so far, thanks for the transparency here. Keep pushing!

[@b-side3682]

This is your usual comment trying to say : "Do not give up!" while at the same time keep your head in the game (pun not intended). Stay strong!

[@Zawazuki]

Keeping it real. I've subscribed, keep it up!

[@rodvik]

Keep the faith! Learn from this and move on to the next one. Sometimes a game you make in a month is way better than one that takes a year.

[@89Szabi89]

I appreciate your honesty and tranparency, don't regret trying this, learning is the best investment there is. Keep it up!

[@oo0speed0oo]

hey mike, keep it up!! we are all rooting for you. love the positivity.

[@neek6327]

Finally. I’ve been waiting for the next drop

[@lunarcoregames]

Best of luck! It's hard out there but don't give up

[@AICyberWavelab]

Unreal engine 5 is what I use. Golden rule when learning, always follow along on tutorials every day if you just watch tutorials ,you aren't learning anything. I am a slow learner so yea....game dev is really hard. Thankyou for sharing.On leave trying to build a game in 5 days.lol.

[@MikeyDGames101]

Yea and try to do every challenge they tell you. I still want to check out unreal soon. Slow learner is fine just stay consistent, good luck with your game!

[@sanidhyameena5131]

From what I can see you needed a little bit of design and branding. Even adding a visual theme for Wildkin will go a long way. It looks like a pretty good game actually, just missing the art and design to make it a polished product. Do not cancel it, it looks like a really good base. Also a good UI system goes a long way.

[@-TOLINSKI]

First, thank you for sharing your experience. I'm just starting out pretty similarily to you, and I am happy to hear that I'm not alone even if the road ahead could result in very sad consequences. I am investing full time into gameDev and living with my parents, I am a computer engineer so I have faith in my technical abilities. I'm just learning UE5 and my goal is to be working on a first test release in a year from now.

[@usercontent2112]

I really like the style of your game. If your game is fun, it is everything you need to catch our attention. Thank you for posting new videos they are always helpful!

[@connorhagerty537]

I'd strongly advise against reviving otherkins. You'll be much better off with a clean slate. As an indie you can't afford to focus on variety pack game design. You just need one very strong and marketable idea to build upon. Also, for scoping, make sure you know precisely how many character models and levels you'll need when starting out.

[@avners3286]

You have projects for a portfolio and can probably get an entry level game development job with some persistence. There you can get more hands on experience, get paid and use the skills on your games. Best of luck in all your pursuits!

[@MikeyDGames101]

I have started applying, well see what happens! Thank you for the support

[@PomuLeafEveryday]

​@@MikeyDGames101 Be careful, you could end up signing a non-compete clause that will not allow you to make and sell your own games while on the job.

[@lordzia6919]

​​@@PomuLeafEverydaydidn't these get banned recently? Also I had the privilege of talking to a 20 year industry veteran not too long ago and brought up this same concern to him. He said most game dev companies have no issues with their employees working on their own side projects as long as you do not use any of their assets code or tools. If you did end up using any of their tools they have a legitimate legal claim to come after your project as their property. Has happened in the past. If u work for a company while doing solo stuff on the side be sure to not co-mingle anything between your personal stuff and company stuff

[@thenamelessdev]

Good luck! You got this

[@Arab_GameDev]

love your content man keep it up

[@DannieHansenWeb]

I'm rooting for you! Discord server would be good for patreon supporters. Or just in general for all! Maybe patreon giving some sort of shiny badge on there.

[@BraveAbandon]

For the horde!

[@mikhailhumphries]

Thanks for sharing

[@playaneta]

I would recommened pick up side gigs to keep you going for another year after. This is year solely focus on game dev and look up and research and implement strategies for your game idea. Unless you want to go back to your desk job if u know from other YT Dev logs

[@playaneta]

I wish the best from another Dev

[@bearblitz]

appreciate seeing the transparency. do you stream? Also any thoughts on working with a group of friends or colleagues?

[@MikeyDGames101]

I dont but I've been thinking about doing it. Sadly I would but I don't have friends that know game dev. Most are software devs lol

[@seraqueeusourealmenteobode31]

Nice your visions dear friend ... I did it one videogame all alone .... called Genius vs AntiChrist 1 .... But your game is selling how much ???? til nowadays !! well Good Luck in your journey ...and long road !

[@Multimedia_Artist]

Hey Friend. How are you? I'm following you. Don't give up. With or without me. Keep working and it will happen one day! Best Regards: Emil.

[@ghostradiogames]

You must be doing pretty well to be able to get by on $700. I'm making $70k a year, and doing gamedev in my free time, and if I wasn't working the day job I couldn't even make it a single month. So if you're in a position in life to be able to do all of this and learn, then yeah man, keep going. People say gamedev is hard, and what they mean is, if you're doing it on your own, there's an insane amount of work ahead of you, especially if you're making a sizable game. I think that's also why they say to make small games, because it's just more achievable. Maybe make a few small games and come back to this one? Build some revenue up, then take the time to hire an artist or whatever you want to do with that big project? I dunno, that's what I'd be doing if I didn't already have a day job paying me good money. As for creating youtube videos, I think that's great if that's what you're doing. But the amount of time you've got to dump into youtube to be a youtuber instead of spending that time on gamedev, I don't understand the purpose of that. If I spent the time making videos my game wouldn't be half as far along as it is. Just my thoughts.

[@buttercup_saiyan]

Adding a better game name might help!

[@billyfighter6945]

There's really no way you can have the motivation for game dev with a full time job, but it's a huge risk to quit. Just do part time if you can.

[@edward3190]

Your game looks very cheap and boring. You should do something else.