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

[@5MadMovieMakers]

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

[@FruitFire]

This has no replies... Lemme fix that.

[@NickGreyden]

@@FruitFire I'll help too

[@FruitFire]

@@NickGreyden lol

[@abbosimmo]

Indeed

[@FruitFire]

@@abbosimmo indeed

[@Labcoat42]

I laughed so hard at you saying it's barely replayable. I totally understand why it wouldn't be replayable for a lot of people, but I found this game during a very weird time in my life and basically imprinted on it like a baby duck. It fills me with such warm feelings of curiosity and contentment that I have never felt in any other game. In so many little ways playing Eastshade feels like coming home. The final sequence brought me to tears when I finished my first playthrough. So far I have played 218 hours in Eastshade, and I can promise I will play many more. Thank you for this wonderful game, best of luck on all of your future projects.

[@nickmills8476]

what better recommendation is there than this! for a game, a book, and well, just about anything. This is the first I've heard of Eastshade, but I'm coming to realize it's more than just a game, to a lot of people. What a creation it must be.

[@Broccoliina]

I played this game a couple of years ago, and still sometimes get random moments when I just miss the world and think that I should replay it :) I had some annoying bugs in the game, but overall I really enjoyed the experience.

[@meghanbrooks6967]

I wish theyd make a DLC or a second Eastshade game. I play this when im depressed or anxious. I listen to the music at work. I play each time different. And the world is just so beautiful to sit walk around in. It gives me the feeling of escapism I cant always find in books.

[@alc1777]

Agreed!

[@thecamillarose9806]

Right I have never heard of it but I will be buying it soon! ​@@nickmills8476

[@fredericc.6115]

Seems like your wife is a real angel. Her insights and support must have been invaluable. Congratulations to you both and all the best for your next projects!

[@sudstahgaming]

It's the unbaked pie what a keeper

[@Sir-Bane]

I have never once seen any advertisement, videos or anything related to this game. Yet after the 30 second intro, I bought it

[@eastshadestudios8335]

thank you so much for the support

[@redtaperecorder1]

Haha, same thing with me! What a gorgeous game. And the story behind its creation is so inspiring!

[@spiegeleifisch2982]

@@redtaperecorder1 +50 inspiration

[@yudhanjaya]

Same!

[@GaminGuy01]

this is the advertisement my man, you got played lmao

[@johnmurray7097]

Painting mechanic is genius. A game that is a place is genius. A game that encourages going slow to smell the roses is genius. Triple A games made by most studios are the formulaic anti-creativity lobotomized experiences we are spoon fed these days, but indie developers like these people show that games can still have soul and inspiration. Way to go indie devs.

[@Vihart]

Eastshade is one of my all time favorite games. The visuals, music, and mechanics all come together to create a beautiful peaceful sense of place. I've played it through twice, have forced others to play it just so I can watch them, and am thinking maybe it's soon time to go for #3. It really is a special game and I can't wait for Songs of Glimmerwick!

[@skyzefawlun]

Vi! You are one of my first subscriptions on youtube more than a decade ago, and the fact that one of the most impactful and beautiful games I've ever experienced just so happens to be your favorite game of all time gives me so many warm fuzzies

[@aalulaart9011]

Omg seeing you in the wild like this is crazy love you Vi!

[@Emma-Maze]

Well now I really *need* to play it :o It's been sitting on my wishlist for a while since I never buy games unless they're on a sale, but now I might just have to make an exception.

[@Revelationscreation]

@@TheMaddenGuy1 lmao, do you live in a fantasy... ha you're delusional. You the dude who sh*t up that madden event. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thank you so much for the kind words! It means a lot to us! Haha forcing others to play so you can watch ROFL!

[@riddlesphinxx]

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

[@exosproudmamabear558]

Yep it explains a lot. I loved that movie

[@riddlesphinxx]

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

[@exosproudmamabear558]

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

[@BdR76]

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

[@nekronavt]

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

[@NenaBanshee]

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

[@eastshadestudios8335]

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

[@astrosoup]

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

[@pboytrif1]

This is why you dont pirate games, especialy from small indie developers. SUPPORT THEM. Give to them. Even if you got the game pirated, go back and buy the retail version. Thanks for your heartwarming story

[@jackman5840]

only pirate from companies like Disney that like to try to get away with literally killing people, and also has the balls to charge $130 for their game. I work as many hours as I physically can on my projects, and I'm feeling bad about the $5 I'm thinking to charge.

[@AndreaSzabo7171]

Today. 💞 I did meet a man with a dog. And the dog was called. Pirate.

[@AndreaSzabo7171]

And. It was kind of Chinese ghost story.

[@Viljoen7]

yeah fuck that

[@KeenBulldozer]

@pboytrif1 He made a million dollars, he just told us so.

[@FStoppers]

inspiring, thank you.

[@user-sl1wt1dv4y]

your grandma is goated with the sauce

[@eastshadestudios8335]

ROFL

[@AngelxVillian]

LOL

[@guzvar]

LMAO, even

[@TheAwesomeShaz]

lmaoaooaoa XDDDD

[@cartruck4118]

this i dont understand

[@leonardofraga5130]

I teared up with the eastshade pie because that 'wife love' is a God given gift that only the ones who were blessed with know how it feels. I immediately paused the video and joined my wife for a "second late breakfast". That's absolutely something that she would do. I'm so happy for you guys, what a great journey, with a nice touch of climax with snow at the launch day.

[@henriquematias1986]

🥲🥲

[@realmysticstrider]

Millions of dollars? How? I call major cap. Got me scratching myhead coming from a early 90's millenial who's experienced a lot of mmos and rpgs growing up. If I must ask, what's your team like? Just the two of you? Doesn't make sense how you could generate that much amount for developing this game which doesn't have a lot of users on steam. Stop capping.

[@realmysticstrider]

Also, stop eating top ramen noodles like that which gives cancer and copying The Elder Scrolls dialoguelike that.

[@Fastard2]

​@fury "Experienced Player" doesn't mean developer, 0 clue on how the business end functions and calling it false? The game released in 2019, that's four years ago. Obviously concurrent players will not be high on a singleplayer game. Nor does current players correlate with sale numbers, on top of the fact it released on Xbox as well which are unseen numbers. Questioning the team numbers when he clearly states the help the team (Which even still, is under 10 people on the development side. On top of the voice actors and writer contractors they paid.) Next time, watch the video before you make a comment with feigned intelligence. :)

[@maenadism]

@@realmysticstrider Let's do some really easy math, since you didn't want to for some reason. Data shows that at least 200,000 - 500,000 people own/owned the game on STEAM alone - this does not count for other places it was released. That's a big gap, so let's go with the lowest one of 200,000 people. It's about $24.99. If they didn't have a sale, that's already $4,998,000. Concurrent players don't mean anything, as already stated. Paying voice actors or anyone else who worked on the game wouldn't make much of a dent in what is already nearly 5 million dollars in steam sales alone, at least, considering it's an indie game.

[@2_Elliot]

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

[@DikyVb]

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

[@boom7713]

Dude, i stumbled upon this game looking for nice games to dive into while on acid. and MY GOD IT DELIVERED. loved it.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

haha happy to be of assistance. I hope your trip was a pleasant one!

[@mccrackenz]

I have had this game for a couple of years now, I saw the moving thumbnail and had to check if it was Eastshade. This game is BEAUTIFUL and your hard work is much appreciated

[@fuzz_game]

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

[@frontendprotogy6749]

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

[@Malzov]

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

[@NoahBerzerk]

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

[@TheBunnyHarvestman]

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

[@אולדסקול]

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

[@michaelirwin7250]

I absolutely adored this game. Some beautiful world building ingenious game mechanics, and touching stories too. The heart you poured into crafting it from the start really shows. I can't wait for songs of Glimmerwick.

[@donnaofsadness]

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

[@AwkwardSpecimens]

Haven't played Eastshade (yet) but absolutely LOVE the idea of painting beautiful scenes directly from the game - brilliantly original!

[@kryptocake]

What a beautiful relationship between you and your wife. Striking out on a dream and a prayer, through thick and through thin. A love that unconditional is something most people can only dream about... until they find it. I would love to make an indy game one day, but even more, I would love to find a partner to travel down life's twisted paths always knowing they would be by my side. Cherish it my friend. Cherish every moment together. You two are living the dream. PS: the story of that pie made me cry too :) thanks for sharing

[@BeastmanWatchUrMouth]

The beginning of your video is exactly the leap i just took a few days ago. I've been working on my game for several months from the time i get off work until i go to bed, and on the weekends. I finally decided to quit my cushy programming job and go all in on my game with my wife.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Very exciting! Wishing you the best in your journey!

[@BeastmanWatchUrMouth]

​@eastshadestudios8335 Thank you! And good luck to you with Songs of Glimmerwick, it looks fantastic. I love the soft brush 2d artstyle of it

[@bejoscha]

I wish you the best of look, strength and endurance. I know that I myself would likely lack the needed qualities to see such a thing through, so I applaud anyone who can do this.

[@swordzanderson5352]

@@BeastmanWatchUrMouth May life be on your side by giving you the knowledge required to further enrich and empower your progress, and may it be not so harsh to tumble you, because life can sometimes be a- *ahem* female canine.

[@alinatr2693]

Good luck,I hope your hard work pays off!!!☺️🍀

[@id104335409]

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

[@benfrese3573]

So all games you know beside Eastshade are shooers?

[@id104335409]

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

[@benfrese3573]

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

[@ranianour9282]

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

[@AuroPenumbra]

This game has a very special place in my heart that I just can't find anything else that matched the energy and feelings I felt when I first played it. There's no game that compares to Eastshade. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, you guys deserve those millions and more!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thank you so so much! It means a lot to us!

[@betaclip1076]

I found your game while googling “games without conflict” in the middle of the pandemic. It was so calming and the ambiance and soundtrack and everything about it is wonderful! Just what I needed! I wish there were more games like it. Cool to hear your story! I wish it were more replay-able but oh well.

[@Agrona33]

I am so glad I came across your video! The game looks amazing and I love the whole concept of painting. I just added it to my wishlist on Steam! Thank you for taking the time to create something beautiful and relaxing! ❤

[@cthru547n7]

it took me 5 years to play through eastshade and i just finished it on the day this uploaded which is nuts to me. ive always gone and played it when i was ill, sad or exhausted. it felt like a real place and somewhere i could return whenever i needed a rest. i also think it took me 5 years to finish this because i never wanted it to end. a couple days ago though i found out theres a game u guys made called "leaving lyndow" which fits perfectly as a last farewell to my very personal time i had with eastshade. thank u for making this (i never write comments lol)

[@Kay12ization]

Well your comment just sealed the deal that I'm buying this game, never heard of it until now!

[@Emma-Maze]

That's an insanely long time! So happy for you that you had such a magical and comforting experience with this game. 💛

[@sickkidsindrift6517]

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

[@eastshadestudios8335]

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

[@violax3735]

Can't stress out how much Easthade has meant for me. It's such an amazing, healing experience. Beautiful game and a wonderful video. You and your wife are a true inspiration.

[@missfallt67]

Eastshade is the most beautiful game I've ever played. Just hearing the amazing music gives me goosebumps and taking a glance at the breathtaking world makes me tear up. I remember playing this game shortly after release, when I was struggling with crippling depressions. This game gave my something to wake up for. I wish I could play it for the first time again, as I have never experienced such a sense of wonder in a game before or after. Your game changed my life - and many others too - for the better. Thank you so much, your wife, your team, your family, this community.

[@cnaj]

This was such a great video to watch. It was interesting learning how everything started. I have recently started playing Eastshade and while I'm only at the start, I could tell this is a game I would definitely play a lot. I do like the premise of taking my time exploring a world and this is one game I could truly do that without feeling like I need to rush to the next area, or finish a quest right away. Love that.

[@faithhyatt6476]

Thank you so much for making such an amazing game. To see how much effort and passion that went into this project makes me love it even more. Eastshade is so important to me and I always tell as many people as I can that they need to play it. By the way, that was my tattoo shown at 7:03 !! Thanks again for sharing it on twitter. It's one of my favorite tattoos because when people ask what it means I can say "oh it's my favorite game! Eastshade!"

[@eastshadestudios8335]

OMG thank you so much! Haha oh snap it's the same Faith! Thanks for checking out the video and thank you for playing Eastshade! We will never forget your appreciation for the game in your tattoo!

[@AstonJay]

Honestly, this is the first time I've heard of Eastshade... I'll have to check it out. I usually watch a lot of indie devs on YT, but never saw you guys on here until now. Well done on the game & launch👍

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thank you! We only really just started posting content seriously a few months ago! Before that it was just a random smattering and basically a hosting platform for our trailers :).

[@Danny-BigD]

Well most don't need to do this.

[@jrl360]

Same, great video!

[@leokhorn]

Same. Never heard of this before but now looking into it. I guess YT marketing works!

[@Faeyeful]

Big applause from someone who was with a small indie game dev team since 2010 and is now trying to start her own small team with 0 budget to make the game of my dreams to bring some fun to people in these sometimes dire times. Sadly I am "only" a level designer, user interface artist, QA lead, game designer and press-/ community manager, without a programmer and a 3d/2d artist it is quite hard - still hoping to find some people to join me. :) The design document and planning is all done, but without manpower it is impossible.

[@aub1729]

hey are you still on it?

[@edusantino6317]

@@aub1729 I was going to ask the same thing. I'm a Senior Android developer, but I'm learning Unity and C#

[@CraigMansfield]

Try talking to John or Brenda Romero in Ireland

[@ashleyez2022]

Then learn to be a programmer, 3d/2d artist

[@Casta2]

As a Canadian "With over a foot of snow any car was hopeless" sounded pretty funny

[@GreenLycan]

I loved eastshade, the only issue I had was the lack of a fast sprint lol, it's inspiring how you helped your genius wife make a game.

[@odntemagnus]

Congratulations! What a lovely story - Jacqueline and the oats, love it!

[@digital0785]

ngl that got me more then I expected to for a game I hadn't heard of till it popped up on my recommended. Killer job guys! the game looks pretty sick

[@nikkeydc]

Every songs in Eastshade reminds me of that nostalgic hit that makes me believe I was part of the Eastshade, I was born there and wish to live there forever!

[@powergannon]

Nice postmortem. That release day weather issue sounds scary, glad it went smoothly enough. I’ve been working solo on a game for 2.5 years now, and with working full time as well, it can often feel like an arduous, nearly insurmountable path, but it’s important to remember there will eventually be light at the end of the tunnel.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Best of luck to you on your journey!

[@powergannon]

Are you talking to Eastshade dev or me? I have no store page or marketing at all at the moment, literally nothing to advertise. Either way that was pretty rude of you.@@yusarimahubara

[@SnowyLeopardFrom1997]

damn, I wish you all the luck on your project man. I've been quietly working on my own as well Unfortunately though, I never had a full time job as we speak, so I heavily relied on my savings and the asset store, and the amazing support of the developers that I spend my money on buying assets from

[@bmx3539]

Good luck on your game!

[@thomasoke2]

​@@SnowyLeopardFrom1997may I ask what you're working on?

[@Monkey-ook-ook]

That is actually such an amazing and life-changing project to work on with your wife. I know mixing work/business with family can have its downsides but sounds like this was just raw passion. So awesome!

[@Kausemus]

Damn! That's a success story if I ever heard one. Congratulations! I too went all in. Learned to do everything by myself. Coding, 3D, Textures, Materials, Animation, UI, Sounds, Music, VFX, filming real-life cinematics and so on. No assets from any marketplace. From 2015 to 2020. 6-12 hours per day. Published "Underponder" on Steam. The game has a unique audio based mechanic where the character can close their eyes and focus on their surroundings which helps a lot in completing the game. Then I realized I know nothing about marketing so no one knows my game exists. And well... It's meant for a niche audience anyway. But hey! Somehow it managed to make 1000€ and I regret nothing! Learned a lot and my second game will be so much better. :)

[@silentobserver888]

This was inspiring as I’m an indie writer working on my own fantasy series and the cost point comes down to doing my audiobook whom I’ve chose a very special voice actor to narrate my work. I also do my own art so I can do illustrations. Seeing you go all In because you believed is where I’m at too in my life. I’m proud to see you made your vision come true!

[@ChristopherBuecheler]

Love this game! I've played through it twice and each time I really appreciate the completely non-violent gameplay, wonderful characters, and especially the lovely coda at the end that really hammers home all the relationships you've made throughout the game. Great stuff, and I'm so glad it was a success for you!

[@ThefamousMrcroissant]

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

[@jaffekala]

How nice to find this video! I'm a game dev myself, been working for a company for 10+ years now. I am constantly thinking about taking the same jump and going indie. I played Eastshade a few years ago, loved it and recommended it to a colleague. I hope to see more from you!

[@RebekahParkhurst]

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

[@hamzahgamedev]

As a solo game developer like me, who is still not certain if I will be able to pull through my journey, devlogs like yours really serve as inspirational boosters. I absolutely loved Eastshade, and the cozy vibe it gave can only be achieved by true geniuses. I am so glad you guys crossed paths, and every bit of success you have achieved is very well deserved!

[@AlexGorskov]

A very special game indeed

[@ShoRadioTV]

U can do it bruvvaaaa

[@ahoosifoou4211]

Just do it bro. You got it. Hope to hear about it in the future.

[@Tsygama]

What a wonderful tale of how Eastshade came to be! This game holds a special place in my heart.

[@melchiorpietrasik7434]

Your story has deeply moved me, I have been thinking about bringing to life my own worlds for a long time. But, as someone who works in game development I know that the scale of the project would require a colossal effort that I cannot afford at the moment. This is exactly what games should be - an art form that brings worlds to life for others to enjoy, be inspired from, or get lost with. I will gladly buy this game and appreciate the passion and work that has been put into it. Thank you for sharing the story, this keeps me dreaming. One day, hopefully, I'll share mine :)

[@JoeyVVids]

Happy to know it succeded. I really really loved the game. Thanks for the experience. Songs of Glimmerwick already wishlisted.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Cheers! Thank you so much!

[@Faemoonkin]

Beautiful story, man

[@aronkvh]

The most impressive thing is that your inspiration didn't last for weeks or months, but years (I don't think that has happened to me since I was 14). Of course Eastshade is also very impressive, I remember how hard it was to stop playing. The environment design is one of the best I've ever seen.

[@travisabe-thomas4129]

Eastshade has been one of those rare games that have stuck with me ever since I first played it. Thank you not only for a beautifully wonderful game, but inspiration in this video as well.

[@WadeLady]

Eastshade is one of the most beautiful games in every aspect. What would we do without Jaclyn?? I can't imagine the game without painting and inspiration. And that pie story was so precious. Looking forward to Songs of Glimmerwick!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

You're too kind! And thank you for playing and streaming Eastshade!

[@danielvilliers612]

@@eastshadestudios8335 Today Aibros want to do this in 1 week typing prompt. This story is how the path is as important as the destination.

[@kevinwoods9274]

This video is just remarkable. It creates so much goodwill. I've never heard of you before seeing this video and now I already feel like your biggest supporter. I'd love to do an interview someday if you have the time!

[@trublo]

This was truly inspirational, well done. I recently read the book "10x is easier than 2x", this was your 10x moment.

[@Aezay]

I absolutely love the unique experiences games can give. But it's a rarity that a game with so many amazing and memorable experiences as Eastshade comes along. Even now years after I've played it, I still remember so many of the stories and characters fondly. From what you say, Songs of Glimmerwick will have a lot of the same design philosophies as Eastshade, that alone makes me look forward to your next game. Maybe things would have been better and smoother had the snowstorm and power outage not occurred, but then you would not have had such an out of the ordinary experience to reminisce about. You often wish for things to be perfect, but it's often the moments where it's not, that becomes memorable experiences to look back on.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

We are honored thank you! And wise words! So so true!

[@yarop1794]

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

[@struanpeat5116]

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

[@GlitchedEnt]

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

[@Tomasuu1]

Inspirational. Im happy everything worked out for you in the end. I am developing an indie game as well by myself. Wish me luck!

[@alexevaldez]

Damn that inspiration mechanic is legit awesome

[@Magelord79]

Congratulations on this achievement! Never heard of Eastshade before but it looks awesome and I'll totally check it out. Your story is very inspiring, Thanks for sharing!

[@rektdad3988]

Congratulations! I watched a lot of your streams early on, and thought you had something truly special with this game. Even with all the pressure and sacrifices you made, you still made time to stream and offer helpful advice to viewers. You truly deserve all the success, and I look forward to more games from Eastshade!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thank YOU for watching the streams! And for watching this video! I don't know about deserve, but thank you for the kind words! I will try to never take it for granted!

[@QuietButRizzful]

I'm a solo and this was very inspiring. Your wife really loves you, that pie was neat af. I'm basically the opposite of y'all in style though, I want to scare the crap out of my audience. Among quite a few other emotions. But mainly I want my audience's undivided attention and to take them on a wild wild ride.

[@majicweather4890]

Think about this. They made millions with this indie game , ok? And I see a lot of games, like A LOT, and I never heard of their game. My point is, there's definitely enough market out there to get successful and it doesn't even have to be some world wide super popular phenomenon of a game. Believe in yourself and you can do anything

[@eastshadestudios8335]

You're absolutely right! So many folks underestimate just how big the games market is, and just how healthy the middle class of games is right now. There are hundreds of games coming out every year that the mainstream has never heard of but have found their market and are doing great. There's room for all kinds of games.

[@pixeljurnee]

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

[@DrBossKey]

This was quite lovely. I got a little teary eyed at the pie part of the story, thank you for sharing. I am truly happy for your success as a fellow indie developer. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for you guys!

[@ArseneDofficial]

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

[@mikeadamstattoo]

As a professional landscape painter, active plein air painter, and lover of beautiful exploration games, this game spoke to me so much. The inspiration mechanic translates to real life as well! Thank you for making my favorite game

[@PhantomX141291]

1:55 Happy to say that I was able to feel something like that, only for me it was when I realized that I'm able to compose music and couldn't wait to start working on the next piece! Just a joy of being happy when you're doing what you enjoy, It's a beautiful looking game, congratulations!

[@MexLeonidas]

I would like to thank you for your work on Eastshade. It's easily my favorite comfort game, which I always turn to when I'm feeling depressed or down. It has helped me a lot. I have arachnophobia, and since the owl heads resemble spiders a bit, I had some trouble at the start. However, I truly love your game, and I would like to know how much it has helped with my depression and this fear. Thank you very much! ❤

[@CompliStar]

OOOMG this, like 100%! The owls are really look like spiders, always gave me chill on my spine!

[@LevelesMarkt]

those black eyes+chelicera on face+palp things, trully scary 😖

[@irimac1806]

Thank younfor making this video! It was a random recommendation here on YT and thats how i found your game now ^^ Now I know what to wish for for my birthday :D

[@eyeoftheosprey6678]

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

[@carljenson1573]

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

[@bevs9995]

list the top 5?

[@eyeoftheosprey6678]

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

[@Ishimaru_Kaito]

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

[@AviorEC]

In a time where many big games are seemingly never ending hollow and repetitive experiences, I'm glad that indie developers like you exist. You people remind my why I fell in love with gaming in the first place: To escape to rush of life for a few hours. Eastshade doesn't feel like work, like so many other games today. It feels like vacation and adventure. Thanks for that.

[@Blackflamefire]

This game helps me a lot, i suffer of depression and it helps me. Evertime i felt sad i go back in this game and i feel better. Thank you so much for this game.

[@eastshadestudios8335]

It means the world to us to hear! Thank you so much for playing and watching!

[@TheFesi]

Your journey was really beautiful. I really enjoyed your video, and I tell you, please keep doing what you're doing. You guys are amazing 👏

[@eastshadestudios8335]

You're too kind! Thanks for watching!

[@soapandbutter]

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

[@princesspixie6392]

This made me so emotional. Number 1 the meal you significant other made you and #2 because I have been working so hard to try to learn code and how to make a game. Its just so nice to see someone succeed and go beyond where they even dreamed of going. I'm so Happy for you guys! Keep it up!

[@eastshadestudios8335]

Thanks so much for watching! And for this lovely comment! Wishing you the best in your journey learning to code!

[@bloobybot1512]

Would like to point out that these people had no jobs and used their life savings. ALL OF IT. No job means no pension contributions, or income at all for that matter. No life savings means nothing to fall back on, say, if one of them got injured and needed hospitalisation. This needs to be highlighted because for every story like this there are thousands where it didnt work out and now theres no life aavings, or job and they have bills to pay.

[@zachmoyer1849]

we get it ur a debbie downer lol. Thank god people take these risks though because if not and we lived in your risk averse world we would probably live in a very stale world.

[@Adriel_HD]

True, good rule of thumb is whatever you do, save enough so that you can support your current lifestyle for 6 months even without a job while you're pursuing something like this or laid off

[@Iceman-gm1fu]

I'm just really glad that you gave your wife the credit she is due, coming up with the brilliant gameplay loop.

[@RadiantSword2K]

Are you sure about this? Nobody worldwide can take this risk.

[@Djou-Karl]

"But you can't keep on working on something forever" Star Citizen left the chat

[@gwyn.]

No Man's Sky: what do you mean you cant work on the game forever

[@cvdheyden]

Satisfaction comes with doing, not arriving. I am happy that you handled the "end of doing-depression" very well. I am building a game myself, more a rough one, but I enjoy every single second. Never heard of this game, and will try it out as I am a photographer myself. Good luck with your endeavors!

[@xiaowei1]

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

[@sambhavsinha8844]

Your story is more beautiful and serene than the scenes in EShade... Support you @author❤😇

[@NewBeginnings-vx6ic]

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

[@D4rkResistance]

I had this video in my KZbin feed and watched it from the start to the end. I had tears in my eyes at the end of the video. I realised at the time of the release, that Eastshade was a game by an indie developer, but it was only through this video that you see not just a random team, but two people who have put their passion and heart into this game. I created a cinematic video for Eastshade on this KZbin channel and also shared it on Twitter in 2020. I remember that you "Danny", retweeted my post and gave me your appreciation for it. Today, 4.5 years later, after this video here, those words mean a lot more to me and I am very happy to have created this cinematic back then, as I still enjoy watching it today to lose myself in the world of Eastshade. It is simply breathtaking what you guys have created, even if the graphics themselves were a bit rudimentary at the time of the release. But that did not harm Eastshade in any way, but rather added to it's charm. Thank you very much for this beautiful, breathtaking game experience and many greetings from germany. 😉

[@NeroTheAngel]

What a wonderful, exciting and heartwarming story. The part with the Eastshade cake at the snow storm brought me to tears. Your story was just as cozy as your game and yes I played it. Just wonderful

[@benjaminbauer425]

Wow. The music, the video, your voice, the story you told…all felt very peaceful, calming, interesting and inspiring. Also meditative. You said you would die a happy man if you were to die tomorrow, and its telling. I can feel your sense of accomplishment and contentment in life. I hope one day I can reach such a state of inner peace as well.

[@91vasi]

they took relationship goals to a different level

[@ThirrinDiamond]

this is literally in my top 10 games, worked so well for my neurotype, so much love in it, i can't put my emotions into words cus it makes me feel too much and it just becomes a jumble of positive emotions but ty for making it/srs 💗

[@marvelleonline]

This was a weirdly successful marriage commercial ngl

[@OwOKrieger]

That painting capture idea is absolutely Brilliant. I have had so many times where I wish I could have had a painting of a moment or scene in a game. Well done, happy to see your success.

[@McShavey]

Okay - the pie moment instantly made me well up. She's a gem. Very happy for your success!

[@StormLord-AOS]

seems like youtube is working as a marketing platform

[@gerasmus]

You are employing some nice storytelling frameworks here, using the word ‘I’ 😊

[@suitNtie22]

I feel really bad for the people that get too inspired by this... probably hurts

[@TheGoodTrader35]

Too inspired??? It's called dedication, hard work and realizing that your goals are possible! Please don't disregard yourself as well as others because in this life we are worth more than any amount of money. Simply put, it's the dream that you chase which turns a typical job into something that you love and earning money is just an extra incentive to keep going. If you want to be the next big game developer, GO FOR IT! , I BELIEVE IN YOU AND ANYONE ELSE WHO THINKS THAT THESE GOALS ARE UNREACHABLE! JUST GO FOR IT BECAUSE THE ART OF SUCCESS IS FAILING AND TRYING AGAIN UNTIL THE MISSON IS ACCOMPLISHED, LIFE IS A GAME EVERYONE!#POWER2GAMERS #LOVEOFTHEGAME

[@lifeleaderquest1277]

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

[@yavor05]

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