No Zero Days - The Path to Game Dev Glory

[@LostRelicGames]

Start Making Platformers with my new Unity Asset Kit ► u3d.as/2eYe

[@Prakaz]

"If you aren't moving forward, you are in fact moving backwards.. Because time is moving forward" - Lost Relic Games As obvious that is, it's an eye opener 🙏

[@marinboras5001]

This dude is like a force projection of Qui-Gon Jin for developers sent to help us

[@ThanhTriet600]

Played by Keanu Reeves

[@hrafnkellorrirastarson7544]

@@ThanhTriet600 Voiced by Steve Irwin

[@synchaoz]

Very true words of wisdom. Personally I had a very hard time getting started on creating assets for my game project, but I told myself that even if I only spend 10 minutes a day doing *something* then that's a success. So I just loaded up my graphics app daily and did a little this and that, even if I had no plan for anything specific. More often than not, those 10 minutes turned into 3 hours of lots of progress. It's the getting started that always the hardest. Getting the truck rolling, so to speak. Once the wheels start turning, pushing it becomes a little easier and before you even realize you'll have traveled many miles even though you only planned to travel a few feet. Excellent advice, John. Things to live by.

[@deepshah737]

Great comment!!

[@levanwhite2307]

His talk applies not to just game dev, but to any aspect in life

[@Tantandev]

Good advice! I recently started a new system, where I try to *never fail twice in a row* Works well for keeping my sleeping schedule if I fail going to bed a certain time, I'll gather all my power to make sure I don't fail the next day, preventing the start of a streak of failures

[@tleanvasner6866]

i've watched several videos of yours and you are so severe with your advice! and i like it. because your content doesn't have some glamorous and full of jokes or easy flow speaches - you're just saying the hard to accept truth that there's no magic and merry way to succeed in, well, anything. one has to work hard to get what he wants. you do not afraid to be "scary", "boring" or "not fun" because your main goal is not to entertain with some "breakfast" videos but to really motivate your audience to turn off all social media and start working on a project. you say those words in avery serious maner that stresses the importace of your speach. this is very cool and to me so refreshing thank you

[@daichi_devs]

Keanu! is that you!? Anyway, completely agree with this vid!

[@asandax6]

CD Project Red taught him game dev and now he is helping us learn it too. LOL

[@benfoote9945]

I'm still hoping that "game dev Jesus" will catch on :P

[@LostRelicGames]

Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well! I appreciate all likes and comments you bestow upon this video. Thanks for your support. Come by the discord if you want to hang out with some friendly game devs. discord.gg/yeTuU53

[@chimberkaw2287]

Hello! I've been watching your videos and it's been really motivational. I've recently been struggling with what I should use for my character movement. It's for just typical character movement like a platformer and things similar to it. Could you perhaps go over a video on what the pros and cons are of using a Rigidbody controller and using Unity's built in Character Controller component? Thanks!!!

[@geshtu1760]

I'm currently working on a game that involves some story and I've found that even when I have the motivation for dev work, that quickly dissipates if I find that the story isn't ready for the part I want to work on. And story is one of those things you mentioned where you don't need to be at the PC, so you can come up with ideas wherever you are. But as you said you need to write it down. Other things that take less brain work than development include artwork and game planning. Even dev blogging is helpful to keep the momentum going because it allows you to process all of the ideas floating around in your head or to remove some of the bad ideas earlier. Once again thanks for the awesome video (even if I got here almost a year late lol - it's been in my YT recommendations for months and I finally watched it)

[@yusrighouse]

Man I am so glad I followed game dev Jesus here :D. For real though really good advice. A tip I found that for really new beginners like me if you get stuck with a difficult problem because you want to do something tricky sometimes its better to just remove unecessary cool ideas that might be too advanced right now and focus on finishing the project. This will ensure you don't get demotivated and give up to early. You can always revisit those Ideas on a later project when you're better prepared to handle it.

[@JK96CZ]

Wow.. these words did actually slapped me in the face. Cause now I realize that even before I had plans for doing many things and everytime it faded just after I had a week or so break from it doing something else. It's absolute truth and solution is not indeed too hard, even a moment in a day matters, not just to keep the project moving, but also to keep you connected with it and motivated enough so it won't become just a annoying "I have to work on it cause I postponed it so much" but actually enjoyment and creativity which you need. Wise words sir.

[@soulsamurai6914]

Thank you for this brother, you have no idea how much this means to fellow game devs, every word you uttered is true, and I've lived through it. Momentum is everything because only that can help one push through this journey of game dev.

[@evanroderick91]

I’ve been working on a unity project for a time now, I’ll spend a few days in a row doing my project, trying to accomplish at least something, then I take a few days off and continue this cycle. I can’t speak for everyone else, but this has worked well for me. It keeps me from getting bored of the project and from being burnt out. I do occasionally find myself not wanting to work on it, but as long as I can make myself do something, it won’t be just another dead project

[@CodeRadGames]

I just want to thank you for this video. I'm on my 9 month streak of No Zero Days. To avoid burnout I also decided to only work on "not fun" parts of my game, for as long as I felt like. I'd come back to those parts later on, when I regained the energy. I found that working on "not fun" parts of my game constatnly was causing me to burn out. My project has progressed insane amount in last 9 months, and there is no sign of me stopping! So again, thank you so much for this!

[@CodeRadGames]

@LostRelicGames My yearly update, still at no zero days streak! Started in February 2022! Got so much work done, but still a lot of more to go. Got some luck with Asmongold checking out my game. Looks like there is some hope after all!

[@SreyRc]

What I love about your words is that they do not only apply to something specific like game dev but every aspect of life - life in general. This is a very powerful philosophy. I am blessed to find a guide and counsellor in you. Thank you for these videos❤

[@chaosmastermind]

More and more I find myself coming up with random game ideas, random items, random game mechanics, random enemies, random graphics, random story elements.. when I'm doing something else. Like washing dishes, or on the toilet, or just going shopping... And if I don't write them down then and there, they'll likely be lost forever. It doesn't hurt to take notes when that happens. It's happening more and more frequently. I am starting to get the problem where I want to work on like 5 or more different projects at the same time and I have to limit myself to one or two. I'm new to this, but I already feel like a different person. Instead of a useless bum loser.. I'm a programmer now. And you were right about using code to express yourself and your dreams. Thanks for helping me get started.

[@BrunoSilva-rr6cb]

Great video,I think motivation to keep going is the hardest part of game Dev

[@superdavisdon3791]

Thank you for the advice. It really means alot. I started making game dev streams with my cassette tape game project. And I am making so much progress. Because I use the stream to chat with folks about games and life. It really helps out for me.

[@trunkostudios9500]

Came for the game dev advice - stayed for the life advice!

[@Calcint]

Loosely quoted ~ "To fulfill your inner most dreams is a possible scenario. It doesn't defy the laws of physics." This is obviously true, but it feels like it is literally not possible. I needed to hear this because I never quite articulated it this way. It is a possible scenario

[@justahuman4862]

Great video as usual. I slacked off yesterday. When I wake up today I'm getting back on that train.

[@edgardevelops]

This is one of the videos that motivated me much. Dont stop making this type of video

[@Tasarran]

I've said exactly the same thing forever... Do something, anything. Even thinking about the project for a little while helps keep that plate spinning...

[@gravious]

great video! I'm struggling with motivation, but there are factors and forces out of my control at the moment. this advice though is golden. motivation and momentum are huge parts of productive development :)

[@bones99999]

Great pep talk. I hear you.

[@alenota3244]

4:10 So True! :| Thank you so much!

[@captainicy1883]

Thank you for this video. I've shipped 2 games and it felt so fun and easy. Then, I tried to make my third and expected to be done in 6 months. It's been 2 years now. I knew all along about the things you talk about in this video, but I really needed it today, strangely, to really remember why and how these principles are so important. I can finish my game if I just do some kind of work on it every day, and I will.

[@stealthyshiroean]

This applies to practically anything in life. Nothing that's worth it, is going to be easy. As I've grown older, I've come to understand that more and more. You have to put i the work and deal with the grind if you want something meaningful in life. Even for the stuff you absolutely love. Thanks for this message, John.

[@oliverjoyce3768]

John , great video mate - these are wise words. If you only get even one line of code in a day, that's something, it's all about keeping the momentum up. The great irony is I'm writing this comment instead of doing some game dev, so there you go.

[@FinickyLinesStudio]

I've already been doing this for the last 50 days now and I have to say it's a challenge but it's also very liberating to know that every day I'm progressing. Even if it's a little, it's still something.

[@sahildesai4221]

Absolutely true and wise words my friend! Loved the way you conveyed them! Motivational indeed!

[@LostRelicGames]

All the best to you Sahil

[@haymanati]

You're words are what I needed to hear

[@ethanviolet1]

THIS is the single most important lesson of life. It is not game dev specific. if you have a goal, this applies to YOU. now stop scrolling, get to work

[@saifulissam636]

This is a good morning meeting for game developers for the start of the day.

[@Dritix]

Amazing video , one that everyone needs to see

[@ogermann]

I think we all really appreciate your work. You keep motivating us and it is just nice to know, that you have someone who has fun with showing us how all those parts in Game Development work. Thank you very much and keep up the great work 🙏❤️

[@Nefarious_Bread]

This video just went into my favorites playlist

[@metaDeWeta]

Amazing video, this will surely help me get motivated and get momentum. Thanks a million!

[@LostRelicGames]

Glad to hear it Raoul, all the best to you! Keep pushing on

[@broganking9830]

Aw man I was just gonna get high and play video games today. Alright then, fire up Unity! :D

[@saber_art9850]

Thanks for the Video, also I wish I would of heard this when I was doing this when I was younger, I love game development and programming wish I would of taken it more seriously when I was younger.

[@smashies118]

Wow... i definitely didn't need you to attack me like that... yes I did... I'm gonna get back to it.

[@developerhabits]

Great content and advice. I also enjoy the way you present the content in a peaceful manner. Btw, I guess "Atomic Habits" by James Clear resonates well with the topic of this video.

[@movocode]

Its perfect...applicable to everyone be it student or an entrepreneur.

[@Future_Guy]

... thank you. I'm really glad to have stumbled upon your video. I really want to finish the games I've started prototyping. I'm gonna finish them off one by one. Thank you for this.

[@ryanfuxa6738]

Thank you for these words of wisdom, Jedi Grandmaster Keanu. *bows in respect*

[@warrior6633]

The people who disliked the video are unreal engine 4 users.

[@broganking9830]

haha. Or they don't like hearing truth.

[@moduntilitbreaks]

@@broganking9830 Dosen't matter, zero days apply to them also ;-)

[@bloodbathgamestudios672]

I use unreral 4 and I watch his videos good is good bad is bad no matter what you use or watch.

[@imd71085]

thank you for the advice. they helped me a lot to start and continue to progress in the development of my games.

[@Dookie9669]

I very rarely like on videos, but this was one of them, absolute great advice

[@Hydra-tm7qm]

4:07 that's exactly what happen to me, damn it!

[@ThePoinball]

I follow that " No Zero Days " Since 5 month now and My game is going very well :D Its the way to go

[@ThePoinball]

@Adrian Santos I made it myself. Its from the game im making. Visit my KZbinchannel

[@io_inc]

We need a podcast "oh wise one". 🤣

[@robsonsiqueira9776]

You are cool man. Really thanks for the video. It made me fell better.

[@DaMaster1983]

i wont call myself a game dev but im on the path

[@mateuszdworak1252]

It works for creative writing, too! And learning to play an instrument. And probably everything else…

[@pjhoodsta]

Amen to these words.

[@oatcube3961]

For the first 2 months I did my game for about 20-40 hours a week. I've been taking a few break weeks in the past month and I feel the momentum losing at points. One thing I do is I have a big schedule with weeks that tell me what I have to do until then. I like to plan and do things in advance so that is a big help for me. Will hopefully release late this year if my scheduling sticks.

[@frazoni.]

I think that the least that I can do in order to thank you is to watch the entire 2 minutes ad

[@khalidmokhliss3847]

All what you said is true and I promise you that one day we gonna meet as competitors so just wait for me ;) and also thank you so much for this logical motivation :)

[@EMEMMEME]

This guy be spittin mad truth

[@kken8766]

I love your motivating speech!

[@NoName-vg9hf]

I mean school doesn't let me work everyday, but thanks for the tip !

[@StigDesign]

you can do Drawings about your game/idea, thinking on the game etc maby a 1 min or more before bed time and the way to or from school :) it might count as 0.1% or 0.01% but it`s stil a % forward :) tip from me as a 15-18 years of experience with game art/coding/ restarting projects 1000 of times XD :)

[@StigDesign]

That Truck thing i have noticed from time to time with Coding, not with 3dsmax and Texturing thoe hehe :D but i live by this Zero days sort of since its a hobby& not work :D o do take days of but, i get back and do some new progress, last night i fixed my scoping on fps game and 2 days agoe i posted on instagram physic destruction testing :D but 2-3 month agoe i De-Railed from racing/Driving game to fps game.. but i can allways gop back to that project too and keep working :D its allways good to do something nomather how smal it is, its still a step forward like a stair`s :D 5:49 sadly that`s true, often family, frends, relatives etc dont beleve in you.. the suport i have is my 3 cats :D but i often try to suport other bu folowing them view videos, comments etc :D Great video a well explaned :D

[@danmolo]

Thank you!!! you really motivated me!

[@pawe3028]

The War of Art

[@ronan5946]

Great advice!

[@xarnattos3]

When DotCSV and Alva Majo get fusioned

[@chaosmastermind]

Non-Game-Dev-Related Information = Peasantry. I felt that. LOL

[@aldigangster123]

Great, solid advice! Thank you

[@mateuszgrzonka3826]

Algorithmic comment :D Great content😍

[@calvinms7503]

Thank you

[@outlander234]

I realized this myself once I started game dev a year and a half ago and right now my truck is rolling down the hill fast due to some stress at work(I am not working in the field but trying to make my game dev dream come true in spare time). I feel like I haven't made any progress past few months, very minimal but whats worse I feel that fire, that passion burning down... This video really helped thanks because I see now that many have same experiences. One question: Do you focus on just one project or do you shift from couple of things to keep things interesting like lets say you have main project, a videogame idea you are trying to materialize, and then you have like learning goals(like watching one tutorial a day) or doing animation, modeling, etc. Because I also noticed if I just focus on one thing my creativity slows down to a halt if I dont do other stuff.

[@durgayadav3075]

Thanks for telling about that's supercomputer I also have that one .... Aswome video..

[@uhhuhhoney3997]

Thanks for the video

[@mattjclay]

I find easier to find time in the mornings. I get up bright and early and spend like 2 to 4hrs on game dev. Then I go to work all day. And then try to do more when I get home, wife permitting.

[@LostRelicGames]

That morning session is glorious! And that way, no matter what unexpected quests come up during the day, you are set.

[@saifgames2468]

Outstanding....

[@jrbdesignzz]

If this video was a person I would feel violated because it touched me very deeply. thanks

[@ratedexploited]

Empowering!

[@TricoliciSerghei]

I don't have time thieves, I'm my own time thieve :trollface:

[@СтаниславСеребряков-н7ю]

Once my teacher said: if you lean on a truck and wait enough time, one day you will be able to push the truck out of place. Because the impulse of force is the product of force by the time of its action. I = F * t In other words, even a small force, applied for a long enough time, can move the truck from its place.

[@xrqton]

Is watching one of your video is part of this "daily work" to achieve ? :D to be honest, it should be.

[@xiaozhanli]

One new sub :)

[@InsanepoolYT]

this video teach me alot i really like that how you think

[@CRUMVIII]

Sadly that's more or less what's happened to me...I haven't been doing any real game dev for about a month or more now. I feel like I've lost my drive.

[@LostRelicGames]

Every day is a new opportunity to start again, never forget that. If you are better than you were yesterday, that's all that matters. Step, Step Step, and before you know it you will be flying again.

[@amineangliz1845]

No. While it's true that you must always move forward, and that for long periods you will be in the zone, it's also important to take breaks, vacations, to disconnect. Whatever youre a game developer, a surgeon, a carpenter or working in any field. Being overwhelmed is so easy, and regenerating your mind is important sometimes. So no, the "No Zero Days" rule can be harmful.

[@LostRelicGames]

Perhaps you misunderstand the message in the video (or didn't watch it?). At no point did I suggest to compromise downtime or holidays. I regularly take holidays and schedule dedicated downtime - I talk about this regularly in other videos. The context of the work approach I describe relates to work cycles, and I made it clear that even doing conceptual stuff away from the computer, or a single line of code is enough. Far from 'harmful'. To find success in a competitive game dev market requires an extensive time commitment. Momentum and discipline are key.

[@ehadmili3043]

1:25 John Wick?

[@fahdali5330]

keep it up bro. fua )

[@p199a]

what he said or your money just run out and u get the speed boost

[@fpadoan]

7 people believe the Universe owes them everything.

[@Phoenix-gz9xb]

No zero days. Unless you're me. With a wife and kids and fulltime job.

[@LostRelicGames]

I have a wife, kids, and a fulltime job - but yes, it can be quite a challenge. ;)

[@Phoenix-gz9xb]

@@LostRelicGames I went to school to become a 3d artist while having a wife and kids so I figure I should be able to finish my game eventually lol definitely a challenge. Making a little time isn't enough. Knowing what you are going to do with that little time is how progress gets made.

[@LostRelicGames]

@@Phoenix-gz9xb very true! Wishing you the best on the road ahead brother

[@philbythebilby9373]

this bloke listens to jordan peterson im sure!

[@Rossilaz58]

You look a bit like Keanu Reeves

[@JohnnyGintonic]

What do you do with this specific time thief aka your wife? What kind of arrangement do you have? Is she OK with you spending your rare free time in front of your PC? I ask for a friend.

[@DavidSchiess]

Dislike: I came here for some light-hearted game dev chatter and not some actual advice on how to succeed at life and become a better person.

[@maxster0097]

church of game dev YES praise him remove your earthly distractions and stay on the road of the dev

[@parmiggianoreggie-ano1832]

Dude, maybe what I’m going to say will seem strange to you xD I’m Catholic and what you said is really similar to a sermon of a famous priest :P Are you the guide of gamedev? :P

[@irishlostboy]

This is, as all motivational BS is, unbalanced. You cannot promote "no zero days" ethos without discussing burnout, the importance of mental recovery, and the benefit of perspective changes on your creative output. Repetitive skills degrade over time because they are learned in a shallow way. Knowledge does not degrade. You can leave games dev on a shelf, and come back to it months or years later, and with a little refresher period, be as good or better than you ever were before. This is true IF your skill was based on knowledge well learned and understood. If you put your game (or any creative endeavor) down, and find yourself significantly lost when you return, then you were not as knowledgeable as you thought you were, and you were likely over-relying on rote learning, reflexive learning, and repetition.

[@akstis4183]

Sorry. but you look like john wick

[@LostRelicGames]

Wick is a great character! :)

[@isleep2dream762]

Came for game dev advice, got life advice instead

[@MrMonset]

Finally, a grown ass man talking realistically and calmly about the true experience of game development. Again man, I'm so glad I found you!