I want the future of social media to just be RSS and email.
What Exactly Is a "Good" Game?
I've always struggled with the desire to make something that is considered "good"—and to do it consistently.
The problem is, "good" is subjective.
This led me to discover one of my toxic traits: I want the subjective to become objective. I'm always searching for a reproducible and systematic approach to the creative process. I like things to be clear and straightforward.
It's flawed thinking, but I believed that if I could define what a good game was, then I could deconstruct the process and make one consistently.
A definition eluded me for a long time, but I eventually stumbled upon one that I feel good about:
A game is only as good as the promises it keeps.
I came across this idea in one of the best blog posts I’ve read on game creation:
After reading it, I realized that a game gets to define its own terms of success. It does this by making promises to the player—and then keeping them.
A game should be judged by how well it keeps its promises. Does it deliver what it says it will?
Making a game that costs half a billion dollars and takes ten years to develop is a type of promise with high expectations. It’s a hard promise to keep. Alternatively, a 5-minute game with amateur art can still be good as long as it delivers on its promises—a much easier promise to keep.
So, I think I’ve found a good balance between a subjective and objective definition of what makes a good game:
A good game keeps its promises to the player.
The structure of a fun game is simple.
Give the player a clear objective.
Reward them for their effort.
Tell them when they've achieved something.
A Daily Routine For Unemployed Game Devs
🕹 Unemployed as a game developer? Here's how I'm staying on track and keeping my spirits up.
I've crafted a simple daily routine that's been essential for my mental well-being and productivity during this period.
- Mornings: Create 🎨
- Mid-days: Connect 📨
- Afternoons: Contribute 🙌🏽
CREATE: This is all about building skills and creative growth.
While the timing of my next opportunity is uncertain, I'm making the most of this time by exploring new technologies, building games, and honing my craft.
CONNECT: This phase is all about maximizing opportunities.
Whether it's reaching out to my network, applying for roles, or sharing my latest work, I'm just trying to keep the momentum going.
CONTRIBUTE: Giving back to the community is key.
Whether it's helping others in their job search, collaborating on indie projects, or participating in game jams, assisting others is how we're all going to get through this.
🌟 And here's one last bonus...
EVENINGS: Community Evenings are dedicated to recharging with loved ones. It's my time to unplug, rest, and cherish moments with friends and family.
I'd love to hear what strategies have been working for you as you navigate your job search.
Age of Mythology was nominated for best strategy game at this year’s The Game Awards!
🕹 One of the best parts about landing an interview in the game industry is that I get to play a bunch of the studio’s games as prep.
Tahoe with my wife and child
🕹 Last week I released Hell Dev.
- Made in around 10 hours over the course of a month in my spare time.
- It turned out “ok”
- All-in-all it was a fun project that got me through my first week of unemployment
#gamedev community, I’d love to hear from you!
What’s the most fun you’ve ever had working on a game?
- What were you working on?
- What made it made such a fun experience?
- When was the last time you felt like that?
🕹️ Game dev should be fun and creatively fulfilling!
If you feel burnt out or disillusioned, think about treating yourself to a small game project that’s just for you.
- 🗓️ Make it in a month.
- ⏱️ Work on it for 1-2 hours a week.
- 🔥 Don’t crunch. Cut scope instead.
- 😊 Make whatever brings you joy.