Category Game Design

While the quest continues, here are the lessons I've learned (and continue to remind myself of) each time I start a new project.

Greetings, fellow gamers, aspiring developers, dreamers, and anyone else struggling to be a “completer finisher.”

Since founding the studio five years ago, I’ve worked on over a dozen projects, but if you haven’t heard of me, that’s no surprise, as I have yet to release a game. You may be wondering why. Trust me, it’s a question I often ask myself, too.

To that end, I’d like to take you on a creative meander into indie game development, at least my world of indie game development. I hope to share some of the lessons learned, the challenges embraced, and the joy of creating, even if your creations never see the light of day.

Like many of you, my journey began with an unyielding passion for crafting games that transport players to captivating new worlds, stimulate their intellects, and touch their hearts. I was, and still very much am, brimming with energy and creative ideas. I was like a knight setting out on a heroic quest, eager to embark on the exhilarating game development adventure.

Whilst the quest continues, here are the lessons I’ve learned (and continue to remind myself of) each time I’ve started a new project-

1. Embrace unfinished masterpieces:
   Whether or not each project reaches a conclusive end, it carries its unique value.
   
   Games like “Hollow Knight” by Team Cherry and ConcernedApe’s “Stardew Valley” exemplify this. “Hollow Knight” took years to complete and evolved over time, while “Stardew Valley” was a labour of love that became a beloved masterpiece. These games show that the creative process is a marathon, not a sprint and that each step of the journey has value.
   
   Akin to collecting treasures and insights along the winding path of a grand quest, the experiences, skills acquired, and knowledge gained from each endeavour enrich my journey as a developer.
   
2. The power of resilience:
   In indie game development, the ability to adapt and persevere is paramount.
   
   A shining example of resilience is “Cuphead” by Studio MDHR. The game faced numerous challenges and delays but became a critically acclaimed masterpiece that took the gaming world by storm. “Hollow Knight” is also a testament to the power of resilience, with its creators overcoming obstacles to deliver a beloved experience.
   
   Like navigating treacherous terrain, creating a game involves unexpected challenges and ambushes and requires perseverance and unwavering determination.
   
3. Learn to Listen:
   The allure of fresh new ideas often leads to detours in the creative process.
   
   “Fez”, as infamously highlighted in “Indie Game: The Movie”, is a key example of this, with its developer Phil Fish endlessly iterating and following his creative instincts to create the now distinctive and memorable game.
   
   This magpie mindset, as I call it, draws me toward new, sparkling concepts, much like discovering hidden, mythical creatures amid a quest; it acknowledges the evolving nature of our creative spirit and the need to honour it.
   
4. Foster a sense of fulfilment:
   The process of crafting, designing, and building a world serves as a therapeutic sanctuary amidst the daily hustle and bustle.
   
   “Stardew Valley” exemplifies this as ConcernedApe’s dedication and passion for creating a farming simulation game resulted in a title that fulfilled him and brought joy to millions of players.
   
   The act of creation can become the ultimate reward. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, much like the inner peace and contentment that wash over a questing hero when they completes a noble mission.
   
5. Embrace the creative process:
   The journey of conceiving new narratives, characters, and worlds is a source of profound joy, much like the excitement of exploring uncharted territories during a grand quest.
   
   “Celeste” by Maddy Makes Games embodies the joy of the creative process. This platformer game evolved, with the developer continually refining and expanding upon their initial ideas. The result is a testament to the beauty of an iterative creative journey, where each stage contributes to a richer final product.
   
   It’s the delight of discovering the unexpected intricacies that contribute to forming a unique narrative tapestry. The thrill of Imagining new stories, characters, and worlds has remained a steadfast companion throughout my journey, much like the faithful companions of a questing hero. Even in moments when a magpie has led me astray, it’s the joy of creation, coupled with the intrinsic benefits of a creative pursuit, which have served as a sanctuary during the solitary path of indie game development.

So, in closing, I offer this reflection: every creative endeavour holds profound meaning-
Embrace the creation process, whether or not a project reaches its conclusion. It’s not a reflection of failure but a testament to your creative exploration. The journey is an epic quest worth celebrating, filled with challenges, discoveries, and treasures.

Take time to indulge in the nuances and intricacies of creative pursuits, the lasting fulfilment they bring, and the enchantment of exploring the unfinished masterpieces and unicorn fantasies. Continue dreaming, continue creating, and celebrate the joy of your unique creative odyssey, whether or not anyone ever gets to see what you have made.

And on to the next project!

Hello there, fellow creative souls! Do you need more inspiration or bored with your creative projects? Fear not, for I have compiled a list of hilarious ideas to get your creative juices flowing and to help you work better with your fellow creatives.

1. Take inspiration from your dreams: Yes, you heard it right. Those crazy dreams you have every night can be a goldmine of inspiration. Just make sure you avoid creating a nightmare of a project.
2. Get a pet: Who says inspiration can’t come from your furry friends? You never know; your cat might have the perfect idea for your next masterpiece.
3. Play with your food: This one is not just for the kids. Experimenting with food can lead to some incredible creations. Just make sure you eat only some of your supplies.
4. Have a brainstorming session in the shower: You know that moment when you’re taking a shower, and all the brilliant ideas start flowing? Why not invite your fellow creatives to join you and make it a group brainstorming session?
5. Dress up in ridiculous costumes: Let’s face it; sometimes, you just need to let loose and have some fun. Dressing up in silly costumes can help you tap into your inner child and get those creative juices flowing.
6. Create a song about your project: Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like a catchy tune. So why not create a song about your project? It might just be the next big hit!
7. Get lost in nature: Sometimes, you only need fresh air and a change of scenery. Head out to a park, a forest, or a beach and let nature inspire you.
8. Meditate: This one might sound a little cliché, but it works. Taking a few minutes to clear your mind can help you tap into your creativity and find new inspiration.
9. Work together in a game of charades: Who says creativity always has to be serious? Playing a game of charades with your fellow creatives can help you work better together and develop some wild and wacky ideas.
10. Finally, when all else fails, have a dance party! Let loose, move your body, and let the music inspire you.

So there you have it, folks. Ten hilarious ideas for finding inspiration and working together with your fellow creatives. One of these might be the key to unlocking your next masterpiece.

…and if you’re looking to join a community of creatives, why not try ours?

The Greyface Guild was formed to support creatives in producing games that showcase a variety of perspectives, cultures, and experiences. We specialise in publishing works that promote diversity and inclusiveness.

Ah, creative projects. They’re like the holy grail of the creative world.

You start with a great idea, full of enthusiasm and motivation, but you lose steam somewhere along the way. You may hit a creative block, or life gets in the way.

Whatever the reason, staying on track and completing your project can be tough. Fear not, dear reader, because I’m here to help. Here are some tips on how to complete a creative project and how working as a community can help:

• Set realistic goals—Let’s be real. You’re not going to write a novel in a day (unless you’re some kind of literary superhero, in which case, please share your secrets). Set realistic goals for yourself, whether writing 500 words daily or painting for an hour a week. By breaking your project down into smaller, more manageable chunks, you’ll be more likely to stay on track.
• Hold yourself accountable—Accountability is key to completing a creative project. Find a way to hold yourself accountable, whether telling a friend about your project or creating a public accountability tracker. If you know that others are watching your progress, you’ll be more motivated to stay on track.
• Take breaks – Creative burnout is real, and it can be tough to stay motivated when you’re feeling burnt out. Take breaks when needed, whether going for a walk or taking a day off to binge-watch your favourite TV show. Just make sure you’re not using breaks as an excuse to procrastinate.
• Join a community – Working as part of a community can give you the support and encouragement you need to complete your project. By joining a community of like-minded individuals, you can share your progress, get feedback, and find motivation when you need it most.
• Celebrate your progress – It’s important to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Take time to acknowledge your achievements and give yourself a pat. By celebrating your progress, you’ll be more motivated to keep going.

So there you have it—some tips on how to complete a creative project and how working as part of a community can help. If you’re looking to join a community, why not try ours?

The Greyface Guild was formed to support creatives in producing games that showcase a variety of perspectives, cultures, and experiences. We specialise in publishing works that promote diversity and inclusiveness.

Ultimately, remember that completing a creative project is a challenging feat. Still, with the right mindset and support, you can do it. Now go forth and create!

Picture this: you’ve spent countless hours perfecting your craft, whether writing, sketching, or modelling. You’ve put your heart and soul into it, and now it’s time to share it with the world.

But when you look around, you realise the market is about as saturated as a sponge left in the sink for a week. How are you supposed to get noticed in this sea of competition?

Fear not, dear reader, because there is hope – which comes as community.

Working as part of a community can help you overcome the challenges of getting noticed in a saturated market. Here’s how:

1. Collaborate with others – Two heads are better than one, especially when getting noticed in a saturated market. You can share ideas, resources, and contacts by collaborating with others. You might make a connection that helps you get your foot in the door.
2. Support each other – It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this. Countless others need help to get noticed in a saturated market, and they need your support just as much as you need theirs. By supporting each other, you can build a strong, supportive community that lifts each other up.
3. Promote each other’s work – It’s not just about promoting your work – it’s about promoting the work of your fellow community members. Sharing each other’s work on social media and other platforms can help each other reach a wider audience.
4. Attend events together – Networking events, conferences, and art shows are all great opportunities to get your work noticed – but they can be intimidating if you go it alone. By attending these events as part of a community, you can provide each other with support and encouragement and help each other make valuable connections.
5. Share your knowledge – You have skills and knowledge that others in your community may not have, and vice versa. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can help each other grow, improve, and learn something or two yourself.

So there you have it – working as part of a community can help you overcome the challenges of getting noticed in a saturated market. It’s time to stop seeing each other as competition and start seeing each other as collaborators.

If you want to join a community, why not try ours?

The Greyface Guild was formed to support creatives in producing games that showcase a variety of perspectives, cultures, and experiences. We specialise in publishing works that promote diversity and inclusiveness.

Together, we can make a real difference and show the world what we’re made of. Let’s do this and make the gaming industry as diverse and creative as we are!

Have you noticed that the gaming industry is as diverse as a loaf of white bread? Every game features the same gruff, white male protagonist with a five-o’clock shadow and a tragic past. Well, dear reader, it’s time to spice things up and bring much-needed diversity and creativity to the gaming industry.

But how can we make a difference, you ask? By banding together as a community and using our collective creativity to create games that reflect the diversity of our community. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Create games that reflect our stories – Everyone has a unique story to tell, and the gaming industry needs to start listening. We need games that reflect our community’s diverse experiences and perspectives, from stories of immigration to tales of overcoming disability. It’s time to break the mould of one-size-fits-all gaming and create something that truly represents us.
2. Get more diverse developers involved – It’s time for the gaming industry to hire more diverse developers. When you have a more diverse team, you get more varied ideas. It’s not rocket science, people.
3. Support indie developers – Big-name game companies might be stuck in their ways. Still, indie developers are the true innovators of the gaming industry. By supporting indie developers, we can bring new and fresh ideas to the forefront and encourage a more diverse gaming landscape.
4. Join a community – There’s strength in numbers, and that’s especially true when it comes to fighting for diversity in gaming. By joining a community of like-minded individuals, you’ll have the support and encouragement you need to bring your ideas to life.
5. Make your own game – If you can’t find the game you’re looking for, why not make your own? With so many online game development tools, anyone can make a game. You might create the next big thing.

So there, you have five ways to fight for diversity and creativity in the gaming industry. It’s time to break the mould and create something truly unique. 

If you want to join a community, why not try ours?

The Greyface Guild was formed to support creatives in producing games that showcase a variety of perspectives, cultures, and experiences. We specialise in publishing works that promote diversity and inclusiveness.

Together, we can make a real difference and show the world what we’re made of. Let’s do this and make the gaming industry as diverse and creative as we are!