Vynixal
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r/IndieDev
2025-06-16·21
1471

Just finished my animation system in C and turns out it's ~14 times faster than Unity's

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Unityhttps://unity.comGame EngineGeneral-purpose game engine with animation system
Godothttps://godotengine.orgGame EngineOpen-source game engine
Handmade Herohttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnuhp3Xd9PYTt6svyQPyRO_AAuMWGxPzUGame Development TutorialC programming and engine development series

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Slow animation performance in Unity
  • Overhead from generalized game engines
  • Difficulty in creating multi-platform products

Problems to Solve:

  • Improving animation system performance
  • Reducing engine overhead
  • Creating efficient multi-platform solutions

Potential Solutions:

  • Using specialized engines for specific needs
  • Optimizing animation systems
  • Leveraging open-source engines like Godot

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Developing specialized engines for specific use cases
  • Optimizing performance for specific tasks
  • Leveraging open-source communities

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Showcasing performance improvements
  • Demonstrating technical achievements
  • Building developer communities

Monetization & Product:

  • Balancing performance with development time
  • Offering specialized solutions for specific needs

User Engagement:

  • Sharing development progress through devlogs
  • Engaging with developer communities
  • Providing educational content
291

Imagine a delivery where the courier must do more than just reach the destination and hand over the package - they have to make it through a desolate wasteland, where surviving is a feat in itself, all just to complete the delivery and keep their rating intact.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.comGame Distribution PlatformDigital game distribution, community features, demo hosting

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty starting the game (connection errors)
  • Demo responsiveness issues when minimized

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for better game performance and stability
  • Desire for smooth multiplayer experience

Potential Solutions:

  • Optimize game launch process
  • Improve demo responsiveness
  • Address connection issues

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging Steam platform for distribution
  • Engaging with community through Reddit

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using Steam demo to attract players
  • Collaborating with indie game discovery platforms

Monetization & Product:

  • Free demo to generate interest
  • Multiplayer focus to increase engagement

User Engagement:

  • Active community interaction and feedback incorporation
  • Highlighting unique game features
290

A few years ago, I pitched an idea to my RimWorld-fan friends - a game blending EVE Online mechanics, Factorio-like systems, and a deep space atmosphere. We're new to this and still have a long way to go, but we hope our vision captures your interest.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Desire for a game combining EVE Online, Factorio, and RimWorld elements
  • Need for smooth camera controls and zooming

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating a deep space atmosphere with complex systems
  • Building a large multiplayer world
  • Implementing programming and production chain mechanics

Potential Solutions:

  • Using easing functions to smooth camera movement
  • Developing a sandbox MMO with robot control and base building
  • Creating a world shaped by programming, trade, and diplomacy

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a passionate team around a shared vision
  • Creating a unique game concept combining multiple genres
  • Engaging with community through playtesting and feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging existing fan bases of mentioned games
  • Building hype through Steam store page and promotional materials

Monetization & Product:

  • Developing a free-to-play or early access model
  • Creating a deep, complex game world to attract dedicated players

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging community involvement in development process
  • Building a world that evolves based on player actions
103

There's always that one commenter

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
None mentioned

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • None explicitly mentioned

Problems to Solve:

  • None explicitly mentioned

Potential Solutions:

  • None explicitly mentioned

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • None mentioned

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • None mentioned

Monetization & Product:

  • None mentioned

User Engagement:

  • None mentioned
83

I quit my job to follow my dream and work full-time in the games industry!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
None mentioned

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Financial stress and uncertainty
  • Mental health challenges (anxiety, self-doubt)
  • Pressure to succeed and fear of failure
  • Balancing work and personal life

Problems to Solve:

  • Transitioning from full-time job to indie game development
  • Building a sustainable business while maintaining mental health
  • Managing financial risks and uncertainties

Potential Solutions:

  • Creating a financial safety net
  • Building a support system
  • Setting realistic expectations
  • Developing a clear business plan

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a strong support system
  • Starting small and scaling gradually
  • Maintaining a side hustle for financial stability
  • Learning business fundamentals (tax, accounting)

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Building a personal brand
  • Networking within the industry
  • Collaborating with other developers

Monetization & Product:

  • Developing multiple income streams
  • Creating valuable content and resources
  • Building a loyal community

User Engagement:

  • Sharing knowledge and experiences
  • Providing support and encouragement
  • Fostering a collaborative community
57

I spent months writing unit tests for a game with no players, then I stopped, and now it actually feels like a game

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
None mentioned

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Slow iteration due to excessive testing
  • Diminishing excitement and creative burnout
  • Difficulty balancing code quality with creative iteration

Problems to Solve:

  • Finding the right balance between code quality and creative iteration
  • Avoiding premature optimization of game scaffolding
  • Maintaining motivation during early development

Potential Solutions:

  • Focus on core loop prototyping first
  • Separate software engineering and game development approaches
  • Prioritize creative iteration over code perfection early on

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Rapid prototyping of core game loops
  • Flexible code architecture for fast iteration
  • Balancing code quality with creative needs

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • None mentioned

Monetization & Product:

  • Focus on core game loop and user experience
  • Prioritize playability over technical perfection early on

User Engagement:

  • Regular playtesting and iteration based on feedback
44

I need some feedback on the capsule art. Looking at this sketch, what kind of game do you think it is? Also which version do you like more - light one or dark one? Thanks! :)

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty choosing between light and dark capsule versions
  • Need for clear visual hierarchy and composition
  • Desire for better integration of game title with capsule art

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating engaging capsule art that attracts clicks
  • Balancing visual elements for maximum impact
  • Maintaining suspense while providing enough context

Potential Solutions:

  • Adding game title early in design process
  • Adjusting lighting and composition for better focus
  • Iterating on character design for clarity

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Creating engaging visual content to attract attention
  • Building suspense and mystery to generate interest
  • Iterating based on community feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using capsule art as a marketing tool to attract potential players
  • Leveraging community feedback for design improvements

Monetization & Product:

  • Balancing visual elements for maximum impact and engagement

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging community participation through feedback requests
  • Building anticipation through gradual information release
34

Is launching during the Steam sale a bad idea?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/Game Distribution PlatformGame sales, discounts, events, wishlists, front page visibility

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Getting lost in sea of games during Steam sales
  • Lack of visibility for new releases during major events
  • Difficulty standing out against discounted AAA titles

Problems to Solve:

  • Maximizing game visibility and sales potential
  • Timing release for optimal exposure
  • Balancing launch timing with marketing efforts

Potential Solutions:

  • Launching outside of major sales events
  • Building media presence before launch
  • Using Steam's 14-day new release period
  • Applying strategic discounts post-launch

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Launching during high-traffic events like Steam Next Fest
  • Building media presence and marketing campaigns
  • Applying strategic discounts to trigger wishlist emails

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Consistent social media marketing (TikTok, YouTube)
  • Leveraging Steam's new release visibility period
  • Targeting niche audiences with focused marketing

Monetization & Product:

  • Applying 20%+ discounts to trigger wishlist emails
  • Using major updates to refresh game visibility
  • Balancing launch timing with discount strategy

User Engagement:

  • Building wishlist momentum pre-launch
  • Creating engaging gameplay content
  • Maintaining consistent marketing efforts
23

I’ve added the ability to rotate the camera around the car - it completely changes the way the game Lost Host feels. But I think this is exactly what the game was missing :)

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/3273260/Lost_Host/Game Distribution PlatformDigital game distribution, community features, user reviews

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Tricky driving controls with isometric camera
  • Need for better camera control options

Problems to Solve:

  • Improving game accessibility and control options
  • Enhancing immersion and adventure feel

Potential Solutions:

  • Adding camera rotation feature
  • Providing multiple camera angle options

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Iterative development based on user feedback
  • Cross-platform expansion strategy

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging Steam platform for distribution and community building
  • Building anticipation through early trailers and updates

Monetization & Product:

  • Focus on quality game development to attract players
  • Strategic platform expansion based on initial success

User Engagement:

  • Active community interaction and feedback incorporation
  • Transparent communication about development progress
18

what do you guys think of these explosions?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Need for smoother animation transitions
  • Desire for more detailed explosion effects

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating realistic explosion animations
  • Improving visual quality of game assets

Potential Solutions:

  • Adding frames before explosion to show expansion
  • Including minimal particles at end for smoother transition

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • [No specific growth strategies mentioned]

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • [No specific marketing methods mentioned]

Monetization & Product:

  • [No specific product insights mentioned]

User Engagement:

  • [No specific engagement techniques mentioned]
16

Losing motivation because it's just bad

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
None mentioned

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Lack of motivation due to perceived low quality of game
  • Difficulty finding original ideas
  • Struggling with art and music creation
  • Feeling stuck in development process

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating engaging game mechanics
  • Developing compelling characters and worldbuilding
  • Improving visual and audio quality
  • Finding ways to present game effectively

Potential Solutions:

  • Taking breaks and seeking inspiration
  • Simplifying game design
  • Using placeholder assets
  • Creating game design documents
  • Seeking feedback and collaboration

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building community through Discord
  • Using placeholder assets to iterate quickly
  • Creating game design documents for clarity

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • None mentioned

Monetization & Product:

  • None mentioned

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging playtesting and feedback
  • Building community support
15

May Indie Sunday post has been downvoted? What is wrong with it?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Reddithttps://www.reddit.comSocial MediaCommunity discussion platform
Discordhttps://discord.comCommunicationReal-time chat and community engagement

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Frustration with downvoting of indie game promotion posts
  • Difficulty getting visibility for indie games
  • Lack of constructive feedback on game posts

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for better visibility for indie games
  • Desire for more positive engagement with indie game posts
  • Need for fair treatment of indie game promotion

Potential Solutions:

  • Mutual upvoting among indie devs
  • Improved community guidelines for indie promotion
  • More constructive feedback mechanisms

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging community events like Indie Sunday
  • Cross-promotion and mutual support among indie devs

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Utilizing subreddit flairs for visibility
  • Sharing game trailers and links to generate interest

Monetization & Product:

  • Building wishlists as a metric of interest
  • Using social proof through upvotes and engagement

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging community support through upvoting
  • Fostering positive interactions among indie devs
11

Spooky Scary Spidercrab!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/3751860/Heart_of_Mycelium/Game Distribution PlatformWishlisting feature for upcoming games

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • None explicitly mentioned

Problems to Solve:

  • None explicitly mentioned

Potential Solutions:

  • None explicitly mentioned

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building anticipation through wishlisting

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using Steam platform for game distribution and marketing

Monetization & Product:

  • None explicitly mentioned

User Engagement:

  • Sharing game development progress to engage community
11

Me and my partner spent the last two years making a portal-like physics puzzle platformer called Escape Velocity!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Kickstarterhttps://www.kickstarter.comCrowdfunding PlatformAllows creators to fund projects through public support
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.comGame Distribution PlatformProvides digital distribution, DRM, community features

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in game development for first-time developers
  • Challenges in asset creation and tuning
  • Complexity of 3D puzzle game logic

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating engaging physics-based puzzles
  • Developing intuitive game mechanics
  • Building a robust game engine

Potential Solutions:

  • Using Kickstarter for crowdfunding
  • Leveraging Steam for distribution
  • Building a strong community around the game

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Participating in Steam Next Fest for exposure
  • Using Kickstarter for crowdfunding

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging Steam's platform for distribution
  • Building community through Reddit and Kickstarter

Monetization & Product:

  • Free demo to attract players
  • Premium full game release

User Engagement:

  • Creating engaging puzzle mechanics
  • Building a compelling story
  • Providing regular updates and community interaction
7

Final Hours of Steam Next Fest - Last Chance to Try Elemental Towers VR Demo!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/3495340/Elemental_Towers/Gaming PlatformVR demo hosting, game distribution, community engagement

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Limited time access to VR demos
  • Desire to experience new VR games before purchase

Problems to Solve:

  • Need for effective demo distribution and promotion
  • Building awareness for indie VR games

Potential Solutions:

  • Leveraging Steam Next Fest events
  • Sharing participation statistics and community engagement

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Participating in gaming events like Steam Next Fest
  • Engaging with community through Reddit posts

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using event-driven marketing to drive demo downloads
  • Encouraging user feedback and community participation

Monetization & Product:

  • Offering free demos to generate interest
  • Building community through participation statistics

User Engagement:

  • Creating time-limited opportunities to drive urgency
  • Encouraging user feedback and community sharing
7

How much Playtime should an Indie Game have?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty determining optimal game length
  • Balancing game length with quality and engagement
  • Pricing games appropriately based on playtime

Problems to Solve:

  • Finding the right balance between game length and player engagement
  • Determining pricing based on game length and quality
  • Creating replayable content for longer games

Potential Solutions:

  • Focus on quality over quantity
  • Create tight, memorable experiences for shorter games
  • Add depth or replayability for longer games
  • Consider genre-specific expectations for playtime

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Creating infinite replayability for indie games
  • Developing games that can be easily demoed
  • Focusing on unique value propositions that AAA games can't offer

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • [No specific marketing methods mentioned]

Monetization & Product:

  • Pricing games based on value per hour of entertainment
  • Creating games that offer unique experiences AAA games can't provide

User Engagement:

  • Building games with infinite replayability
  • Creating tight, memorable experiences for shorter playtimes
6

From napkin sketch to early Demo. 2 years of development. What do you think so far?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Discordhttps://discord.com/Communication PlatformUsed for distributing early demo and engaging with community

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Desire for games without micromanagement
  • Interest in hybrid game genres
  • Need for accessible early demos

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating engaging game mechanics without micromanagement
  • Balancing strategy and action elements
  • Building community engagement around early development

Potential Solutions:

  • Hybrid game mechanics combining hack-and-slash with RTS elements
  • Early demo distribution through community platforms like Discord
  • Clear communication of unique game features and mechanics

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Early community building through Discord
  • Providing accessible early demos
  • Clear communication of unique game mechanics

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging Reddit communities for early feedback and exposure
  • Using developer profiles to share community links

Monetization & Product:

  • Free early demo distribution to build interest
  • Steam Deck compatibility for broader platform access

User Engagement:

  • Active community management through Discord
  • Responding to user feedback and questions promptly
  • Encouraging community testing and feedback
6

After 2 years of solo work Treasure Hunters is available on Steam Next Fest! And I would love to hear your feedback!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.comGame Distribution PlatformAllows indie developers to showcase and sell games
NextUp Gameshttps://nextupgames.comIndie Game Discovery PlatformFree platform to feature indie games and gain visibility

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty gaining visibility for indie games
  • Need for effective game discovery platforms
  • Importance of polished game pages and trailers

Problems to Solve:

  • Increasing game visibility and wishlists
  • Improving game page conversion rates
  • Standing out in crowded indie game market

Potential Solutions:

  • Using discovery platforms like NextUp Games
  • Optimizing game pages with better visuals and trailers
  • Leveraging community support through wishlisting and feedback

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Participating in events like Steam Next Fest
  • Building community through wishlisting and feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using discovery platforms to gain visibility
  • Leveraging social proof through wishlists

Monetization & Product:

  • Importance of polished game pages and trailers
  • Need for professional design help

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging wishlisting and community support
  • Providing constructive feedback and advice
5

Solid core combat loop - what to put around

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned][No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Uncertainty about how to expand core combat loop into full game
  • Difficulty determining optimal game genre and progression system

Problems to Solve:

  • Need to identify complementary game mechanics and progression systems
  • Need to determine minimum viable product scope

Potential Solutions:

  • Consider ARPG, roguelike, strategic, or mercenary company game structures
  • Align game design with developer's strengths and interests

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Focus on core gameplay strengths and unique selling points
  • Align game design with developer's skills and interests

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • [No specific marketing methods mentioned]

Monetization & Product:

  • Consider game genre and progression system that fits core combat loop
  • Determine minimum viable product scope based on chosen game structure

User Engagement:

  • [No specific engagement techniques mentioned]
5

What are our achievements?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Unityhttps://unity.com/Game DevelopmentTimeline feature for animation control

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Struggling with game physics and logic implementation
  • Difficulty in achieving specific animation effects

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating realistic physics-based mini-games
  • Implementing precise animation control

Potential Solutions:

  • Using Unity's Timeline feature for animation control
  • Iterative prototyping and testing

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Iterative development and prototyping
  • Community engagement and sharing progress

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Sharing development progress and achievements
  • Building community through Reddit engagement

Monetization & Product:

  • Focus on core game mechanics and features
  • Continuous improvement based on testing and feedback

User Engagement:

  • Sharing milestones and achievements
  • Encouraging community discussion and support
5

r/IndieDev Weekly Monday Megathread - June 15, 2025 - New users start here! Show us what you're working on! Have a chat! Ask a question!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Unreal Engine 5https://www.unrealengine.comGame Development EngineWorld Partition support, Smart object pooling, Proximity-based spawning, Async spawning with frame budget

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Struggling to break into game industry
  • Lack of time due to demanding job
  • Need to build portfolio and gain experience
  • Difficulty finding internships or certifications

Problems to Solve:

  • Transitioning from non-game industry job to game development
  • Building technical skills and portfolio
  • Networking within game development community
  • Finding entry-level opportunities in game industry

Potential Solutions:

  • Completing CS50 courses
  • Participating in game jams
  • Building portfolio website and social media presence
  • Joining local game dev communities
  • Creating small game projects to showcase skills

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building portfolio through game jams and projects
  • Networking within game development communities
  • Creating social media presence to document journey

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Participating in game jams to gain exposure
  • Building portfolio website to showcase work
  • Documenting development process on social media

Monetization & Product:

  • Focus on creating small, polished game projects
  • Building technical skills through courses and practice

User Engagement:

  • Joining local game dev communities
  • Participating in game jams and collaborative projects