15
I'm 9 months into a game I thought would take a month, and it's orders of magnitude more complex than my last (first) game. How do you deal with the (necessary?) mediocrity it takes to be a solo indie dev?
r/IndieDev
6/26/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unity | https://unity.com/ | Game Development Engine | Mentioned as primary tool with C# programming |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Feeling ineffective despite AI tools
- Difficulty in mastering all required skills (programming, animation, sound design, etc.)
- Underestimating project complexity and timelines
- Balancing passion vs. financial expectations
Problems to Solve:
- Managing scope creep in game development
- Achieving proficiency across diverse skill sets
- Creating a releasable product efficiently
- Finding motivation when facing challenges
Potential Solutions:
- Prioritizing high-value tasks and cutting scope
- Focusing on core strengths instead of trying to master everything
- Using available resources (Discord, mentors, online courses)
- Replacing motivation with discipline
- Leaving stuck parts for future iteration
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Scope management and prioritization of high-value features
- Incremental skill development through targeted learning
- Releasing MVP and iterating based on feedback
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Market research to identify competitive advantages
- Community engagement (e.g., Steam, indie dev forums)
Monetization & Product:
- Adjusting expectations from financial success to passion-driven development
- Focusing on unique strengths to differentiate products
User Engagement:
- Participating in indie game communities for feedback and support
- Building discipline for consistent development