Reddit Analysis for IndieDev on 2025-06-30

462

This is fine.. totally intended

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Unintended visual effects in game development (e.g., excessive lighting)
Difficulty in controlling game asset parameters
Unexpected outcomes when tweaking game settings

Problems to Solve:

Managing lighting effects in game environments
Controlling asset behavior during development
Debugging unexpected graphical results

Potential Solutions:

Adjusting numerical parameters carefully
Implementing safeguards against extreme values
Using version control to revert changes

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Leveraging humor and relatable content for engagement

Marketing & Acquisition:

Viral content creation through unexpected outcomes
Community interaction through meme formats

Monetization & Product:

N/A (No direct mentions)

User Engagement:

Encouraging user-generated content (memes, edits)
Building community through shared developer experiences
Responding to comments to foster connections

435

What do y’all think of this art?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
X	https://x.com/@VoxStudioPoland	Social Media	Used for game updates and community building

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty achieving high-quality art style
Concerns about AI-generated art authenticity
Need for cohesive visual and narrative presentation

Problems to Solve:

Creating unique art that stands out from stereotypical styles
Building trust in handmade artwork authenticity
Ensuring art direction supports game narrative

Potential Solutions:

Showcasing detailed handmade artwork to demonstrate authenticity
Incorporating team references in art for personal touch
Using social media (X) for community engagement and updates

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing unique art style for differentiation
Building community through social media engagement

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing artwork on Reddit for feedback and visibility
Directing users to X for updates and teasers

Monetization & Product:

Focusing on unique art direction as key selling point
Developing cohesive narrative and visual presentation

User Engagement:

Actively responding to comments on social platforms
Encouraging followers on X for ongoing updates
Using personal touches (team references) to build connection

291

It’s been a few years since I started working on my project, and here’s how it has evolved visually - from a prototype to a sandbox MMO with a vast procedurally generated world.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/3337310/ERZ_Online/	Game Distribution Platform	Digital storefront for game sales and distribution

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Players need engaging long-term gameplay loops
Resource scarcity creates player frustration
Balancing automation with challenge is difficult

Problems to Solve:

Creating sustainable resource mechanics in a persistent world
Designing non-combat conflict systems between factions
Maintaining game balance across long planetary cycles (4-12 months)

Potential Solutions:

Partial resource regeneration through natural events (volcanic eruptions, living rocks)
Player-controlled bots for automation and scaling
Fixed resource quantities per planetary cycle to encourage strategic planning

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Continuous refinement based on player feedback
Visual evolution showcasing development progress

Marketing & Acquisition:

Steam store page for direct sales
Reddit community engagement in r/IndieDev
Showcasing visual progression to demonstrate commitment

Monetization & Product:

One-time purchase model via Steam
Procedurally generated worlds for replayability
Automation mechanics as core gameplay hook

User Engagement:

Actively soliciting player ideas and feedback
Creating discussion around game mechanics (resource cycles, faction interactions)
Building anticipation through development updates

284

Hey everyone! Our indie studio is releasing its first game and we decided to make it completely free on Steam.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com	Game Distribution Platform	Platform for releasing and distributing games, supports free games and paid DLC/OST
Unity	https://unity.com	Game Engine	Used Unity 2021 with URP (Universal Render Pipeline), originally WebGL build upgraded for desktop

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Uncertainty about monetizing short games
Concerns about Steam's policies for free games
Need to validate game IP before investing in larger projects
Desire for honest feedback without financial barriers

Problems to Solve:

How to gain traction for a new IP without established audience
How to monetize short experiences ethically
How to build community support for future projects

Potential Solutions:

Releasing game for free to maximize reach and feedback
Offering optional OST pack for financial support
Using wishlists as a metric for interest
Planning sequels/prequels if IP resonates

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Free product offering to build IP awareness
Using short-form content to test market reception

Marketing & Acquisition:

Leveraging Steam wishlists for interest metrics
Free release to lower barrier to entry and maximize downloads

Monetization & Product:

Optional OST pack as indirect monetization
Focus on product-market fit validation before scaling
Avoiding paid DLC/microtransactions to maintain goodwill

User Engagement:

Direct developer interaction in communities (e.g., Reddit)
Transparent communication about development philosophy
Encouraging wishlists as low-commitment support

220

Obsessed with the fluid movement mechanics of my game!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Unreal Engine	https://www.unrealengine.com/	Game Development Engine	Mentioned as the engine used to create the game
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/	Game Distribution Platform	Game store page linked for wishlisting
YouTube	https://www.youtube.com/	Video Sharing Platform	Channel mentioned for more game content

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Lack of fluid movement mechanics in games (especially soulslike clones)
Insufficient emphasis on animation fluidity in game development
Blurred or low-detail textures in some game visuals

Problems to Solve:

Creating satisfying and fluid character movement mechanics
Enhancing visual effects (VFX) for better immersion
Improving texture details for better graphics
Designing vertical environments that justify movement mechanics

Potential Solutions:

Implementing advanced movement tech like wall jumps and dash effects
Adding cosmic/portal visual effects for aesthetic appeal
Creating slam impact attacks that scale with jump height
Increasing texture details where needed

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing game mechanics on relevant subreddits (r/IndieDev) for visibility
Leveraging Steam wishlists for pre-launch interest
Sharing development progress on YouTube to build audience

Marketing & Acquisition:

Cross-posting to related communities (e.g., r/oddlysatisfying suggested)
Engaging directly with community feedback in comments
Providing direct store links (Steam) when requested

Monetization & Product:

Free promotion via social platforms driving to Steam wishlists
Product inspired by successful games (Elden Ring, Risk of Rain 2)
Focusing on unique selling points (fluid mechanics) for differentiation

User Engagement:

Prompt responses to all comments to foster community
Encouraging wishlisting through direct link sharing
Soliciting and implementing feedback (e.g., vertical terrain suggestions)

197

How I sold over 200k copies over 3 games as a solo developer.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned in the provided content	-	-	-

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Burnout from solo development
Time-consuming nature of creating art assets (e.g., pixel art)
Difficulty in gaining visibility for games
Balancing creative freedom with financial sustainability

Problems to Solve:

How to efficiently create art assets without excessive time investment
How to gain visibility and attract players to games
How to manage workload as a solo developer to avoid burnout
How to determine product-market fit for games

Potential Solutions:

Using asset packs to save time on art creation
Partnering with publishers for marketing and visibility
Focusing on smaller-scope games to reduce development time
Prioritizing game genres that are currently popular/trendy

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Making small-scope games to increase completion rate and gather feedback
Persistence in project completion without switching projects mid-development
Balancing passion projects with market demand

Marketing & Acquisition:

Publishers discovering developers through existing games and reaching out for future projects
Creating games in trending genres to attract interest

Monetization & Product:

Pricing games appropriately based on market expectations
Focusing on product-market fit: creating games people want to play
Using asset packs to accelerate development

User Engagement:

Engaging with community feedback (as mentioned in comments)
Analyzing player behavior to improve game design (as mentioned by a commenter who bought the game for research)

185

I’ve done some work on the sound, animations, and lighting, and I’m curious whether I managed to create the atmosphere of a world without adults - only a child and the shadows of childhood fears come to life.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/2340460/ONE_WAY_HOME/	Game Distribution Platform	Digital storefront for game publishing and sales

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Creating immersive atmosphere in game development
Achieving desired emotional impact through visuals and sound
Ensuring replayability and player engagement

Problems to Solve:

How to effectively convey a world without adults through environmental storytelling
Balancing gameplay mechanics (stealth, platforming, puzzles) with narrative
Designing multiple endings and hidden details for replay value

Potential Solutions:

Using environmental cues like chalk drawings to mirror emotions
Implementing choice-driven mechanics that affect story and visuals
Drawing inspiration from successful titles like Little Nightmares and Alan Wake 2

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Focusing on creating personal and immersive experiences
Pivoting from initial concept (zombie game) to more atmospheric direction based on inspiration

Marketing & Acquisition:

Showcasing game development progress on platforms like Reddit for community feedback
Leveraging Steam store page for wishlists and visibility

Monetization & Product:

Offering 5-14 hours of gameplay with replayability incentives
Developing unique selling points: multiple endings, environmental storytelling, companion system

User Engagement:

Building anticipation through development updates
Encouraging community interaction via platforms like Reddit
Creating emotional connection through thematic depth and player choices

142

I did it boys! After six years MY FIRST BUILD IS SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/	Game Distribution Platform	Game publishing, wishlists, store pages

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Long development cycles (6 years for first build)
Uncertainty about approval process
Low wishlist expectations (only 400)

Problems to Solve:

Navigating game publishing process (Steam submission)
Building wishlists for visibility
Transitioning to new projects after release

Potential Solutions:

Steam platform for distribution
Wishlist system for gauging interest
Community engagement for support

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Persistence in long-term development

Marketing & Acquisition:

Wishlist system as pre-launch interest indicator

Monetization & Product:

Free to start new projects after release

User Engagement:

Community celebration of milestones
Referencing popular games (Undertale) for relatability

126

I’ve spent the past few years designing a Roman gladiator sim — inspired by Football Manager, Crusader Kings, and Darkest Dungeon. Here’s where we are so far.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Twitter	https://twitter.com/gladiatorumgame	Social Media	Community building and updates
Discord	https://discord.gg/mpxnPacKCs	Community Platform	Real-time engagement and feedback

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Lack of deep narrative-heavy gladiator management sims
Limited historical authenticity in existing games
Difficulty in finding games with complex systems like loyalty, crowd dynamics, and NPC politics
Concerns about AI-generated art and code authenticity

Problems to Solve:

Creating a historically authentic gladiator management simulation
Balancing depth and accessibility in game mechanics
Developing unique gladiator visuals without excessive manual effort
Establishing a sustainable economy system with permadeath mechanics

Potential Solutions:

Focus on narrative depth and historical events for authenticity
Use placeholder art initially, transition to professional artists later
Implement modular art systems for character uniqueness
Extensive playtesting to refine economy and difficulty balance

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Building community early through Discord and Twitter
Soliciting feedback during development to shape product
Leveraging inspirations from successful games (Football Manager, Crusader Kings)

Marketing & Acquisition:

Social media presence (Twitter) for updates
Discord community for direct engagement
Reddit posts to generate interest and gather feedback
Positioning as a deeper alternative to existing games

Monetization & Product:

Planned base game with potential DLC (e.g., naval battles hinted)
Roadmap includes multiplayer elements
Focus on replayability through emergent narratives
Targeting niche market with proven demand (1M+ downloads for similar game)

User Engagement:

Active developer responses to comments
Open Discord for real-time discussions
Commitment to incorporating community feedback
Sharing development progress regularly

How does the skin tone selector in my avatar creator look?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty in creating a skin tone selector that accurately represents human skin tones
Users perceiving unintended imagery (e.g., side profile with big nose) in the design
Balancing simplicity (presets) with customization (RGB/slider options)

Problems to Solve:

Designing an intuitive skin tone selector for avatar creation
Avoiding ambiguous visual interpretations
Providing both preset options and advanced customization

Potential Solutions:

Using solid color blocks instead of head icons to avoid misinterpretation
Implementing a slider or color wheel for advanced users while keeping presets for simplicity
Adding a toggle for RGB customization separate from preset options

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Soliciting user feedback on design elements (like this Reddit post)
Iterative design based on community suggestions

Marketing & Acquisition:

Community engagement through platforms like Reddit for feedback and visibility

Monetization & Product:

Prioritizing user-friendly features (presets) while offering advanced options (RGB) for customization
Focusing on inclusive design (diverse skin tones) to broaden appeal

User Engagement:

Actively responding to user comments and suggestions
Implementing community-requested features to build loyalty

CRUMB has hit 100k units across STEAM and mobile 🤩🙌🏻

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
CRUMB	Not provided	Circuit Simulation Game	Simulates Ben Eater's computer blueprint, allows circuit building with overload/short circuit prompts

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Negative reviews causing hesitation
Limited components preventing certain circuit builds (e.g. amps)
Perception of abandoned development
Lack of Android version availability

Problems to Solve:

Understanding how circuits work
Practicing circuit building before real-world implementation
Prototyping hardware ideas (e.g. trackpoint)
Creating custom components

Potential Solutions:

Continued active development (confirmed by creator)
Steam Workshop integration for user-generated content
Adding more components over time
Expanding platform availability (e.g. Android)

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Solo development with transparent communication about progress
Leveraging Steam Workshop for community content

Marketing & Acquisition:

Milestone announcements (e.g. 100k units sold)
YouTube tutorials/demonstrations (https://youtu.be/KYTkgplXpXE)

Monetization & Product:

Paid game model (Steam/mobile)
Focus on educational simulation niche (Ben Eater's computer blueprint)
Addressing negative feedback through continued development

User Engagement:

Direct developer interaction in comments
Providing save files/resources to users
Community-driven content plans (user-generated parts)

Working on a succubus-esk monster!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/1715030/Godstone/	Game Distribution Platform	Game hosting and sales

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

No explicit pain points mentioned

Problems to Solve:

No explicit problems mentioned

Potential Solutions:

No solutions mentioned

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing game development progress to build interest

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing visual content (GIF) to attract attention
Promoting Steam store page link
Engaging with commenters to build community

Monetization & Product:

Using Steam platform for game distribution and sales

User Engagement:

Responding to comments to foster community interaction
Encouraging users to check out the game

We are nearly done with the Lumberjack Zone, testing out the campfire setup mechanic. As always, any feedback is more than welcome. 😊🍂

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Game pacing might be too slow for sustained engagement

Problems to Solve:

Need to adjust game pacing to maintain player interest
Lack of interaction mechanics for certain environmental elements (e.g., mushrooms)

Potential Solutions:

Adjust movement speed based on gameplay context
Add interactive mechanics for environmental objects (e.g., mushroom consumption feature)

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Soliciting user feedback during development

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing development progress on social platforms (Reddit)
Engaging with community feedback

Monetization & Product:

Iterative feature development based on user suggestions

User Engagement:

Actively responding to comments
Incorporating community suggestions into development

Thanks for all the feedback on yesterday's post! Here's the updated wind shield effect :D

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Godot	Not provided	Game Engine	Mentioned in comments as the tool used for game development

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Not explicitly mentioned

Problems to Solve:

Improving visual effects in game development (wind shield effect)

Potential Solutions:

Iterative development based on community feedback
Adding features like flowing wind trails and floating leaves

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Iterative development with community feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

Cross-platform promotion (Reddit, Twitter, YouTube)
Regular social media updates
Devlog creation on YouTube

Monetization & Product:

Not explicitly mentioned

User Engagement:

Soliciting feedback on multiple platforms
Engaging with commenters
Building anticipation for upcoming content

Duckie has something to say

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned]	[N/A]	[N/A]	[N/A]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

[No pain points mentioned]

Problems to Solve:

[No problems mentioned]

Potential Solutions:

[No solutions mentioned]

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

[No strategies mentioned]

Marketing & Acquisition:

[No methods mentioned]

Monetization & Product:

[No insights mentioned]

User Engagement:

[No techniques mentioned]

The main menu from my Gravity Falls fangame

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

[No explicit pain points mentioned]

Problems to Solve:

[No explicit problems to solve mentioned]

Potential Solutions:

[No potential solutions mentioned]

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

[No strategies mentioned]

Marketing & Acquisition:

Posting updates on relevant subreddits (r/IndieDev and r/gravityfalls)
Engaging with community feedback

Monetization & Product:

[No monetization insights]

User Engagement:

Responding to comments to build rapport
Sharing progress updates to maintain interest

I made a quick video showing off all the new stuff in the demo update!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
AI Voice Tool	Not specified	Audio Generation	Natural-sounding voices indistinguishable from humans, enables dubbing for non-native speakers

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Language barrier for non-native English speakers
Difficulty creating professional voiceovers without hiring actors

Problems to Solve:

Adding high-quality dubbing to game demos
Making game content accessible to international audiences

Potential Solutions:

Using AI voice generation tools for natural-sounding dubbing
Leveraging technology to overcome language limitations

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing product updates through video demonstrations

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing development progress on relevant subreddits (r/IndieDev)
Using video content to engage potential users

Monetization & Product:

Not explicitly mentioned

User Engagement:

Creating visual content to demonstrate new features
Engaging with community feedback (implied by posting in IndieDev)

Built this solo in Unity. Here’s a glimpse of the gameplay.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Unity	https://unity.com/	Game Development Engine	Mentioned as the development platform

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

No specific pain points mentioned

Problems to Solve:

Creating a parkour game

Potential Solutions:

Using Unity for game development

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Solo development showcased

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing gameplay glimpse on Reddit

Monetization & Product:

Not mentioned

User Engagement:

Posting in r/IndieDev community for visibility

Ordered dithering matrices using Aseprite's gradient tool

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Aseprite	Not provided	Graphics/Design	Gradient tool for creating ordered dithering matrices
Itch.io	http://Itch.io	Distribution Platform	Hosting and sharing digital creations

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty in creating unique/intricate designs with ordered dithering matrices
Learning curve in understanding Bayer ordered dithering techniques

Problems to Solve:

How to generate more complex and varied dithering patterns
Mastering the use of gradient tools for dithering effects

Potential Solutions:

Creating and sharing pre-made dithering matrices as extensions
Tutorials or resources on advanced dithering techniques

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Creating shareable extensions/add-ons for existing tools

Marketing & Acquisition:

Distributing free resources on platforms like Itch.io to attract users

Monetization & Product:

Offering free tools to build reputation and user base
Potential for premium extensions or tutorials

User Engagement:

Sharing work on communities like r/IndieDev for feedback
Encouraging user adoption through practical examples

I'm obsessed in populating my game with expressive NPCs!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Rigging characters from scratch is painful due to math complexity
Difficulty in creating expressive NPCs procedurally
Challenges in manipulating SVG code programmatically for animation

Problems to Solve:

Creating expressive NPCs with procedural generation
Developing a skeleton rig system for character animation
Building a custom game engine to handle SVG-based graphics

Potential Solutions:

Developing a custom skeleton rig system (planned for July release)
Using SVG masking techniques for facial expressions
Creating a custom engine to stitch SVG elements programmatically

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Developing a unique custom engine for specific graphical needs
Focusing on procedural generation for character diversity

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing development progress on Reddit for visibility
Running a closed beta since February to gather feedback
Providing visual examples (screenshots) to showcase progress

Monetization & Product:

Unique SVG-based graphics as product differentiator
Procedural generation for replay value and content variety

User Engagement:

Engaging with community feedback on Reddit
Clarifying technical approach when questioned
Sharing development milestones and visual proofs

Released my first ever game on Steam, just wanted to say THANK YOU.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com	Game Distribution Platform	Game publishing, storefront, community features
Discord	Not specified	Communication Platform	Community building, giveaways, user engagement

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Getting stuck on bugs or development problems

Problems to Solve:

Overcoming technical challenges during game development
Distributing and promoting a newly released game

Potential Solutions:

Seeking help from developer communities (e.g., Reddit)
Using Discord for community engagement and giveaways
Providing additional content to retain players

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Community-driven development support
Post-launch content updates

Marketing & Acquisition:

Steam platform for distribution and visibility
Discord giveaways to attract users
Leveraging Reddit communities for promotion

Monetization & Product:

Free content updates to increase player retention
Steam key giveaways as promotional tactic

User Engagement:

Building Discord community for direct interaction
Engaging with players through additional content development
Utilizing platform features (Steam community hub)

What are you working on this weekend?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Blender		3D Modeling	Mentioned for face rig animation and model sculpting
Unity		Game Engine	Used for importing and animating 3D models

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty in importing Blender face rigs to Unity without deformations
Challenges in implementing HUD with 2-player split screen
Managing large-scale game assets (56 ingredients, 100 potions)
Combat system overhaul to improve gameplay fun

Problems to Solve:

Fixing facial animation deformations during 3D model import
Creating functional split-screen multiplayer HUD
Storing and managing game data (ingredients/recipes) via CSV/JSON
Redesigning combat mechanics for better player experience

Potential Solutions:

Troubleshooting import settings between Blender and Unity (implied by OP's resolution)
Taking breaks to regain momentum on stalled projects
Using CSV/JSON for data management in game development
Iterative development of game mechanics

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Community engagement through sharing progress and challenges
Iterative development and testing of game mechanics

Marketing & Acquisition:

Showcasing visual assets (monster designs, avatar editors) to generate interest
Sharing development milestones in relevant communities (like r/IndieDev)

Monetization & Product:

Developing large-scale content systems (e.g., 100+ potions) for replay value
Focusing on core gameplay loops (combat, crafting) for product-market fit

User Engagement:

Encouraging peer feedback on visual designs and mechanics
Creating shareable visual content (screenshots) to build community excitement
Supporting multiplayer features to enhance social engagement

Modular TPS Core Mechanics (C++) - UE5 - Built from scratch

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Unreal Engine 5	https://www.unrealengine.com/	Game Development Engine	Core framework for building modular TPS mechanics

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Bullet size appears unrealistic in the game prototype

Problems to Solve:

Creating a realistic visual representation of bullets

Potential Solutions:

Adjust bullet size to be smaller for enhanced realism

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Providing source code as a learning resource

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing project details on Reddit for visibility
Offering source code access via Patreon

Monetization & Product:

Monetizing educational resources through Patreon subscriptions
Building modular systems for broad applicability

User Engagement:

Responding to user feedback promptly
Encouraging community suggestions for improvements

I found this charming model that looks like a big-eyed caterpillar and just had to make it a flying enemy. It shoots homing missiles, and its big eye is its weak point—hit it for extra damage.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/2168060/The_Planetarian/	Game Distribution	Platform for distributing and selling games

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

No explicit pain points mentioned

Problems to Solve:

Creating engaging game enemies with unique mechanics
Designing visually distinctive characters

Potential Solutions:

Incorporating biological inspiration for unsettling visuals
Adding weak point mechanics for strategic gameplay

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing game development progress on social platforms

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing game assets/mechanics on Reddit communities (r/IndieDev)
Directly linking to Steam store page for conversions

Monetization & Product:

Leveraging Steam platform for game distribution
Focusing on unique character design as selling point

User Engagement:

Engaging with commenters through humor (GIF responses)
Encouraging community feedback on design choices

Game Dev Is Tough...

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Game development is time-consuming and challenging
Difficulty in implementing multiplayer features (local and online)
Balancing development scope with release timelines

Problems to Solve:

Should the developer prioritize single-player mode over multiplayer to meet release deadlines?
How to efficiently implement multiplayer functionality without excessive delays

Potential Solutions:

Release a single-player version first and add multiplayer as a later update
Focus on making the single-player experience as fun as possible before expanding

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Iterative development: Starting with a minimal viable product (MVP) and adding features later

Marketing & Acquisition:

No specific marketing strategies mentioned

Monetization & Product:

Prioritizing core features to achieve faster time-to-market
Potential for staged feature releases (single-player first, multiplayer later)

User Engagement:

Building games that encourage social play (implied by multiplayer focus)
Community feedback through platforms like Reddit

Making a 2.5D paper mario style game

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Unity	https://unity.com	Game Development	Game engine used for development

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Struggling with collision implementation in Unity
Cannot upload both video and images in the same Reddit post

Problems to Solve:

Need help with game development (collision issues, 2.5D implementation)
Seeking collaborators for project completion

Potential Solutions:

Implement billboarding technique for 2.5D sprites (as suggested in comments)
Refer to Octopath Traveler for inspiration
Use external platforms to share multiple media types

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Community collaboration for product development

Marketing & Acquisition:

Direct outreach to potential collaborators via DMs
Showcasing early development progress on social platforms

Monetization & Product:

N/A (no pricing or monetization discussed)

User Engagement:

Sharing development progress to build interest
Soliciting community feedback and collaboration

Tried to make a cool character reveal/promo poster thing

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Unreal Engine 5	https://www.unrealengine.com	Game Development	Realtime rendering engine

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty in creating visually appealing promotional materials
Balancing character visibility with atmospheric effects (e.g., dark backgrounds obscuring details)

Problems to Solve:

Creating effective game character reveal/promo posters
Ensuring key character features remain visible in stylized renders

Potential Solutions:

Adjusting lighting/contrast to highlight obscured elements (e.g., glasses)
Using editing tools to enhance specific details |

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing product capabilities through visual examples (like UE5 renders)

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing promotional materials on relevant communities (e.g., r/IndieDev)

Monetization & Product:

Offering real-time rendering capabilities as core product value

User Engagement:

Soliciting community feedback on visual presentations |

Learning how to make game assets!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Blender	Not provided	3D Modeling Software	Used for creating game assets

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Need for feedback on game asset quality
Uncertainty about whether assets are game-ready

Problems to Solve:

Creating visually appealing and optimized game assets
Learning 3D modeling skills

Potential Solutions:

Seeking community feedback
Continued practice with Blender

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Community engagement for feedback and visibility

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing work on social platforms (Reddit) to attract attention

Monetization & Product:

Not explicitly mentioned

User Engagement:

Encouraging profile visits for more content
Directly asking for user opinions

Adding a new feature: You can now push enemies with your shield and they will knockdown others.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/3459610/Untold_Winter/	Game Distribution Platform	Game store page for Untold Winter

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Video loading issues in previous posts

Problems to Solve:

Ensuring content is viewable to the community

Potential Solutions:

Re-posting with a working video link
Providing a direct link to the Steam page

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Re-posting content to overcome technical issues

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing Steam page link for direct access

Monetization & Product:

Adding new game features (shield push mechanic) to enhance gameplay

User Engagement:

Engaging with community by addressing technical issues promptly

I'm currently working on my new game after developing several Roblox games for years, now I'm learning Unreal Engine 5 after got inspired by some games I've played these days 😭 Here's a chaotic fighting clip on the development progress (although it still has a lot of bugs)

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Roblox	https://www.roblox.com/	Game Development Platform	Mentioned as previous development experience
Unreal Engine 5	https://www.unrealengine.com/	Game Engine	Currently learning for new game development

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Transitioning between game engines (Roblox to Unreal Engine 5)
Dealing with bugs during development
Job search concerns before graduation

Problems to Solve:

Learning a new game engine (Unreal Engine 5)
Finding job opportunities while still in school
Collaborating with others on game development

Potential Solutions:

Self-learning new tools (implied by learning Unreal Engine 5)
Networking through Discord for collaboration
Seeking job opportunities proactively

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Showcasing development progress publicly
Engaging with community feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing development clips on social platforms (Reddit)
Providing Discord contact for collaboration

Monetization & Product:

Not explicitly mentioned

User Engagement:

Posting development updates to gather feedback
Responding to comments (e.g., thanking for encouragement)
Offering collaboration opportunities via Discord

Is it better to use cubes to design the environment in a shooting game?

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Optimizing games for low-end phones
Balancing graphical quality with performance
Managing player expectations regarding graphics
Avoiding overcomplication with destructible environments

Problems to Solve:

Creating engaging gameplay on resource-constrained devices
Preventing players from focusing too much on graphics over gameplay
Designing environments efficiently without sacrificing performance

Potential Solutions:

Using simple geometric shapes (cubes) with texture facades
Starting with low-poly assets and upgrading graphics incrementally
Separating atmospheric elements from core gameplay mechanics

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Incremental improvement of product quality over time

Marketing & Acquisition:

N/A (not discussed in content)

Monetization & Product:

Prioritizing core gameplay mechanics over graphical fidelity
Ensuring product-market fit for low-end device users

User Engagement:

Managing user expectations through phased feature rollout

I've finally made the title screen for my game, so I'll update you by showing it here.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

No specific pain points mentioned

Problems to Solve:

Creating a title screen for a game
Localization of the game into English

Potential Solutions:

Developing the title screen
Planning for future localization

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Sharing progress updates with the community

Marketing & Acquisition:

Posting development updates on Reddit

Monetization & Product:

Considering localization for broader market reach

User Engagement:

Responding to comments and acknowledging inspiration from community members

A VHS shader that I made on my own for my game!

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Problems to Solve:

Potential Solutions:

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Marketing & Acquisition:

Monetization & Product:

User Engagement:

Techniques that makes Ori looks so amazing

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
None mentioned	N/A	N/A	No SaaS tools discussed in the content

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty achieving high-quality graphics/atmosphere in game development
Lack of accessible information on advanced game art techniques
Overwhelming complexity of professional game development processes

Problems to Solve:

Understanding specific techniques used in Ori's visual design
Learning how to create similar glowing/atmospheric effects
Finding resources to replicate professional-level animation details

Potential Solutions:

Studying GDC talks and developer interviews (as referenced in comments)
Implementing proportional glow effects based on background darkness
Adding subtle environmental animations (e.g., wind effects on static elements)
Hiring exceptional artistic talent like Johannes Filghuber
Securing studio backing for larger development teams

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Leveraging high-quality artistic direction for product differentiation
Securing backing from established studios/publishers
Building large development teams for complex projects

Marketing & Acquisition:

Creating visually stunning products that generate organic discussion
Utilizing platforms like GDC for technical sharing and visibility

Monetization & Product:

Investing in exceptional art direction as a key product feature
Balancing 2D/3D techniques for optimal visual impact

User Engagement:

Encouraging community analysis/discussion of artistic techniques
Maintaining visual consistency through detailed environmental animations

Quantum Odyssey: I hope this game will make you fall in love with quantum physics and computing

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
No SaaS tools mentioned	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Steep learning curve in quantum physics/computing education
Difficulty in understanding complex concepts without prior coding/math skills
Bugs and crashes in early versions of educational games

Problems to Solve:

Making quantum physics/computing accessible to beginners
Creating an engaging way to learn complex subjects
Ensuring software stability and bug-free experience

Potential Solutions:

Game-based learning approach with puzzles
Community-created tutorials and educational content
Continuous improvement based on user feedback

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Leveraging UNESCO's Year of Quantum for marketing timing
Long-term development commitment (6+ years)

Marketing & Acquisition:

Community building through tutorials and player engagement
Showcasing positive reviews to overcome past difficulty perception
Utilizing Reddit and YouTube for content distribution

Monetization & Product:

Early Access model for funding and feedback
Focus on smoothing learning curve to expand audience
'Forever improvement' promise for retention

User Engagement:

Creating community tutorials by top players
Developer insights and transparency
Positioning as a 'love letter' to create emotional connection