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Home/r/IndieDev/2025-07-11/#game-development-progress-comparison
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Then versus now

r/IndieDev
7/11/2025

Content Summary

Developer u/Dread-Night shares a one-year progress comparison video of their game in r/IndieDev. Comments include feedback on trailer readability issues (fast cuts, camera motion), praise for improvements, and humorous comparisons like 'Hotline Middle-earth'. The developer acknowledges feedback for future trailer iterations and expresses excitement about upcoming milestones like Steam Next Fest participation.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream Opinions:

  • Positive reception of visual progress and UI improvements (animated text)
  • Recognition of development effort ('huge progress')

Critical Feedback:

  • Trailer editing makes gameplay hard to follow (player not centered, excessive motion)

Conflicting Perspectives:

  • While most praise progress, u/Joshculpart's critique highlights a disconnect between actual gameplay experience and trailer presentation

Developer Response:

  • Openness to feedback (acknowledging trailer issues for iteration)
  • Focus on enhancing visual 'juiciness' for player engagement

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
No SaaS tools mentionedN/AN/AN/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Trailer editing makes it hard to follow gameplay (player not centered, fast cuts, camera motion)
  • Difficulty in judging game improvements due to visual clutter

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating clearer game trailers for better audience comprehension
  • Improving visual presentation to showcase progress effectively

Potential Solutions:

  • Slower cuts in trailers to allow viewer orientation
  • Centering player character consistently
  • Reducing visual effects that cause distraction

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Iterative development based on feedback
  • Planning for participation in events like Steam Next Fest

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using comparison trailers to showcase progress
  • Engaging with community feedback for improvements

Monetization & Product:

  • Focusing on 'juicier' UI elements (e.g., animated text, combo meters) for better player engagement

User Engagement:

  • Responding to feedback publicly (e.g., trailer editing suggestions)
  • Expressing excitement about development milestones to build anticipation