Reddit Analysis for IndieDev on 2025-07-30

7581

just make it exist first, they said

Summary

The post discusses a game development project where the creator shares progress updates, including a model of a horse and rider. The discussion highlights the challenges of game development, such as balancing aesthetics with functionality, managing expectations, and dealing with technical limitations. Many commenters share their own experiences with iterative development, using placeholders, and accepting imperfections as part of the process. Some also discuss the importance of focusing on gameplay before visual polish and the value of sharing progress with the community.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions in the discussion revolve around the importance of iterative development and focusing on functionality before aesthetics. Many users agree that it's better to create a working prototype first and refine it later. There is also a general consensus that imperfections are acceptable in early stages of development. However, some users express frustration with the final version of the model, suggesting it's a downgrade from earlier iterations. There are also debates about the role of technical limitations versus creative choices in game design. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the value of sharing progress and learning from others in the development community.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
N/A	N/A	N/A	No specific SaaS tools mentioned in the post or comments.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Difficulty in achieving perfect game mechanics and visuals early in development
Frustration with technical limitations and design choices
Struggle to balance aesthetics with functionality
Overthinking and perfectionism during development

Problems to Solve:

How to create a functional prototype before focusing on polish
Managing expectations for game development progress
Dealing with the complexity of animation and character movement
Balancing creative vision with practical implementation

Potential Solutions:

Focus on building a working prototype first, then refine later
Accept imperfections as part of the development process
Use simple models or placeholders for early testing
Refactor and adjust systems iteratively as development progresses

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Iterative development and prototyping
Emphasizing functionality over aesthetics in early stages
Using placeholder models to test mechanics
Refactoring code as new features are added

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing progress updates with the community
Engaging with fans and other developers
Leveraging social media and platforms like Reddit

Monetization & Product:

No direct mentions of pricing models or monetization strategies
Focus on creating a compelling game experience rather than immediate commercial success

User Engagement:

Building a community around the game through shared progress and feedback
Encouraging interaction through comments and discussions
Demonstrating transparency in the development process

2416

Tech demo of my game Wormhole. A portal-like puzzle game but with 4D raytraced wormholes!

Reddit Details

Summary

The post is a tech demo of a game called Wormhole, which is a puzzle game inspired by Portal but with 4D raytraced wormholes. The creator, u/Luroqa, shares a long video explaining the game's concept, which involves using wormholes to navigate a 4D environment. The video showcases advanced raytracing and physics simulations, including realistic light handling, gravity, and spatial curvature. The community responds positively, with many users expressing amazement at the technical achievements and offering help with development. Discussions include requests for a Discord server, suggestions for gameplay mechanics, and concerns about code security and performance. The creator plans to make a YouTube channel and a Discord server for updates and collaboration.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions in the discussion are overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing amazement at the technical achievements and the innovative use of 4D physics and raytracing. There is a strong desire for the game to be developed further, with many users offering help with 3D modeling, programming, and other aspects of development. Some users suggest that the game could benefit from a more accessible art style and improved optimization to reduce visual strain and improve performance. A few users raise concerns about the difficulty of making the game fun and engaging, emphasizing the need to balance technical accuracy with gameplay. Conflicting opinions are rare, but some users express uncertainty about whether the game will be enjoyable despite its technical brilliance. Overall, the discussion reflects a strong community interest in the project and a willingness to support its development.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Discord	https://discord.com	Communication	Users requested a Discord server for collaboration and community building
YouTube	https://www.youtube.com	Content Sharing	The creator plans to create a YouTube channel for updates and gameplay videos
RemindMeBot	https://www.reddit.com/r/RemindMeBot	Reminder Service	Users used the bot to remind the creator to update on game progress
Giphy	https://giphy.com	Media Sharing	Used to share reaction GIFs in comments
Reddit	https://www.reddit.com	Community Platform	Main platform for sharing the demo and receiving feedback

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Lack of experience in 3D modeling, animation, and texturing
Difficulty in implementing game design and mechanics
Concerns about code theft and intellectual property protection
Need for optimization to ensure the game runs on lower-end hardware
Desire for a playable demo to test the game before purchasing

Problems to Solve:

Creating a fully functional game with complex 4D physics and raytracing
Building a community and recruiting collaborators for development
Ensuring the game is accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience
Balancing technical accuracy with gameplay fun
Managing the complexity of 4D space and wormhole mechanics

Potential Solutions:

Open-sourcing the game after release to encourage community contributions
Using a pixelated art style to optimize performance and reduce visual strain
Implementing a Discord server for collaboration and community engagement
Offering a free demo to attract players and gather feedback
Focusing on intuitive gameplay mechanics that leverage the unique properties of 4D space

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Leveraging community engagement through platforms like Reddit and Discord
Releasing a tech demo to generate interest and attract potential collaborators
Utilizing social media and content-sharing platforms like YouTube for marketing
Focusing on a unique selling proposition (USP) with 4D raytracing and physics-based gameplay

Marketing & Acquisition:

Posting on niche communities like r/IndieDev to reach passionate indie game enthusiasts
Encouraging user-generated content and word-of-mouth promotion
Engaging with potential testers and collaborators to build an early fanbase
Using reminders and alerts (e.g., RemindMeBot) to keep the community informed of updates

Monetization & Product:

Planning to offer a free demo to build a player base before launching a full purchase model
Considering crowdfunding or Patreon for financial support during development
Focusing on creating a high-quality, technically impressive product to justify pricing
Exploring potential for merchandise, soundtracks, and other related content

User Engagement:

Creating a Discord server to foster a sense of community and collaboration
Encouraging users to provide feedback and contribute ideas for the game
Regularly updating the community with development progress and new features
Hosting events or challenges to keep the community engaged and excited about the project

791

Just make it exist first, they said

Reddit Details

Summary

The Reddit post humorously reflects on the common experience of indie developers who have many unfinished or abandoned projects. The discussion highlights the emotional and mental strain of creating and managing side projects, as well as the sense of guilt or frustration when they don't come to fruition. Many commenters relate to the idea that some projects are simply on indefinite hold rather than complete failures.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion in the comments seems to be that the post resonates with many indie developers who feel the pressure of constant creation and the emotional burden of unfinished work. There is a general sense of relatability and shared experience among commenters. No significant conflicting opinions are present, but there is an underlying theme of acceptance that not all projects will succeed. Some comments express hope that this trend of 'abandoning projects' might end, suggesting a desire for more sustainable development practices.

SAAS TOOLS

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

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Frustration with failed projects and the pressure to constantly create
Feeling of guilt or regret over abandoned projects
Emotional toll of pursuing side projects while dealing with personal life challenges

Problems to Solve:

Finding a balance between creative work and personal responsibilities
Managing expectations and avoiding burnout from constant project development
Dealing with the emotional burden of unfinished work

Potential Solutions:

Accepting that not all projects will be completed successfully
Recognizing that some projects are on indefinite hiatus rather than failures
Embracing the value of the process rather than just the outcome

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

N/A (No specific strategies related to SaaS business growth were discussed)

Marketing & Acquisition:

N/A (No specific marketing or customer acquisition methods were mentioned)

Monetization & Product:

N/A (No pricing models, feature development, or product-market fit details were discussed)

User Engagement:

N/A (No user engagement or community building techniques were mentioned)

615

Before and after: 4–6 months of building my story-driven game solo.

Reddit Details

Summary

The post showcases the progress of Mandated Fate, a story-driven game developed solo by u/TetrarchyStudios. The game features a dark, dystopian setting with a retro-futuristic aesthetic and multiple narrative paths. The author shares updates on improvements in game performance, animations, and visuals. Players and developers in the comments express enthusiasm, offer feedback, and suggest areas for improvement such as animations, sound design, and system compatibility. The developer also mentions plans to collaborate with a composer and an indie marketing agency.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion is positive, with many users expressing excitement about the game's visuals, narrative, and potential. There is a strong focus on the importance of animations, sound design, and performance optimization. Some users mention the challenges of solo development, highlighting the need for balance between quality and feasibility. A few debates arise regarding the use of motion capture technology and the choice of tools, with some suggesting alternatives to certain services. Overall, the community supports the project and encourages continued development.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/3599830/Mandated_Fate	Game Distribution	Allows users to support the project and access the game
Discord	https://discord.com/invite/d7QXaWGc8z	Community Building	Provides a platform for playtesters and feedback
Blender	https://www.blender.org	3D Modeling	Used for modeling, rigging, and animation
Quixel Megascan	https://quixel.com	Texturing	Provides textures for game environments

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Lack of high-quality animations and character movements
Limited compatibility with different systems (e.g., Steam Deck)
Need for better sound design and voice acting
Difficulty in balancing solo development with quality standards

Problems to Solve:

Improve character animations for a more immersive experience
Ensure the game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware
Enhance audio elements to match the visual quality
Balance development efforts between gameplay and storytelling

Potential Solutions:

Invest in motion capture technology or hire professional animators
Optimize game performance for different platforms
Collaborate with sound designers and voice actors
Focus on refining core mechanics while maintaining a rich narrative

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Engaging with the community through social media and forums
Offering early access and playtesting opportunities
Focusing on a unique story-driven gameplay experience

Marketing & Acquisition:

Leveraging Reddit and other indie developer communities for exposure
Encouraging user-generated content and word-of-mouth promotion
Utilizing platforms like Steam for distribution and visibility

Monetization & Product:

Considering a price point around $20 based on the game's scope and quality
Emphasizing replayability through multiple narrative paths
Balancing cost with value by focusing on environmental detail and world-building

User Engagement:

Creating an active Discord server for player interaction and feedback
Regularly updating the community on development progress
Encouraging players to join beta testing and provide input

343

just make it exist first…

Reddit Details

Summary

The Reddit post is a brief and somewhat nonsensical discussion with no clear focus on SaaS tools or user needs. The conversation includes random comments about games, parkour, and other unrelated topics. There is no explicit mention of SaaS products or business growth factors.

Opinion

The post appears to be a lighthearted, humorous exchange without any serious discussion about SaaS tools or business growth. Most comments are random jokes or references to gaming culture. There are no mainstream opinions or debates about SaaS, as the content is not relevant to the topic.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned	Not mentioned

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

No specific SaaS tools or user needs directly mentioned in the post or comments.

Problems to Solve:

No clear problems related to SaaS tools are discussed.

Potential Solutions:

No potential solutions are explicitly mentioned.

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Not applicable, as no SaaS-related growth strategies are discussed.

Marketing & Acquisition:

Not applicable, as no marketing or customer acquisition methods are mentioned.

Monetization & Product:

Not applicable, as no pricing models or product-market fit discussions are present.

User Engagement:

Not applicable, as no community building or user engagement techniques are highlighted.

157

I'm Making an Auto Battler Game That Sits In The Corner Of Your Screen

Reddit Details

Summary

The post is from an indie developer working on an auto-battler game called Desktop Defender. It sits in the corner of the screen while the user does other tasks. The game is inspired by Rusty's Retirement and includes combat-based mechanics, builds, and synergies. The developer shared the Steam page for more details and received positive feedback, though some users raised concerns about fullscreen support, attention fragmentation, and game design.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions seem to be positive, with many users praising the game's polish and unique concept. However, there are some conflicting views: one user raised ethical concerns about attention fragmentation, while others defended idle games as suitable for people with limited time. There is also a debate around the need for fullscreen support and the visual style of the game. Overall, the discussion highlights both excitement for the game and concerns about its usability and impact on user focus.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/app/3772810/Desktop_Defender/	Game Distribution	The game's Steam page is mentioned in the post for more information.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Some users find it difficult to play games that only occupy a part of their screen.
Concerns about attention fragmentation from idle or auto-battler games.
Desire for fullscreen support and better visual design options.

Problems to Solve:

Making an auto-battler game accessible and enjoyable on different screen setups.
Balancing idle gameplay with user engagement without being distracting.
Improving the game's aesthetics and variety of designs.

Potential Solutions:

Adding fullscreen mode as requested by some users.
Experimenting with different visual styles, such as those seen in SNKRX.
Incorporating more build and synergy mechanics to enhance gameplay depth.

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Leveraging community feedback to improve game features and user experience.
Building awareness through social media and indie developer communities like Reddit.

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing the Steam page to drive traffic and interest.
Engaging with potential players through comments and discussions.

Monetization & Product:

Pricing at $5 or lower seems to be a suggested price point.
Focusing on long-term engagement with hypercasual gameplay.
Emphasizing the unique value proposition of an auto-battler that sits in the corner of the screen.

User Engagement:

Encouraging player interaction through comments and direct responses.
Creating a sense of exclusivity and novelty with the game's concept.

101

I mocked up a crawl animation. It accidently looks so dumb that I think I'm going to keep it. Should I?

Reddit Details

Summary

The post is from an indie developer, u/dirkboer, who created a crawling animation for their upcoming game 'RANGER COMMANDO'. They're unsure whether to keep the animation because it looks silly, but they received positive feedback from the community. The discussion revolves around the visual style of the animation, its impact on gameplay, and suggestions for improvement. The developer is using Unity and plans to release the game on Steam Deck.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion among the commenters is positive, with many users appreciating the quirky and nostalgic look of the animation. Some suggest adjusting the speed for better gameplay balance, while others support keeping it as part of the game's charm. There is no significant conflict, but some users emphasize the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality. Overall, the community supports the developer's creative choice.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
(No specific SaaS tools mentioned in the post or comments)	-	-	-

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Users are concerned about the visual design of a game's crawl animation being too silly or unprofessional.
Some users suggest that the crawl animation may be too slow and not balanced with gameplay mechanics.

Problems to Solve:

Balancing the visual style of the game with user expectations.
Ensuring the crawl animation is functional and does not hinder player experience.

Potential Solutions:

Adjusting the speed of the crawl animation for better gameplay balance.
Adding an option to toggle the crawl animation on/off as an easter egg.

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Building a community around a game through social media and forums like Reddit.
Engaging with potential players and gathering feedback during the development phase.

Marketing & Acquisition:

Using platforms like Steam to showcase the game and attract interest.
Leveraging word-of-mouth and positive feedback from early testers.

Monetization & Product:

Focusing on creating a unique and nostalgic visual style to differentiate the game in the market.
Emphasizing procedural generation and environmental design to enhance replayability.

User Engagement:

Encouraging player interaction by responding to comments and showing appreciation for feedback.
Creating a sense of community through shared enthusiasm for the game's development.

Is my charm design too Thai specific? Should I make it more universal?

Reddit Details

Summary

The post discusses whether a charm design inspired by Thai spiritual beliefs is too culturally specific or if it should be made more universal. The author is concerned that international audiences may not connect with the design, but many commenters encourage embracing the cultural elements as they add uniqueness and can spark interest. Suggestions include adding context or lore, focusing on the target audience, and staying true to the original vision.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion leans towards embracing cultural specificity, with many commenters supporting the idea that unique cultural references can make the design stand out and engage users. Some believe that trying to be universally appealing may result in bland or generic designs. A few suggest testing with diverse audiences to ensure the design resonates. There's also a debate about the importance of providing context for cultural elements to help non-experts understand them. Overall, the discussion emphasizes authenticity and the value of niche appeal over mass-market generalization.

SAAS TOOLS

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

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Concerns about cultural specificity making the design less relatable to international audiences
Fear of alienating players unfamiliar with Thai culture

Problems to Solve:

Balancing cultural authenticity with broad appeal
Ensuring the design is both meaningful and accessible

Potential Solutions:

Adding descriptive lore or context to explain the cultural references
Focusing on the target audience and testing with diverse groups
Embracing the unique cultural identity to stand out in the market

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Staying true to the original vision and cultural identity
Leveraging niche appeal to attract a dedicated audience
Engaging with the community for feedback and support

Marketing & Acquisition:

Building brand identity through culturally rich content
Using feedback from users to refine and improve the product

Monetization & Product:

Focusing on the value of cultural uniqueness rather than trying to be universally appealing
Creating a strong connection with the target audience by respecting their interests

User Engagement:

Encouraging discussions around cultural references
Providing educational content to enhance user understanding and appreciation

A bit of gameplay from one mode of our indie game

Reddit Details

Summary

An indie developer shared gameplay footage of one mode of their upcoming game, sparking discussions about its resemblance to popular games like Temple Run and Subway Surfers. Users provided feedback on gameplay mechanics, visual style, and platform suitability. The developer responded by mentioning plans for unique features and different platform versions.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions suggest that the game feels too similar to existing titles, with many users expressing concerns about lack of originality. Some believe that the game could be improved with unique features or changes in style. A few users argue that mobile-style games may not appeal to PC audiences. There is also a debate about whether the game will succeed in the crowded market of similar titles. However, some supporters encourage the developer to continue and highlight the effort put into visuals and gameplay.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Lack of originality in game design
Concerns about the game feeling like a clone of existing games (e.g., Temple Run, Subway Surfers)
Challenges with coin placement and gameplay mechanics
Concerns about mobile-style games being perceived negatively on PC platforms
Difficulty in balancing gameplay for different platforms

Problems to Solve:

Differentiate the game from existing similar titles
Improve gameplay mechanics such as coin collection and character movement
Address concerns about the game's visual style and platform suitability
Create a more complex version for PC while keeping a casual version for mobile

Potential Solutions:

Introduce unique features like a weapon change selector
Adjust gameplay mechanics for better user experience
Focus on improving visuals and polish
Consider different platform-specific versions of the game

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Listening to community feedback and iterating based on it
Diversifying platform availability (PC, console, mobile)
Adding unique features to differentiate the product from competitors

Marketing & Acquisition:

Engaging with the indie game development community on Reddit
Building visibility through gameplay showcases and updates

Monetization & Product:

Balancing between casual and more complex gameplay to target different audiences
Focusing on visual polish and gameplay refinement to improve marketability

User Engagement:

Actively responding to user comments and feedback
Creating multiple modes and features to maintain interest

People told me they loved the vibe — so I added a bus stop where you can do nothing but enjoy the view.

Reddit Details

Summary

The post is from an indie developer sharing a new game called 'Bonds of the Zodiac,' which features a peaceful bus stop where players can relax and enjoy the view. The developer received positive feedback from the community, with many users expressing admiration for the game's visuals and atmosphere. Some users suggested additional features, such as a time-lapse button, while one offered to help with sound design. The developer shared the Steam link for the game and engaged with comments, showing openness to collaboration.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion is highly positive, with many users praising the game's atmosphere and visual design. The idea of a relaxing bus stop resonates well with the community, suggesting a demand for more immersive and meditative gaming experiences. There is also enthusiasm for collaboration, especially around sound design, indicating that indie developers may benefit from community involvement. One comment suggests a desire for more interactive features, like a time-lapse option, showing that players are open to innovative gameplay elements. No major conflicts or controversies were present in the discussion.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaS	URL	Category	Features/Notes
Bonds of the Zodiac	https://store.steampowered.com/app/3805400/Bonds_of_the_Zodiac/	Game Development	A game with a focus on atmosphere and visual design, featuring a bus stop as a central element for player relaxation
Steam	https://store.steampowered.com/	Game Distribution	Platform for publishing and selling games, including indie titles like 'Bonds of the Zodiac'

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

Players seeking immersive and relaxing game experiences
Developers looking to create unique, atmosphere-driven games
Sound designers interested in contributing to indie game projects

Problems to Solve:

Creating engaging environments that encourage player exploration and reflection
Balancing gameplay mechanics with artistic expression
Finding collaborators for sound design in indie development

Potential Solutions:

Adding interactive elements like a time-lapse feature to enhance immersion
Collaborating with sound designers for better audio integration
Leveraging platforms like Steam to distribute and promote indie games

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

Focusing on unique, artistic features to differentiate from competitors
Engaging with community feedback to improve game design
Building a strong visual identity to attract attention and build a fanbase

Marketing & Acquisition:

Sharing game links on platforms like Reddit to generate interest and engagement
Encouraging user interaction through comments and direct messages

Monetization & Product:

Using Steam as a distribution channel to reach a broad audience
Prioritizing visual and atmospheric appeal to increase player retention

User Engagement:

Creating a sense of calm and relaxation through environment design
Inviting community members to contribute ideas or collaborate on aspects like sound design