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r/IndieDev
2025-08-01·10
5620

Fine. I made the game. In Unity. It's real now.

RedditDetails

Summary

The post discusses an indie developer's experience of creating a game using Unity, which they humorously presented as a joke after an AI-generated video went viral. The discussion revolves around the visual style of the AI-generated clip, with many users expressing interest in a game that could replicate its aesthetic. Some users argue against the use of AI in game development, while others see it as a tool for inspiration. The conversation highlights the importance of visual appeal in game design and the ongoing debate about the role of AI in creative industries.

Opinion

## Different Viewpoints and Opinions **Mainstream Opinion:** - Many users expressed interest in a game that replicates the visual style of the AI-generated clip. - There is a general appreciation for unique and stylized visuals in games. - A significant portion of the community supports the use of AI as a tool for inspiration rather than direct creation. **Controversial Views:** - Some users strongly oppose the use of AI in creative industries, viewing it as a threat to human creativity. - Others argue that AI-generated content is not original and lacks the depth of human-made art. **Debates and Perspectives:** - The debate over whether AI should be used in game development continues, with arguments on both sides. - Some users believe that AI can enhance creativity, while others fear it will replace human artists. - The discussion also touches on the ethical implications of using AI for content generation.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Not mentioned in the post---

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in creating a 3D game with a unique pixel art style
  • Concerns about the use of AI in game development
  • Need for better LOD (Level of Detail) systems in games
  • Desire for visually appealing games that can attract players

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating a 3D game with a consistent and stylized visual aesthetic
  • Addressing concerns about AI-generated content in creative industries
  • Developing efficient systems for rendering large-scale game environments
  • Balancing artistic vision with technical implementation

Potential Solutions:

  • Using custom LOD systems to manage game environments
  • Leveraging shaders and pixel art techniques for visual consistency
  • Implementing community feedback to refine game design
  • Exploring the potential of AI as a tool for inspiration rather than direct creation

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Engaging with communities to understand user needs and preferences
  • Focusing on visual appeal to attract players
  • Utilizing social media and online platforms to promote games
  • Building a strong brand identity through consistent quality and innovation

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging viral content and social media trends to generate interest
  • Collaborating with influencers and content creators
  • Creating engaging trailers and demonstrations to showcase game features
  • Participating in online forums and communities to build awareness

Monetization & Product:

  • Emphasizing the importance of visual design in attracting players
  • Considering different pricing models based on game complexity and target audience
  • Ensuring a clear product-market fit by addressing user pain points

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging community interaction through Discord and other platforms
  • Responding to user feedback and incorporating suggestions into game development
  • Hosting events and contests to maintain player interest
  • Creating a sense of anticipation through regular updates and announcements
563

I love seeing this progress trend - here's a year and a half of dev on my first game!

RedditDetails

Summary

The post is from an indie developer who shared their progress on a game called 'Teeto' over the past year and a half. They received positive feedback from the community, including praise for the game's art style and visuals. The developer also mentioned using Steam and Discord to engage with their audience and share updates. The discussion highlights the importance of consistency, community engagement, and creative development in indie game projects.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions in the discussion revolve around the importance of consistency and incremental progress in game development. Many commenters praised the game's art style and visual design, highlighting the value of focusing on aesthetics. There is also a strong emphasis on community engagement and the role of platforms like Discord and Reddit in building a following. Some users expressed admiration for the developer's dedication, while others discussed challenges like scope creep and the difficulty of maintaining a consistent art style. Overall, the conversation reflects a supportive and encouraging environment for indie developers.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/2783370/Teeto/Game DistributionAllows users to wishlist the game and track updates
Discordhttps://discord.gg/cgYdDNgkbhCommunity BuildingProvides a space for community interaction and updates

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Scope creep in game development
  • Difficulty in creating a consistent art style
  • Balancing creativity with practicality in development

Problems to Solve:

  • Maintaining motivation and consistency during long-term development
  • Creating visually appealing assets that match the intended aesthetic
  • Engaging with a community and gaining feedback from other developers

Potential Solutions:

  • Focusing on incremental progress and celebrating small milestones
  • Experimenting with different art styles to find one that feels comfortable and consistent
  • Leveraging community engagement and feedback for improvement

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Consistent content sharing and progress updates to maintain interest
  • Engaging with the community through platforms like Discord and Reddit
  • Seeking feedback from other developers and influencers (e.g., Thomas Brush)

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using social media and community platforms to build awareness
  • Collaborating with other creators or influencers for exposure
  • Encouraging word-of-mouth through positive user experiences and community interactions

Monetization & Product:

  • Leveraging Steam as a distribution platform to reach potential buyers
  • Building a community around the game to foster loyalty and support
  • Focusing on visual appeal and unique features to differentiate the game in the market

User Engagement:

  • Sharing regular updates and progress to keep the audience engaged
  • Creating a Discord server to facilitate direct communication with the community
  • Responding to feedback and showing appreciation for user input
447

My game still has a ton of bugs, but I am loving the way it looks now.

RedditDetails

Summary

The post is from an indie game developer who shares their progress on a game called 'Creature Collector.' Despite having many bugs, they are happy with the visual style and atmosphere. The community is interested in the art style, camera work, and environmental details like rain. The developer responds to questions about the engine used, visual effects, and game mechanics. There is also some discussion about game design choices, such as using orthographic vs. perspective cameras and managing terrain and water effects. Overall, the post highlights the importance of aesthetics and atmosphere in game development, even when the game is still in early stages.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion: Many users are impressed by the visual style and atmosphere of the game, and they are excited about the potential of the project. There is a general consensus that focusing on aesthetics and atmosphere early in development helps maintain motivation and create a strong first impression. Some users suggest that the game could benefit from more detailed explanations about its design choices and technical implementation. There are no major conflicts or controversial opinions, but there is a range of perspectives on different aspects of game development, such as the use of orthographic vs. perspective cameras and the importance of visual polish versus gameplay functionality.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
N/AN/AN/ANo specific SaaS tools mentioned in the post or comments.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in achieving desired visual style and atmosphere in game development
  • Challenges with implementing features like rain, shaders, and camera work
  • Bugs in the game that may affect user experience

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating a visually appealing and immersive game environment
  • Balancing gameplay mechanics with artistic design
  • Managing technical challenges such as rendering and animation

Potential Solutions:

  • Using post-processing and shaders to enhance visuals
  • Focusing on atmosphere and aesthetics early in development to maintain motivation
  • Seeking community feedback for improvements and bug fixes

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Focusing on creating a strong visual identity and atmosphere to attract users
  • Engaging with the community and responding to feedback
  • Building a sense of excitement and anticipation through early demos and visuals

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging social media and platforms like Reddit to share progress and gather interest
  • Using visual appeal to generate buzz and encourage wishlist additions

Monetization & Product:

  • Not directly discussed, but the focus on aesthetics and user experience suggests an emphasis on product quality and differentiation

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging community interaction through comments and feedback
  • Sharing development progress to build a loyal following
366

Better done than perfect

RedditDetails

Summary

The post discusses the importance of finishing a project rather than waiting for it to be perfect. The developer shares their experience of struggling with overthinking and perfectionism, and how they eventually focused on creating a fun and engaging game. They also highlight the value of small, incremental progress and the importance of keeping the creative process enjoyable.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion supports the idea that 'better done than perfect' is essential for indie developers, as many commenters relate to the struggle of overthinking and perfectionism. Some users mention that focusing on small features and maintaining motivation helps in completing projects. There's no major conflict, but some developers emphasize the need for robust systems, while others argue that players don't notice them. The discussion highlights the balance between quality and progress, and the importance of community engagement.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
N/AN/AN/ANo specific SaaS tools were mentioned in the post or comments.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty in completing projects due to overemphasis on perfection
  • Struggling with motivation during development
  • Feeling overwhelmed by complex systems

Problems to Solve:

  • How to finish projects without getting stuck in endless refinement
  • How to maintain momentum and creativity during development
  • How to balance complexity with simplicity in game design

Potential Solutions:

  • Focus on finishing early prototypes and iterating later
  • Emphasize small, incremental progress for motivation
  • Prioritize fun and playability over overly complex systems

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Focusing on core features that deliver fun and engagement
  • Leveraging nostalgia and fanbase references (e.g., Kinnikuman)
  • Building a strong community through social interaction and feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using platforms like Steam, Epic Games, and consoles for distribution
  • Engaging with fans and developers through Reddit and other communities

Monetization & Product:

  • Offering a fun and accessible game with a unique art style
  • Balancing creativity with practical development

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging player feedback and interaction
  • Creating a fun and goofy atmosphere that resonates with players
321

How could I show players that they are leaving the demo area into empty space and prevent them from leaving?

RedditDetails

Summary

The post discusses how to inform players that they are leaving the demo area in a 2D open-world mining adventure set in space. The author wants to avoid simply teleporting players back but instead create an immersive way to show them that they are reaching the edge of the playable area. Commenters suggest various methods, including visual cues like parallax effects, in-game messages, environmental hazards (like asteroid fields, radiation, or gravity), and gameplay mechanics such as auto-pilot, ship slowdowns, or teleportation. Some also mention using lore-based explanations, such as the ship being limited by mining rights or galactic jurisdiction. The discussion highlights different approaches to making the boundary feel natural and immersive.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions in the discussion revolve around using environmental cues and in-game mechanics to subtly guide players back to the playable area. Many commenters agree that creating a believable in-universe explanation (such as radiation, gravity, or mining restrictions) helps maintain immersion. There is also a debate about whether it's better to use subtle visual cues (like fading stars or parallax effects) versus more direct methods like messages or automatic return systems. Some users prefer a more open-ended approach, allowing players to explore freely but still guiding them back through gameplay mechanics. Others argue that players should be explicitly informed when they're leaving the demo area to avoid confusion. Overall, there's a consensus that the solution should enhance the game's narrative and not feel forced or artificial.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[Fill if mentioned][Fill if mentioned][Fill if mentioned][Fill if mentioned]

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Players need a way to understand they are leaving the demo area without breaking immersion
  • Developers want to prevent players from exiting the demo area in an engaging way
  • Players desire a clear and meaningful reason for being restricted from moving further

Problems to Solve:

  • How to make players aware of the boundary of the demo area without using explicit warnings
  • How to prevent players from going beyond the playable area while maintaining the game's immersive experience
  • How to explain why players can't move further into empty space

Potential Solutions:

  • Use visual cues like parallax effects, fading stars, or screen distortion to indicate the edge of the playable area
  • Implement in-game messages or alerts that explain why the player is being restricted
  • Use environmental hazards such as asteroid fields, radiation, or gravity pull to naturally limit movement
  • Add gameplay mechanics like auto-pilot, ship slowdowns, or teleportation to guide players back to the playable area

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Focusing on user engagement through immersive design and interactive storytelling
  • Leveraging community feedback to refine gameplay mechanics and user experience
  • Encouraging creative problem-solving by allowing players to explore and discover solutions

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Building a strong community around the game through forums and social media
  • Using word-of-mouth and positive reviews to attract new players
  • Highlighting unique features that differentiate the game from competitors

Monetization & Product:

  • Offering a free demo to generate interest and build a player base
  • Designing a compelling full game that expands on the demo's concept
  • Creating a sense of anticipation for future content and updates

User Engagement:

  • Using visual and auditory cues to maintain player immersion
  • Incorporating feedback loops where players feel their actions have consequences
  • Encouraging exploration and discovery to keep players engaged with the game world
256

How do you like the areas in my game?

RedditDetails

Summary

The post is from an indie developer showcasing the environments of their upcoming CRPG game called 'Paradigm Island', inspired by Disco Elysium. The developer shared a video of the game's environments and received feedback from the community. Users praised the visuals but also pointed out areas for improvement, such as sound design and visual consistency. The developer responded to the feedback and thanked the community for their support. The game is set to release in six days.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions: Most users appreciated the game's art style, environment design, and narrative potential. Many found the visuals cohesive and immersive, with some comparing it to games like Disco Elysium and Borderlands. There was also excitement about the upcoming release. Conflicting opinions: A few users pointed out visual inconsistencies and suggested improvements in sound design. One user expressed frustration about not seeing more content beyond the environments, while another focused on the running animation as a standout feature. Debates: While most feedback was positive, there was a minor debate over whether the environments were visually consistent enough and if the audio needed refinement. Some users also discussed the importance of sound design in creating an immersive experience.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
N/AN/AN/ANo specific SaaS tools were mentioned in the post or comments.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Some users mentioned that sound design could be improved, such as adding footstep sounds to avoid a floating effect.
  • Visual inconsistencies in environment details were noted by some players.

Problems to Solve:

  • Improve audio immersion and consistency in character movement sounds.
  • Address visual design inconsistencies to maintain a cohesive art style.

Potential Solutions:

  • Incorporate more detailed sound effects like footsteps and ambient noise.
  • Refine visual elements to ensure a consistent and immersive aesthetic across all environments.

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Engaging with the community through direct feedback and responding to user suggestions.
  • Leveraging inspiration from popular games to build a unique identity.

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Sharing early gameplay footage and environment visuals to generate interest.
  • Utilizing social media and game development communities like r/IndieDev for visibility.

Monetization & Product:

  • Focusing on a strong narrative-driven CRPG experience with a distinct art style.
  • Building anticipation around the release date to drive pre-launch interest.

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging community interaction by responding to comments and taking feedback seriously.
  • Demonstrating commitment to quality through iterative improvements based on player input.
218

what gamedev does to you, eh? here's 2 years of after hours development on my rhythm historical game!

RedditDetails

Summary

The post is from an indie developer who has been working on a rhythm game set during the Polish-Soviet War, where players send Morse code messages. A free public demo is available on Steam, and the game is in alpha stage with plans for a beta release. The developer is seeking feedback on gameplay mechanics and features, and the community is interested in the educational potential of the game as well as its blend of rhythm and narrative elements.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions in the discussion revolve around the innovative concept of combining Morse code with rhythm gameplay, which many see as both educational and entertaining. There is strong support for the idea of using games to teach real-world skills like Morse code. Some users suggest adding more visual cues, such as displaying letters, to enhance the learning experience. Others express excitement about the game's historical setting and the potential for a rich narrative. Conflicting opinions are minimal, but there is a general consensus that the game has great potential if it balances gameplay and educational value effectively.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Steamhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/2584510Game DistributionFree public demo available for Windows, Linux, Mac, and Steam Deck. Includes a Steam Workshop for user-created levels.
GiphygiphyMedia SharingUsed to share a GIF in the post.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Users want to learn Morse code in an engaging way.
  • Developers seek feedback on game mechanics and features.
  • Players desire a blend of rhythm and narrative elements in games.

Problems to Solve:

  • How to make learning Morse code fun and interactive.
  • How to balance rhythm gameplay with storytelling.
  • How to create community engagement around a niche game.

Potential Solutions:

  • Incorporating visual cues (like letters) into Morse code rhythm gameplay.
  • Adding a level editor and Steam Workshop for user-generated content.
  • Using a historical setting to provide context and immersion.

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Releasing a free public demo to attract early users and gather feedback.
  • Engaging with the community through Reddit and other platforms.
  • Creating a unique concept that blends history, rhythm, and education.

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging the IndieDev subreddit to reach a targeted audience.
  • Using social media and community forums to promote the game.
  • Encouraging user-generated content to increase engagement.

Monetization & Product:

  • Offering a free demo to build interest before full release.
  • Planning for a beta stage with a trailer to generate anticipation.
  • Focusing on a niche but passionate audience (history and rhythm game enthusiasts).

User Engagement:

  • Providing a hub where players can explore the game's world and story.
  • Including a level editor and Steam Workshop for creative expression.
  • Building a sense of community through shared experiences and feedback.
133

[FOR HIRE] Pixel artist (7yrs of experience)

RedditDetails

Summary

The post is from an indie developer seeking a pixel artist with 7 years of experience. The artist offers a wide range of services including textures, tiles, characters, items, backgrounds, UI/UX, and animations. They provide clear pricing structures and payment via PayPal. The post also includes a link to their portfolio and contact information.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion: The post is straightforward and professional, showing the artist's expertise and willingness to collaborate. Some users may appreciate the clarity of pricing and communication methods. There are no major conflicts or debates in the comments, as the discussion is minimal and focused on the artist's availability and services.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
N/AN/AN/ANo specific SaaS tools mentioned in the post or comments.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Finding skilled pixel artists for game development or creative projects
  • Ensuring quality and consistency in art assets
  • Managing payment and project timelines effectively

Problems to Solve:

  • Needing reliable and experienced artists for various art tasks
  • Seeking efficient communication and payment methods
  • Looking for a streamlined process for project collaboration

Potential Solutions:

  • Direct contact via DMs, Discord, or social media
  • Clear communication of project scope and pricing before work begins
  • Using platforms like PayPal for secure payments

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a strong portfolio to showcase skills and past work
  • Offering flexible pricing models based on asset size and complexity
  • Engaging with communities (e.g., IndieDev) to find potential clients

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging social media and online portfolios to attract clients
  • Participating in relevant subreddits and forums to connect with indie developers

Monetization & Product:

  • Setting clear hourly rates and per-item pricing for different asset sizes
  • Focusing on niche areas like game assets, UI/UX, and animations

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging direct communication through DMs and Discord
  • Building a personal brand through consistent and high-quality work
89

Started Blender 4 months ago - looking for advice on becoming a real game artist someday

RedditDetails

Summary

A user who started learning Blender four months ago is seeking advice on how to become a professional game artist. They have created some basic 3D models but are unsure about the best path forward. They are looking for guidance on improving their skills, optimizing their models, and building a strong portfolio to stand out in the indie game industry.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion: Most users encouraged the poster, praising their work and offering practical advice on improving their skills and workflow. There was a general consensus that consistent practice, focusing on optimization, and building a diverse portfolio are key to success in game art. Some users emphasized the importance of comparing one's work to others on platforms like ArtStation and working harder to stand out. Conflicting opinions: A few users suggested that the model's polygon count might be too high for its complexity, indicating a need for better topology optimization. Others disagreed, stating that the model looked good for a beginner. There were also debates about whether the textures could be more efficiently used, such as by using tiling and trim sheets.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
CGTraderhttps://www.cgtrader.com3D模型市场用户可展示和销售3D模型，用于游戏开发
ArtStationhttps://www.artstation.com艺术作品展示平台艺术家可以展示作品并吸引潜在雇主或客户

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Lack of clear direction in learning 3D modeling for games
  • Uncertainty about how to develop skills to become a game artist
  • Concerns about optimizing models (poly count, UV layout, texture usage)

Problems to Solve:

  • How to improve 3D modeling skills for game development
  • How to create game-ready assets that are efficient and optimized
  • How to build a strong portfolio to stand out in the indie game industry

Potential Solutions:

  • Practice creating assets with deadlines to improve speed and quality
  • Focus on learning topology optimization and texture reuse techniques
  • Develop a diverse portfolio with different styles and asset types

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building a strong portfolio with high-quality, varied assets
  • Focusing on efficiency and optimization in asset creation
  • Engaging with communities and seeking feedback from peers and professionals

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Sharing work on platforms like ArtStation and CGTrader to gain visibility
  • Participating in online discussions and forums to connect with potential collaborators or clients

Monetization & Product:

  • The value of creating game-ready assets that meet industry standards
  • The importance of understanding the technical requirements of game development (e.g., poly counts, UV layout, texture resolution)

User Engagement:

  • Active participation in online communities like Reddit's IndieDev subreddit
  • Seeking and providing constructive feedback to improve skills and build relationships
80

One step closer. Something’s better than nothing, right?

RedditDetails

Summary

The post is from an indie developer sharing progress on their game developed using Unity. They mention the project started in January 2024, with a team of five people. The developer also invites others to join their Discord server. In the comments, there's a discussion about the repetitive nature of content on indie dev forums and the challenges of standing out in the space.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion seems to be that while the repetitive content on indie dev forums can be frustrating, it's often necessary to get attention for real indie projects. Some users feel that the system is flawed, but they acknowledge that showing up and engaging is better than nothing. There's also a debate about whether the content shared is genuinely useful or just marketing hype. The developer emphasizes being 'honest real dev' rather than 'marketing bullsh*t', which highlights the tension between authentic development and promotional content.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
N/AN/AN/ANo SaaS tools were explicitly mentioned in the post or comments.

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Frustration with repetitive content on indie game development forums
  • Difficulty in getting attention for real indie games

Problems to Solve:

  • How to stand out in a crowded dev community
  • How to build genuine engagement and support for indie projects

Potential Solutions:

  • Creating meaningful content that resonates with real indie developers
  • Building communities through platforms like Discord

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging social media and online communities to gain visibility
  • Building a loyal community through direct engagement

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using Reddit as a platform to share updates and connect with potential supporters
  • Encouraging participation through Discord and other interactive channels

Monetization & Product:

  • No specific pricing models or product features were discussed, but the focus was on creating value through transparency and engagement

User Engagement:

  • Hosting a Discord server to foster a sense of community and collaboration
  • Being transparent about the development process to build trust with the audience