40 Pieces of Advice for Beginning Game Devs

19 Pieces of Advice for Beginning Game Developers

(I wish someone had told me these 10 years ago)

1. Don’t start with your big “dream game”—begin small and build up.
2. Finish your projects; any released game is better than an abandoned one.
3. Build long-term relationships; you never know where your peers will be in 10 years.
4. Your first game will be bad—that’s okay.
5. Never deceive partners, colleagues, or players; trust is hard to rebuild.
6. Don’t aim for quick cash; focus on creating lasting value.
7. Learn the technical basics—even if you’re not a programmer.
8. Respect every discipline; games are a team effort.
9. Players aren’t fools; they’ll notice if you cut corners.
10. Sometimes, even great games fail; don’t take it personally.

11. Keep playing games for fun; remember why you started.
12. Find your way to recharge; burnout is real.
13. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; the community is supportive.
14. Don’t chase every trend; focus on your passion.
15. …But do stay informed about the market.
16. Share your work publicly; it increases your chances of success.
17. Be open to feedback; constructive criticism fuels improvement.
18. Understand the business side; marketing is as important as development.
19. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆—𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀. ❤️

20. Embrace failure; each mistake is a lesson in disguise.
21. Network actively; your connections can open unexpected doors.
22. Keep your game well-documented; future you will thank you.
23. Set realistic goals; manageable milestones keep projects on track.
24. Value diversity in your team; different perspectives enrich games.
25. Test rigorously; bugs can break player trust.
26. Focus on fun; gameplay is king.
27. Learn from other games; play broadly and analyze deeply.
28. Be patient; success takes time and persistence.
29. Engage with your community; player input can guide development.
30. Prioritize mental health; a healthy mind creates better games.

31. Stay organized; project management skills are crucial.
32. Invest in good tools; they save time and enhance quality.
33. Collaborate cross-discipline; great ideas come from anywhere.
34. Understand your target audience; tailor experiences to their preferences.
35. Be adaptable; the industry evolves rapidly.
36. Mentor others; teaching reinforces your own knowledge.
37. Stay curious; ask questions and seek answers.
38. Believe in your vision; confidence drives success.
39. Document your journey; it can inspire others.
𝟰𝟬. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆—𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴.