The only thing that really matters in game development…

I believe that I’m about to change your perspective on the game development process.

I want to tell you… your work is not perfect.

Your gameplay loop, your game’s art, your development blog — they’re all imperfect.

If you asked a group of your peers for their honest and detailed feedback on your game, they would probably come up with so many flaws that it’d make your head spin.

But you know what?

It does NOT matter.

There’s only one thing in the world, and it’s simple.

The only thing that really matters is that you finish what you’re working on.

So many people have sent me emails asking for mentorship, but most people will never finish anything.

They will always have the best excuses in the whole world.

They were tired, they were busy, life got in the way, their dog ate their code.

I’ll let you in on something… those excuses might make them feel better but it won’t help them get to where they want and need to be.

There’s only one thing that can help: actually finishing their work.

Hell, I have a friend right now on my Skype friends list that I’ve known for the past 4 years. Let’s call him Jake.

I met him when I first started working on SanctuaryRPG. He’s grinding away for the past 4 years… yet has NOTHING to show for it.

Not a single published thing on GameJolt or Steam, not even a single polished prototype.

Don’t be like Jake.

Have you ever heard of that one parable? The one where two friends are camping in the jungle and a bear attacks them… or was it a tiger? Not sure.

One guy goes, “We’re not fast enough, we’re dead.”

The other guy replies, “I don’t have to outrun the bear, just you.” — What an asshole friend, right?

But in all seriousness, you just have to outrun everyone who doesn’t have to skill to actually finish their work.

The indie game market is waiting for people with the strength and courage to finish.

To publish, to release, to launch. If you’re one of these people, hats off to you.

If you’re not? Get into the habit of finishing.

Finishing what you start is what truly matters. Everything else is secondary.

If you enjoyed reading this short essay please like and share it to help others find it.

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About The Author

Daniel Doan is the Co-Founder & CGO of Black Shell Media and the developer of SanctuaryRPG and Overture, among dozens of unfinished game prototypes. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.