How I Keep My Indie Game Development Dreams Alive While Earning on the Side — Introverted Games
The life of indie game development is one of creativity, passion, and, often, struggle. The thrill of bringing your unique vision to life is unmatched, but it’s accompanied by the harsh reality of financial instability. This stress can be a silent killer of creativity, turning what should be a labor of love into a source of anxiety and burnout.
The Silent Burden of Financial Stress
When you’re passionate about indie game development, it’s easy to dive headfirst into your projects. You might spend countless hours coding, designing, and testing, driven by the dream of seeing your game out in the world. But as rewarding as this work can be, there’s a shadow that often looms large-money.
I’ve felt this shadow more times than I’d like to admit. There were days when I’d be deep into development, only to be jolted out of my flow by the gnawing anxiety of unpaid bills or an empty bank account. It’s not just a distraction; it’s a heavy weight that hangs over you, making it hard to think clearly, let alone create something truly great.
And here’s the thing: that stress doesn’t just stay in the back of your mind. It seeps into your work. You might find yourself rushing through parts of your game, cutting corners, or simply losing the joy that brought you to game development in the first place. The mood and mindset you’re in while creating your game have a way of embedding themselves into the final product. When you’re stressed, your game can feel rushed or uninspired, and players can sense that.
My Breaking Point: When Passion Meets Reality
After years of this struggle, I hit a breaking point. I realized that I couldn’t keep living in a constant state of stress and expect to produce my best work. Something had to change. I needed to find a way to support myself financially without sacrificing my passion for indie game development.
I tried a few different side hustles, but most of them took up too much time or energy-time and energy that I wanted to devote to my games. It wasn’t until I discovered a niche that truly clicked for me that things began to change.
I started creating and selling digital items in online 3D worlds like IMVU.com. At first, it seemed like a strange fit. I wasn’t a 3D artist by trade, and I had no idea if this would work. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized there was a real opportunity here. People were making good money by designing and selling virtual goods-everything from avatars to hair textures to clothing items.
This side hustle wasn’t just about making extra cash. It was about finding a way to support my creative dreams without draining my time and energy. It became a lifeline, allowing me to focus on my game development while knowing that my bills were covered. One of the best things about this side hustle was the over 1200 textures ready made for me to use. At the time, I was pretty new to making items for sale, this was just the starting point I needed. The textures along with the guide were the perfect fit for me.
How a Side Hustle Can Fuel Your Creativity
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much this side hustle improved my overall well-being. When you’re not constantly worried about money, something amazing happens-you start to enjoy your work again. The creativity flows more freely, and you’re able to pour your heart and soul into your projects without that nagging voice in the back of your mind telling you to hurry up or that you’re wasting time.
For me, this translated into better games. With the financial pressure eased, I could take my time, refine my ideas, and focus on creating something I was truly proud of. The difference was night and day. And it’s not just about the quality of the work-it’s about how you feel while doing it. When you’re relaxed and confident, your work reflects that. The joy and passion you bring to your project become part of the game itself, and that’s something players can feel.
But don’t just take my word for it. If you’re struggling with the same pressures I was, consider exploring this path. Check out the system I used-it’s a complete, done-for-you solution that might be exactly what you need to keep your game development dreams alive.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters to Every Indie Developer
I’m sharing this not because I think it’s the only way, but because it’s something that worked for me. It’s easy to feel alone in this struggle, to think that you’re the only one battling these challenges. But the truth is, many of us in the indie game development community face these same issues. We all want to create something meaningful, something that resonates with players. But to do that, we need to take care of ourselves first.
Finding a side hustle that doesn’t drain your creativity can be a game-changer. It’s not about getting rich quick-it’s about stability. It’s about giving yourself the financial breathing room to focus on what you love without the constant stress of wondering how you’ll pay your bills.
This approach gave me back my joy in game development. It allowed me to approach my work with a clear mind, knowing that I was supporting myself in a way that didn’t compromise my creative vision.
Moving Forward with Confidence
In the end, this isn’t just about making money-it’s about finding a way to live your life as a game developer without sacrificing your well-being. It’s about keeping your passion alive, even when the road gets tough. And it’s about knowing that you have options, that you don’t have to choose between paying the bills and creating something amazing.
So, if you’re in a place where the financial stress is starting to overshadow your love for game development, take a step back. Look for ways to support yourself that don’t drain your energy or your creativity. You can start by exploring the system that worked for me right here.
This isn’t about selling you a dream-it’s about sharing a path that might just help you keep yours alive.
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Originally published at https://introvertedgames.com on August 13, 2024.
