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"In my opinion, the hardest step for aspiring (commercial) indie game developers is learning to finish games consistently and efficiently."

Chris Kerr, News Editor

August 22, 2018

3 Min Read

What's the biggest hurdle budding indie developers will face? Your answer will likely vary based on your own experiences, but for Spelunky designer Derek Yu, it's learning how to finish games consistently. 

Writing in a Twitter thread packed full of advice and insights aimed at aspiring game makers, Yu explained that in his experience, understanding how to effectively move past game jams and prototypes is absolutely critical. 

He added that it's also important to avoid getting wrapped up in one project for years on end -- time is a valuable resource in it's own right, after all -- though he conceded it's a "tiny sweet spot" that's hard to hit. 

"I think it's really important to learn how to finish games reliably," he wrote, "to see the beginning, middle, and end of development lots of times; to find the intersections of what you and other people enjoy; to learn how to skirt or overcome the many mental traps along the way."

The full thread (pasted below) is crammed with other useful tidbits, so check it out if you're getting ready to embark upon an indie adventure of your very own.

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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