4 Reasons NOT to Become a Game Developer

If you're reading this, you probably have some silly idea in your head that you want to make games as a hobby or a career. Well, I'm here to help you realize that you couldn't be more wrong.

Let's break this down into some common reasons why people think they want to become a game developer. Then I'll smack some sense into you and show you why these are bad ideas.

It is common knowledge that people who make games are millionaires and I understand the draw to having pockets full of cash for minimal effort. I'm sorry to tell you this, but spending a couple weeks on a game and making buckets of cash isn't going to make you happy. It will only make you sad.

Think twice before you turn your hobby into a career because you won't be satisfied. You should just find a job at a software company and  squash bugs all day. You won't make as much money but it is much more rewarding.

I'm sorry to be the one to break this to you, but if you make video games, you aren't going to want to play them. If you are one of those crazy people who makes a game that you want to play, you will regret it.

When you finish your project and look back at what you've created you are going to be disappointed. Having a finished piece of art that makes you proud of what you've done is overrated. Making clones of popular games so that you can get people to play it is a much better idea.

This sentiment is a common one, but I don't think that people realize the flaw in their reasoning. The problem with this is that you are assuming making games is hard.

You may remember from the first point that if you make video games you will become a millionaire. This is true, but the worst part is that it takes no effort. Anyone with a computer and a basement can spend a couple hours per day after school and pump out stunning video games.

If you are someone who wants to be proud of your work because it's difficult and rewarding, look somewhere else. Making games is not for you.

Oh man are you misguided. If you have ever actually worked for yourself you would understand that it's not what it's cracked up to be. Trust me on this, you should just find a boss who doesn't understand the people that will be using your products.

Once you get control over your job and your life you will miss the way things used to be. It's nice to always know what you have to do because your boss always has more mindless work for you to do.

For now, that's about it and hopefully you leave here with a better idea about what making games is like. Let's recap just to be sure:

What misguided reasons do you have for making games? I'd love to put you in your place and show you how ridiculous your dreams are.