I need a favour...
Added 2023-11-13 15:39:12 +0000 UTCHey Patrons!
If you’re on the $5 tier, you’ll soon have early access to the new episode of Developing. Everyone else will get it tomorrow. In this one I discuss my plan to finish the game, some level design wins, the final name of the game, and a behind the scenes look at getting the game on Steam!
But I also talk about something else… a plan to change the GMTK schedule a little, going forward.
I mention this briefly in the video, but as it affects you - the Patrons - the most, I wanted to come here and explain things in more detail.
So here’s the deal. One of the toughest things about making this magnet game has been juggling it with normal GMTK work. I’m well aware that not everyone who watches GMTK (or supports me here on Patreon) is interested in my game development story. So I’ve made sure to have a mix of game dev videos (Developing) and normal GMTK videos (GMTK vids) on the channel.
But I’ve found it really hard to bounce between the two modes of work. I might be in a game development mood… but then have to shut Unity for a month to go make some GMTK vids. I might get into a video-making mood and then, before long, it’s been several months since I last worked on the game… and the thought of trying to pick it back up again is really daunting.
Other things like work trips, holidays, the game jam, and real life commitments don’t make it easy, either!
I’m also just tragically awful at context switching. If I’m working on the game… then I’m literally thinking about the game 24/7, and there’s no room in my brain for anything else. Same goes for working on a video project. So it wouldn’t be possible to, say, work on GMTK vids in the morning and work on the game in the afternoon. Or to split my week into chunks. I’d go bananas.
Anyway. This has made for a really crummy work schedule. In this new episode of Developing I took a look at my calendar and realised that while the game has been in development for about 24 months, I’ve only actively worked on the game for about nine of those months. If I juggled my time better the game would probably be done by now! Argh!
And I do so want the game to be done! I want to be able to stop thinking about magnets every day. I want to have a finished game on Steam. And I want to work on new games, in new genres, with new ideas (and in new engines!).
The good news is - the game does now feel like it’s finally moving towards the finish line. Many of the levels are made. The story is planned out. I have a concrete plan for how to make the game - and I’ve purposefully kept the scope small and conservative so it’s something I can actually achieve. And if I focus on the game, I think I can be done before the middle of 2024.
But if I need to keep taking breaks to create GMTK vids, I can see it dragging on for many, many more months. So to stop this from happening I’m going to be spending much more time and energy on game development (and making episodes of Developing) and less on making videos for Game Maker’s Toolkit, and other series like Boss Keys.
I will still make some GMTK vids (including the annual “most innovative game” video), but they’ll be fewer and further apart.
The long and short of it is… if you support me on Patreon because you like the videos on game design analysis / Metroidvania level design / etc, and you aren’t interested in Developing… then I’m asking for your patience while I get this game out of my system. For the next few months you won’t get as much of the content that you’re after.
If this is a deal breaker and you want to stop your pledge, I totally understand and thank you for your support up until this point!
It’s been a tough decision to make, but I’m so excited about the game right now and I really want to just keep working on it until it’s done. And to work on other videos as either a way to take a creative break, or because I have a video idea I really want to do right now. And not because I’m worried that I’m going to lose out on YouTube views or Patreon supporters.
I hope that makes sense and is okay. If you have any questions about the whole thing then please drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer!
Cheers
Mark
Comments
You rock Mark! I came for the video essays but I'm staying for the video game essays.
Florian Schneider
2023-12-03 03:14:48 +0000 UTCI'm here for support of you. Dev story videos, content videos, piece of mind while deving project. Anything.
Aki
2023-11-16 05:45:22 +0000 UTCHi Mark, your content both on YouTube and her is so inspirational to me and my friends. We get excited and look forward to what you put out next, whatever form that content may be. So I am very happy to continue supporting if it means that you'll be able to continue doing what your doing!
Hortak The Hearty
2023-11-14 21:45:26 +0000 UTCI " support you on Patreon because you like the videos on game design analysis / Metroidvania level design / etc" (sic) but I don't mind if you focus on finishing the game, is interesting too. In fact I prefer that you focus on it and finish the game, intead of switching back and forth. You have the luxury of focusing on one activity, take advantage of it 🙂
Manuel Alcoba
2023-11-14 17:00:00 +0000 UTCAs a full time AAA game Dev for the last 15 years + making Indie projects on the side I understand your pain (+having kids increases the difficulty). You're just having a true dev experience by having to juggle the two. You could argue that this is easier because "I'm still working in games" but that's not entirely accurate either since they're radically different genres and even worst different engines with different art styles. I know it can be really desperate to the point sometimes I consider quitting my day job to be able to work on what I love, but unfortunately our savings wouldn't last long. So yeah hang in there, I love both videos types and I find them very useful since both I get to see more gameplay problems and solutions. If you could stick to do both would be best, but I won't be disappointed if you focus on your game for awhile since I totally get the pain
Fabs
2023-11-14 13:35:36 +0000 UTC+ for testing please!
Ben Byford
2023-11-14 11:31:18 +0000 UTCTo an extent yes, but if you don't have that much mobey to throw around pn patreon you might want keep active channels you support ones you get something out of. If I no longer get something out of a channel I have switched to supporting another in the past. That's not the case here just answering generally for you.
Johan Agstam
2023-11-14 08:41:21 +0000 UTCAs an autistic I can definitely relate. Stick with the deep focus, the design videos can wait. I'll be honest while I watch developing they are not my main draw, but as a 1 dollar patreon as long as I get the reading list every month I'll be keeping it up. Good luck finishing the game.
Johan Agstam
2023-11-14 08:37:55 +0000 UTCI get that context-switching problem too. It’s better to get it out of your system, Mark! We’ll still be here.
Amaunator20
2023-11-14 07:18:54 +0000 UTCThe process of actually finishing and releasing a game is the one that most beginner game devs struggle with the most. So, this will also be valuable content for solo/indie designers and devs. While not strictly a game design video, it is something we have to deal with on daily basis and is just as essential as the design itself.
Damyan Momchev
2023-11-14 07:04:13 +0000 UTCHonestly saying, i'm much more interested in design analysis content. But as a developer, the Developing have more effect on me since it also show many aspect on game developing I have never thought of before. So both is great for me, as long as there is something new to see
Linh Lê
2023-11-14 02:04:33 +0000 UTCHey man, absolutely no worries from my end! Not only do I enjoy the game making videos, I ALSO have zero issue with getting fewer videos while you drag this thing kicking and screaming over the finish line. I support you because I support YOU, no qualifiers. I'll be here when you're ready!
Jason Greenwood
2023-11-14 00:36:31 +0000 UTCI'm not necessarily super interested in the dev of your game but I'll keep my contribution up anyway. :) Have fun!
ZoidbergForPresident
2023-11-13 22:15:55 +0000 UTCI enjoy your analysis videos most, but I get it. Sometimes you just have to get a project out of your system. I hope you get back to your analysis videos eventually, but let's be real - nothing lasts forever, and people's interests and goals change over time. Regardless I look forward to seeing where you go with your game.
Lauren N
2023-11-13 22:14:13 +0000 UTCJust want to share that I enjoy all the content you make, no matter the order. Thank you for the work you do and please keep it up, even if it’s more of one style than the other.
Auston Montville
2023-11-13 20:42:42 +0000 UTCMan I'm in the same boat trying to make videos for my channel, illustrating and publishing novels, AND doing my full time game game dev day job. I have no idea how you get as much video content out as you do given the game dev. Personally, I enjoy your GMTK content more than Developing. However, I support you because I think you are contributing good to the artform and industry I'm made a living off of, so I feel good about how your Developing work accomplishes that. I don't see anyone else using such a deep and critical design interrogation of their design choices whilst building a game, so I think that's really valuable and I'm happy to support it. Take the time you need to produce good stuff and also having a life outside of that stuff!
Josh Foreman
2023-11-13 19:38:17 +0000 UTCSounds like somebody could use a producer ;D ...Also honestly I don't understand why content creators feel so pressured to keep to some kind of schedule. I *want* to believe people support on patreon because they want to support the person and their ability to do their craft at whatever pace works for them....this isn't kickstarter or something where you're "supporting" someone with the hope of buying something or getting something specific things in return. We're supporters, not *investors*. But maybe I'm just naive and overly optimistic lol
Lisa Franke
2023-11-13 19:15:35 +0000 UTCDeveloping has probably been my favourite series that you've made. We get to see all of the theory in practice. It's like watching a physicist build a rocket, and I love it. Can't wait for season 2
Liliana
2023-11-13 18:43:25 +0000 UTCI actually think it’s really important for GMTK that you do finish your game! It’s clear that GMTK has been helpful for active game developers all over the globe at all scales, we’ve seen so many folks mention it. But I also think there’s a ceiling you can hit in your job without actually making games, and you’ve already realized that the practical, boring work of doing game development comes with all these challenges that you can’t really fathom from the outside looking in. This experience has resulted in tons of interesting topics on Developing already, like “how do you know if your game is good” or “how come all games accidentally become puzzle games” and “how do you practically make three dozen puzzles in a specific time frame”. I think you could probably have made interesting, valuable GMTK content forever, but Developing is empowering you to tackle a whole new set of meaningful design and development challenges that only emerge during the development process- challenges that are in a way even more important than those you can conceive from the outside. Developing isn’t the successor to GMTK, in my mind. It’s the necessary next step that kickstarts a whole new era of GMTK that doesn’t just help you conceptualize your game design upfront, but helps you through every stage of game development. Dozens of developers who watch “dual purpose design”, come up with a clever mechanic, then abandon the project three months later because they don’t know how to power through the weird abstract problems that emerge when you’re in the thick of it. Right now you’re training yourself to better advise those folks, and I can’t wait to see it and benefit from your new knowledge. That’s how I’ve been conceiving of the Developing series. Very excited to see you push through and finish, Mark! And even more excited to see you apply your post-release perspective to the topic of game development again.
DJ DeWitt
2023-11-13 18:32:23 +0000 UTCThe Developing videos have been great! Will definitely continue to support the Patreon. Good luck getting it to the finish line!
David Sous
2023-11-13 17:50:53 +0000 UTCI love the Developing content. I thoroughly enjoyed testing the game and am extremely excited to play the final version. You have my full support to focus on game dev!
Ryan (ShadowDx) Sullivan
2023-11-13 17:47:03 +0000 UTCDeveloping and the game as a whole are easily my favorite thing you've done. Take all the time you need for that process, I can't wait to see how they both come out!
Heinous
2023-11-13 17:45:35 +0000 UTCNow I'm hyped about this game as well :))
Georgy Serga
2023-11-13 17:44:03 +0000 UTCThat's perfect! Focus on what you need to focus, I'll continue backing you and I'm looking forward to playing your game when it comes out
Nicolás Donatucci
2023-11-13 17:43:10 +0000 UTCTakes a lot of wisdom to see the way you really work best and a lot of bravery to follow through on it. All your content is great by me, but I hope this helps you feel more flow on your work.
Emil
2023-11-13 17:40:36 +0000 UTCI am neither of the either GMTK or Dev video only crowds, like many other commenters above I find both valuable and interesting, but if working on both is not an effective way for you to work then feel free to adjust how much you focus on either or how long you go between content of either type. I'll be here regardless as long as you have insights and experiences to share whenever you come back. Even if game dev takes you on a long hiatus, that's worth finishing that journey for you and folks like me will be here to hear about it whenever you're back to share!
JinxedJoker
2023-11-13 17:19:07 +0000 UTCFine with me, my dude! I'll keep supporting you, your existing work has created a ton of value for me. Context switching is the worst. Finish your game, you got this!
Jeremiah Franczyk
2023-11-13 16:59:33 +0000 UTCTotally fine with me. I sometimes end up watching videos months after they're released, and I love both developing and the traditional videos.
Graham Tattersall
2023-11-13 16:50:13 +0000 UTCThat's fine with me. There are others doing the surface level analysis stuff, not so many people covering deeper topics.
robert hickman
2023-11-13 16:31:51 +0000 UTCI'm happy to hear it, frankly! Your Developing videos were what drew me in to pledge--excited to see more of your journey.
Jonny
2023-11-13 16:27:05 +0000 UTCThat honestly sounds great to me. Developing is sort of a distillation of all the reasons I subscribed to the channel in the first place. And if that's easier for you, all the better.
Craig
2023-11-13 16:16:16 +0000 UTCThe support you have is a result of your talent and your good nature. Do what makes you feel free: we'll be here to observe GMTK evolving. Good luck with your work, Mark :)
Matteo @Paleblue Narratives
2023-11-13 16:09:44 +0000 UTCI would even be fine if you were to just post "to read" materials each month. Finish your game, take your time.
Rodney Raccoon
2023-11-13 16:06:53 +0000 UTCHi, fine for me too. When i was working on my 1st commercial game (Dice Of Olympus) with my partner we were thinking doing freelance services to have money and keep working on the game. But we realize that it' would ask a lot of effort findings partners and it will delay the game, and since we know (throught the wishlist number) that the game will not sold at all, we prefered to invest on the game to finish it more quickly to get out of it. So for me it's normal and i'm also very bad at switching context it's very hard and between video and gamedev there is a world. So go finishing your game and comeback after you will be more happy then ever imo
Algost
2023-11-13 15:58:51 +0000 UTCTotally understandable. Time spent making games is an investment in the *value* of the channel: the ability to discuss game design topics in-depth. Even if I wasn't excited about your game and Developing, (which I am,) I'd continue to pledge on that basis alone. Best of luck getting to the finish line- you got this.
Dalen W. Brauner
2023-11-13 15:51:15 +0000 UTCYou do what you need to do, Mark. I'm supporting you on here to help you do what you want to do. Everything you do is beneficial and a learning experience for everyone. Take a break from GMTK. Get this game done. Do what you need and also do not crunch because you feel a debt to us. If my small payment each month was helping to make you work far more than is healthy, that would be wrong. Crunch has been a bad thing in game development for a long time, and many of us have learned the hard way. So don't feel bad about changing priorities for a while. You do you, and we will still enjoy everything that you create out of it, whatever that is.
Steve Williams
2023-11-13 15:49:34 +0000 UTCYou got this! I have really been inspired to give game dev a run because of this series so thanks for documenting your journey. It feels like I have an approachable road map, so although it's daunting it feels achievable. And thanks for being forthright; I'll continue to support but I think your candor is really commendable so people can make their own decisions.
Cute_Fuzzy
2023-11-13 15:49:22 +0000 UTCYou rock! Do whatever you enjoy. We'll look forward to it.
Nick Felker
2023-11-13 15:46:06 +0000 UTCFine by me
Fran
2023-11-13 15:42:27 +0000 UTC
![Ace Avoe [EXKILLO]](https://creatorsok.com/istorage/36211.jpg)