Thomas Brush shares a motivational, candid, and practical guide to solo game development, walking readers through 10 essential steps to go from idea to published game—with no team, no budget, and just your passion, persistence, and computer.
Key Sections & Themes
1️⃣ Commit to the Dream
- Making a game alone is hard—but possible.
- The key is deciding you're in it for the long haul, even if it takes years.
2️⃣ Find Your Big Idea
- Start with something small but emotionally or creatively compelling.
- Inspiration often comes from merging genres, mechanics, or moods you love.
3️⃣ Design the Game World
- Define core mechanics, setting, and experience through simple sketches and documents.
- Focus on player feel, world rules, and emotional tone.
4️⃣ Create a Prototype
- Build a simple, playable version of your core loop—don’t worry about polish.
- Use engines like Unity or Godot; learn just enough to get going.
5️⃣ Refine and Polish
- Iterate slowly, improving art, sound, and balance step by step.
- Avoid perfectionism—prioritize clarity, functionality, and player experience.
6️⃣ Learn Art and Music (Enough)
- You don’t need to be a master—stick to minimal, cohesive aesthetics.
- Tools like Photoshop, FL Studio, or free asset packs can get you far.
7️⃣ Write Your Story
- Keep story simple, symbolic, or environmental to match your scope.
- Focus on themes and emotional resonance, not epic lore.
8️⃣ Build a Community and Marketing Plan
- Share dev logs, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content early on.
- Use YouTube, Twitter, Discord, and Steam wishlists to build hype organically.
9️⃣ Finish the Game
- Ignore the temptation to restart or endlessly polish.
- Set hard deadlines, cut features, and push to completion.
🔟 Launch and Learn
- Release the game, take feedback, and reflect on the process.
- It’s OK if your first game isn’t a hit—it’s your education and foundation.
Conclusion
How to Make a Video Game All By Yourself is an inspiring, real-world roadmap for solo creators. With humility, humor, and firsthand advice, Thomas Brush proves that determination, simplicity, and emotional clarity are more important than technical genius. It’s a must-read for dreamers ready to turn “what if” into “I did it.”