Before we check out the answers of Raven Burns a solo developer, we would like to show you some other developers that you can have a gander at later. Such as Soul Narrative games and the JBOOCH team.
What inspired you to become a game developer?
The story goes that I was about 22 years old when I was first shown Naruto. My friend showed me the scene with Rock Lee VS Gaara. Classic. I then got overall inspired and began using my writing talents that run in the family to create my own story. I wrote a draft novel on Wattpad and worked on it for years. I accumulated over 15,000 views in 6 months. Then I was going through steam one day and an advertisement popped up for RPG Maker MV. I didn’t even know what this was at all, even though it had previous versions. I must have rewatched that commercial with the dude with the deep voice like a hundred times in absolute awe. I could not believe anyone could just make a game.
The Indie Journey Began
I dove head first and bit off way more than I could chew. After 8 grueling years, here I am. I have a love hate relationship with the engine now and I don’t think I would use it going forward. It likes to fight you every step of the way. I often say I am a circus tiger jumping through hoops of fire constantly.
Which game gave you the best all-around gaming experience?
That would have to go to Legend of Dragoon and Final Fantasy 8. I got a lot of girlfriends in the past by acting like squall lol. I love both those games with a deep passion. I am also a very big fan of Elder Scrolls Oblivion.
What are you doing to ensure that gamers get a fantastic gaming experience in your upcoming project that has a narrative focus?
Well, I am using my talents and experience as a writer to hook the player into the story and giving them the keys to make big story changing decisions, like allowing people to live or die. Although it is fairly linear there are big decisions here and there that can reflect the character driven stories. I also try to push towards the player feeling something if they invest themselves, rather than just skipping the dialouge. If they skip the dialouge and are bored, I have failed.
How has the indie landscape changed in recent years?
I have seen a boom in indie developers since the pandemic, but very few stick around or are successful. Many years ago it was kind of easy to go viral with an indie game, (To the Moon) because nobody was doing big projects. However, in recent years this has changed drastically and now the market is oversaturated with games. This makes it hard for people to do what they love for money and you can’t really do this as a hobby realistically in my opinion if you have a family or value free time. I blinked and it’s ten years later. It’s pretty scary TBH. The nature of this beast is always a gamble. I once read that you could collect plastic bottles on the side of the road for the same duration of time and probably make more than what your game will. I never had this information when I started, but if I did I probably would have ran away.
The Indie Blink
I blinked and it’s ten years later. It’s pretty scary TBH. The nature of this beast is always a gamble. I once read that you could collect plastic bottles on the side of the road for the same duration of time and probably make more than what your game will. I never had this information when i started, but if I did I probably would have ran away.
Are there any top tips you can give to Indie developers about making a great gaming experience and community?
Well, aside from what I have already said, if you really want to make it, you have to find a really great team that works in near-perfect synchronicity. You need undying passion that hardly ever falters. You need a team of talent to stand out. I do not recommend making a game by yourself anymore as you are going up against 1000s of teams. And 40% of those teams have corperate publishers. If you want to do this as a hobby, I also do not recommend it if you value free time and your youth. It eats time like Pac-Man.
It seems like only yesterday I was 23 and now I am 32. After eight years and much hardship, including losing relationships, If you’re serious, I would go to school and find yourself a specialty and go into AA. Avoid AAA if you also value free time.
KS link to the upcoming Comic Book: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/legendsofcelestite1/tetsu-no-bara-metal-rose-a-dark-fantasy-chapters-1-3
Video Game
Check out the trailer!
Thank you. It was a pleasure. 🙏