#game makers

The last version of my guide is 2 years old, and doesn't account for some new features, new competition, and some rebrands, so once again;

Tips For Dealing With Writer’s Block

Whether it’s writer’s block you’re dealing with, or a variation of it such as art block (is gamedev block a term yet?), I’ve got some advice to help you move on with your creative work!

Watch, play or read something you enjoy in the genre. Now this is controversial advice since you might be tempted to copy that show or game you have in mind, but for me one of the best ways to get motivated is to sit back and catch up on my favorite anime, books, or horror games. As long as you enjoy it, it has some value in and of itself-but the effect is multiplied if it falls into the genre you work with. Just don’t plagiarize what you just saw and you’ll be good!

Try switching gears. Making a game but you’re stuck on the map’s design? Try working on the story for a bit instead. Making a work of art? Try sketching or doodling on scratch paper before you get back to that difficult piece. Writing a book? Pause and write in a diary for a little bit to keep practicing without the pressure of working on the book itself for a bit. But remember to eventually get back to whatever you were working on before you get rusty on the details!

Add a little atmosphere irl. Try playing music (especially instrumentals) in the genre or scene mood you’re writing in! If you’re making something in the horror or mystery genre, dim the lights and use a candle or two. Painting some food? Why not have a little treat yourself before you get started? The point is, any little thing you can do to immerse yourself in the setting you’re working on, do it! You’ll be surprised how well it works!

Keep a schedule. For some people, writing or making games at a certain time each day helps them to transition into their work more smoothly and automatically once that time comes back around. Some people are night owls; others find they have more energy and are more productive in mornings. It all depends on your preferences!

FREE WRITE. A free write is when you take 10 minutes (or however long you want) to write whatever the heck pops into your head on a scratch piece of paper. I always hear this advice given to writers, but not so much to artists or gamedevs-but why not!? All creative works start with ideas, and this is one of the best ways to generate them! I can’t stress the value of free writing enough!

If you’re burnt out, take a break. If you’ve been working on something for so long that you’re just too burnt out to keep going, forcing yourself to continue may be the worst thing you can do! I understand that if you have a deadline to keep, you’ll have to push through anyway, but if you don’t, wait until you’re fresh again. Working hard when you’re exhausted will not only exhaust you more, but the quality of that extra work you put in will probably be less than great. Don’t confuse this with only drawing or writing when you feel inspired-I’m just saying, if you need a break, it’s in your best interest to take it! Maybe you only need 15 minutes, or a few hours, or maybe you need a few days. It’s risky to take an extended break however, such as a month, since you will get out of the mindset and forget the details of what you were working on.

A cool as hell thing I found out about. I must note that, this isn’t just some pseudo 8-bit pastiche, but an actual tool for making actual NES games playable on an actual NES, totally coding-free.

And, it made a dickton of its original Kickstarter goal, so I eagerly await when it comes out, a great tool even Liz Ryerson would probably only be moderately contemptuous of...

Devs Website: [ thenew8bitheroes.com/ ]

Original Kickstarter [ kickstarter.com/projects/1316851183/nesmaker-make-nes-games-no-coding-required ]

The Game Makers Takes You Inside Game Design

Have you ever been interested in how games are written, designed, and directed? Wanted to listen in on the conversations of some of the biggest names in the gaming industry? Today a trailer was released showcasing a new digital series that will take video game fans behind the scenes of some of the most noteworthy titles to date. Have yourself ready for February 15th when The Game Makers: Inside…