The 100-Day Game Development Challenge: Key Insights and Mistakes to Avoid

TLDRIn this video, I share the lessons I learned from developing a game in just 100 days. I discuss the importance of setting clear deadlines and realistic scopes, the value of resscoping, and the benefits of starting small. I also touch on the significance of planning and organizing tasks, the impact of iterating and refining, and the need for constant adaptation. Finally, I highlight the importance of focusing on core features and making the game fun before considering complex technical decisions.

Key insights

📅Start with a clear deadline and a realistic scope to stay on track and avoid project overwhelm.

🔄Don't be afraid to rescope and change direction to improve efficiency and meet project goals.

🎯Start small and focus on the core features to create a fun and engaging game experience.

📝Plan and organize tasks to stay organized and maintain momentum throughout the development process.

🔁Iterate and refine your game continuously to improve gameplay, mechanics, and visual appeal.

Q&A

Why is setting a clear deadline important in game development?

Setting a clear deadline helps you stay focused, motivated, and accountable. It provides a sense of urgency and ensures that you make progress without getting stuck or overwhelmed by the scope of the project.

What is resscoping and why is it necessary?

Resscoping refers to making changes to the project's scope and direction to improve efficiency and meet project goals. It is necessary because game development is an iterative process, and adapting to new insights and challenges allows for better outcomes.

Why should game developers start small and focus on core features?

Starting small allows developers to have a clear focus and manageable tasks. By prioritizing core features, developers can create a solid foundation for the game and ensure an engaging experience for players.

How can planning and organizing tasks improve game development?

Planning and organizing tasks help developers stay organized, maintain momentum, and have a clear roadmap for development. It reduces the likelihood of overlooking important aspects and helps manage time effectively.

What is the importance of iterating and refining during game development?

Iteration and refinement are crucial to improving the gameplay, mechanics, and visual appeal of a game. It allows developers to address issues, optimize performance, and create a more polished and enjoyable player experience.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction and background of the 100-day game development challenge.

04:27Key insight 1: Start with a clear deadline and a realistic scope.

08:52Key insight 2: Don't be afraid to resscope and change direction.

13:14Key insight 3: Start small and focus on the core features.

17:41Key insight 4: Plan and organize tasks effectively.

21:56Key insight 5: Iterate and refine continuously.

26:02Answering common questions related to game development.