2024 was a rollercoaster of challenges and breakthroughs, teaching me more about game development—and myself—than any year before. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of burnout, self-doubt, and questioning whether I was even cut out for this solo indie dev journey. But those struggles brought valuable lessons that completely changed how I approach creativity and making games.
Here’s a reflection on the highs, lows, and transformative insights that made this year so meaningful.
1. Lesson 1
At the start of the year, I was frantically applying for jobs in the games industry. I sent out countless applications, but nothing worked out. It felt like failure after failure.
Looking back now, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of landing a traditional game dev job, I found a part-time role in a different field that allows me to listen to podcasts and videos while working. This became an unexpected opportunity to learn and grow, giving me new ideas and skills to apply to my game.
The takeaway: Sometimes, not getting what you want is a blessing in disguise. Failures can lead to better opportunities if you’re open to seeing them.
2. Lesson 2
In April, I hit a rough patch of burnout. I stopped working on my game entirely, convinced I was wasting my time. I thought I should focus on something more “productive.”
But stepping away only made me more miserable. I realised that working on my game was what I truly wanted to do, and ignoring that passion was affecting my happiness and mental health.
The takeaway: Doing what you love isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. When you focus on what excites you, your energy, health, and happiness improve, spilling over into every part of your life.
3. Lesson 3
At the beginning of the year, I lived in a chaotic, noisy flat that drained me. The constant distractions made focusing on my game nearly impossible. By November, my partner and I moved to a quieter home, and the difference was like night and day.
Suddenly, I could think clearly, get into a productive flow, and make real progress. It showed me just how much my environment had been holding me back.
The takeaway: Your environment plays a huge role in your focus, creativity, and well-being. If it’s not supporting you, it’s worth making changes to create a space where you can thrive.
4. Lesson 4
When I first started working on Silent Corruption, I was making steady progress. But then, doubt crept in. I kept hearing advice to “start small” as a new indie dev, so I put my game on hold to work on a smaller project.
That detour ended up delaying Silent Corruption by eight months.
The takeaway: Second-guessing your goals wastes valuable time. Make a plan, adjust when necessary, but stick to your original vision to see it through.
5. Lesson 5
Game development is incredibly challenging. This year, I spent weeks creating the character model for Jane, the protagonist of Silent Corruption. When I finished, I felt it wasn’t good enough and felt ashamed of my skills.
But when I showed it to my partner, his reaction was, “WOW! You made that?”
That moment reminded me how much effort and skill it takes to make a game. Every little piece is an achievement, and we need to celebrate our progress instead of criticising ourselves.
The takeaway: Game development is hard. Give yourself credit for the incredible work you’re doing, even when it doesn’t feel perfect.
Final Thoughts
2024 wasn’t the easiest year, but it was one of the most transformative. Every struggle brought a lesson, and every breakthrough pushed me closer to the developer—and person—I want to become.
If you’re on a similar journey, I hope these reflections resonate with you. Let’s embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and keep moving forward.
Thank you for reading—and for being part of this adventure with me. 💜
What About You?
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself this year?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep this conversation going—after all, we’re all learning and growing together.
