Yeah, game development is almost always a big investment if you want to be successful. Gameplay will get you so far but without the polish and captivating visuals you will normaly be hard pressed to attract customers.
More people should team up with people that have complimentary skills, rather than trying to be a 1 man bedroom coder. Making games is too much work for one person to make a real success of it. Used to be different but the stakes get higher as the tools get more powerful and easier to use. A lot more competition these days, that didn't really seem to be there even 2 years ago.
I remember Jeremys plan on GG where he was completely down over the fact that Aerial Antics only came 4th in its IGF category, the exact same as his Tru Vol game he had submitted 2 years previously.
With more teams joining the movement, many made up of experienced pros that have left the commercial industry for some creative freedom and cointrol of their lives, the requirements have really shot up for those wanting to make a successful business out of games. To the point that you need money and preferably a dedicated marketing guy with experience.
More people should team up with people that have complimentary skills, rather than trying to be a 1 man bedroom coder. Making games is too much work for one person to make a real success of it. Used to be different but the stakes get higher as the tools get more powerful and easier to use. A lot more competition these days, that didn't really seem to be there even 2 years ago.
I remember Jeremys plan on GG where he was completely down over the fact that Aerial Antics only came 4th in its IGF category, the exact same as his Tru Vol game he had submitted 2 years previously.
With more teams joining the movement, many made up of experienced pros that have left the commercial industry for some creative freedom and cointrol of their lives, the requirements have really shot up for those wanting to make a successful business out of games. To the point that you need money and preferably a dedicated marketing guy with experience.