7 lessons for game developers from the Philippine Game Development Festival

What I loved best about the the recently concluded Philippine Game Development Festival (PGDF) 2013 were the talks given by various people in the game development industry. Here are some of the more notable quotes from the speakers who presented on day one of PGDF 2013. Click on the quote if you want to learn more about the speaker or the company!

Have you ever heard of writer’s block? It’s the peculiar time when for some reason, an artist, writer or creator just can’t seem to find inspiration. This can be frustrating especially if you’re being glared at by deadlines and bills. But ideas can come from anywhere, so write them down when they come to you. This way you can build an emergency writer’s or artist’s block kit.

Before stepping into game development, consider that aside from making the game itself, you also have to find ways to monetize your work and market it properly. This is a part of the business that a lot of aspiring game developers don’t think about. Which leads us to the next quote:

Passion is great, but it doesn’t feed you. So unless you’re developing a game without any intention of making money from it, include monetization strategies in the planning phase.

You have an idea for a game. You think it’s great. You know it’s great. And so you decide to make it. However, publishers won’t pick it up and people aren’t responding according to how you thought they would. Did you overlook something? Or did you overestimate your idea? Through the whole ordeal of making the game and marketing it, always take a step back and have an objective look at the big picture.

Sometimes, more experienced people are going to tell you that what you are planning or doing is wrong. Of course, it makes sense to pay them heed because of their experiences. But in the end, remember that their words are advice, not commands. If you’ve studied and analyzed the situation and are absolutely sure it’s a good idea, consider taking the risk and jumping.

The road to success is paved with failures. Everyone will experience failure at some point, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world, or the end of your dreams for that matter. What’s important here is to learn from failures and try again with an experienced, positive outlook.

I previously wrote about being a frustrated game developer. At a certain age or point in your life, you will think it is too late to try anything. However, if you want to pursue something, find a way to do it. As they say, better late than never!