I started this journey on January 15th, full of motivation. I set out to make three different games, each in a different genre, to push myself creatively.

I wanted to learn, build, and actually release something cool.

I self-funded everything with some savings of around $2,000, mostly going to real artists for assets. I chose not to use AI art. I wanted the work to have a soul, and I wanted to support actual people.

But life hit. My Day job got intense. My personal life got busy. And just like that, all momentum stopped. I haven’t touched my games in weeks. The project money is gone, and without it, everything is on pause.

I’ve thought about making the assets myself using Aseprite and Photoshop. I mean, I’ve tried. But it’s hard to stay inspired when the mountain keeps growing.

I streamed a bit on Twitch, but my environment is too noisy, making streaming difficult. No one wants to watch a “no commentary” stream. I uploaded a few YouTube videos from a past game jam, but editing and maintaining a channel takes more time than I have.

I feel stuck in a loop. Too many ideas. Not enough time. And now I’m even starting to feel dread around something I love to do. That’s not a good sign, is it?

What I really need is a community of people who are in it for real. Folks who code, who finish things, who keep showing up.

Most of the Discord or itch.io communities I’ve joined feel like ghost towns. Lots of hype and little follow-through.

I don’t want to be that guy.

So now what? Maybe I’ll try to block time on a calendar. I’ll try to stay organized with my Obsidian vault and Toggl Timer.

I’m not quitting.

But if I’m being honest with myself, I’m tired, I’m stuck, and I’m not sure what the next right step is.

I’ll figure it out? One slow, uncertain step at a time, I guess.

If you’re on the same boat, or if you’re someone who’s stuck, too, feel free to reach out. Maybe we can build something together.

— UhhHehHeh