Becoming a beginner game developers in Indonesia often presents two major challenges, like getting stuck and making mistakes during the development process. To help you out, Lucky Putra Dharmawan, a successful game developer and CEO of Eternal Dream Studio (@lucky_holmes), shares his insights and practical solutions based on his own experience.
The Lonely Road of a Developer and the Power of Community
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Starting a career as a beginner game developer, especially in an area where the industry ecosystem is not yet mature, can be a lonely road. The loneliness, without mentors or discussion partners, is very real and can slow down progress. Lucky himself has experienced this deeply. “I’ve been there before. When I started my studio in Lampung, I felt incredibly lonely in this industry,” Lucky recalls. He describes his struggles without clear guidance. “There was no community, no mentors, and not even anyone to discuss game design, programming, and other topics with. I spent two years trial and erroring, doing everything on my own.”
However, according to him, beginner developers today do not have to go through the same difficult path. The solution lies in the power of digital communities such as the Indie Games Group Indonesia (IGGI). The main strength of this community is its extensive network, which connects members from various regions. This opens up opportunities for networking or even finding teammates. Furthermore, IGGI actively provides various programs to enhance skills and assist developers in completing their projects. The greatest benefit may be the moral and technical support when facing stuck situations. “If you’re feeling stuck, just share your problem, and I’m sure many IGGI members will respond and be ready to help you,” Lucky emphasized.
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Common Mistakes Beginner Game Developers Should Avoid
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In addition to finding a community or forming a team, the next challenge is managing the development process itself. Lucky highlights some common mistakes that often trip up beginner game developers.
The first issue that frequently arises is unrealistic ambition. Many new teams dream of creating game blockbusters without considering their resources and experience. “Your team has five people and none of you have any game development experience, but you want to make a game like GTA. Bro, even AAA studios take years to develop such games,” Lucky said.
Another common mistake is ignoring the playtesting process. Being too busy with the technical process often makes developers forget that other people will be playing their game. “You focus on development, but you forget that other people will be playing your game. Listening to user feedback is very important,” he said. Feedback from players is a valuable compass for improvement.
Lastly, an equally critical challenge is a floating or inconsistent vision. Without a solid vision, a project can easily lose its direction. “At first, you wanted to create a cozy farming game. In the middle, you added a battle royale feature. Stay focused on your early vision, bro,” he advised. Maintaining focus on the early concept is key to creating a cohesive gaming experience.
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Mindset for Beginner Game Developers: Your First Game is for Practice
In the end, Lucky emphasizes that the goal of the first game doesn’t have to be a perfect masterpiece. Instead, look at the first project as an opportunity to learn and practice.
“You don’t have to make a masterpiece in the first game. But make the first game as an exercise to be able to make better games in the future,” he concluded.
By finding a supportive community and being aware of common mistakes, a beginning game developer’s journey will become more focused and productive. This advice demonstrates that with the right mindset, every challenge can become an opportunity for growth, and of course, your journey will no longer be lonely.
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