Greetings Gamedev!:

I hope intro threads are ok. I browsed and browsed and there didn't seem to be an "Introduce yourself" forum. I was referred to this site by a friend, and want to jump in. I'm eager to join this community, get sound advice, learn, and contribute as well. Hopefully this post doesn't come off too long winded.

To state where I am right now, I have been working in 2D animation in Los Angeles for 6 years now. I'm currently stationed at Warner Brothers working on MAD: The Animated Series. I've also worked on Metalocalypse, China Illinois, and other pilots and commercials during my time out here. Half a year ago, I felt my face pressed up against the glass ceiling that is the animation industry. Even if I got my own pilot greenlit, I'd still be handing it off to a faceless boardroom and being paid a flat fee to develop it. The spirit of entrepreneurship, indie gaming, and sidestepping into a new industry has since taken me over, and this is the most excited I've been about a personal project in a long time.

My goal is the same as tons and tons of other people: Start my own game company, make money, create jobs, and meet new amazing people along the way.

Strengths:

Success in the TV Animation Industry

Strong network of Angelino BG artists, character artists, game designers, sound designers, and composers

Competent environment and character concept art skills

Money saved to live without income for 2 years AND fund small indie projects in the 2-5k range (Union gigs rule) as well as pay for marketing

Seeks out constructive criticism/ separates ego from work

Passionate, knows how to put in the hours

Weaknesses:

Minimal game industry experience

Currently 0 coding or programming skill

Currently 0 programmers in social circle/network

Has not yet completed a game.

40 hr work week means I don't have as much time at my disposal as I may like/need.

Still learning just how much I don't know.

Can be overzealous, get tunnel vision at times. (Filed for LLC before having a completed game)

As of right now, I have a game idea that I have tested with friends on paper, done concept art, and written up a gamedoc for. It was suggested to me that I continue game testing with more people, as well as hire someone to quickly build a working prototype, so that I may more easily court someone from the programming community. Things are very low risk at the moment as I am still working, so I feel there's no time like the present to get that first game done and maybe level up as a game creator.

My biggest concern right now is less time to execute things due to the full 40hr work week. I'm assuming other people on here make games while juggling a full time gig. How are yall handling that?

Any other thoughts or general hello theres welcome, and hopefully I can give back by contributing to the creative forums as well!

Thanks for reading!

-Drew

I understand, I'll keep an eye on whether this gets moved or not. Sorry if I made any trouble!

I'm about as non-programmer as it gets right now, so I will do my best to balance the ship a little more.

What kind of youtubing you doing Cornstalks?

Welcome!

It's not easy to balance your hobby projects with a full-time job, you'll have to find what works for you. Some people chisel away at it in pieces with whatever free time they've got, others will make that time themselves. I usually keep a notebook around to jot things into during the workday, so the next time I have an opportunity to work on it, I have the details ready for what I'd like to focus on.

Depending on what you're trying to make, you could try working on simpler designs that take less time and effort, for practice. You'll learn what works and what problems can crop up, giving you a better handle on what's needed and how to manage your time.

Aaah man, I never played Starcraft, so the Carbot tubes are goin over my head. I was a huge Heroes of Might and Magic fan, however. I guess that's medieval Starcraft.

I've been blasting ahead on animation and then getn some company work done here at work, though being careful about any files on the HD. Thanks google drive.

I reached out for potential programmers on FB. Hopefully "2D single board turn based PvP strategy game for PC" is descriptive enough! I'm working on checking out Construct and Gamemaker, but I'm still appealed to by Unity's ability to export it's projects out to multiple platforms. Somewhat torn.

I was also advised to hire someone to make a prototype first. From what I've learned so far, the prototype is similar to a rough drawing. quick dirty coding that makes the game functional very quickly, but not the kind of programming that the final game can be built off of.

I was also thinking of gifting some beginner programmers in the beginner area with a photoshop file of artwork that can be used for pong games or whatnot, since that seems to be a fun starting point for a lot of people. I tinkered around for a half hour last night just designing rectangles and spheres. Fun getaway exercise.

Now that I'm in the lounge... anyone watch football here? (American)