Review of "Make a Video Game Alone and Don't Go Crazy!" – Books for Beginner Developers

The game development profession is currently at the peak of popularity, as it is one of the most creative fields in the IT industry. Constant mentions in the media about the prospects of the gaming industry attract the attention of an increasing number of people wanting to create their own games. Game development combines technical skills and artistic vision, making this profession especially attractive to creative individuals. Given the growing interest in games, career opportunities in this field are becoming increasingly promising.

The desire to create something new, particularly video games, often remains just a dream. Game development, especially alone, is a significant challenge, especially for those without experience in programming, design, and development. Additionally, factors such as laziness, fear of failure, and creative burnout can become serious obstacles to achieving your goals. Slava Gris's book, "Make a Video Game Alone and Don't Lose Your Mind!" addresses these challenges and offers concrete steps to overcome them, making it an indispensable resource for aspiring developers.

Full title: "Make a Video Game Alone and Don't Lose Your Mind!"

Slava Gris is an author whose work is distinguished by its originality and depth. His works explore a variety of topics, from human emotions to social issues. A key part of Gris's work is his ability to convey complex ideas in simple and accessible language, making his books appealing to a wide audience.

Readers appreciate his unique style and mastery of creating vivid images that linger in the memory. Each of his works offers a new perspective on familiar themes, provoking reflection on important aspects of life. Slava Gris actively participates in literary events and interacts well with readers, which contributes to the popularity of his work. If you're looking for quality literature that combines emotional depth and relevance, Slava Gris's works are an excellent choice. His books not only entertain but also provoke thought, making them especially valuable in today's world. AST Publishing House is one of the leading book publishers in Russia. It offers a wide range of literature, including fiction, scientific books, and educational materials. The publishing house actively collaborates with renowned authors and talented newcomers, allowing it to create high-quality and sought-after books. AST's catalog includes both classic works and contemporary bestsellers, attracting readers of all ages. The publishing house also focuses on a variety of genres, including fantasy, children's literature, historical novels, and much more. AST also participates in literary festivals and competitions, supporting the development of literature in Russia.

Year of publication: 2023. The year 2023 saw many significant events and changes in various spheres of life. This year was significant for technology, science, and culture. Innovations in information technology significantly impacted people's daily lives, and new advances in medicine opened up horizons for the treatment of various diseases. Cultural events such as film festivals and exhibitions attracted the attention of audiences and critics, highlighting the diversity of talent and ideas. 2023 was a time when old traditions intertwined with new trends, creating a unique atmosphere for development and self-expression.

This book will be useful for those aspiring to create games, as well as aspiring developers. It is aimed at a Russian audience and offers valuable knowledge and skills for a successful start in the gaming industry. The book contains practical tips, development tool recommendations, and creative approaches to creating engaging game projects.

About the Author

Slava Gris is an independent game developer who has independently created and released three video games: Reflection of Mine, Catmaze, and Fearmonium. These games are available on both PC and consoles, allowing players to enjoy a unique gaming experience across multiple platforms. Each of his games offers original gameplay and engaging stories, making them appealing to a wide audience.

Slava didn't come to game development right away. A trained psychologist, he began his career at a social service center and then worked as a teacher at a juvenile detention center. While organizing leisure activities and educational events for troubled teenagers, he actively shared his knowledge of video games and their mechanics with the children. This passion inspired him to create his own game, which became the starting point for his career as a developer.

Slava didn't have any technical skills like programming, but his desire to change his life, perseverance, and hard work allowed him to become a successful solo developer in the indie segment. Currently, he is involved in publishing, lectures at game development events, and shares his experiences on his YouTube channel. Slava inspires others, showing that even without specialized knowledge, you can succeed in the gaming industry.

When I talk about my profession as a game developer to unfamiliar companies, I often encounter the opinion that my work seems almost fantastical. People perceive me as a liar or an alien from another planet. However, the gaming industry currently attracts many specialists, and such activities are no longer surprising. Game development has become accessible and popular, and many are eager to realize their ideas in this exciting field.

I'm impressed by this, and I hope you'll be surprised too when you read the arguments for the "one man is a developer" maxim. It's not unusual to hear someone claiming to develop games on their own. This isn't magic, but the result of hard work and skill. In today's tech world, many developers have the knowledge and experience to successfully create games on their own, a testament to their professionalism and creativity.

Slava Gris's book "Make a Video Game Alone and Don't Go Crazy!" offers a unique guide for developers who aspire to create their own video game. In this publication, the author shares practical tips and strategies to help avoid common mistakes and stress associated with the development process. Slava Gris emphasizes the importance of planning and time management, as well as how to maintain motivation throughout the project. Readers will learn not only the technical aspects of development but also how to organize their workflow to avoid burnout and maintain creativity. This book will be an indispensable assistant for anyone who wants to create a high-quality game product without losing interest and pleasure in their work.

Why this book is worth paying attention to

When mastering a new field, we encounter not only technical aspects but also internal obstacles. Fear of challenges, concerns about potential failure, lack of motivation, procrastination, and the constant search for new ideas—all of these can significantly hinder our progress, especially in creative endeavors like game development. Overcoming these internal barriers is a key step toward successfully developing skills and realizing our creative potential. Drawing on psychological research, the author of this book details the causes of destructive mindsets in the human mind. He explains the mechanisms by which they develop and offers effective methods for countering these negative thoughts. This book will serve as a useful guide for those seeking to overcome internal barriers and improve their quality of life. This book offers readers not only an analysis of psychological aspects but also valuable information for aspiring game developers. Here you will find information on available tools, the basics of game design, as well as aspects of marketing and the process of publishing a project on the Steam platform in the current environment. This resource will be useful for both beginners and those looking to improve their game development skills.

The book offers fundamental principles that will help novice developers without experience or specialized training begin creating games. It sets the reader in the right frame of mind, which contributes to the completion of the project and overcoming difficulties on the path to success.

Screenshot: Reflection of Mine / Redblack Spade

Courses for beginner and advanced video game developers offer unique opportunities for learning and professional development. These programs cover all aspects of game development, from design and programming to graphics and sound recording. Participants gain access to up-to-date knowledge and tools to help them create high-quality and engaging games. Training includes hands-on activities that foster skill development and understanding of gaming industry processes. Importantly, these courses are suitable for both beginners looking to enter the world of game development and experienced developers looking to improve their skills and master new technologies. Join the courses to become a part of the dynamic world of video games and develop your career in this exciting field.

"Game Designer Profession";
"Unity Game Developer";
"3D Generalist";
"Concept Artist from Zero to PRO".

What's Included in the Book

The book "Make a Video Game Alone" includes 32 chapters, in addition to the preface. The content is divided into theoretical information about game development and the psychological aspects of this process. The theoretical part includes key elements concerning the fundamentals of video game creation, such as game concept, design of game mechanics, development of graphics and sound, and programming. The psychological part covers the factors influencing player perception of games, including motivation, emotional involvement, and interaction with the game world. This book will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers looking to improve their skills and understanding of gameplay.

An argument that modern indie game mechanics are shaped by games of the past.
A brief description of some game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine, Construct, Game Maker) and mentions available software for 3D modeling (Blender), 3D scanning (RealityScan and Instant NeRF), human model generators (MB-Lab, MakeHuman, Fuse), animation (Mixamo, Cascadeur), crowd (Anima) and particle (Effekseer) simulation, as well as texture generation programs; A list of the main marketplaces and resources with free 3D models.
Introduction to 2D graphics programs (Photoshop, Krita, GIMP), including pixel art (Aseprite, Pyxel Edit, GraphicsGale); a description of the specifics of vector graphics; the pros and cons of neural networks; mentions of resources with ready-made 2D assets, as well as a brief overview of 2D animation techniques and recommendations for thematic software.
An overview of low-cost musical and sound accompaniment for a future game - software for creating your own compositions (LMMS, SunVox, Little Sound Dj, FamiStudio, Bosca Ceoil); The intricacies of using copyright-free music.
A general overview of approaches to learning game development (getting an education at universities, in courses, and through independent study of materials).
Where to start developing games.
The basics of video game design (the essence of the game cycle, key mechanics, and additional activities).
The benefits of themed events for game developers and participating in game jams.
The intricacies of publishing a game on Steam, taking into account current restrictions.
Recommendations for designing a game page on Steam.
The pros and cons of collaborating with a publisher (obtaining devkits; investment specifics; what pitfalls a developer may encounter).
Preparing for game localization (how to look for translators; why it is important to give them context for translating scenes; technical aspects).
Features of marketing in the indie segment.

Screenshot: Catmaze / Redblack Spade game

The author, analyzing the psychological aspects of game development, raises important issues related to human thinking. These questions concern not only game developers but also creative professionals. The book explores several key topics relevant to anyone working in the creative and innovative fields.

Why is it often difficult for us to change our lives and get out of our comfort zone?
Why many people stop pursuing new activities (in this case, game development), stopping halfway.
Learning approaches that help you learn the material and remember it later.
Keeping the fine line between encouraging new endeavors and overconfidence.
What factors make learning something new become a chaotic process, and how can you change your attitude toward this phenomenon to increase your effectiveness?
What causes a creative impasse, and how can you tune yourself to generating ideas?
How to overcome procrastination and focus on your goal.
How can beginning developers gain confidence in communicating with colleagues and not feel like strangers at thematic events.
Where does burnout come from, and why is it important to rest?

The Book's Disadvantages

One of the book's main drawbacks is its structure. Despite the author's attempts to create a smooth transition between chapters, beginning with a description of personal opinions and recommendations may seem strange to readers unfamiliar with the author's biography. Slava Gris is certainly a well-known figure in Russian game development, but the addition of a short chapter describing his path and achievements would have made the book more structured and logical. Instead of a few sentences on the back of the title page and fragments of narrative in the middle of the book, this approach would have helped readers better understand the context and absorb the information.

The chaotic impression is reinforced by the alternation of chapters that explain various psychological aspects and practical advice on the technical side. Despite this, the book is popular in the community, which is confirmed by the printing of additional copies. In the future, it may be republished with the corrections made, making the material more structured and useful for readers.

The book "Make a Video Game Alone" addresses important, yet subjective, aspects of video game creation and promotion. In the section on marketing, Slava emphasizes the importance of avoiding video files when preparing a press kit. Instead, he recommends providing journalists with YouTube links. This allows them to easily share videos with audiences, avoiding the additional steps associated with uploading .mp4 or .avi files. This approach simplifies the process of disseminating information and increases the chances of successfully attracting attention to the game.

The author of this review has been actively collaborating for several years with indie developers from Russia and the CIS countries who create games using one of the popular game engines. While writing articles, he repeatedly used exclusive video materials from press kits, noting that the attached GIF files sometimes lack the necessary dynamics. Using these materials, he created his own GIFs to decorate articles, which significantly increased their value. Therefore, the assertion that videos in press kits are useless is too subjective and does not take into account their potential in the context of presenting games.

This book also contains other controversial statements.

Attending talks by local developers can be more useful than watching lectures by famous experts on YouTube. Despite the availability and variety of videos, the effectiveness of information absorption is significantly reduced if the knowledge is not immediately applied. A lecture from a local mobile app development expert can provide practical skills and relevant advice that are easier to adapt to real-world projects. Unlike lengthy videos from YouTube channels such as the Game Developer Conference, live communication promotes a deeper understanding of the topics and allows you to ask questions in real time. Therefore, participation in local software development events should be considered a priority method of gaining knowledge.

Slava Gris's book "Make a Video Game Alone and Don't Go Crazy!" offers a unique approach to solo video game development. The author shares practical tips and techniques to help overcome the challenges that arise during game development. Gris emphasizes the importance of planning, time management, and maintaining motivation. He covers key aspects such as tool selection, concept development, and testing, making the book a valuable resource for aspiring developers. By applying the recommendations in this book, you can effectively organize your work and turn your ideas into a successful game project without losing your peace of mind. The author is right that information is better absorbed offline. However, it is important to consider the interests of the audience. For example, if someone wants to create a project with cutscenes in Unreal Engine, they will benefit more from learning the secrets of successful shots and the intricacies of creating previz from professionals than from listening to talk about developing a mobile app in Unity. In such cases, attending specialized events, such as the GDC conference, can provide more relevant knowledge and skills from experts in the field.

Study additional materials:

References for creating animation: Definition, Methods of Creation, and Application

Animation references provide sources of inspiration and examples that aid animators in their work. They can include images, videos, animations, and even illustrations that demonstrate desired movements and styles. Using references allows animators to more accurately convey the realism and expressiveness of their work.

Creating references begins with careful research and gathering materials that align with the animation concept. This can include observing live action subjects, studying other animated works, or finding inspiration in art. It is important to maintain a variety of references to expand your creative horizons.

Using references in animation significantly simplifies the creation process. Animators can draw ideas for poses, movements, and emotional expressions of characters, which contributes to a higher quality final product. It's important to remember that references should not be copied, but rather serve as a basis for developing original content.

In conclusion, references for animation are an indispensable tool that helps animators develop their skills and create impressive work. Proper use of references improves the quality of animation and allows for the creation of a unique style.

It's important to note that a significant number of renowned Russian gaming industry experts are now working abroad. They have been replaced by new speakers whose expertise and achievements require critical analysis. Do newcomers to game development ask themselves such questions? Probably not. However, subjective opinions are a characteristic feature of authorial books. Therefore, readers should carefully study information on game development from various sources, analyze it, and form their own conclusions. This will help beginners not only expand their knowledge but also better navigate the rapidly changing world of game development.

Despite the author's original approach, experienced developers are unlikely to find much of interest in this book. The exception are certain chapters, such as those on Steam and marketing, as these topics remain relevant, and a colleague's advice may be helpful. However, the psychological aspect of development is unlikely to interest them. Experience gained through work broadens their horizons, and many of the issues Slava addresses are already familiar ground for them. Those who faced difficulties, overcame them, and successfully released a game already have their own proven solutions.

Screenshot: Fearmonium / Redblack Spade game

For people with developed critical thinking and the ability to analyze cause-and-effect relationships, most of the ideas presented in this book may seem obvious.

Many already know that watching cat videos and reading news online while working or studying contributes to procrastination. Being glued to smartphones negatively impacts productivity. Furthermore, the fear of embarrassing yourself in front of colleagues and mentors can be a powerful incentive to study harder and complete tasks in courses and game jams.

The consumerist lifestyle imposed by society forces people to remain in their comfort zone, which sometimes leads to a fear of starting from scratch. As a result, among the many positive reviews of the book, you can also find negative opinions. One reader calls its content "a mishmash of words and no specifics," highlighting the existing differences in how the material is perceived.

Conclusion

"Create a Video Game Alone and Don't Lose Your Mind!" will be an excellent motivator for attracting new talent to the gaming industry. Using examples from personal experience described in the book, Slava demonstrates that you don't need to be a programmer or have a special education to develop a game on your own. It is enough to effectively use your main tool - your mind. Our consciousness is capable of overcoming any obstacles.

Of course, I will help you with editing the text. Please provide the text itself that you want to revise.

Creating a game is impossible without a deep understanding of the peculiarities of your thinking, even if you have extensive knowledge and skills. Mastering the gameplay requires not only technical skill but also an awareness of your own thought processes. This understanding allows us to create more engaging and innovative games that resonate with players.

In his book, "Make a Video Game Alone and Don't Go Crazy!", Slava Gris shares unique approaches to solo video game development. He focuses on how to maintain creativity and mental health during the creation process. The author offers practical tips to help avoid burnout and stress while maintaining a high level of motivation. Readers will learn how to properly plan their workflow, manage their time, and set achievable goals. This book will become an indispensable tool for solo developers striving to create a successful project and maintain a balance between work and personal life.

This book is ideal for teenagers, students, and anyone who wants to get into game development but experiences fears and doubts. By reading it, beginners will be able to overcome their barriers and change their perception of the complex tasks of this exciting profession. However, experienced developers are unlikely to find anything new in this guide. They should turn to more specialized literature if they are looking for methodological materials for in-depth study. This book is useful for general development, but it won't serve as a primary source of information for professionals. Interested in advancing in video game development? Consider Skillbox courses, which offer excellent opportunities to get started in this dynamic field or to improve your skills. Programs such as "Game Designer Profession," "Unity Game Developer," "3D Generalist," and "Concept Artist from Zero to Pro" will help you acquire the necessary knowledge and practical skills to become a successful specialist in the video game industry. Don't miss the chance to develop your professional skills and discover new horizons in game design.