🎮 From Pixels to Play: Why Your First Game Should Be a Potato With Legs (And How to Actually Finish It)

Deevansh Panda — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:54:52 +0000

If you're thinking of making the next Elden Ring, God of War, or whatever-insanely-complex-masterpiece, pause. Breathe. Now say this out loud:

"My first game will be a potato with legs."

We good? Cool. Let's dive into the why and the how of actually finishing your first game project — without rage-quitting and becoming a barista. (Unless that's your dream. Then go for it.)

🥔 Why a Potato With Legs?
Because it's simple, weird, and makes you laugh. That’s enough motivation to keep going. Too many aspiring devs get trapped trying to make a AAA game solo. Spoiler alert: It’s like trying to cook a five-course meal using a lighter and a spoon.

Start dumb. Stay fun. Finish strong.

👾 The Real Goals of Your First Game
Learn Your Engine – Unity, Unreal, Godot – doesn’t matter. Pick one and get cozy. You don’t need to master it; just learn enough to make a potato move.

Build a Loop – Movement ➡️ Goal ➡️ Reward ➡️ Repeat. That’s your golden gameplay loop. Even Mario started with “Run right. Jump on stuff.”

Feel the Pain – Bugs, spaghetti code, and animations that make your potato T-pose like a yoga guru. It’s part of the process. Embrace the chaos.

Ship It – Publish that potato on itch.io. Get feedback. Laugh. Cry. Eat snacks.

🛠 Tools to Make Your Potato Walk
Unity or Unreal: Both great. Unity for simplicity. Unreal for built-in coolness.

Blender: Want to rig your potato? Blender’s free. Learn the basics. Don’t overdo it.

Kenny Assets: Don’t want to model? Kenny’s got you. Free stuff that actually looks good.

SFXR / Bfxr: Generate potato jump sounds in seconds. Pew pew included.

🚨 Common Mistakes (That Turn Potatoes Into Dust)
Over-scoping: No, your potato doesn’t need an open world with 4 factions and moral choices.

Tutorial black hole: Watching 500 tutorials ≠ making a game. Apply as you learn.

Feature creep: Keep it small. Finish the core, then add spice.

🧠 Bonus: Ideas to Upgrade Your Potato Game
Jetpack Potato (but it overheats)

Zombie Potato Apocalypse (yes, they rot faster)

Potato Delivery Service (timed missions in a bumpy cart)

Couch Potato Olympics (button mash to jump the lowest)

🧵 TL;DR
Stop overthinking. Start building. Your first game should be:

**Small

Silly

Finishable**

Your goal isn't perfection. It's completion.

Because once you finish your potato game, you’re no longer an “aspiring” game dev.
You’re a published one.

Now go cook up that game. The internet awaits your spuddy masterpiece.

Pocketpair Launches Publishing Division to Support Indie Developers

Deevansh Panda — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:59:59 +0000

Introduction
The indie game development scene has received a boost with an exciting announcement from Pocketpair, the creators of the popular game Palworld. The studio has launched a new division called Pocketpair Publishing, aimed at supporting indie game developers and helping them bring their creative visions to life.

A New Chapter for Indie Development
Pocketpair Publishing’s first project is a standalone horror game developed by Surgent Studios, known for their work on Tales of Kenzara: Zau. This partnership is a significant step for Surgent Studios, as they had previously faced financial challenges that stalled their development efforts.

What Makes This Initiative Stand Out?
Pocketpair’s success with Palworld has enabled them to provide not just funding but also development assistance to indie studios. However, what truly sets this initiative apart is Pocketpair’s promise to respect the creative independence of developers. According to CEO Takuro Mizobe, their goal is to empower developers to bring their dream projects to fruition without compromising on their artistic vision.

Impact on the Gaming Industry
This move by Pocketpair reflects a growing trend in the gaming industry, where established indie studios are stepping up to support their peers. By fostering a collaborative environment, initiatives like these are ensuring the sustainability and growth of indie game development.

Conclusion
For gamers and aspiring developers alike, Pocketpair’s new publishing division is a promising development. Not only does it create opportunities for innovative games, but it also highlights the importance of collaboration and community support in the gaming world.

Keep an eye on Pocketpair Publishing and their upcoming projects—exciting times are ahead for indie games!

Forem: Deevansh Panda

🎮 From Pixels to Play: Why Your First Game Should Be a Potato With Legs (And How to Actually Finish It)

Pocketpair Launches Publishing Division to Support Indie Developers