Live Twitch DevStream

Who are you?

My name is Jason Thor Hall but I just go by my middle name of Thor. I started in the games industry in 2004 on World of Warcraft Vanilla. I've worked for Blizzard Entertainment, Amazon Games Studios, the United States Department of Energy, and now Pirate Software. I've got three black badges from DEFCON, two for cryptography, and one for telephreaking. I'm a programmer, hacker, game developer, and all around giant nerd.

After leaving my past behind, I founded Pirate Software in 2017, assuming multiple roles as the studio's leader. I manage programming, writing, design, game direction, social media, and various other responsibilities. I take great pride in steering the studio's progress and achievements. Every choice I make is well-informed, backed by thorough analytics and research.

Right now we are working on an RPG called Heartbound This is an exciting journey centered around player decisions. Watch me live every day as I showcase the development process. Twitch Heartbound successfully passed through Steam Greenlight in just 11 days, becoming the most popular submission on the entire platform. Following this achievement, our Kickstarter campaign exceeded its funding goal by 385%. Currently available in Early Access on Steam, Heartbound has garnered a 97% positive rating from 1,213 reviews. The game has been translated into six languages and has received widespread acclaim globally.

Here are several valuable tips for individuals interested in pursuing a career in game development. Acknowledge that this profession may not suit everyone as it involves challenges and moments of monotony, which can be emotionally taxing. However, like any occupation, game development can also be profoundly rewarding. Witnessing someone engage with and appreciate a game you've created is an unparalleled experience that can bring immense fulfillment.

What skills do I need?

What if I told you that you didn't need any? Well guess what. You don't. We live in a time where you can learn anything you need to make a game with relative ease. Despite what you may think none of that comes from natural talent. We all just pour our hours into getting better at what we do. You can do the same. Below you will find some examples of games that are already out there that help reinforce this.

You don't need to be an amazing artist.

Thomas Was Alone The entirety consists of rectangular shapes, even the smallest particles. Prepare to be moved emotionally. Thomas Was Alone demonstrates exceptional minimalist art and remarkable narration. By mastering basic shapes, one can progress to crafting particles. Developing a game that achieves similar objectives as Thomas Was Alone is achievable. Game development is within reach.






Suits A Business RPG The game features simple pixel art and hand-drawn pencil illustrations scanned into a computer, creating a truly unique and remarkable visual style. This demonstrates the potential to deviate from conventional game aesthetics and achieve success. From doodles on paper to a fully-fledged game - the possibilities are endless.






West of Loathing The magnificent sequel to Kingdom of Loathing is a world of stick figures and wacky humor. The simple cartoonish characters perfectly complement the storyline and jokes, enhancing the overall comedic effect. Here, you have the power to create a stick figure or even develop an entire game.






Nepenthe Following a path akin to Suits: A Business RPG, this project stands out. Crafted with colored pencils, then digitized for tiles and assets, it delivers a truly distinctive and surreal gaming experience. From doodles on paper to a fully-fledged game - the journey is extraordinary.

You don't need to be an amazing musician.

Hidden Folks This game is a sophisticated version of Where's Waldo, simple yet impeccably designed. What truly distinguishes it is the innovative use of audio. Surprisingly, every sound in the game is created using mouth sounds. From music to effects, it's all crafted using facial expressions. It's truly remarkable. With just a face, you can create an entire gaming experience.

You don't need to be an amazing programmer.

Yes, that's right. Undertale The game is truly remarkable. Featuring a distinctive combat system, engaging storyline, decent puzzles, and a plethora of witty jokes. Toby Fox, although a relatively inexperienced programmer at the time, made some unconventional decisions in the codebase. However, does this impact the enjoyment of the game? Not at all. Remember, you can acquire programming skills gradually while developing your own game.

What kind of game should I make?

Aspiring game developers often strive to create the most spectacular and impressive game right from the start. They aim to impress others and gain recognition. While it is natural to aspire to create a masterpiece that garners praise, it is advisable not to embark on such an ambitious project as your first endeavor.

Creating your dream game is akin to challenging the ultimate boss at the initial stage. Just like in a game, you must start by gaining experience from simpler tasks. Discover your developer identity and explore game genres beyond your preferences. Establish your unique style and carve a niche in the competitive game development industry. Every creator has a distinct voice, and crafting smaller projects is key to finding and refining yours.

To enhance your skills in game development, focus on creating small projects rather than getting lost in extensive tutorials or unfinished endeavors. Build a custom world for a few rounds of Dungeons and Dragons as a Dungeon Master. Develop an arcade game, release it, and gather feedback. Participate in various Game Jams to explore collaborative work dynamics and identify your strengths within a team. By continuously challenging yourself in these ways, you will progress and excel in game creation.

Initiate this process effectively by establishing a strong foundation. Game Design Document This document is a valuable tool for project management, ensuring focus and organization. It allows for exploration of various engines and programming languages suitable for your game before making a final decision. A Game Design Document is a cost-effective and time-saving asset for any project.

Transitioning from a major studio to independent development was a challenge, despite my experience. Launching a game solo was uncharted territory. No prior experience in demo releases or community building. Our debut game was a test of courage and skill. Champions of Breakfast to do that. We went through Steam Greenlight, made all the icons, learned how to build achievements, Steam trading cards, made a Discord, made a Twitter, reached out to streamers, and everything else that a studio needs to know.

Our small project wasn't successful, yet it provided valuable insights for our future endeavors. Heartbound The game "Champions of Breakfast" was developed in just twenty-four days, from the initial idea to its release on the Steam platform. This project marked a significant milestone for our studio.

How do I build a team?

Creating unique content is simpler than one might assume in the modern world. We host four game jams annually on our platform. Discord Dedicated servers aim to facilitate collaborative game creation. Participate in game jams on these platforms to enhance your skills. Itch.io Discover numerous game jams to engage with a diverse community online. Participating regularly will boost your confidence, enhance your skills, and help you identify the ideal team dynamics for your projects.

Once this is settled, it is crucial to establish a clear financial strategy for your team. The distribution of income should comply with local regulations and be tailored to your specific needs. In our case, we allocate game sales revenue among the developers involved, while the proceeds from the original soundtrack sales go entirely to our musician, ensuring they receive a fair share. Ensuring equitable compensation and defining payment terms upfront is essential to prevent misunderstandings and legal complications in the future.

Becoming a proficient leader is a skill that requires time and practice, similar to game development. Engaging in various projects and collaborations, such as game jams or social initiatives, enhances leadership abilities. Reflect on each experience, maintain detailed notes, understand personal boundaries, and recognize signs of burnout in others. Leadership is an ongoing learning journey, so occasional mistakes are part of the process and should not deter you.

Tools

Currently, there is no better moment in history to develop a game. Tools are more accessible, with plenty of affordable or free options for every aspect. Additionally, various social initiatives like... Guilded and Discord Enable individuals to collaborate remotely. Utilizing platforms such as Google Drive and GitHub, sharing files and working collectively becomes feasible without significant financial investment.

There is no best engine.

When selecting a game engine, consider your game's requirements and your budget. Avoid selecting an engine solely based on popularity. No single engine is universally the best; each excels in different areas. The price of an engine doesn't necessarily reflect its quality. With numerous engines on the market, research to find one that aligns with your needs. explore your options!

Doki Doki Literature Club was made in a free to use python tool called Ren'Py Tailored for crafting visual novels. Risk of Rain was made in GameMaker and MS Paint Absolutely correct... MS Paint. The worth of your creations is not determined by the price of your tools.

Please note that this list of engines is not exhaustive. Numerous engines are available, suitable for various game genres. Explore, experiment, and remain open-minded about tools instead of being exclusive.






Godot Godot is a powerful tool. Created collaboratively by users, it's open-source and free. It stands out in 3D design, works well for 2D, and is favored by leading studios. For small studios, it's unbeatable - no costs, no royalties, just pure freedom. Opt for Godot. It was instrumental in the creation of... Dome Keeper and Endoparasitic .






GameMaker is a great engine for making 2d games but not very strong with 3d. You can use the free trial indefinitely for non-commercial use and it allows exports to Desktop targets as well as Web and Mobile. The monetization model is very competitive at 100$ one time for a lifetime license. For Console it's 80$ per month or 800$ per year. All of these prices have regionalized pricing making it affordable pretty much anywhere. They don't take royalties which is pretty great if your game takes off as well. Game Maker Studio was used to make Heartbound , Hyper Light Drifter , Risk of Rain , Nuclear Throne , Pizza Tower and Undertale .






Unreal Engine A prominent player in the 3D industry, this platform offers a lucrative monetization strategy. No fees are charged if your game earns less than $1,000,000. Beyond that threshold, a 5% royalty applies. Moreover, it's free for non-monetized projects. Ideal for startups, but mastering it may be challenging. Unreal Engine was employed to develop. Fortnite , Conan Exiles , Kingdom Hearts 3 , and Octopath Traveler .






Ren'Py Ren'Py is an outstanding engine designed for creating Visual Novels. It is user-friendly, free of charge, and supported by a vibrant community. Ren'Py enables the development of compelling and innovative games. Doki Doki Literature Club .

There is no best art program.

When selecting an art program, it's important to find the one that suits your needs best, much like choosing an engine for a vehicle. Price and popularity shouldn't be the sole factors influencing your decision. Each artist has unique preferences and workflows. Some may find comfort in using MS Paint on a tablet, while others may prefer Photoshop on a Cintiq. The key is to identify what works best for you personally, regardless of external opinions or trends.






Aseprite Regarded as the ultimate tool for pixel art, Aseprite is a true powerhouse priced at $20, making it affordable yet powerful. Moreover, there's a bonus - you can even get it for free by compiling Aseprite from its source code. their github Access this completely free software to create stunning pixel art. Unleash your creativity and design amazing visuals.






Gimp GIMP is a powerful image editing tool often unfairly overshadowed by Photoshop. However, GIMP has unique advantages such as being free and not tied to Adobe. Over the years, we have successfully utilized GIMP for various tasks like creating promotional artwork, refining logos, and designing in-game assets. If you haven't explored GIMP yet, it's worth considering for its capabilities and cost-effectiveness.






Blender This software is a highly potent and completely cost-free tool for 3D modeling and animation. Its capabilities are truly remarkable, constantly evolving to surpass even the most advanced 3D modeling tools available. For those aiming to create exceptional 3D designs, this tool is an indispensable workhorse.

There is no best audio program.

I spoke to our musician Stijn van Wakeren for this information as it's not really my area of expertise. You should definitely hit them up if you have questions about these programs or want more insight into why they are so powerful. That being said, here are some rad programs you can use to make music or sound effects with relative ease.






FamiStudio Explore this incredible free tool for crafting NES-style chiptunes and sound effects. Benefit from a large supportive fan base and plenty of user-friendly guidance. YouTube tutorials Get ready to unleash your creativity! The captivating sounds and nostalgic vibes of this tool will inspire you to craft amazing things. Share your reviews too! source or compile it yourself. Honestly awesome.






Anvil Studio Explore a free MIDI audio design platform for beginners or those seeking a classic touch in their audio projects. Discover the possibilities of this tool and consider utilizing its add-ons to create printable sheet music from your compositions.






FL Studio FL Studio stands out as the ultimate audio software. All our music and sound effects are exclusively crafted with it. This software is remarkably user-friendly and offers immense versatility, enabling the creation of a wide array of high-quality content. Priced affordably at $100 for lifetime updates, FL Studio is the ideal choice for those dedicated to producing exceptional audio content and seeking a robust, enduring solution.

How do I raise money?

Generating income as an independent developer can seem challenging, especially in the initial stages. My suggestion is to continue with your primary job. Initially, treat game development as a hobby. Dedicate a few hours daily after work to your game. Establish a routine. Regularly set aside a portion of your earnings for your independent project, acquiring necessary assets and software. Start small; it's entirely achievable.

When it comes to securing funding for your game development project, various options exist. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each funding source is crucial. While diversifying across multiple platforms may increase visibility, it also adds complexity to project management. Striking a balance between reach and manageability is key, as the optimal approach varies for each game. Take your time, analyze, and proceed when confident in your decisions.

It is essential to be vigilant against individuals attempting to benefit from your hard work. We receive numerous fraudulent proposals regularly from various channels. Engaging with such schemes could jeopardize your project unknowingly, leading to its failure in the long run. Avoid undermining your efforts and stay alert for potential risks. Safeguard your interests as they are crucial for your success.

Here are some strategies we implemented and continue to utilize to secure funding and sustain our operations.

Streaming

Twitch Twitch has played a crucial role in our studio's financial success. It not only facilitates community engagement but also generates revenue and serves as a real-time interactive promotional platform for our projects. Simply put, our existence is intertwined with Twitch.

After a long campaign Twitch recently created the Software and Game Development Exploring the category we've established for our community brings me immense joy as a game developer. Visit the section now! Streaming Visit the dedicated website section for comprehensive details as there is much to delve into.

Publishers

When considering partnering with a publisher, always ask yourself a crucial question: Will their support result in increased profits surpassing their share of revenue? If uncertain or if the answer is negative, partnering with a publisher may be unnecessary. If it's feasible to launch your game independently, it is highly recommended to do so.

On average, most publishers ask for 30-70% of the income of your game. This cost is a dinosaur carry-over from the days when publishers handled physical cartidges and units on shelves in retail stores. We don't need that anymore due to digital distribution like Steam, Humble Bundle, etc.

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is a great place to raise funding when you've already got a community base and a workable demo. I definitely wouldn't advise going this route before you have those things ready. I also wouldn't rely on Kickstarter as something that will fund the entire development of your game. We used it as a marketing platform and to get initial funding for hardware, software, and audio samples. Wait to launch your Kickstarter until you know you will succeed. Don't leave it up to chance.

Merchandise

Merchandise Developing and globally distributing this product has been a rewarding experience, despite challenges like fluctuating shipping expenses and material prices. Adapting to the evolving market dynamics has been key to our success.

We use Pirate Ship Shipping providers that allow CSV uploads, offer cost-effective rates, and align perfectly with our brand are ideal for our sticker production needs. Sticker Mule Due to their exceptional quality, affordability, and fast shipping, our products stand out. Whether it's prints or clothing, we ensure prompt delivery. Printful A company that handles manufacturing and shipping in-house, seamlessly integrating with online stores. Big Cartel and Shopify which makes things super easy.

Subscription Services

Ko-Fi Ko-Fi offers a subscription service similar to Patreon but without the excessive fees. For a flat rate of $54 per year ($4.50 per month), users can enjoy all the features without any hidden costs or additional charges. It provides the same functionality as Patreon but without the burden of an 8% service fee.

By switching to Ko-Fi, you can ensure immediate payments from members joining your Tiers, eliminating issues with delayed payments or fraudulent transactions. Benefit from their stream alert system and seamlessly accept donations. Make the transition today for a more secure and efficient experience.

Scams

Scams pose a significant risk for indie developers. Always review any document before signing it. If you have doubts about a contract clause, seek advice from a legal professional. In case of mistakenly sharing game keys, utilize Steam Partner tools to invalidate them. Additionally, here are several scam scenarios we have come across and successfully steered clear of.

The Influencer Scam

The most prevalent scam aimed at independent developers.
You will get these.
All of us do.

The scam works generally over email and starts with someone claiming they are a streamer or game reviewer. They will be using the correct icon for their profile, show legitimate links to social media accounts, and talk a little bit about their content. However, the email will not be correct. Always check for an influencer's business email before sending keys. You can usually find this on their YouTube About section. It may just be one letter off but it's not the real creator contacting you if they don't match up.

These automated emails often lead to the keys being resold on third-party websites at discounted prices. Despite sending out numerous emails, only a few genuine responses have been received. Stay alert, verify thoroughly, and do not get swayed by messages claiming to be from well-known creators.

Over time, my approach to dealing with this issue has evolved. Currently, I provide scammers with a Steam Key, only to deactivate it within 12-24 hours. Once scammers attempt to sell the key, unsuspecting buyers encounter issues, leading to negative feedback for the fraudulent sellers. This strategy targets scammers where it hurts them the most - their reputation. Since implementing this method, the influx of influencer scam emails has decreased significantly, possibly due to scammers recognizing the consequences of their actions.

The Bundle Scam

Many times you will receive offers to be part of a bundle. Scammers will claim you will get between 10-30% of the bundle sales if you give them 10,000-30,000 steam keys for your game. If you sign the contract and send the keys they will start selling them as normal up until a point. From here they will start a "Happy Hour" and sell 5-10x as many keys per purchase. Another company knows when this Happy Hour begins and will buy all of the keys in the next few minutes.

After the initial transaction, you might end up with only 10-20% of the expected amount. Meanwhile, a different company gains possession of a large number of your game keys and starts selling them at lower prices on various third-party platforms. As a result, your game sales are likely to be significantly affected.

Scams, though uncommon, can be sophisticated and appear legitimate. Prior to signing any documents, consult with a legal professional to fully understand the implications. Be cautious of enticing sales figures and prioritize thorough due diligence.

Marketing

When it comes to marketing strategies for indie developers, there is a wide array of approaches to choose from. It is essential to bear in mind that claims of a single "best" method often serve commercial interests. Stay true to what aligns with your studio, games, and community. Trust your instincts and make decisions that resonate with your unique vision.

Building A Community

Establishing a strong community is paramount. No matter how amazing your product is, without a loyal community, your efforts are futile. This principle applies universally, regardless of your studio's scale or financial backing. Losing players' trust equals losing it all.

Remember, you should never consider yourself superior to your community or too busy to engage with them. Once you start believing otherwise, they will quickly remind you of the reality. Stay humble and connected.

Social Media

With numerous online platforms available, make sure to leverage every opportunity to promote your games or projects. As an indie developer, it's crucial to showcase your work proactively. Unlike big-budget Triple-A titles, you may not have vast marketing resources, so utilize all available channels to present your creations. Remember, your work doesn't have to be flawless to start building visibility. Don't hesitate to share it with the world!

To initiate the process, we established social media accounts to gather individuals in a centralized location. This served as the starting point. Discord Establishing a central community hub where individuals can socialize and interact. Supplementing this with auxiliary channels to drive traffic back to the main Discord server. This strategy aims to foster engagement and cohesion among members. Twitter , Instagram , Steam , Game Jolt , Itch.io , Twitch , YouTube , Reddit , and Guilded Our Discord community grew to over 4,000 members thanks to the funnel effect, ensuring all updates reach our most dedicated players, keeping everyone informed and engaged.

The landscape of social media platforms is constantly evolving, with shifts in popularity driven by online trends. Staying proactive and adaptable to these changes is crucial in avoiding being left behind. Regularly assessing various platforms and establishing accounts for Pirate Software is part of my routine to ensure readiness for what lies ahead.

It is crucial to view your social media presence as a highly personal engagement with your audience. Merely acknowledging posts, liking them, or joining someone's live stream while they play your game can have a significant impact. What might seem like a small gesture to you can be incredibly meaningful to someone who admires your work. Engage actively by commenting on every YouTube video related to your game, responding to positive mentions on Twitter, and addressing negative feedback to improve your game. By being present and responsive, you can cultivate a loyal following who will reciprocate your engagement.

Many novice developers often aim for popular streamers or YouTubers to gain visibility. However, these influencers receive numerous requests daily. It's more effective to concentrate on building your community. Gradually, one of the major figures might recognize your work and introduce it to their audience.

Paid Advertisement

I tend to avoid engaging in paid promotions. Being an independent developer, financial resources are often limited, making it challenging to stand out amidst bigger competitors online. It is more effective to invest time and effort in building a strong community rather than focusing on paid advertising.

Exploring various advertising strategies could be beneficial. What didn't work for our studio might work for you. It's important to experiment to discover what resonates with your audience and yields results.

Conventions

Participating in conventions is crucial for studio growth, but be mindful of expenses. Costs like travel, accommodation, and meals can add up quickly if not budgeted for. Planning and budgeting for each trip in advance is essential, especially in the early stages of your studio.

Before diving into larger conventions, it's wise to start small and local. For instance, our debut was at Eugene Comic Con in Oregon. The booth rental was just $20 for the weekend, enabling us to connect with many attendees, expand our fan base, and refine our booth management skills. Such experiences are priceless, paving the way for broader exposure and success in the future.

Having quality merchandise can significantly reduce convention expenses. Consider offering items like stickers, pins, or plush toys as they tend to sell quickly at such events. Avoid fragile items such as mugs or size-specific products like clothing, as they are harder to sell in a convention environment.

Awards

Awards are a recognition of excellence in the gaming industry. To be considered, one must submit an application, typically accompanied by an entry fee ranging from $50 to $100. Explore submission guidelines for well-known awards and remain vigilant for emerging smaller ceremonies.

An award can significantly boost your visibility and recognition within your industry. Winning a trophy or receiving special imagery to showcase on your website can further enhance your credibility and attract more attention to your work.

Where should I launch my game?

Indeed, diversification is key when it comes to choosing platforms for game launches. We opted for Steam primarily due to its seamless integration with third-party developers. This strategic decision significantly expanded our audience reach without overburdening our team. The efficiency of this approach has proven to be highly beneficial for our small team, enabling us to achieve positive outcomes.






Steam Steam offers the best monetization platform for game developers. Its extensive frontend promotes player engagement, while the powerful backend assists in asset and financial management. With a variety of promotional tools, Steam provides a comprehensive solution for game monetization.

Steam offers periodic platform-wide sales where developers can participate. You have the freedom to choose the sale price and decide whether to take part or not. Your game won't be included in any sale without your permission. Participating in a sale usually results in increased visibility throughout the event. When you discount your game by 20% or more, Steam notifies everyone who has wishlisted your game via email. Leveraging this feature can enhance visibility and attract more players to your game.

When you launch a game, you receive five 'Visibility Rounds' (VRs), providing 1,000,000 impressions on the front page. This opportunity is significant for small studios and should be reserved for major updates. It's a chance to showcase your game and attract a substantial amount of traffic. Ensure everything is flawless before utilizing a VR. Moreover, if you release your game in Early Access, upon full launch, you receive an additional complimentary VR that doesn't deplete your initial five VRs. By launching in Early Access, collecting feedback, making improvements, and then fully launching, you can benefit from a free surge in visibility.

Steam's commission of 30% may seem substantial, but the platform offers more than meets the eye. The option for regional price adjustments significantly enhances revenue potential. Moreover, when selling Steam keys on external platforms, Steam does not charge any fee. This flexibility enables global sales and simplifies distribution management. Through price localization, a boost of 20-25% in revenue was experienced specifically from the Brazilian market. It is crucial to adapt game content and pricing to different regions. Leveraging Steam's benefits is key to maximizing profitability.






Humble Bundle is an excellent intermediary platform that can enhance your sales through the distribution of Steam keys. They only receive a share of your earnings if you choose to contribute a portion of your profits to them, which can be beneficial, especially for newcomers. Moreover, they offer a partnership initiative where individuals purchasing items you endorse can indirectly increase your revenue. Typically, I display partnership links for tools and games we utilize or feature during streams.






Game Jolt is the god of demo sites. Make a demo for your game and put it on Game Jolt. When we first got a demo for Heartbound up on Steam we saw minimal traffic. Once we put it up on Game Jolt we had thousands of people play it and for the first year nearly 95% of all YouTube videos for Heartbound listed Game Jolt as where they got their download. It was huge for us and really helped get the word out about our game. They also give you a little bit of side cash from the ads that run on your games page. They don't need to do that and it's a really nice thing to cash out on every once in a while.






Itch.io With extensive customization options, this site stands out, although it falls short in terms of discoverability. While attracting visitors may be challenging, the visual appeal of your page will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Take a look at the example provided via the link to see for yourself. Additionally, selling Steam keys on Itch.io can serve as an effective additional revenue stream. If you seek an elegant and visually appealing platform to showcase and sell your products, this website is the ideal choice.