The 2nd game syndrome

[lakibuk]

One often hears that most indie developers never finish their first commercial game. I didn't have much trouble finishing my first shareware game as i saw it more of an experiment.
But my second game that i intended to make much better was a complete disaster and i had to cancel it.
I wonder if this happens often.

[Desktop Gaming]

One often hears that most indie developers never finish their first commercial game. I didn't have much trouble finishing my first shareware game as i saw it more of an experiment.
But my second game that i intended to make much better was a complete disaster and i had to cancel it.
I wonder if this happens often.
I guess that would only happen if you've let yourself get too ambitious. Your second game should be treated the same as your first - know your limits and don't get out of your depth. I would never start a game knowing that I was going to struggle with it from the start.

Just speaking my personal opinion here - I have no idea which games you're talking about so I don't know if this applies to you, too.

[edit] But yes, a staggering number of games do get shelved by programmers, for numerous reasons.

[Adrian Cummings]

This can and does happen a fair bit I should imagine... If I start something and don't finish it (rare these days mind for me) I just store it away on the server and then come back and use the resources at a later date in something else... I have been known to use artwork and sound/music of my own that's more than 10 years old in new rehashed projects - why waste it I say!? :)

[tagged]

While I've only just completed my first game, I already have 5-6 initial designs outlined and ready for prototyping for my next one. I guess the point is it's a good idea to plan for some designs to not work, always have a few out the back in case one fails :)

I had a quick look at your game's page, and while I haven't actually played it, it does look like you could easily create an expansion for it.. I personally plan to start working on an expansion early next year, while prototyping and then starting my next game. So if your stuck for ideas that could be something to consider!

[lakibuk]

I had a quick look at your game's page, and while I haven't actually played it, it does look like you could easily create an expansion for it..
Sure, sticking to a similar game would have been a good idea. Now i know.