Look here: http://www.stevepavlina.com There are already some interesting things to read in the blog.
w00t! I already feel a bit better reading his blog entry about thinking differently. I'm definitely adding that site to my bookmarks and also submitting my email address for when his book finally becomes available.
I don't know if that book will be good for a starting shareware developer nowadays. Before anyone says "sacrilege!!", let me explain Steve did his last game Dweep (Gold) in 2001 according to his profile. Now 3 years later, things have changed a lot! Realarcade, Bigfish, Gamehouse and Reflexive nowadays have basically the complete control over casual market - I think no one can disagree with this. Now since he didn't make another game in the last 3 years but did only publishing himself, I'd expect he has much more suggestions to tell to a publisher and not a developer. As developers, I'd be much more interested in a book written by Retro64 or Svero, since they released their last game not 3 years ago This is IMHO of course.
Good point Jack, but I'd trust Steve to do a lot of research to find out what's required today. It doesn't all have to be from personal experience, and I expect some of it will be advice learned through the ASP and from other successful developers / self-publishers. I think the book is directed at all kinds of software developers, not just game developers. What I find interesting is that it's taken this long to hear about the new site/blog. I thought we'd hear about it here on day one. The other thing I find interesting is to finally put a face to the name. PS On second look at the site, I think you're on to something Jack Chapter 4 is entitled "Create or Acquire Marketable Products". But I expect that a new shareware developer will still learn a lot of useful information from it.
Hmm, I didn't know Steve started a blog. Thanks for the link. I agree on his ideas about "possitive thinking". It looks like the book will be a nice complement to DavidRM's book. I believe most of us here have the development stuff down, but maybe lack some of the business knowledge. This should be helpful. Also, I know that not everyone that runs an Indie Games business is a developer (most are, but some are not), so thus the naming of chapter 4. (At least that's my guess.)
Jack, logic puzzle games like Dweep, Fitznic, etc. are not really part of the "casual" market. Indeed, Real Arcade doesn't really publish this type of game any more simply because the "casual" players don't go for them. Just because a game isn't a boxing simulation doesn't mean it's a color matching casual click fest. And that photo of Steve is nothing like I pictured him!
Woo Hoo!! What a nerd he is ! I'm so glad Steve decided to go ahead with his book. His style is the kind of opinionated and uncompromising writing that I really like; something to dig into - whether you agree or not. I found DavidRM's book too watery to be much use for anything (so far). Simon.
Yeah, I want his book too, his articles are great And thanks for the link, I didn't know about Steve's page either.. and about photo.. I felt the same was as redclaw And about Dweep (Gold)... as far as I know Dweep is an 7y/o or so.. the Dweep Gold is just a little improvement (new maps?)... But well, if it sells well, who cares?
Added my name to his notify list As far as his picture ... he looks younger and a little thinner that I imaged him! DGuy
Yes,he must have changed. Maybe it's the vegetarian lifestyle: http://www.sharewarepromotions.com/conferences/sic/2001/5.html
well, the thing is, most of us knows well how to make a good game The selling thing is much more tricky... If he can sell the same stuff for years..... yeah, i want to know how
That's what I've been asking myself too. How can he still sell same stuff for years, and have a income of 100.000 a year.
He says many indies. Look at this ASP poll (question 4) http://www.asp-shareware.org/polls/sept04poll.asp