The Art of Scaling Down: How to Succeed with Small Game Projects

1. The Inspiration Behind "A Short Hike"

Developing a game can be intimidating, especially for indie developers who tackle ambitious projects. As Adam Robinson shared, his initial attempt at creating a large RPG was bogged down by uncertainty and stress. After a year of working on the RPG without a clear direction, he decided to put it aside and create something simpler. This pivot led to the birth of “A Short Hike,” a game about exploration and tranquility on an island. The lesson here is clear: sometimes stepping back and simplifying your vision can reveal new, exciting paths to success.

"I decided to give myself a little break... and just work on this tiny little project." That moment of clarity, fueled by the desire for exploration, is something you can carry into your own projects.

1.1. Embracing Smaller Projects

Small projects like "A Short Hike" offer several advantages. Here are a few to consider:

• Reduce Risk: Smaller games have lower development costs. You’re not pouring years into a project that might not resonate with players.
• Faster Feedback: Completing smaller games allows for quicker iterations based on player feedback, improving your skills rapidly.
• Heightened Creativity: With less pressure to impress, you’re free to experiment and innovate, leading to unique gameplay experiences.

Embracing smaller projects not only helps you maintain motivation but also hones your skills as a developer, paving the way for larger projects in the future.

2. Defining Your Game's Aesthetic

As Robinson noted, the art style of “A Short Hike” was essential in capturing attention quickly. He had to work with limited artistic skills and thus set a clear aesthetic goal, opting for a vibrant and pixelated look. This decision allowed him to use more straightforward models while still creating an engaging environment for players.

2.1. Utilizing Your Strengths

Focus on your strengths and capabilities when designing your game. For Adam, his experience with programming and VFX influenced how he rendered his game’s visuals. To achieve his artistic goals, he utilized a technique of rendering in Unity that played to his technical background rather than his artistic limitations.

TIP: Experiment with rendering techniques that can make your limitations work to your advantage. Your unique style might emerge from embracing what you can do rather than what you can’t.

3. Crafting a Consistent Workflow

Once you've defined your aesthetic, creating a consistent workflow is vital. Robinson employed a flexible design plan, establishing clear milestones to ensure he met deadlines without compromising on creativity. Here’s how you can apply this to your projects:

3.1. Set Concrete Milestones

By creating milestones for each stage of development—Alpha, beta, and release candidate—Adam effectively maintained focus throughout the project.

• Start with a Design Document: Outline what you want to achieve, keeping a flexible scope.
• Schedule Regular Evaluations: Weekly assessments can help enforce accountability and allow you to make quick adjustments before issues snowball.

By establishing firm deadlines and reviewing your progress consistently, you can maintain momentum on your smaller projects.

Note: Don't hesitate to scale back features if your timeline begins to slip. Prioritize elements that offer the greatest impact.

4. Designing Engaging Gameplay

In game design, creating compelling gameplay is essential. With “A Short Hike,” Robinson prioritized the freedom of exploration, ensuring players felt they could forge their paths. This aspect was critical, as he wanted players to experience the joy of discovery without feeling constrained.

4.1. Incorporate Player Freedom

Allowing players the autonomy to explore various paths increases engagement:

• Design Multiple Routes: Create different paths or shortcuts that players can discover.
• Use Natural Cues: Incorporate visual landmarks or intriguing locations that draw players in without forcing them down a specific route.

This approach instills a sense of wonder and satisfaction as players navigate through your game world.

5. Elevating Your Writing

While developing “A Short Hike,” Robinson found himself writing more than expected. To streamline the writing process, he decided to focus on natural dialogue and character interactions. Creating relatable characters can help players connect more deeply with the narrative.

5.1. Enhance Dialogue and Character Depth

Making your protagonist speak and engage with NPCs naturally immerses players in the world you're building. Here are a couple of techniques to consider:

• Natural Dialogue: Avoid lengthy monologues and opt for brief, engaging interactions. Utilize text bubbles for quick exchanges.
• Incorporate Fun and Flavor: Don’t burden yourself with creating a Shakespearean masterpiece. Playfulness in writing can relieve stress and encourage creativity.

Establishing lively yet straightforward conversations can also ease the burden of extensive narrative writing.

6. Marketing Your Game

Successful game release hinges on effective marketing strategies. Adam Robinson leveraged platforms like Twitter for reaching potential players and generating buzz.

6.1. Build a Social Media Presence

Using social media effectively can enhance visibility for your game:

• Share Development Updates: Regularly engage your audience with gifs, screenshots, and insights into your development process.
• Create a Press Kit: Design a press kit that outlines your game’s key features. Send this to journalists who cover games in similar genres.

By building a rapport with your audience, you not only cultivate interest in your game but also foster a community eager to experience your work.

7. Preparing for Launch

Robinson’s effort culminated with the release of “A Short Hike,” and his marketing paid off, drawing attention to his work during launch week. The key takeaway is that preparation and visibility can significantly impact reception.

IMPORTANT!: Always ensure that your game is clearly communicated from the start. First impressions can influence whether players choose to engage further.

Conclusion

In closing, the journey of developing a smaller game like “A Short Hike” is filled with opportunities for growth, creativity, and learning. By embracing smaller projects, defining your game’s aesthetic, and committing to a consistent workflow, you can create captivating gameplay experiences that resonate with players. As you take these lessons forward, remember—simplicity can be a powerful ally in your game development journey.

If you have any questions about starting your own small game project or would like to share your experiences, feel free to reach out. Let's continue learning and growing together in this exciting world of indie game development!

Final Tip: If you want to learn more about this subject, I recommend This Amazing Talk HERE, that I used as the main reference for this blog post.