Today’s session, led by Radu Muresan from Vivid Helix, was an eye-opener, packed with invaluable insights into indie game development. I tuned in from home for today’s session, while my awesome partner Dan attended in person. Though I appreciate the option to participate online, I can’t shake the feeling that something is always missing compared to being there in person — the connection, banter, or maybe just the energy in the room.
There was a lot of information to take in, which, honestly, is a great problem to have. Dan and I had already met before class to talk about our long-term goals, so Radu’s session on business models and sustainability felt perfectly timed, like a full-circle moment. Understanding the market, the inevitable boom/bust cycles of the gaming industry, and how to make sure we stay grounded in reality—all this hit home. Dan and I both work in demanding jobs and have children, so it’s clear we need to carefully evaluate what kind of support we’ll need as we move forward.
What struck me most today was the emphasis on honesty. Honesty with ourselves about what we’re good at, where we need to improve, and how we balance our lives and work. Reflection will be crucial for both of us throughout this process. I feel incredibly lucky to have a partner like Dan, who has already done so much of the heavy lifting, but we both know we need to lock down our roles to avoid one person feeling overburdened.
Another key takeaway? Learning to say no. Radu’s advice about picking your battles resonated deeply with me. I have three young children (all under the age of five), and I’ve already had to say no to professional opportunities that I would’ve loved to take. This reality can be hard to face, but it’s also necessary. Knowing when to say no so we can stay focused is something I’ll have to continually reflect on as we move forward.
Today's session covered everything from project sizing and initial validation to finding that all-important “hook” and thinking small (but not too small). Dan and I were messaging each other back and forth throughout the presentation, constantly bouncing ideas off each other as we tried to expand on the topics being discussed. It was a great reminder of how exciting and thought-provoking this program is.
In the end, I think I’ll need to sit in silence for a bit tonight just to process everything. This program has been so beneficial, especially for people like us who are just starting out in the industry. There’s a lot to digest, and it’s an exciting time to be part of this journey.
As Radu mentioned, it’s important to be mindful of the fast pace of change. With the rapid advancement of emerging technologies—cloud gaming, AI, and more—there’s no telling where the industry will go next. Now, more than ever, we need to stand out, get noticed, and rise to the challenge.
"The world is full of possibilities, and you never know what's out there until you go and look for yourself." - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Kerry
Co-Founder, PlayTheos
Comments