Although I’ve only spoken about my game so far, there’s actually another exciting project that I’m working on in tandem. It’s an animated project that, when things move a bit further along, I’ll be sure to speak about as well. The aim is to create a creative studio that specializes in both games and animated projects. I truly feel that with the right setup, the two could work together seamlessly and completely intertwine, leading to innovative and engaging content.

Back on topic… How I plan to fund my creative studio. In short, the answer is Bitcoin. Hold your horses, before you jump to conclusions and assume that I’m just another crypto bro, allow me to explain my reasoning.

I’m not currently flush with cash; however, I do have a small amount saved (a couple thousand euros to be precise) and a day job that enables me to set aside some funds each month. At this point in time, I don’t have any significant expenditures related to developing my game or the animation project. Right now, the main investment I am making is in my free time and the effort I put into working solo on these creative endeavors. Nonetheless, I understand that this situation won’t remain the same forever. Additionally, I want to ensure that I maintain full ownership of the business and the intellectual property that I create. That ownership is where the true value lies, and it's often the first thing you have to be willing to compromise on if you decide to bring investors on board too early in the process. This scenario is fair, as you are giving up something of considerable value in exchange for the capital that is needed to grow your business successfully.

I will continue to gradually add to my bitcoin position as I acquire available funds to save and invest. I view it as a sort of piggy bank that can support my various business aspirations in the future. That is the conclusion I have come to, and I will observe in the coming years whether this decision turns out to be a wise one. As always, none of this can be considered financial advice, so it is important that you do not rush to pile a significant amount of money into bitcoin without thoroughly educating yourself first. As Thomas Tusser wisely said, “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Therefore, please do your own research, avoid simply following the herd, and remember to think for yourself.

Until next time.

Now this is a touchy subject, and it’s important to recognize that already companies have started utilizing AI-generated art in games. In all sincerity and with full transparency, I also use it, but only for specific instances where it can be beneficial. For example, I employ AI for writing, even this blog post that you are currently reading. I type out my notes with all of my spelling and grammar mistakes included, and then I use AI to effectively proofread my writing to ensure clarity and correctness. I go over it once more so it still sounds like me in the words presented. While I could certainly do everything myself, I am currently working solo, and I have a significant amount of material to cover. I had to come to terms with the fact that I needed to stop being overly precious about every single aspect of the creative process. Instead, I focus on acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses and utilize AI to address and elevate my shortcomings. Normally, you would hire someone to help with any situation you find lacking. However, I cannot afford to pay someone properly for their services, and I refuse to compromise by using cheap labour from another country.

I plan to contribute to parts of the project where I feel skilled. I don't currently use AI-generated art in my game development because I can handle most art tasks well. However, I'm thinking about using Cascadeur, an AI animation tool that could improve my workflow, especially for motion-capture cutscenes. This tool might save me time on cleaning up motion capture data. While Cascadeur helps with animation, human input is essential for an excellent final product. This is important for many AI tools; having skilled people involved is key to getting the best results.

I do see a near future where many companies believe they can effectively cut down on man power in favour of AI-generated content to increase their profits, and it will indeed work in the short term. However, this approach will lead to an over-saturation of content that looks alarmingly similar across various platforms. Customers will eventually notice this lack of originality and respond by voting no with their wallets, choosing to support brands that offer more authentic experiences. The companies that will find success in the future will be those that confidently embrace AI tools while never losing sight of the crucial importance of skilled human individuals being at the helm of their operations.

A curious moment unfolded quite recently when I found myself in need of a little assistance, so I decided to reach out to ChatGPT. I was diligently working on the character biographies for my game and found that I needed an acronym for the name of one particularly important character. It was quite late, and my brain felt exhausted from the day's demands, so I turned to ChatGPT, asking it to devise an acronym for the name "Agnis," based around a few essential plot points and character parameters that I had in mind. ChatGPT dutifully obliged and provided me with several options to consider. While a few of the suggestions were somewhat lacklustre, one of the acronyms truly stood out to me, hit the mark perfectly. ChatGPT even went as far as providing a brief synopsis of each acronym it created, which proved to be incredibly helpful in my decision-making process.

This sparked my curiosity even further; I found myself eager to dig deeper into the subject, so I asked ChatGPT to elaborate on the chosen acronym. I requested a bit more context about the origins of the character and their motivations behind their actions. As I waited eagerly for the response, I noticed that ChatGPT seemed to grasp the direction I wanted to take my story, to some extent. We spent the next few minutes engaging in a creative exchange, bouncing ideas off each other and exploring new avenues for the storyline. I genuinely enjoyed the interaction, feeling as if I were collaborating with a fellow teammate much like I would in a work setting. Since typing isn’t my strongest skill, I often found my thoughts racing ahead of my ability to type quickly enough. All I could think about was the possibility of further exploring this brainstorming session with a new friend and how much easier it would be if I could just talk directly instead of relying on text.

Then it hit me profoundly. This moment felt oddly familiar, almost as if it were a scene from a well-known film. I’d seen this before, though external to my own experience. The movie, a wonderful piece of art, is about a guy who falls for an artificial intelligence, and it is titled “Her.” Although my interaction with ChatGPT wasn’t romantic in nature, the spark of having what seemed like a natural human experience was strikingly similar. ChatGPT may not be self-aware yet, but the interaction felt so real to me, so intrinsically human, that I found myself not caring whether it was human or not. The moment was just so pure, resonating deeply within me. I can see how this technology could potentially lead people to become more detached from one another. For a brief moment, I found what felt like a kindred spirit. In a world that is increasingly becoming more isolated these days, I can understand how artificial intelligence could become man's new best friend.

The concept of a thousand true fans resonates deeply with me as an artist navigating the intricate complexities of creative work in a world that is often enamored with the allure of mass popularity and wide-reaching appeal. When I first encountered this profound idea, popularized by Kevin Kelly, it felt utterly transformative and inspiring. The notion that I don’t need to attract millions of followers, but rather cultivate a small circle of dedicated supporters who genuinely and truly appreciate the work I create, is both liberating and motivating.

I've always felt like I entered the game development scene about ten years too late. The games that I hold dear, predominantly from the Dreamcast era and earlier, often seem overshadowed by the current trends dominating the landscape of the gaming industry today. These beloved titles, while cherished and nostalgic, have become somewhat niche offerings in a landscape that increasingly favors more popular and modern gaming aesthetics. Nevertheless, my passion for this unique and distinctive style drives my desire to innovate within this rich creative realm. In pursuit of realizing my vision, I am determined to establish my own game company, dedicated to creating experiences that resonate deeply with those who share my appreciation for the 3D aesthetics and gameplay depth reminiscent of yesteryears.

The Sega Dreamcast and Saturn are nostalgic highlights in gaming history, known for their unique games and innovative gameplay that thrilled an entire generation of players. Iconic titles such as Sonic Adventure, REZ, Crazy Taxi, Chu Chu Rocket, and Shenmue on the Dreamcast pioneered 3D graphics, introduced unique arcade gameplay hooks, and offered expansive open-world play. Meanwhile, the Saturn featured timeless classics like Nights into Dreams, Radiant Silvergun, and Virtua Fighter, skillfully combining lively visuals with enjoyable gameplay experiences. To successfully recreate that enchanting magic, it is important to capture the artistic styles, smooth animations, and adventurous feel that defined those exciting times. Engaging players with imaginative worlds, captivating narratives, and seamless gameplay could grant a new generation the chance to enjoy the charm and excitement that these beloved consoles brought to the rich tapestry of gaming history.

I sincerely hope that there is an audience for this kind of experience, a thousand true fans who can lend their support and enthusiasm to this creative endeavor. The first job is to build that community… and see if people are willing to join me on this artistic journey.

I greatly admire Ninja Theory for their unwavering dedication to storytelling, innovation, and mental health awareness, which are at the core of their creative philosophy. Their sustainable business model allows them to maintain an agile team size, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish without the encumbrance of unnecessary overhead. By cultivating an audience of loyal fans who genuinely appreciate their work, they have successfully established a community that values their unique approach to gaming. Additionally, their commitment to keeping games short and concise not only caters to some modern player's preference for impactful experiences but also exemplifies their focus on leveraging strengths to deliver memorable narratives that resonate deeply with players.

Many of my favorite games can be completed in just an hour, like Rez and Nights into Dreams. Short games like these focus on artistic experiences instead of long playtimes. They feature unique storytelling, beautiful visuals, and brilliant mechanics, allowing players to connect with the game world in meaningful ways. Rez merges music with shooting, encouraging players to match their actions to the rhythms, while Nights into Dreams offers a dreamlike experience that symbolizes personal growth and freedom. These games provide brief but valuable experiences that prompt players to think about their journey and appreciate the art in a short time.

Hellblade 2 immerses players in a hauntingly beautiful world, where the delicate balance of mental struggle and breathtaking visuals echoes the serene yet surreal essence found in titles like Rez and Nights into Dreams. This sequel continues to explore the depths of Senua's psyche, inviting players to traverse a landscape that is as vivid as it is poignant. Engaging with the ethereal, players experience a harmonious blend of combat and puzzle-solving, intricately woven together with atmospheric soundscapes that enhance emotional resonance. Just as in Rez and Nights into Dreams, each moment in Hellblade 2 emphasizes the interplay of art and gameplay, creating a narrative that transcends traditional storytelling and challenges players to confront the complexities of the human experience.

In today's gaming landscape, shorter, concise games often face an uphill battle for acceptance among audiences who increasingly favor extensive, sprawling open worlds. This preference stems from a belief that size equates to value, leading to the misconception that a game must be lengthy to be worthwhile.
Shorter games can deliver impactful experiences through streamlined narratives and focused gameplay. They often prioritize core mechanics and storytelling, allowing players to engage in meaningful ways within a limited timeframe. However, the prevailing trend gravitates toward vast environments filled with repetitive tasks, where the quantity of content often overshadows quality.
This fixation on length has led to the creation of games that, despite their expansive worlds, can feel hollow. Players may find themselves wandering through empty spaces, engaging with filler content that lacks depth or substance. The desire for longer gameplay hours often comes at the expense of innovation, character development, and engaging narratives.
Ultimately, the gaming industry faces a growing challenge: balancing the allure of expansive worlds with the strength of concise experiences that can leave lasting impressions. Shorter games may resonate more deeply with players seeking authentic connections and memorable stories, but they must compete against the perception that more content inherently equates to greater value.

I'm focused on creating a fun and well-made game. If it takes 3-4 hours to complete, that’s fine. I’ll price it fairly and hope it reaches an audience. My goal is to gain a thousand true fans for sustainability. I believe the gaming industry is too focused on maximizing profits. Gamers don’t want to be squeezed for every dollar. Create content that resonates with them, price it fairly, and they will support you.

This week, Microsoft officially confirmed that there will be price hikes for their Series consoles. This announcement follows the recent price increases implemented by Sony for their PlayStation 5 models.

I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can afford consoles at the new, rising prices. However, what really makes this situation strange and somewhat perplexing is the fact that prices are going up at all in the current market. I’ve been an avid gamer since the days of the Atari 2600, which was the very first console I ever received, thanks to a family friend's thoughtful hand-me-down. That definitely shows my age in this ever-evolving technology landscape. One thing that was consistently true from what I remember is that consoles typically became cheaper over the course of their generations. Console manufacturers often found innovative ways to produce them at lower costs; sometimes they even created mini versions of the original consoles to appeal to different audiences. A special shout-out goes to the SEGA Mega Drive 2, Sony PS One, and the PS2 Slim, all of which contributed greatly to gaming history.

The current generation of Microsoft consoles made its debut in 2020, and this upcoming November will mark an impressive five years since the initial release of both the Xbox Series X and S, as well as the PlayStation 5. At launch, the original pricing for these consoles was set at $499 for the Xbox Series X, which has seen a price increase to $599, and $299 for the Series S, which has also risen to $379. In addition to these changes, the prices of games have evolved during this generation as well, with standard titles moving from the initial $60 to now reaching up to $80 before this generation comes to a conclusion. Furthermore, there are even discussions suggesting that the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 could be priced at an astonishing $100 for the base game.

Console gaming was originally billed as the easy, low-cost gateway into the world of video games, an attractive option for many newcomers. However, that perception seems to be pretty dead in the water now, as the landscape of gaming continues to evolve and shift drastically. Many people have predicted for quite a while that the gaming industry will increasingly move in the direction of mobile devices and personal computers. If it costs around $600 to purchase a top-spec Xbox, you may as well consider building a gaming PC and enjoying gaming experiences on that instead. Additionally, online gaming is free on PC, and the prices for games are generally much cheaper on digital platforms like Steam, making it a more cost-effective option for many gamers. Current generation Apple and Android phones have the capability to handle near console-level gaming, providing users with an impressive gaming experience that rivals traditional gaming systems. These devices can also support high frame rates, ensuring smooth gameplay and enhanced graphics for a more immersive experience overall.

Phones receive updates every year, making it only a matter of time before they surpass the capabilities of current-generation consoles. In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become a vital part of our day-to-day lives, offering a multitude of features and functionalities that we rely on. In contrast, gaming consoles have increasingly evolved into an expensive luxury item, often seen as a significant investment rather than a necessity.

I’ve been closely watching the various console situations that have been unfolding recently as I’m in the process of making a game. It’s crucial for me to keep a careful eye on the developments in this area. From my observations, I will need to decide whether it is worth pursuing a console release for my game in the near future. My game’s release is still at least three to four years away from now. The gaming space evolves pretty quickly, so I anticipate that the industry will be very different from what it is today. There’s some rumor circulating that Microsoft’s next Xbox console will essentially be a PC, probably in a form factor that is somewhat similar to the Mac Studio from Apple. However, that’s just my personal guess based on the trends I’ve noticed. For now, I’m focused on PC development, working as a team of one, and I could never afford the high fees associated with console development anyway.