Game Development tips & tricks from the viewpoint of a beginner whose first game sold $128,000 within one year.

In 2019 I decided to learn game development. I had a full-time office job and 0 actual gamedev experience. I didn't let things like that bother me and got to work. Just 9 months later my first game, Mortal Glory, was finished... And it was a hit! This helped me leave my office job behind and start a new career as a full-time indie game developer. I now want to share what I have learned and help you start your own gamedev journey!


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Manage a team of traveling gladiators in this turn-based fantasy roguelike. Find the best recruits, collect powerful loot and discover clever tactics on the battlefield. The tournament awaits those who desire MORTAL GLORY!

Mortal Glory 2

Mortal Glory devlog 23

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

Making a Better Map // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #23

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 22

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

7 Ways to Earn Money as a Game Developer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYnCWn5WT38

0:00 Intro
0:11 Bigger maps
0:52 Gameplay info
1:12 Shop design
4:16 Character rarity vs level
6:00 Levelup polish
6:53 New perks
7:50 Congratulating player

Celebrating Player Success // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #22

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 21

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

7 Ways to Earn Money as a Game Developer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYnCWn5WT38

0:00 Intro
0:11 Considering AI options
2:30 Creating basics
4:02 Pathfinding
7:40 AI thought process
12:05 Special considerations
18:13 Making AI dumb 
20:34 Further considerations

Creating a SMART AI // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #21

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 20

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

How Much Money Will Your Game Make? // Estimating Indie Game Sales On Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eh-rW_G7xg

0:00 Intro
0:11 Finding inspiration
2:55 Placing UI visuals

Making UI Visually Pleasing // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #20

Mortal Glory 2 devlog 19

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

When Is The Best Time To Release Your Game?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1sm5APsw54

0:00 Intro
0:10 Team names
0:20 New environmental tiles
3:29 Neutral units
4:40 Objects in battles
5:58 Summoning skills
7:14 Pause & Options
7:44 Battle intro
8:03 Corpse explosion
9:10 Cool new skills
12:36 Outro

Exploding Corpses, Summoning Skills & More // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #19

Mortal Glory 2 devlog 18

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

When Is The Best Time To Release Your Game?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1sm5APsw54

0:00 Intro
0:10 Item slot visuals
0:28 Items with charges
2:37 Progression design
4:54 Extra challenges
6:02 New fire skills
6:32 Spreading hazards
9:04 New special rules
9:23 More fire skills
10:57 Outro

This Should Be a Fun Feature! Multiplying Hazards & Design // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #18

Mortal Glory 2 devlog 17

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

When Is The Best Time To Release Your Game?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1sm5APsw54

0:00 Intro
0:12 Saving & Loading
4:17 Critical hits
4:31 Perks
6:58 Beasts
7:35 Bosses
9:12 Relics
12:38 Outro

My Favorite New Feature! Relics, Perks & Saving // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #17

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 16

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

New Indie Game Developers Are Getting SCAMMED! // Common Indie Game Scams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epZgoVRS184

0:00 Intro
0:10 Chain lightning
1:43 Map background
6:39 Quality of life
7:11 Information visualization
11:02 Special rules

Chain Lightning! Backgrounds, Special Rules & Information Visualization // Mortal Glory 2 Devlog #16

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 15

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

How Much Money Will Your Game Make? // Estimating Indie Game Sales On Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eh-rW_G7xg

0:00 Intro
0:11 Resurrection skill
0:59 Fixing Line of Sight
8:09 Quality of Life
11:25 Fire skills
12:27 Combat log
16:38 Outro

New Fire Skills! Fixing Line of Sight, Combat Log & more // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #15

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 14

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

How Much Money Will Your Game Make? // Estimating Indie Game Sales On Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eh-rW_G7xg

0:00 Intro
0:11 Environmental hazards
2:32 New skill: Fire Nova
5:26 XP bar
8:15 Outro

Contains music by StreamBeats

Watch Where You Step! New Environmental Hazards // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #14

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog 13

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

How Much Money Will Your Game Make? // Estimating Indie Game Sales On Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eh-rW_G7xg

0:00 Intro
0:11 Audience upgrade
5:43 Character colors
8:34 Outro

Adding Colors + Audience Upgrade // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #13

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog #12

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

When Is The Best Time To Release Your Game?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1sm5APsw54

0:00 Intro
0:11 Game details
0:38 Leveling
2:18 Item stat balancing
3:40 Character stat balancing
4:06 Turn indicator revisited
4:56 Graphical issue
7:52 Alternative grid visuals
9:05 Misc visuals
9:23 Outro

Implementing Experience Points & Levelups // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #12

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

This Might Be the BEST WAY to Market an Indie Game! // My Steam Next Fest Numbers 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNd0k9j6TXo

This Will Change Things // Real Life & Channel Update

Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #11

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

7 Ways to Earn Money as a Game Developer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYnCWn5WT38

0:00 Intro
0:12 Scene transitions
1:55 Battle preview
2:42 Reward chest
10:07 Steam page
10:57 Wishlists

Video music by StreamBeats

Making Looting Fun With Reward Chests // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #11

Mortal Glory 2 devlog #10

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

How much Money my Game made in 1 month // Indie Game Revenue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xhYwp2gTaw

0:00 Intro
0:10 Battle preview
1:09 Map travelers
3:54 Node graphics
4:49 QoL change
5:36 Outro

Here’s My Traveling Team of Gladiators! // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #10

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog #9

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

7 Ways to Earn Money as a Game Developer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYnCWn5WT38

0:00 Intro
0:11 Events
3:03 Shops
6:26 Roster & Inventory
8:30 Dragging
11:04 Selling
11:42 Showing stats
12:46 Usable items
13:11 Character settings
13:54 Outro

Implementing Inventory, Shops, Events & Battle Preview // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #9

Mortal Glory 2 devlog #8

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

What Kind of a Game Should You Make? - BIG Idea vs SMALL Idea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiGRV8SwC_U

0:00 Intro
0:37 Tooltip dilemma
3:31 Considering 3 options
8:03 Choosing my approach
12:44 Logic for my tooltip system

What Is The Best Way To Implement Tooltips? // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #8

*Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #4*

In this devlog I add several completely new elements to the game and encounter a cool "bug".

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

0:00 Intro
0:11 Dynamic tiles
1:32 Cool bug
2:24 Self promo
2:42 Object units
4:42 Pushing barrels
5:33 HP bars
6:22 Saving & loading maps
7:38 Outro

Look at This Cool Bug I Found + Dynamic Environmental Tiles // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #4

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

0:00 Intro
0:11 Character visuals
1:29 Adding misc stuff
2:36 Adding skills
2:55 Animation timing
5:54 Chain reactions
7:29 More skills
9:29 Outro

Creating Chain Reactions With a Fun New Feature // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #5

Mortal Glory devlog #6

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

New Indie Game Developers Are Getting SCAMMED! // Common Indie Game Scams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epZgoVRS184

0:00 Intro
0:11 Hit effects & blood
1:30 Damage estimation
3:54 Arrow hub
5:10 Floating combat text
5:26 Buffs & debuffs
8:04 Misc stuff
9:21 Turn indicator
10:54 Outro

I Can't Believe Mortal Glory Didn't Have This Feature // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #6

Mortal Glory 2 Devlog #7

In this devlog I make improvements to the map editor, implement a basic UI for battle and also improve the targeting possibilities to make way for a bunch of cool new skills.

Oh yeah and the #1 skill to have in real life is Teleport. Maybe Telekinesis? Both would be pretty handy... Also, I am accepting new thumbnail suggestions since I am clearly running out of ideas :'D

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

0:00 Intro
0:11 Barrels & map editor
3:38 Targeting improvements
4:37 Teleport skill
6:12 Telekinesis skill
8:28 Battle UI
11:41 Outro

How Much Money Will Your Game Make? // Estimating Indie Game Sales On Steam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eh-rW_G7xg

Contains music by Streambeats.

Building Framework for a Bunch of Cool New Skills // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #7

In this devlog I create my version of a map scene inspired by Slay the Spire.

⚔️ Mortal Glory 2: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

Now Is the Best Time to Start Making Games
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYOz43BHEPk

0:00 Intro
0:19 Why I chose this approach
2:24 Implementing the map
12:04 Outro

Creating Slay the Spire Map from scratch (my way) // Mortal Glory 2 Indie Game Devlog #2

Mortal Glory 2 on Steam:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2216660?utm_source=yt

In this devlog I add dynamic targeting along with a line of sight feature to the game.

⚔️ Chambers of Devious Design: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1650860?utm_source=yt
⚔️ Mortal Glory: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1097530?utm_source=yt
🧙 Discord: https://discord.gg/uhyB8VzcB2
⭐ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedbeakGames
💎 Patreon - Support to gain perks: https://www.patreon.com/redbeakgames

How to Get a Game on Steam // Creating a Steam Page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwb1HV8KTx8

0:00 Intro
0:50 Targeting in Mortal Glory 1
2:07 Targeting in Mortal Glory 2
9:34 Outro

Social links

Steam store

Patreon

Patreons overview

Subscribers overview