Took about a month off from working on Emerglass, mostly to finish edits on that novel I've got coming out next year, but also to work some bit on my other video game projects. One thing I've learned over the years is how to pace myself on my various projects, so I can avoid burn out.  Burn out is a huge issue, and I think that's why a lot of people don't finish their games. I think code burn out is less of an issue these days, since a lot of people use third party engines to do most of the heavy lifting (I don't, but that's because the code that excites me is the engine code. And I love programming it, even though I have to pace myself). But, either way, video game projects and my writing are time consuming things, and they take a lot of mental stamina to do correctly.

And as wonderful as it can be in the start of the project, when you are enveloped in it completely and everything is super exciting, you can't keep going with that same gusto without burning out. So, over the years, I've learned how to tell for signs of burn out, and how to step away for a few weeks to a month, just so I can come back in with fresh eyes and excitement all over again.

It's an insane level of work being a one main developer for this game. But it is so, so, so worth it. I'm excited to get back in, finish those last few maps, and even code in a few new enemies. This is going to be fun, and I really hope I can get this game out around December 1st, or by the end of November. That would be ideal, but it's not set in stone. I don't think it's worth stressing myself over the release date for a small, fun game with maybe 5-10 hours (max! if you know where everything is, and have a plan in place, I bet it could be beat in a half hour, maybe less? And if you have the skill). That's not the point of this project.

The point is- make something beautiful, make something fun, and get it out and completed. If I accomplish even two of these things, I'll be happy. I really think some of the areas in this game are super beautiful, and I'm surprised I was able to pull it off with my own meager pixel skills. Yup, the art and everything else was all done by me (with the background music coming from elsewhere- I am not a musician. Sound effects, though, are all me too), so I am super proud of what I could pull off.