Game Dev Trenches w/ Louis DeSimone

John Romero, co-creator of DOOM, Quake, and one of the most influential designers in FPS history, sat down with me for a deep conversation on game design, learning game development, indie dev mistakes, Unreal vs Unity, core loops, fun vs emotion, scoping projects, level design philosophy, and more.

If you're learning game dev, or already building, this interview is packed with hard-earned wisdom from one of the most important designers in gaming history.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

Most new game devs rush to release their first game on Steam.
But without a foundation, your dream project will collapse before it ever gets off the ground.

In this video, I break down what a real game dev foundation looks like, not theory, not hype, but the practical steps every developer should take before chasing Steam releases, success stories, or marketing tips.

If you’re serious about becoming a long-term developer (not a one-hit wonder), this is where to start.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

Steam isn’t the only path for indie game developers. In this video, I break down 7 different game dev paths, from major Steam releases to smaller games, studio work, freelance, tools, and more.

Whether you want to go full indie, build a studio, or join an established team, this guide will help you understand which route fits your goals and skills best.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

If you’re just starting game dev, chasing a Steam release now is the wrong path. This video breaks down why “Steam-first” advice sets beginners up for burnout—and what to do instead: build real skills, make small projects, and enjoy the craft so you’re actually ready when it’s time to go commercial.

You’ll learn:

Why survivorship bias warps “make a Steam game” advice

The skill stacks you should build before worrying about sales

How to avoid burnout and stay in the game for years

A practical first-year approach that compounds

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

Everyone says “pick a streamable genre” and chase what’s hot on Steam. I disagree. As indie devs (especially solo devs), genre should be the last thing on your mind. Make the game you want to play, scope it to your skill level, and you’ll build faster, have more fun, and actually finish.

In this video I break down why “genre doesn’t matter,” how genres came after games, why chasing the latest hit is a trap, and a simple exercise to identify what’s genuinely fun for you as a player, then turn that into a shippable plan.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

If you’ve been stuck in tutorial hell, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or just can’t seem to finish your games — this episode is for you.

I break down the 3-phase system I built to actually get good at game development. It’s the same roadmap I used to teach myself — and now teach my students — based on how legends like John Carmack and John Romero became great.

You’ll learn:

• Why most devs stay stuck for years
• The real reason your games never get finished
• How to go from beginner → intermediate → good
• Why coding is the core skill
• How to avoid burnout and build real momentum
• What to focus on first if you want to succeed

Whether you want to land a studio job, build a portfolio, or publish your first Steam game — this system works. And it starts with finishing your first game.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

If you're stuck in tutorial hell, overthinking every project, or just can't seem to finish a game — this episode is for you. I'm breaking down 13 raw, no-fluff tips from my own journey (and from coaching students) to help you build real skill, stay consistent, and actually get better at making games.

This isn’t surface-level advice. These are the truths most devs won’t tell you — the hard lessons that separate the dabblers from the finishers.

📌 Whether you're just starting out or trying to level up, this is the ultimate guide to finally making progress in game dev.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

What if you could publish 3 games in under a month — with no prior game dev or coding experience?

In this episode, I break down how one of my students did exactly that using the systems I built after going from high school teacher to professional software engineer. You'll hear the full story behind the framework, why most advice out there just keeps beginners stuck, and how to escape the tutorial loop for good.

We’ll talk about:
- Why most game dev content leads to burnout
- What actually helps you finish games (even as a total beginner)
- The structure behind publishing your first game fast
- How to build momentum and confidence early

🎮 Want to finish your first game in 7 days?  
Join the private community: https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

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This podcast is for new and aspiring indie devs who are tired of the fluff and ready to actually build something. No buzzwords. No hype. Just real structure and real results.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

In this episode of GameDev Trenches, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in indie game development: coding vs visual scripting. Do you really need to learn how to code to make games? I share my perspective as a professional software engineer and break down the pros and cons of both approaches — from the power and flexibility of traditional coding to the rapid prototyping capabilities of tools like Unreal Blueprints and Unity Playmaker.

We also talk about how learning to code can literally rewire your brain, the best way to start (hint: it’s not studying for weeks), and how breaking down complex systems is the real key to progress. Plus, I share how AI is changing the game — and why refusing to learn it could leave you behind.

Whether you're intimidated by programming or unsure which path to take, this episode will help you figure out what works best for you — and how to keep moving forward no matter what.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about

Why Game Art Feels Impossible (and What to Do About It)
Welcome back to GameDev Trenches. In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the biggest struggles for indie devs: game art.

Whether you’re a coder who dreads drawing, or an artist who fears modeling, you’ll find out why art is such a sticking point — and what you can actually do about it. We cover:

• The three core art styles: hand-drawn, pixel, and 3D
• Why each one is hard in its own way (and which is easiest to start with)
• How to approach game art if you "suck at it"
• Tips for using color theory, maintaining a cohesive style, and making assets look good together
• A real talk on asset flipping — when it’s trash and when it’s totally fine
• The truth about AI art, why it’s controversial, and how to use it without ruining your game

This is the no-BS talk for devs who just want their game to look decent without spending 3 years learning Blender.

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Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about