Indie Innovators

Grit Isn’t Enough: Surviving Your First Game Development Spiral


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You’ve probably heard it before: “Just keep going.”


But what if grit isn’t enough to make your first indie game — or even your fifth — work?


In this episode of Indie Innovators, James and Spencer dig deep into what perseverance really looks like in game development. From spaghetti code and scope creep to the quiet weight of walking away from a project, we unpack what most people don’t say when they tell you to "just stick with it."This isn’t just about staying in the game — it’s about learning how to think while you do.


Topics in this episode:

- What “grit” means in the games industry (it’s not what you think)

- Why beginner devs get stuck in chaos loops

- How professionals use wishlists to fight distraction

- Why quitting a game might be the smartest move you make

- What separates critical thinking from blind perseverance


Join the Conversation:

  • Follow Indie Innovators on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@IndieInnovators⁠⁠⁠ for show updates and community discussions.
  • ⁠⁠Join our Discord⁠⁠⁠ to connect with fellow aspiring devs, ask questions, and share your creations.

Tune in to hear how our guests harnessed determination and grit to carve their own paths in the industry—and learn how you can do the same on your journey into indie game development!”

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Indie InnovatorsBy Spencer Koroll