The Challenges of Running a Studio: A Year in Reflection

Hello everyone,

This week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what it’s been like running a studio for the past year since graduating from university. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, and as someone who’s always dreamed of creating games and working for myself, it’s been a learning experience in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

A Dream of Independence

From the very beginning, my goal has been simple: to create my own path, away from the stress and constraints of working for someone else. While running a studio has given me the freedom to focus on what I love, it’s also come with its fair share of challenges. Financial constraints, limited resources, and the overwhelming weight of responsibilities often make the journey difficult. If I had endless funds and no worries about providing for myself, I know I could thrive, but life doesn’t work that way.

That said, I’m lucky to have a strong foundation in my personal life that allows me to keep pushing forward. My passion for making games and the vision I have for the future is what keeps me going, even when the road gets tough.

Learning to Adapt

Over the past year, we’ve had to make some big changes. Our team is smaller now, and while that means fewer hands to help, it’s also allowed us to focus more clearly on what we can accomplish. For example, shifting to smaller, more manageable projects like Project Nocturnal has given us a clearer direction, even if the road feels slower. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

One thing I’ve started to consider is the role of marketing and publishers. Games like Software Inc. have taught me the value of outsourcing the tasks I’m not confident in—like marketing. While I haven’t taken that step yet, it’s something I’m exploring as we move forward.

The Importance of Support

One of the hardest parts of running a studio is feeling like there’s so much to do but not enough time, people, or resources to do it. I often wish I had more hands on deck—someone to handle social media, marketing, or even just writing these blog posts. But for now, it’s about making the most of what we have. The team is doing it's best, and that’s all we can ask for until we’re in a position to grow.

I’ve also been lucky to find inspiration in games, movies, and TV shows. Some stories hit me on such an emotional level that they reignite my passion for storytelling and remind me why I started this journey in the first place. It’s moments like these that keep me motivated to build games that not only entertain but also connect with people on a deeper level.

What’s Next?

As we move forward, my focus is on finishing Project Nocturnal and making it the best game it can be. The light gun mechanics are coming together, the narrative is shaping up, and the puzzles are starting to reflect the themes of fear and overcoming obstacles. It’s exciting to see the pieces fall into place, even if it’s slower than I’d like.

I’ve also started thinking about how to step into contract work to help fund the studio. I don’t have all the answers yet, but it’s something I’m exploring. With the teams help, I’m hoping to improve the companies professional image and start taking steps toward finding opportunities in the industry.

Looking Back to Look Forward

Reflecting on this past year, I’ve learned a lot about perseverance. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or burnt out, especially when progress feels slow, but the key is to keep moving forward. Finding a balance between work, life, and my own mental health is something I’m still figuring out, but I’m determined to make it work.

Your Turn: What Keeps You Moving?

I’d love to hear from you: what keeps you motivated when times are tough? Whether it’s a personal story or advice, feel free to share in the comments. Let’s learn from each other and keep pushing forward together.