SAGITAR'S PROFILE

Okay, so this is something I've been thinking a lot about lately, and I think it's different enough from the occasional "how do I market my game?" topic that it warrants its own discussion.

I don't post here much (aside from updates on my own game) but it's not for any reason other than that I don't feel like I have enough time to get fully invested. I look at stat reports and am blown away at the number of post counts, review submissions, etc., that some amazing members of the community are able to submit. RMN is a fantastic resource and support forum for aspiring developers, and I would love to give back by being really active here. But whenever I get particularly inspired to do so, I realize there are so many other things holding me back.

Firstly, a full-time job. That's to be expected though -- it's only the lucky few indie developers who can count on this as anything more than a hobby. But when you add in time spent actually developing and trying to get something playable out there, the hours left in the day are already starting to dwindle. And then once your game actually IS released, you have to market it yourself. Reaching out to press, posting the link on forums, basically finding as big an audience as possible... That's hard work! Having worked in communications myself, I can safely say that part of the process is a full-time job in itself.

Obviously this community (and the handful of other RM-centric forums) is meant for developers. Your widest audience is probably not here. And knowing that, I find myself spending less and less time contributing to this community -- which I'd really like to do! -- and more and more time sending emails, posting on reddit, Googling for blogs and sites that might be interested, etc. After doing that for a while, it's tough to come here and add anything close to an insightful comment/review. And even if I carve out a little time to do so, there's always the guilt that oh yeah, I'm supposed to be working my game, and oh yeah, friends/family/pets/other interests have to fit in there somehow too.

I don't think this is a problem specific to me, so I thought I'd throw it out there... Maybe some of the more active members of RMN could offer some tips?

How do you balance participating in this community (or any community) with actually working on your game? Do you see posting in these forums as a type of marketing for your projects, or are they entirely separate things? If you're actively working to publicize a game, should you just not stress out about developer-focused communities like this one?

Thanks for reading... I really appreciate everyone's thoughts on the matter! And sorry if this post came across as self-pity or something, I'd really just love to know how you folks balance your workload.

Awesome, thanks for pointing that out! And cheshire, I'm glad the game is working for you now (although I wonder why those folders didn't extract correctly). I hope you enjoy the season!

Thanks again for helping out! Yes, the folder should look like that screenshot. It sounds like the game didn't extract properly for some reason, even though you tried it multiple times. You should be able to just add empty folders called "Diary" and "Album".

^ Thanks for offering that tip! Kuronekox, let me know if you still can't find everyone and I can help you out.

You will be able to play World's Dawn as long as you want to, the problem is that the other seasons aren't completed. Once they are, you'll be able to play through Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter and then back to Spring for a theoretically infinite playtime. So even once you complete the "story", there's no real time limit.

Sounds like you did get lucky with mining! It's awesome that you've been able to make so much money and discover so many things with the Spring season, including the Eden Fruit and the sage glop and your new cat friend. Have you played Harvest Moon a lot before? You seem like a pro at this type of game.

The fox mask you bought is a piece of "clothing" you have to equip at the chest in your house. Now that I think about it, you may encounter one or two issues talking to the fox, but we'll see!

There is a way to see the marks you've collected at your bookshelf in your house. You can also see how many dusk hoppers you've caught so far in the collection book there. They're mostly just a collectible for expert players, but you'll definitely get an awesome reward if you eventually find them all!

Hah, no problem about the review, they just help games get more attention on this site it seems. And either way I will definitely continue work on this game! The summer season is well on course to be completed within the next few months with additional seasons not far behind. It's awesome that you remember Prophecy as well, and enjoyed both games. I put a lot of work into both so thanks again for the great feedback! It inspires me to work even harder.