Why we make games

Juuso of GameProducer asks “Why do you make games?“. It’s appropriate to ask this question at the end of the year, as it’s a time for reflection and looking forward.

So what reasons are there for making games? When I think about it, there are really two major reasons why choose to create games.

The first is creative expression. I’m not much of an artist or writer, and although I enjoy drawing and writing, I find that creating games is the most satisfying exercise for me. It’s certainly challenging, and there are many days when I wonder exactly why I bother when I could be doing something else. The drive to create something is strong though, and it keeps me going.

The second reason, and perhaps is the strongest, is the way games make me feel. I’ve grown up around computer games, from Pacman and Space Invaders to Lemmings, Sonic and beyond. Games have had a big influence on my life. Every time I reminisce about that cool part of Sonic 3, or the first time I played Halo, I know that it’s a feeling I want to recreate for other people.

There is also the programming side, which is really part of the “art”. Creating a nicely working piece of code is a strangely rewarding system, and you find yourself celebrating small victories as you go. Getting that first bit of playability running is always a challenge, but it’s worth every second of effort and every drop of sweat (and blood).

I think if just one person gets a warm feeling inside when playing one of my games, I’ve succeeded. I’d be willing to bet that other developers feel the same way too.

We might not get the same respect as the composer of a symphony or the painter of a masterpiece, but the happiness we feel when creating joy in someone else’s life is just as valid.

That’s it from me for this year. I’ll be returning in January with plenty of exciting things. Until then, I wish you all the best for the remainder of this year, and thank you for sticking around!