From Floppy Disks to Key Metrics

Making games has always been part of my life, for as long as I can remember. First, it was designing new twists for existing outdoor activities like hide-and-seek or swingball. Then it continued to board games, and at some point, I discovered The Games Factory and started making digital games.

I can still recall walking from door to door in our neighborhood, selling floppy disks containing some of my games. I was eager to complete the games, and there were even other kids waiting for the next release.

"It was never perfect, but there was always the next game."

Life was beautiful.

At some point, adulthood started to kick in. There were different quality standards to meet, existing genres to consider, focus groups, and metrics.

The creation process slowly started to feel more like a burden than a fun journey of discovery.

To this day, I’ve worked in several game companies since 2009, creating graphics, designs, code, producing, handling business, establishing my own companies, and eventually burying them. I’ve been part of almost everything related to the process of making games.

It’s been an awesome ride, don’t get me wrong. But each day has felt like I’ve been stretched further away from the reason I started making games in the first place. My mind keeps dreaming of the "old days" when the process itself was fun.

It was never perfect, but there was always the next game.

Could it still be possible to be that kid with a pile of floppy disks in his backpack? Telling stories around the neighborhood with true excitement in his eyes. Crafting art that people find interesting and enjoyable?

Or have I just gotten too old for it?

I guess the best I can do is try and see. Throw away as much of the burden as I possibly can and revisit the old days.

I’m not very good (yet) with social media, but I’ll try to share my experiences of this journey through LinkedIn, Instagram, and Discord.

It would be great to see you there as well!