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Indie Games: From Dream to Delivery
A Step-by-Step Master Class in Indie Game Development, from the Creator of the Emmy® Winning Neverwinter Nights™Honors for Don Daglow's From Dream to Delivery Winner, 2019 Independent Press Book Awards Winner, Kirkus Top 100 Indie Books of 2019 Finalist, 2020 Top Shelf Book Awards Finalist, Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist, National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, Book Excellence Awards"Don Daglow has survived 40+ years creating games and always retained his positive attitude. Learn from the master." – Jeff Braun, co-founder of Maxis (Sim City, The Sims) "I was impressed with the organizational wisdom. I wish that I had been able to read this book 30 years ago." -- Chris Crawford, pioneering game designer and Founder of the Game Developers Conference "The best book to start with if you are considering developing your own game... Daglow brings you his years of experience in game design and development in a straightforward and comprehensive guide. He will show you a step by step method, proven techniques, and pitfalls to avoid… It makes no false promises... Daglow writes in a voice that is a cross between a patient sage under a Bodhi tree and a hardcore street philosopher strengthened by mixed realities… The insights and nuggets of truth... will temper your idealism with realism [and] stoke the fires of your passion." – Readers’ Favorite; August, 2019The only indie games book that asks, "What do you want to do?" before it starts telling you, "Here's what you need to do."Six sets of questions to review and refine your vision, skills and plansOver 500 pages of experience-based lessons from a 3-time Inc. 500™ CEO and award-winning game designerBased on Don Daglow’s top-rated sessions at major games conferences around the worldIntroduction by indie games pioneer Rami IsmailThe only person who can define the path to creating your indie game is you. Indie From Dream to Delivery helps you do just that, by leading you through a guided conversation with yourself. Section by section, you’ll record your answers to carefully chosen questions. Then we’ll use your unique personal responses to build the customized roadmap you need to turn your indie game into reality. Techniques to use, traps to avoid, terminology to understand. And how to fit it all into your life without damaging your relationships or your future.Never started a business? We’ve got it covered. Skip what you already know, dig deeper on things you want to learn.It’s the one book you need to take your indie game from dream to delivery.
647 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2018
300 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 5, 2021
This book was nothing like what I expected. I was hoping to get advice on things like basic game design mistakes, being your own manager, workflows for solo developers etc.
This book is instead both a soul searching guide and a wake up call for how to create and run a successful indie games business. With a strong emphasis on business.
It lays out countless hard questions you should ask yourself, illustrated with anecdotes from the author's very rich pool of industry experience. Many if not most of these questions evolve around team building, ambitions, risk and financials.
If I were to start an independent game company, I can think of no better book than this.
Too bad I'm not! But it would be unfair to give it any less than 5 stars because it simply is a great book and a fascinating read.
This book is instead both a soul searching guide and a wake up call for how to create and run a successful indie games business. With a strong emphasis on business.
It lays out countless hard questions you should ask yourself, illustrated with anecdotes from the author's very rich pool of industry experience. Many if not most of these questions evolve around team building, ambitions, risk and financials.
If I were to start an independent game company, I can think of no better book than this.
Too bad I'm not! But it would be unfair to give it any less than 5 stars because it simply is a great book and a fascinating read.
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December 9, 2022Advice a bit beyond what a hobbyist or solo dev needs, but thoughtful prompts and tales from decades of experiences make this book worthwhile to read for anyone interested in making games.
November 6, 2025
Definitely not what I expected.
Had very little to do with the creative process, but a lot to do with the business behind games.
Was actually quite informative, and I do think I’m going to come back to it again in the future.
That being said, I think that a better title would have something to do with the Business of Indie Games.
Had very little to do with the creative process, but a lot to do with the business behind games.
Was actually quite informative, and I do think I’m going to come back to it again in the future.
That being said, I think that a better title would have something to do with the Business of Indie Games.
January 3, 2024
Great overview in making games, both as a soloist or for a team at a company. Reads like a worksheet: write down answers to questions, then go over your answers with what he has. Lots of great resources, very in depth in all aspects of management and breaking into the industry.
January 27, 2022
Not just about making indie games, I would recommend this to anyone who long for starting anew in their career. Brilliant book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews