Performance is important, if not the most important aspect of a functional game. If it doesn’t run, you can’t play. I am aware of nanite, lumen, megalights and megascans and I understand how the application of these technologies can raise visuals to another level, but I’m also aware of how much it takes to implement these options most optimally as a solo developer.

I am more inclined to remain cautious of what and how much I run on the event tick, generate LODs, use imposter meshes, static mesh object pools and other optimization methods as I learn them rather than over-relying on the easy solution of checking boxes. I’m genuinely curious about how things are done and I wonder if I can somehow pull many of them off. The more games I create, the more I’ll master those things.

I use assets to springboard production time, like everyone else. I will eventually learn Blender 3D, Clo3D and Marvelous Designer to create my own as I have a lot of ideas since I dabble in art. But right now, I truly can’t find the time to commit to it given everything I’m taking on solo.

However, after Koakanut x Kraken I will take the time to kitbash, texture swap and otherwise modify each chosen asset in some way seeing as how I’ve recently acquired that skill. Best in the West is going to allow me to focus on polishing my ability to modify skeletal meshes, so while that game will also be made using assets you will definitely be able to tell that I did some custom work to them.

Currently, I only use Suno AI Pro inside all limits of the law to produce background music. I would much prefer to work with human beings for all intents and purposes, but for a solo funding this entire project out of pocket, $300 for a set of 3 tracks 1 min long each is currently steep even if standard. It would be great ditch the AI to give people work and help spread the names of musicians and artists while also making connections with other creatives, but I can’t afford to. However, your support could change that fact.

My games are cheaper to make, so I’ll keep them cheaper to buy. No need to bleed wallets. Live service games and concepts are unrealistic to consider for me at this time. If players want a cash shop or something, I will consider it but it’s not in the plans for anything right now.

My only money making strategy for now is to present something appealing enough to gather support to make something better.

Did you want more Spiderman in Spiderman 2? There are those that wanted more Alan Wake in Alan Wake 2.

Unfortunately I cannot right those wrongs. But I’m creating something from scratch with original characters in a crazy new world with story arcs tailor made to resonate and please the niche audience.