Staying motivated when projects aren't successful?
Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2018 12:20 am
At this point, I don't know what I'm doing wrong. PaperDoor Studios has two releases, both with a lot of fantastic work put into them, and I feel like they've been completely ignored. Even bad reviews would be welcome if it meant someone knew they existed. I've always wanted to create a big visual novel—something popular and commercial, like Doki Doki Literature Club I suppose. Currently, I'm working on an 18+ game with some incredibly talented and hardworking teammates, but I've found that my motivation as team leader is waning. What's the point in putting time, money, and effort into something that history has shown won't be worth a thing on release day? I already canceled another project because I didn't think it would sell as a visual novel, rendering years of work wasted. While I am more confident in my current project, I feel like success—even minor success—can be a fluke.
This is a big community, and I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels, or has felt, discouraged. I'm not looking for a miracle or some magic potion to solve my problems, I'd just like to hear what other creators do when they feel unmotivated or pessimistic about their projects. Is there something some of us aren't doing that we really should? Maybe it's best to let go of expectations and do something for the sake of doing it? I'm curious to hear what other people have to say!
This is a big community, and I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels, or has felt, discouraged. I'm not looking for a miracle or some magic potion to solve my problems, I'd just like to hear what other creators do when they feel unmotivated or pessimistic about their projects. Is there something some of us aren't doing that we really should? Maybe it's best to let go of expectations and do something for the sake of doing it? I'm curious to hear what other people have to say!