Issue #15 - The Big Leagues

Hey there, Barty-fans. After a short hiatus, the newsletter is officially back! I have to admit, it was getting a little tough to find time to write these updates while balancing everything else, but that all feeds into the big change I alluded to in the last issue.

For the past year or so I've been feeling some serious burnout. Trying to prioritize and have time for my wife and kids, my family, any sort of social life, my full time job, and working on Barty's Adventure was a challenge. With my day-job becoming more and more hectic, my stress level skyrocketed through the roof. And the worst part was that I was bringing this stress home with me, being a quick-to-snap partner and dad rather than the one I want to be. So clearly, something needed to change.

So as of October 7th, I am officially on paid long-term leave from my job through the end of the calendar year (thank you saved up vacation time!). This was a win on all fronts: I can work on BA as my job during this time, while still have the flexibility to be there for my wife and daughters when they need me. I won't miss my oldest's school events or my toddler's crazy antics as much. I can be an overall better person with this change. And honestly, that's what really matters.

Making Up Lost Ground

So where does that leave my progress with the game? As you can probably tell, development has been slow going over the past month or two as I try to balance Gamedev, Business Dev, and Marketing all at the same time. Hopefully, this life change will allow me the time to tackle all three.

Social Media Marketing

I've had regular posts go up on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube for the past two weeks (check out my accounts in Issue #14 if you want to follow!). I also started a Bluesky account just this past week, which has been a breath of fresh air. Once I have a demo made, I'll have to reach out to streamers to see if they'll be interested in trying it out. But until then, I just need to keep the content cadence going.

Business Development

I swear, no REALLY, I am almost finished with the Steam Page. I have the descriptions up, GIFs in place, and a couple of screenshots ready to go. The long pole in the tent is the trailer, which I think will take a few more weeks. I also have a few ideas as to partnering opportunities and critical feedback on its effectiveness, so even the "end" of making the trailer may not be the actual end.

I'm also looking at making a Pitch Deck for contacting media or publishers. This was originally going to be done months from now, but the release of the Steam page could be a big marketing opportunity, and contacting the media for an announcement seems like something I shouldn't pass up on. So tasks for BizDev are Trailer, Pitch Deck, and then Steam Page (with hopefully some sort of media recognition).

Game Development

And let's not forget to actually make the game, huh? I've been hard at work finalizing the sidequests in Stuffies Town. Right now I have about five implemented already, and another couple to go. After that will come the relationship system and the Old Toys Bin decoration and customization features. That should carry me through the end of the year, and round out most of Stuffies Town, but I won't get too excited to finish the first area until it actually happens.

All in all, this change to full time is going to be amazing. I mean, it already has been for a few weeks, and I can see myself doing this as a career if I can find a way to swing it financially. I'll make sure to have regular updates going forward, including a potential new build around the end of the month. As always, be good to yourselves and thanks for the support!

Thanks! 😄

This newsletter is an update series for the development of the game Barty's Adventure. If you are interested in continuing the conversation, please join the community Discord server: https://discord.gg/M7p2Mtgkyx. Your input in these early stages of the game are invaluable and much appreciated. Thanks!