For me its an outlet for things outside work and a pipe dream. I like turning concepts into actual interactive things and the concept of graphics itself. I am nowhere near professional level but what keeps me exploring also is that I like a good vanilla and I hope one day I could create something that someone could enjoy even if it is just a short/basic gameplay and nice vanilla fucking.
As I explore the world of game development, I would agree with the other guy here that it did kind-of ruined playing games for me too - in a good way I guess(?). As someone who frequents the asset stores from various sites, I tend to notice familiar assets one way or another. Playing games now can also spiral into trying to figure out how certain things work, like if a see a good sword hit effect I end up subconsciously thinking: hmmm, this is probably a splash texture, with some crystal particles and a scrolling faded noise - which usually takes me out of immersion but no biggie.
The route to make a truly unique game is hard.
So i am trying to make a game of sorts. First thing is, find a story. What you wanna tell.
I think it is correct that you should, if you go that route, tell what it's yours and not what people want.
Do what you like, because it's yours, minus the assets.
It took me a year to be kind of good. I still get upset by the lightning because this is one of the hardest parts really.
Finding assets that didn't came in some other game is harder. There are favorites and things. Shoes, there aren't that many in reality so one of two were probably already in a game but the shoes i use, weren't really in a game i know of.
Clothing and hair is another issue.
I experimented with strained hair and i have to say, it's really shit. Because it uses so much resources, its not really workable. Of course if you disable the preview it is but still. I hate these quircks.
I think just staying with DAZ, not everyone uses that, there are secrets that one has to discover. Textures for one, but also shaders. Working with clothing is not as easy.
Recently i downloaded the CJ Stockings and i have to say, they are amazing. So many options, ripped, falling down. Just amazing.
So you find assets you may like over time. I usually don't keep a lot in my current project.
As for sex, i dunno. I reject animations so it's strictly stills. I think a scene can be great even with stills. But to each of it's own.
I like to use environments that not a lot of people have used. Though it's a learning curve as each asset is different.
One thing i liked over time is the Iray Cam. Rendering is really sped up. The most annoying thing about DAZ is the rendering time. It just takes damn long. Even considering that you can do it over night.
The coding part is also daunting. Even if it's not really complicated the problem arises probably when the games gets large.
So i opt for limited choices and nothing else. Keep it simple.
Some false choices here and there, some that actually matter etc..
Of course, if you really great in coding, you don't need to worry. Everything is possible.
There are some other engines, but i stuck with RenPy because it's the most familiar one to me. It's like home.
One thing i like to point out is, anyone should look for free assets. I know, i mentioned it a lot but DevianArt has some nice free assets. You will find some cameras, lightning setup, clothing, figures etc... all very useful.
The main objective should be that everything is believable in the fantasy of yours. Make it fun, and have some good expressions. I think when i played the game "Rebecca" something, i liked the expressions a lot. You should be able to read the characters face of what it is thinking or feeling.
And if everything else fails, you still have your very personal fab studio.
Btw. it didn't ruin my appetite for other games but i don't play much anymore. Time. I am not even interested anymore how Fashion Business will end. It probably never ends.
