Development Update: Back to Game Development

Hello everyone!

It's been a while since my last update, and I wanted to reconnect with you all. The past few weeks have been challenging due to some unexpected health issues and unforeseen personal situations that required my full attention. However, I'm excited to announce that I'm back and ready to continue working on my game development project.

Working Solo with AI Assistance

As I mentioned in my first post, this is a single-person portfolio project. I'm handling Game Design, Game Development, and Level Design myself, but there are several areas where I lack the necessary expertise—particularly in 3D Art, Sound Design, Project Management, and Production.

To bridge these skill gaps, I've enlisted the help of ChatGPT and Claude AI. These AI assistants have become invaluable collaborators, helping me with:

• Project management and workflow organisation

• Technical problem-solving for complex development challenges

• Documentation and design principles

• Feedback from perspectives I can't cover alone as a solo developer

  
  

This collaborative approach between human creativity and AI support has been truly enlightening. It's not about replacing human skills—it's about augmenting my capabilities so I can push this ambitious project forward on my own.

About the Project

I'm developing a narrative-driven 3D isometric puzzle game that will serve as a key portfolio piece. The game features:

• Low-poly, minimalistic 3D aesthetic with focus on level design clarity

• Environmental storytelling with a focus on atmosphere and discovery

• Puzzle mechanics that blend spatial reasoning with unique gameplay systems

• Multiple chapters with increasing complexity

• Planned release as free-to-play on Steam and itch.io

  
  

The visual style emphasises clean, readable environments with a distinct colour-coded visual language to guide players through the experience.

The 3D Art Challenge

This brings me to my biggest current challenge: 3D Art.

While I have basic knowledge of Blender and can create simple low-poly objects, I'm uncertain about my ability to consistently produce the quality and quantity of 3D assets this project requires—environmental pieces, character models, interactive objects, and more.

I'm reaching out to ask the community:

1. Where should I start? Are there specific Blender tutorials or workflows you'd recommend for creating low-poly isometric game art efficiently?

   
   

2. Are there AI tools for 3D modelling that could assist with asset creation? I've heard about emerging AI 3D tools but haven't explored them yet. What are your experiences?

   
   

3. Would anyone be interested in volunteering to help with 3D asset creation? This is a portfolio/learning project (releasing as free-to-play), so I can't offer payment, but you'd receive full credit, and it could be a great collaboration opportunity for your own portfolio.

   
   

The aesthetic I'm targeting is minimalistic and low-poly with clean, readable shapes—prioritising clarity and functionality while maintaining visual appeal.

Moving Forward

I'm continuing to work on this project steadily, balancing it with my ongoing job search. This development process is as much about building my skills and portfolio as it is about creating a finished game.

I'll continue sharing periodic updates here on my blog and LinkedIn profile as I progress through development. Your feedback, suggestions, and support mean a lot as I navigate this challenging but rewarding journey.

Connect With Me

If you have advice or suggestions about the 3D art challenge:

• LinkedIn: Connect with me there for professional discussions

• Portfolio Blog: Check back here for future updates

  
  

Thank you for your patience during my absence, and thank you in advance for any guidance you can offer on 3D art workflows and tools!

Until the next update,

Utku

Follow along as I document my journey developing an isometric puzzle game as a solo developer!

Embarking on a New Game Development Journey

Hello everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I've begun work on a new game development project. This is a personal endeavor that I'm incredibly passionate about, and I wanted to create this space to document my progress and share the journey with you all.

What to Expect

I'm currently in the pre-production phase, exploring ideas and crafting the initial Game Design Document (GDD). This is where the foundation of the game takes shape—establishing core mechanics, visual style, narrative elements, and gameplay loops that will eventually evolve into the final product.

As development progresses, I'll be sharing:

• Design decisions and the reasoning behind them

• Concept art and visual development

• Technical challenges and solutions

• Prototypes and gameplay demonstrations

• The unexpected twists and turns that inevitably come with game creation

Why I'm Documenting This Process

Game development is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. By documenting my process, I hope to:

1. Create a meaningful record of the project's evolution

2. Connect with fellow developers and enthusiasts

3. Hold myself accountable to consistent progress

4. Perhaps provide insights or inspiration for others working on their own projects

Stay Connected

I'll be updating this blog regularly with meaningful developments. If you're interested in following along, you can also connect with me on LinkedIn where I'll be sharing more frequent updates and behind-the-scenes content.

This is just the beginning, and I'm looking forward to sharing more concrete details about the game concept in my next update. Until then, thank you for your interest in my project!

See you in the next update,

Cheers! Utku