Some of the best games in the past have started from the humble hobbiest. This has changed, huge games have been released on the PC. We are constantly told by the big wigs you cant write a commercial game from home any more.
Well I say bah to you, for you have forgotten the power of the hobbiest oh yes indeed. Our power is that we do not need to make clones of quake, counterstrike to keep our companies afloat. We can risk all on a totally original concept for we only waste coffee. You guys noticed this? how many clones of these games do we need?
Ok you may not be trying to make a commercial game, but maybe you want to get into the industry at a later date. Why have people standing around somthing youve worked on for 1000 hours for them to say hey thats just like quake but not as good. for your own sanity consider making YOUR game and not the game you most love, because ...
1/ if its a direct copy the chances are youll never be able to release it.
2/ youll have the DB community cheering you.
3/ Original games are more likely to get a strong user base.
4/ the more people that play it the prouder youll be, having people posting thats the most original game Ive played is a HUGE boost.
So to those that are making clones good luck to you, but its a thankless task. And to you people that want to take the game hobbiest further, Hurrah!!!!