I have been wanting to get back into game development for a long time. I started off my programming career making simple games with the most horrid technique, as I am sure many others have, too. I left game development to focus on other programming skills (Visual Basic, C++, ASP.NET, etc.) but I have always wanted to make a return to game dev.
Why did it take so long? I always worried about art work. I have basically no artistic bone in my body, and I know how hard it can be to see a project through to completion working with an artist that you only know online and trying to keep them motivated (no bias here. I am sure it is the same vice versa for an artist to keep a programmer motivated).
The other day I found something that really gave me the push to feel that I can do this,
without having any real source for professional art. I stumbled across this guy named Cactus' forum where he posts small games he makes. For the most part, none of the games have any seriously hard to create graphic elements (in fact, most are fairly simple), but they are still stunning. The mood he creates with the music and simplistic graphics is beautiful, and each game actually makes you feel a very distinct way.
His forum:
http://cactusquid.proboards99.com/index.cgi
If you are into game development, or just playing very neat games, check it out. It has provided me with tons of inspiration. I particularly suggest Minubeat, Seizuredome, Mondo Medicals, Ad Nauseam 2, and of course, the miraculous Psychosomnium (where does this guy find all of these music producers?!)
Check them out if you never have before. All of the ones listed above will always be a part of my hard drive!
