For too long I was concerned about making a perfect game with a lot of story. We all hear the stories about successful indie games like Stardew Valley and Undertale and think "I should be able to make that." But the truth is, it is hard to actually finish creating a dream game. The expectations are too high leading to discouragement and unfinished dream games.
So a few days ago, I decided to participate in a short game jam. And I finally completed my first game jam and posted my first game to itch.io! I made a game, artwork, and music in about 4 days. The game is a very simple Simon-like memory game.
While it isn't my dream game, it is finished, and that is a huge accomplishment! So if you are a developer who is feeling discouraged about failing to complete a game, perhaps consider joining a short game jam just to create some very basic game.
Don't expect to create the next Undertale or Stardew Valley. Instead just make it a goal to publish your first bare-bones project.
If you want, you can play my first posted project to see how simple it is:
https://dreamnoms.itch.io/beckoning-cat
Next, I plan to participate in this 3-day game jam: https://itch.io/jam/cozy-spring-jam-2026
Consider joining me if you are new and create something!