u/RPGGamer042

Hey everyone, I wanted to introduce myself and ask for some advice from other solo developers.

I’m currently solo developing a story-driven JRPG called A Demon Hunter’s Guide to Passing Finals in RPG Maker MZ under the name Ash Born Interactive.

The game includes:
- 18 combat elements
- Monster collection mechanics
- Crafting systems
- Large-scale progression systems
- A planned card-based minigame
- Heavy worldbuilding and story focus

I’m handling the writing, systems design, balancing, implementation, marketing, outreach, and project management myself.

Part of the reason I ended up pursuing solo development is because long-term neurological issues from a serious bicycle accident made traditional employment difficult for me. I also deal with memory and processing issues, so I’ve been using AI as an assistive tool to help organize ideas and work through more complex systems when needed.

Right now I’m trying to figure out how solo developers realistically move from:
“passion project with a playable demo”
to
“something sustainable enough to keep growing.”

For those further along:
- What helped you gain your first meaningful traction?
- What mistakes nearly killed your momentum?
- How did you avoid burnout while wearing every hat?
- And at what point did your project start feeling “real”?

I’d genuinely appreciate any advice from people who’ve been through it.

Hey everyone, I wanted to introduce myself and ask for some advice from people who’ve been through the early stages of building something from almost nothing.

I’m the co-founder of a very small family-run indie studio called Ash Born Interactive. We’re currently developing a story-driven JRPG called A Demon Hunter’s Guide to Passing Finals using RPG Maker MZ.

The project started after long-term neurological issues from a serious bicycle accident made traditional employment difficult for me. Since then, I’ve been trying to build a path forward through creative work while supporting my wife and four kids.

Right now I’m handling most of the design, writing, systems work, outreach, and project management myself. I also use AI as an assistive tool to help compensate for memory and organizational problems tied to the injury.

We have a playable demo, social pages, and a growing roadmap, but honestly I feel like I’m learning entrepreneurship, marketing, networking, and game development all at the same time while operating with very limited resources.

For those who’ve built something from the ground up:
- What helped you gain your first real traction?
- What mistakes should someone in my position avoid early on?
- And how did you balance survival with long-term vision?

I’d genuinely appreciate any insight.

Hey everyone. I’m a disabled indie game developer and father of four currently building a JRPG called A Demon Hunter’s Guide to Passing Finals through my small studio, Ash Born Interactive.

After a serious bicycle accident years ago, I’ve dealt with long-term neurological issues consistent with a TBI, including memory problems and episodes that have made traditional work difficult. Gaming became one of the few places where I could process trauma, isolation, and life in general, and eventually I decided to try creating something of my own.

One thing that’s helped me continue developing despite my limitations has been using AI as an assistive tool to help organize ideas, compensate for memory issues, and work through complex systems on good days.

I just wanted to introduce myself, connect with others who understand the intersection of disability and gaming, and say it’s genuinely encouraging seeing a community like this exist.