Game Dev Trenches is the brutally honest podcast for indie devs learning how to actually make games — without the fluff. I’m Louis DeSimone — a self-taught professional software developer and game dev in the trenches with you. No gurus. No hype. Just real talk about tutorial hell, scope creep, burnout, and everything they don’t tell you when you’re trying to get better at game dev.
John Romero: How to Actually Learn Game Development (Full Interview)
John Romero, co-creator of DOOM, Quake, and one of the most influential designers in FPS history, sat down with me for a deep conversation on game design, learning game development, indie dev mistakes, Unreal vs Unity, core loops, fun vs emotion, scoping projects, level design philosophy, and more. If you're learning game dev, or already building, this interview is packed with hard-earned wisdom from one of the most important designers in gaming history. Support the show Want to learn game d...
5 Nov 2025
Before You Make a Steam Game… Build This First #13
Most new game devs rush to release their first game on Steam. But without a foundation, your dream project will collapse before it ever gets off the ground. In this video, I break down what a real game dev foundation looks like, not theory, not hype, but the practical steps every developer should take before chasing Steam releases, success stories, or marketing tips. If you’re serious about becoming a long-term developer (not a one-hit wonder), this is where to start. Support the show Want ...
3 Nov 2025
7 Game Dev Paths #12
Steam isn’t the only path for indie game developers. In this video, I break down 7 different game dev paths, from major Steam releases to smaller games, studio work, freelance, tools, and more. Whether you want to go full indie, build a studio, or join an established team, this guide will help you understand which route fits your goals and skills best. Support the show Want to learn game dev? https://www.skool.com/tenth-legion-games/about
28 Oct 2025
Don't Make a Steam Game #11
If you’re just starting game dev, chasing a Steam release now is the wrong path. This video breaks down why “Steam-first” advice sets beginners up for burnout—and what to do instead: build real skills, make small projects, and enjoy the craft so you’re actually ready when it’s time to go commercial. You’ll learn: Why survivorship bias warps “make a Steam game” advice The skill stacks you should build before worrying about sales How to avoid burnout and stay in the game for years A practi...
28 Oct 2025
Why Genre Doesn't Matter in Indie Game Dev #10
Everyone says “pick a streamable genre” and chase what’s hot on Steam. I disagree. As indie devs (especially solo devs), genre should be the last thing on your mind. Make the game you want to play, scope it to your skill level, and you’ll build faster, have more fun, and actually finish. In this video I break down why “genre doesn’t matter,” how genres came after games, why chasing the latest hit is a trap, and a simple exercise to identify what’s genuinely fun for you as a player, then turn...
21 Jul 2025
How to Actually Get Good at Game Dev (The 3-Phase System That Works)
If you’ve been stuck in tutorial hell, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or just can’t seem to finish your games — this episode is for you. I break down the 3-phase system I built to actually get good at game development. It’s the same roadmap I used to teach myself — and now teach my students — based on how legends like John Carmack and John Romero became great. You’ll learn: Why most devs stay stuck for yearsThe real reason your games never get finishedHow to go from beginner → intermediat...
17 Jul 2025
The Ultimate Game Dev System: Make & Publish Games Fast
If you're stuck in tutorial hell, overthinking every project, or just can't seem to finish a game — this episode is for you. I'm breaking down 13 raw, no-fluff tips from my own journey (and from coaching students) to help you build real skill, stay consistent, and actually get better at making games. This isn’t surface-level advice. These are the truths most devs won’t tell you — the hard lessons that separate the dabblers from the finishers. 📌 Whether you're just starting out or trying to le...
24 Jun 2025
From Zero to 3 Games in 27 Days — What Most Game Dev Advice Gets Wrong
Louis DeSimone reveals how his student published three games in under a month without prior experience, explaining the framework and why common game development advice fails.
30 May 2025
You Don’t Need to Know Code to Make Games (Here’s the Truth) | GDT #6
Louis DeSimone explores the debate around coding versus visual scripting in indie game development, weighing the advantages of both approaches for aspiring game creators in this interview.
28 May 2025
Why Game Art Is So Damn Hard (and What to Do About It)
Louis DeSimone explores the challenges of game art, including hand-drawn, pixel, and 3D styles, and offers solutions for overcoming these obstacles.
21 May 2025
How to Escape Tutorial Hell for Good | GDT #4
Louis DeSimone discusses how game developers can escape tutorial hell by adopting a new mindset, which allows them to finish real games and become software engineers.
20 May 2025
How to Learn Game Dev with a Full-Time Job and Kids | GDT #3
Louis DeSimone shares his strategies for balancing a full-time job, raising four children, and learning software development, offering practical advice for aspiring game developers.
20 May 2025
Why Most Game Devs Never Finish Games | GDT #1
Louis DeSimone explains why many game developers struggle to complete their projects, citing poor planning, reliance on tutorials, and lack of structure as key factors.
20 May 2025
The Truth About Learning Game Dev Fast | GDT #2
Louis DeSimone discusses how completing multiple game projects within a year accelerates learning and provides crucial experience in polish, feedback, and scope control for aspiring game developers.
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Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
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