The Game Doctor
@thegamedoctor.bsky.social
Daily live shows = https://www.twitch.tv/esty8nine
The Game Doctor inquiries/help = thegamedoctor.net
The Game Doctor inquiries/help = thegamedoctor.net
Pinned
Hey #gamedev
Today we did a free lesson on Curiosities
and POWERFUL "difficulty" for your projects
The most important thing is you guys are learning the right fundamentals so the market isnt "unpredictable"
MOST OF IT IS NOT TRUE!
Taste of today's Game Doctor space
Today we did a free lesson on Curiosities
and POWERFUL "difficulty" for your projects
The most important thing is you guys are learning the right fundamentals so the market isnt "unpredictable"
MOST OF IT IS NOT TRUE!
Taste of today's Game Doctor space
Hey #gamedev
Tomorrow we are doing a #TheGameDoctor Design Talk on SYNERGY
Ill be getting interviewed by Mr Joshua Kritz
PHD at Queen Mary University of London
Who is trying to discovery the true essence of SYNERGY in gaming
WONT want to miss it
Tomorrow we are doing a #TheGameDoctor Design Talk on SYNERGY
Ill be getting interviewed by Mr Joshua Kritz
PHD at Queen Mary University of London
Who is trying to discovery the true essence of SYNERGY in gaming
WONT want to miss it
November 6, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Hey #gamedev
Tomorrow we are doing a #TheGameDoctor Design Talk on SYNERGY
Ill be getting interviewed by Mr Joshua Kritz
PHD at Queen Mary University of London
Who is trying to discovery the true essence of SYNERGY in gaming
WONT want to miss it
Tomorrow we are doing a #TheGameDoctor Design Talk on SYNERGY
Ill be getting interviewed by Mr Joshua Kritz
PHD at Queen Mary University of London
Who is trying to discovery the true essence of SYNERGY in gaming
WONT want to miss it
There’s this deep fear in #gamedev that “outsiders” only show up to tell you what to do
That fear didn’t come from nowhere — years of Early Access trained devs to brace for a flood of feedback from players who demand things but rarely understand design or vision 1/3
That fear didn’t come from nowhere — years of Early Access trained devs to brace for a flood of feedback from players who demand things but rarely understand design or vision 1/3
November 6, 2025 at 1:37 AM
There’s this deep fear in #gamedev that “outsiders” only show up to tell you what to do
That fear didn’t come from nowhere — years of Early Access trained devs to brace for a flood of feedback from players who demand things but rarely understand design or vision 1/3
That fear didn’t come from nowhere — years of Early Access trained devs to brace for a flood of feedback from players who demand things but rarely understand design or vision 1/3
Chances are #gamedev |
You dont know how to punish players, you dont know how to create "harder" mechanics
The hard truths from someone that digests the whole market FOR YOU
#TheGameDoctor
Reduce the noise, plug into powerful conversation
👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/vq6I0...
You dont know how to punish players, you dont know how to create "harder" mechanics
The hard truths from someone that digests the whole market FOR YOU
#TheGameDoctor
Reduce the noise, plug into powerful conversation
👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/vq6I0...
the lazy way to introduce hard mode #gamedesign #shorts
YouTube video by The Game Doctor
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Chances are #gamedev |
You dont know how to punish players, you dont know how to create "harder" mechanics
The hard truths from someone that digests the whole market FOR YOU
#TheGameDoctor
Reduce the noise, plug into powerful conversation
👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/vq6I0...
You dont know how to punish players, you dont know how to create "harder" mechanics
The hard truths from someone that digests the whole market FOR YOU
#TheGameDoctor
Reduce the noise, plug into powerful conversation
👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/vq6I0...
Reposted by The Game Doctor
I've been #solodev ing for years now...
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
October 24, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I've been #solodev ing for years now...
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
One of the WEAKEST metrics we have for judging games and design is
"ConCuRreNt PlaYeR CoUnT"
Measuring games by player count is like measuring a meal by how quickly its eaten and not by how well its made
Get plugged into real conversations
#thegamedoctor #gamedesign
"ConCuRreNt PlaYeR CoUnT"
Measuring games by player count is like measuring a meal by how quickly its eaten and not by how well its made
Get plugged into real conversations
#thegamedoctor #gamedesign
October 31, 2025 at 1:27 PM
One of the WEAKEST metrics we have for judging games and design is
"ConCuRreNt PlaYeR CoUnT"
Measuring games by player count is like measuring a meal by how quickly its eaten and not by how well its made
Get plugged into real conversations
#thegamedoctor #gamedesign
"ConCuRreNt PlaYeR CoUnT"
Measuring games by player count is like measuring a meal by how quickly its eaten and not by how well its made
Get plugged into real conversations
#thegamedoctor #gamedesign
Hey #gamedev
Today we did a free lesson on Curiosities
and POWERFUL "difficulty" for your projects
The most important thing is you guys are learning the right fundamentals so the market isnt "unpredictable"
MOST OF IT IS NOT TRUE!
Taste of today's Game Doctor space
Today we did a free lesson on Curiosities
and POWERFUL "difficulty" for your projects
The most important thing is you guys are learning the right fundamentals so the market isnt "unpredictable"
MOST OF IT IS NOT TRUE!
Taste of today's Game Doctor space
October 30, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Hey #gamedev
Today we did a free lesson on Curiosities
and POWERFUL "difficulty" for your projects
The most important thing is you guys are learning the right fundamentals so the market isnt "unpredictable"
MOST OF IT IS NOT TRUE!
Taste of today's Game Doctor space
Today we did a free lesson on Curiosities
and POWERFUL "difficulty" for your projects
The most important thing is you guys are learning the right fundamentals so the market isnt "unpredictable"
MOST OF IT IS NOT TRUE!
Taste of today's Game Doctor space
I've been #solodev ing for years now...
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
October 24, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I've been #solodev ing for years now...
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
Watching my hair develop on its own, collecting feedback, watching tutorials, checking analytics and cutting it all myself ✂️
and the results? ... Lets just say patches have been frequent and uneven edges you could call a aesthetic choice
The most dangerous conversations Designers can wrap themselves in is trying to talk design with consumers
A lot of it will resolve to "Well I like it" or "well people like it"
What I want you to hear is "Well im comfortable with it"
#TheGameDoctor #indiedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/p0HgT...
A lot of it will resolve to "Well I like it" or "well people like it"
What I want you to hear is "Well im comfortable with it"
#TheGameDoctor #indiedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/p0HgT...
When Feedback Protects Comfort, Not Good Design #gamedesign #gamedevelopment
YouTube video by The Game Doctor
www.youtube.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The most dangerous conversations Designers can wrap themselves in is trying to talk design with consumers
A lot of it will resolve to "Well I like it" or "well people like it"
What I want you to hear is "Well im comfortable with it"
#TheGameDoctor #indiedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/p0HgT...
A lot of it will resolve to "Well I like it" or "well people like it"
What I want you to hear is "Well im comfortable with it"
#TheGameDoctor #indiedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/p0HgT...
Check it out #gamedev #indiegames
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Philomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 🤓
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Philomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 🤓
September 9, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Check it out #gamedev #indiegames
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Philomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 🤓
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Philomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 🤓
Check it out #gamedev #indiegames
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Phiomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action
for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 😀
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Phiomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action
for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 😀
September 9, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Check it out #gamedev #indiegames
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Phiomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action
for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 😀
Invited by Blobfish (Brotato) and partner Phiomena (Stray Fawn Studios) for some Game Doctor action
for a BUNCH of upcoming devs 😀
Starting my Hollow Knight play through today!
Ill be sharing commentary from a design coach’s perspective - Insights and observations -
enjoying good conversation along the way!
Should be a fun ride 🐛
Ill be sharing commentary from a design coach’s perspective - Insights and observations -
enjoying good conversation along the way!
Should be a fun ride 🐛
a pixel art of a knight sitting on a bench in a forest
ALT: a pixel art of a knight sitting on a bench in a forest
media.tenor.com
August 27, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Starting my Hollow Knight play through today!
Ill be sharing commentary from a design coach’s perspective - Insights and observations -
enjoying good conversation along the way!
Should be a fun ride 🐛
Ill be sharing commentary from a design coach’s perspective - Insights and observations -
enjoying good conversation along the way!
Should be a fun ride 🐛
All PRE-Reviews this week
10 min with KNIGHTICA → we saw why it’ll go around mixed.
6 min with KILL THE BRICKMAN → found the friction points and what was holding it back.
This is the power of The Game Doctor work.
Get it early… or deal with it at launch.
#TheGameDoctor
10 min with KNIGHTICA → we saw why it’ll go around mixed.
6 min with KILL THE BRICKMAN → found the friction points and what was holding it back.
This is the power of The Game Doctor work.
Get it early… or deal with it at launch.
#TheGameDoctor
August 22, 2025 at 12:46 PM
All PRE-Reviews this week
10 min with KNIGHTICA → we saw why it’ll go around mixed.
6 min with KILL THE BRICKMAN → found the friction points and what was holding it back.
This is the power of The Game Doctor work.
Get it early… or deal with it at launch.
#TheGameDoctor
10 min with KNIGHTICA → we saw why it’ll go around mixed.
6 min with KILL THE BRICKMAN → found the friction points and what was holding it back.
This is the power of The Game Doctor work.
Get it early… or deal with it at launch.
#TheGameDoctor
A GLOWING review from MERGE MAESTRO DEV!
What a beautiful way to wake up...
and yes my friend, why ARENT devs locked in to some of the most straight to the point leveling up they will ever get.
Please help spread the word, this is the work
FOR YOU GUYS BY YOU GUYS 😇
What a beautiful way to wake up...
and yes my friend, why ARENT devs locked in to some of the most straight to the point leveling up they will ever get.
Please help spread the word, this is the work
FOR YOU GUYS BY YOU GUYS 😇
August 8, 2025 at 1:06 PM
A GLOWING review from MERGE MAESTRO DEV!
What a beautiful way to wake up...
and yes my friend, why ARENT devs locked in to some of the most straight to the point leveling up they will ever get.
Please help spread the word, this is the work
FOR YOU GUYS BY YOU GUYS 😇
What a beautiful way to wake up...
and yes my friend, why ARENT devs locked in to some of the most straight to the point leveling up they will ever get.
Please help spread the word, this is the work
FOR YOU GUYS BY YOU GUYS 😇
Community feedback ≠ deep game analysis
It won’t fix years of drift or get you launch-ready
Your publisher? They sell your game — they don’t coach it to greatness.
The Game Doctor delivers the proven conversation your game needs to thrive
📈 Get in the conversation Get results
It won’t fix years of drift or get you launch-ready
Your publisher? They sell your game — they don’t coach it to greatness.
The Game Doctor delivers the proven conversation your game needs to thrive
📈 Get in the conversation Get results
August 6, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Community feedback ≠ deep game analysis
It won’t fix years of drift or get you launch-ready
Your publisher? They sell your game — they don’t coach it to greatness.
The Game Doctor delivers the proven conversation your game needs to thrive
📈 Get in the conversation Get results
It won’t fix years of drift or get you launch-ready
Your publisher? They sell your game — they don’t coach it to greatness.
The Game Doctor delivers the proven conversation your game needs to thrive
📈 Get in the conversation Get results
You can score the biggest publisher, 20QA testers, 3 open betas and still launch at Mixed
Have seen it about 6 different times this month alone
A conversation with the Game Doctor work is one of the most IMPORTANT things you can do for yourself and your work
#gamedev
Have seen it about 6 different times this month alone
A conversation with the Game Doctor work is one of the most IMPORTANT things you can do for yourself and your work
#gamedev
July 31, 2025 at 1:18 PM
You can score the biggest publisher, 20QA testers, 3 open betas and still launch at Mixed
Have seen it about 6 different times this month alone
A conversation with the Game Doctor work is one of the most IMPORTANT things you can do for yourself and your work
#gamedev
Have seen it about 6 different times this month alone
A conversation with the Game Doctor work is one of the most IMPORTANT things you can do for yourself and your work
#gamedev
Your #TheGameDoctor reminder:
if you launch without Save and quit you are saying its okay to NOT listen to the community and we don't care about the reviews.
Dont patronize later saying "we are listening"
They have been saying it for decades.. no you are not listening
💡
if you launch without Save and quit you are saying its okay to NOT listen to the community and we don't care about the reviews.
Dont patronize later saying "we are listening"
They have been saying it for decades.. no you are not listening
💡
July 29, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Your #TheGameDoctor reminder:
if you launch without Save and quit you are saying its okay to NOT listen to the community and we don't care about the reviews.
Dont patronize later saying "we are listening"
They have been saying it for decades.. no you are not listening
💡
if you launch without Save and quit you are saying its okay to NOT listen to the community and we don't care about the reviews.
Dont patronize later saying "we are listening"
They have been saying it for decades.. no you are not listening
💡
Game Doctor reminder:
Created my business because these things break my heart, I can do something about it
There is no magic
You almost have to CHOOSE to go mixed
Were missing a VITAL part of the #gamedev cycle
Every writer has an editor
Every Athlete has a Coach
Every game needs a Game Doctor
Created my business because these things break my heart, I can do something about it
There is no magic
You almost have to CHOOSE to go mixed
Were missing a VITAL part of the #gamedev cycle
Every writer has an editor
Every Athlete has a Coach
Every game needs a Game Doctor
July 11, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Game Doctor reminder:
Created my business because these things break my heart, I can do something about it
There is no magic
You almost have to CHOOSE to go mixed
Were missing a VITAL part of the #gamedev cycle
Every writer has an editor
Every Athlete has a Coach
Every game needs a Game Doctor
Created my business because these things break my heart, I can do something about it
There is no magic
You almost have to CHOOSE to go mixed
Were missing a VITAL part of the #gamedev cycle
Every writer has an editor
Every Athlete has a Coach
Every game needs a Game Doctor
Systems to stretch tension but keep STAKE to making "death/losing" matter is so important with a lot of Games
If you are just "copying" old design without thought you will always be behind
You are trying to keep tension but NOT without purpose! 💡
#gamedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/GhBnd...
If you are just "copying" old design without thought you will always be behind
You are trying to keep tension but NOT without purpose! 💡
#gamedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/GhBnd...
An upgraded death system that fixes what Dark Souls started | #gamedev #gamedesign
YouTube video by esty8nine
www.youtube.com
July 10, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Systems to stretch tension but keep STAKE to making "death/losing" matter is so important with a lot of Games
If you are just "copying" old design without thought you will always be behind
You are trying to keep tension but NOT without purpose! 💡
#gamedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/GhBnd...
If you are just "copying" old design without thought you will always be behind
You are trying to keep tension but NOT without purpose! 💡
#gamedev
www.youtube.com/shorts/GhBnd...
"During the actual coaching, Esty opened my eyes to many game design issues and showed me how to approach different problems effectively. As a result, I feel that I am a much better game developer and designer today. After our session I have a full head of ideas for improvements and new elements"
July 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
"During the actual coaching, Esty opened my eyes to many game design issues and showed me how to approach different problems effectively. As a result, I feel that I am a much better game developer and designer today. After our session I have a full head of ideas for improvements and new elements"
YO, we are having a wonderful time with
@siristhedragon.bsky.social Project Silverfish so far!
I like that the game is staying emergent and keeping me on my toes, also the sound design is helping build tension!
Also this is a bug right? seemed unfair =(
www.twitch.tv/esty8nine/cl...
@siristhedragon.bsky.social Project Silverfish so far!
I like that the game is staying emergent and keeping me on my toes, also the sound design is helping build tension!
Also this is a bug right? seemed unfair =(
www.twitch.tv/esty8nine/cl...
Esty8nine - Where were they shooting from?
Watch Esty8nine's clip titled
www.twitch.tv
July 8, 2025 at 7:38 PM
YO, we are having a wonderful time with
@siristhedragon.bsky.social Project Silverfish so far!
I like that the game is staying emergent and keeping me on my toes, also the sound design is helping build tension!
Also this is a bug right? seemed unfair =(
www.twitch.tv/esty8nine/cl...
@siristhedragon.bsky.social Project Silverfish so far!
I like that the game is staying emergent and keeping me on my toes, also the sound design is helping build tension!
Also this is a bug right? seemed unfair =(
www.twitch.tv/esty8nine/cl...
Another #TheGameDoctor daily tip: #gamedev #IndieDevs
Asking/reminding players that they can wishlist is great, but needs care how you do it and WHERE you do it
For more Daily tips be sure to check us on our website, your hard work deserves it🤓 👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/dD_hs...
Asking/reminding players that they can wishlist is great, but needs care how you do it and WHERE you do it
For more Daily tips be sure to check us on our website, your hard work deserves it🤓 👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/dD_hs...
Your demo isn’t the problem - the wishlist button is | #gamedev #gamedesign
YouTube video by esty8nine
www.youtube.com
July 2, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Another #TheGameDoctor daily tip: #gamedev #IndieDevs
Asking/reminding players that they can wishlist is great, but needs care how you do it and WHERE you do it
For more Daily tips be sure to check us on our website, your hard work deserves it🤓 👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/dD_hs...
Asking/reminding players that they can wishlist is great, but needs care how you do it and WHERE you do it
For more Daily tips be sure to check us on our website, your hard work deserves it🤓 👇
www.youtube.com/shorts/dD_hs...
5 Minutes of your game usually tells everything about your Replayability making even your DEMOS very crucial to showcase properly #gamedev #indiedev
youtube.com/shorts/7z1vF...
youtube.com/shorts/7z1vF...
Tip on how to tell if your game is re-playable or not | #gamedesign #gamedevblog
YouTube video by esty8nine
youtube.com
June 24, 2025 at 3:47 PM
5 Minutes of your game usually tells everything about your Replayability making even your DEMOS very crucial to showcase properly #gamedev #indiedev
youtube.com/shorts/7z1vF...
youtube.com/shorts/7z1vF...