You should do the Dual Prototyping Strategy!

Summary

The video recommends a dual-prototyping strategy for indie game development instead of spending months building a mechanics-only prototype made of gray boxes.

Mechanics prototype

Build a small, playable version that tests only the game’s core interaction. For a landfill simulator, for example, test the basic process of using a crane and handling objects—without adding maps, upgrade trees, or menus. The goal is to find out whether the core idea is technically feasible and fun.

Visual prototype

Create a separate, polished-looking mockup using assets, materials, lighting, animation, and effects. It can simulate gameplay with pre-set animations and does not need to be genuinely playable. Its purpose is to show what the game could look and feel like.

Test interest early

Share short videos of the visual prototype on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, and direct interested viewers to a Steam page. Views, audience responses, and wishlists can help indicate whether the concept has an audience.

Revise before committing

If the mechanics are uninteresting or audience interest is weak, adjust the concept or its distinctive hook while only a week or two has been invested. Move to fuller production when both the core gameplay and audience response look promising.

The speaker contrasts this approach with the traditional process of making a rough mechanics prototype first and adding visuals much later. He argues that indie developers risk spending months or years on a game before discovering that people are not interested.

He cites early footage from Sea of Thieves, Spider-Man, and Uncharted as examples of rough visual prototypes. He also says his own Blueprint Tycoon began with mechanics before visuals were added. Visually driven concept trailers for Dear Passengers, Cartoon Paws Wanted, and Totally Secure Airport are presented as examples of testing audience interest before investing heavily in development. Any wishlist figures mentioned are claims made in the video.

Guide or tutorial points

1. Prototype the game’s essential interaction with minimal scope.
2. Build a separate visual mockup that communicates the intended experience.
3. Share the mockup and track audience response and Steam wishlists.
4. Rework or abandon weak concepts before substantial development.

Sponsor segment

The video includes a Synty Pass sponsor segment, promoting a subscription that provides access to more than 150 asset packs, including art, characters, animations, and UI.

Main speaker/source

Code Monkey, presenting his own game-development advice and examples.