Introduction: Getting to Know the Developer
Every great game starts with a creative mind—or in many cases, a whole team of them. For this post, we had the chance to chat with Alex Torres, an independent game developer known for his recent breakout title Echo Drift, a story-driven sci-fi puzzle platformer that’s been making waves in the indie scene.
Alex’s background isn’t what you might expect. He didn’t start out in computer science or art school. Instead, he began as a passionate gamer and self-taught programmer who worked his way up from hobby projects to a full release on Steam. Now, with years of experience under his belt, Alex shares what it’s really like to build a game from the ground up—from inspiration and planning to the nitty-gritty of code, design, and publishing.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes of your favorite games—or dreamed of creating your own—this interview offers an approachable, honest look into the life of a modern game developer.
The Creative Process Behind Game Development
We kicked off the interview by asking Alex where his game ideas come from. His answer?
“Everywhere.”
“Sometimes it’s a song lyric, a weird dream, or a question like, ‘What if time only moved when the player did?’ I keep a digital notebook full of random ideas. Most of them never go anywhere, but a few start to stick.”
From idea to finished product, game development is a long, iterative process. According to Alex, it all starts with a basic concept and grows layer by layer. Once the core gameplay loop is defined (in Echo Drift’s case, moving objects through time to solve puzzles), he moves into prototyping.
“I try to fail fast. I’ll spend a weekend building a rough version of the game. If it’s fun even when it’s ugly, then I know I’ve got something.”
One of the biggest challenges? Balancing all the roles. As a solo indie developer, Alex wears many hats: designer, programmer, writer, marketer, even bug tester.
“You really have to pace yourself. Burnout is real, especially when you’re doing it all yourself or with a small team. That’s why milestones and playtesting are crucial—it helps you stay motivated and get real feedback.”
He also highlighted the importance of community engagement. “Players love seeing behind-the-scenes content. I started posting dev logs and screenshots early on. That helped build an audience before the game even launched.”
Insights on the Gaming Industry
We shifted gears and asked Alex what he thinks about the gaming industry as a whole—and where he sees it heading.
“We’re in a really exciting place. Indie developers have more tools and platforms than ever before. Engines like Unity and Unreal make it possible to build professional-quality games from your bedroom.”
But with those opportunities come challenges. Visibility is one of the biggest hurdles for small developers.
“There are so many great games coming out all the time, it’s hard to stand out. That’s why understanding marketing, community building, and even things like wishlisting on Steam is just as important as good game design.”
Alex also touched on the growing conversation around ethical monetization.
“Players are smart. They know when they’re being nickel-and-dimed. I think the industry is slowly moving back toward valuing complete, honest experiences—especially in the indie space.”
And when it comes to diversity and representation, he sees progress.
“I’m seeing more stories from different voices, and that’s amazing. It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about creating richer worlds and connecting with players in meaningful ways.”
What’s Next and Final Thoughts
As the conversation came to a close, we asked Alex what’s next for him—and what advice he’d give to aspiring game devs.
“Right now, I’m working on a new project. It’s still under wraps, but I’ll say this—it’s very different from Echo Drift. More narrative-driven, more personal.”
For those looking to get started in game development, Alex had three main tips:
- Start small: “Don’t try to make your dream MMORPG as your first project. Build something tiny that you can finish in a few weeks.”
- Use the tools that work for you: “Don’t get stuck on what engine is ‘best.’ Unity,
Unreal, Godot—all of them are great. Use what you’re comfortable with.” - Share your work: “Even if it’s rough, share your progress online. You’ll get feedback, encouragement, and maybe even collaborators.”
Unreal, Godot—all of them are great. Use what you’re comfortable with.”We wrapped up by asking him what keeps him motivated through long, sometimes frustrating development cycles.
“Knowing that something I made can connect with someone—make them laugh, think, or just escape for a little while—that’s what makes it worth it.”
Conclusion: Building Worlds and Inspiring Players
Talking with Alex offered a fresh, grounded perspective on game development. It’s not all flashy graphics or overnight success stories—it’s long hours, trial and error, creative passion, and community engagement. But for those who love games and want to bring their own visions to life, the world of game development has never been more accessible.
Whether you’re thinking about creating your first game, already dabbling in game engines, or just love seeing what goes into the titles you enjoy, we hope Alex’s story inspires you to explore your creativity and start building something of your own.
Have any questions for Alex or want to share your own game dev experience? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!