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Power might sound like a dirty word, but in reality, it’s just about influence - how you manage your work, your reputation, and your relationships. As indie game devs, we juggle a lot: making games, growing communities, dealing with feedback, and trying to stand out in a crowded space. The classic book The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene might not be about game devs, but many of its lessons apply surprisingly well to what we do every day.
You don’t need to manipulate people - you just need to understand how power works and how to protect your creative energy.
If you’re working with a mentor, publisher, or senior dev, don’t try to prove you’re better. Show respect, learn all you can, and build loyalty. It’ll pay off later.
Announcing your next big game idea too early can backfire. Keep some mystery. Let your projects speak when they’re ready, not when you're just excited.
Your reputation as a dev or artist is everything. Be professional, meet deadlines, and treat players and peers with respect. People remember.
It’s not enough to make something great. You have to show it. Post gifs, share progress, tell stories. Attention is currency - use it well.
Don’t fight trolls or critics online. Show up with good updates, solid games, and genuine community support. Let your work win the argument.
If someone drains your energy or always brings drama, walk away. You need positive momentum - not constant emotional management.
Build tools, plugins, or assets others can’t live without. Make yourself valuable.
When reaching out to influencers or collaborators, don’t just say “check out my game.” Show them how it benefits them. That’s how partnerships work.
Don’t spam. Disappear sometimes. When you return with something polished - like a new trailer or devlog - people will pay attention.
You don’t have to stay in one lane. Try new styles, themes, even new platforms. Reinvention is part of staying fresh as a creator.
Be bold. Be weird. Safe ideas rarely go far. You don’t need to shock people, but you do need to stand out.
Before you open your game engine or Blender, have a roadmap. Know where your game starts and ends. Good planning saves you from burnout later.
People love seeing your behind-the-scenes struggles, but don’t show all the mess. Edit your devlogs. Polish your posts. Make your brilliance look smooth.
Games are about escape, power, beauty, connection. Tap into that. Ask: what fantasy does my game fulfill?
Confidence matters. When you speak about your work, act like it matters. That’s how others start treating it like it matters too.
Don’t rush to launch. Don’t post when your audience is asleep. Timing can make or break your message.
It’s tempting to copy hits. Don’t. Find your unique voice. Trends fade, but originality sticks.
Game engines change. Platforms evolve. Audiences shift. Be ready to adapt. The devs who survive are the ones who flow, not freeze.
You don’t need to follow all 48 laws like a religion. Use the ones that help you stay focused, grow your audience, and protect your creative energy. At the end of the day, it’s about making better games - and building the power to keep doing it on your own terms.
Being powerful as a dev doesn’t mean being ruthless. It means being smart, strategic, and resilient.
