I though I'd share some info I learned from this powerpoint presentation I watched.

It talks about indie game development, pitfalls, etc. One of the main points of the presentation is the graphics vs. gameplay discussion that always seems to pop up across the internet.

It talks about how awesome graphics will get you a lot of attention (i.e. Crysis), but without decent polish, your game "wont survive the first five minutes on the user's harddrive." It also states that your game will not last very long without good gameplay either. Three points that I believe in.

The presentation also talks about "eight kinds of fun."

-Sensory: Shiny graphics, sounds

-Fantasy: Make believe

-Narrative: Story, drama

-Challenge

-Fellowship: Social aspects in multiplayer games

-Discovery: "uncharted territory"

-Expression: "be yourself"

-Submission: "just clicking is fun too!"

Sensory is when you get satisfaction out just plain graphics and/or sound. I get this type of satisfaction from blowing up a strider in HL2: Episode 2 with a "strider buster." I don't know why, but I just do. I'm sure you can find examples of the other kinds. Edit: The satisfaction I get comes from the actual sound it creates.

One more point:

"Know what's fun about your game."

If you don't what makes your game fun or appealing to others, then you might have a problem.

Not directly from this powerpoint, but here are some questions you should ask yourself:

-What makes my game fun?

-What makes my game stand out?

-Why should people play MY game instead of someone else's similar game?

There's much more in the powerpoint, so be sure to check it out.

I hope everyone can find something useful here.