I first created my game in 2019 and I’ve been working on it ever since. From several name changes to changing softwares a lot to find the perfect engine to build my game. My game has been finished since very early this year but part of me has “doubts” with posting. I’m proud of it and all the work I put into it but I still have some doubts with posting. Any creators ever feel like they are being held back or fearful about posting because of I don’t know any reasons?  It’s a hard feeling to explain. 

I think it's normal to feel a mixture of anxiety and excitement when posting a game on this site. Don't let the doubts you have stop you from sharing your game with the world. Especially if you're proud of it. You never know, it just might end up being someone's new favourite game or even inspire them to create their own. 

It can be scary but you need to push through that fear and share your work if you want to get anywhere. You can do it! :D

I just keep in mind that nobody really cares what I'm doing.  Publishing is an act of completion for myself more than for anybody else, like framing a finished painting before putting it away in the attic.  From that perspective, there's nothing for me to be afraid of.  Obviously I hope someone enjoys my work from time to time, but if not, I made something that I wanted to make and passed another milestone on the journey to making better games.

It's typical to have doubts when releasing anything for the first time, but you'll be fine. People have their own opinions (good or bad) so don't let those put you down.

A good way to clear those doubts is to simply play your game from beginning to end. If you feel that it's good, you can expect others to feel the same :D.

I'd say if you are happy with it release it. I'm sure it will feel like  great weight has lifted from your shoulders. Hopefully you are then free from anxiety and stress. Both of which are not good in any situation!! Good luck.

It’s worth keeping in mind that comparing yourself with other people on the internet is not he best idea.

Other people could be born in situations that allows them to focus on game dev 24/7, while others have to balance a full time job and family.

Also usually on marketplaces, you only see the successful people, so it might look like “everyone” is doing high quality work, but in reality there’s thousands that are not easily found with indie quality.

Hope that helps! Your project looks interesting, don’t let it get to you!

its hard to reconcile the focussed intensity of creativity with the next part, which is way more ominous,abstract and full of possibilities.. releasing something into the world.

You probably feel the way you do just because you care about what you do. its a good thing to feel.

Dont forget, a great part of software is that you can kinda keep something AND give it away.

as opposed to, for example painting art, where if you have to sell it in an unadulterated form, it cant be fully duplicated and you literally have to part with it forever.

I used to make some one off electronic devices and sell them. killed me every time i had to say goodbye to one :(

game devs have it easy in comparision IMO. its great to being able to share something and keep it, to work on some more, at the same time.

bit of a rant there hope it makes sense :p i dunno its late.

hope everything goes well for you.

Thing with software is you have to be able to say its done and move onto the next project.  If you keep going around in circles on the same project, you're never going to get anywhere.

Is it going to be a fantastic game that everyone loves? No.  Some folks will like it, some will hate it. Most will ignore it.  Listen to the guys that like it.

Then pick something different for your next project.  I'd suggest something simple and I'd suggest putting out prototypes and previews to see if you can provoke some discussion about it.  Working for years in isolation without any feedback isn't a good scenario, you can end up way to personally invested in a what is going to be, to most people, just another game.

Be brave. Get your metadata straight and publish it today.  If there's anything glaringly wrong, you can always put out an update.  Don't expect a massive response, don't expect to be contacted by a game company.  Just get it out there, step back and start thinking about your next project.