How do I get into the Game Industry – by Garry's Mod creator

Garry Newman, creator of the immensely popular Garry's Mod, provides a refreshingly frank guide for aspiring game developers, explicitly stating his lack of experience in traditional game studios and focusing instead on how to "just make games and not have to get a real job." He acknowledges that his advice is for those aiming for independence rather than roles at AAA studios like FIFA or GTA.

• Skill Diversification & Learning Evolution: Newman stresses the value of being multidisciplinary (e.g., a 3D artist who can also program) and highlights how vastly easier learning game development is today thanks to online resources, Discord, YouTube, and AI tools like ChatGPT, which can offer customized learning paths, a stark contrast to his 1990s experience with limited books and dial-up internet.
• Managing Expectations: He cautions that game development is a demanding, often solitary pursuit, emphasizing that success comes from a deep-seated passion for acquiring knowledge, not just the allure of creating a hit game.
• The Indie Hustle: Dispelling the myth of overnight success, he illustrates the financial reality of indie development with his own early Garry's Mod sales figures, advising a disciplined, business-like approach: keep expenses low, treat it like a 9-5 job, and build a "war chest" for lean times. He warns against gambling on new projects when an existing one is still generating income.
• New Platform Opportunities: Newman identifies emerging platforms like Roblox and Fortnite (via UEFN/Verse) as significant avenues for content creators, despite their often less favorable revenue shares, positioning them as places where platforms bring players and creators provide content. He subtly promotes his own Source 2-based platform, s&box, as a similar future opportunity.
• Hiring & Recruiters: In a direct address to job seekers, he advises demonstrating tangible value and proactively seeking opportunities, expressing strong disdain for recruiters and advocating for direct applications that show genuine interest in a specific company.
• The Three-Step Plan: He distills his career philosophy into a simple maxim: "1. Get good at something 2. Make money from it 3. Make it last as long as possible."

In essence, Newman's post is a practical, no-frills masterclass in entrepreneurial game development, underscoring resilience, financial prudence, and an enduring passion for crafting interactive experiences.