Why I Chose an Endless Runner

Embarking on my first game development project was a journey filled with ambition, learning, and, above all, a need to scale back my ideas into something I could actually complete. This is the story of how I started with dreams of crafting an intricate open-world puzzle game about quantum mechanics and ended up making a simple, yet deeply satisfying, endless runner called Palm Run.

The Birth of Big Ideas

When I first decided to make a game, I was brimming with enthusiasm. My initial concept? A sprawling open-world puzzle game set on an island or archipelago. The game would explore quantum mechanics, using puzzles to teach players about the science while unraveling the mysteries of the island. I called it Quantum Echo. The idea felt grand and exciting—I mean, who wouldn’t want to create the next The Witness or Myst, with a tropical twist?

To start, I built a prototype island with a procedural terrain generator. The environment looked beautiful in its early stages: sandy beach, dense forest, shimmering water, and scattered rocks and ruins. I imagined players exploring these lush islands, discovering quantum phenomena cleverly woven into the gameplay. One section might involve Schrödinger’s Cat puzzles, while another could incorporate wave-particle duality in a meaningful, hands-on way. The goal wasn’t just to entertain but to educate.

But as I began experimenting with Unity, it became glaringly obvious that my ambition far outweighed my ability. I struggled to translate the complexities of quantum mechanics into manageable gameplay mechanics. The scope was immense, and with no team or prior experience, I quickly realized I was biting off more than I could chew. Progress stalled, and frustration mounted. The dream of Quantum Echo started to feel more like an unattainable fantasy.

The Lesson in Scaling Back

Realizing my limitations was humbling but necessary. As much as I loved the concept of Quantum Echo, I knew I wasn’t ready to bring it to life. I needed to start smaller, much smaller. This shift in perspective wasn’t easy. I’d poured a lot of excitement into the idea, and letting go felt like giving up on something meaningful. But I also understood that if I didn’t change direction, I risked abandoning game development altogether.

At this point, I turned to simpler concepts. One idea I considered was a basic game set in a single room with portals leading to various mini-games. Each portal would take players to a small platformer or puzzle challenge. It seemed manageable, but I never really connected with it. I started setting it up in Unity, using basic primitives and placeholder assets, but I lost interest before I even got started in earnest. The concept lacked the excitement and focus I needed to stay motivated.

Finding the Endless Runner

Feeling stuck, I decided to ask for help. I turned to ChatGPT for brainstorming, outlining my desire for a game that matched my skills and was feasible to complete in a short amount of time. The requirements were simple: a project I could finish within a week, with a clear scope, and something that could still be fun and visually appealing.

ChatGPT suggested several ideas, but one stood out immediately: an endless runner. It had everything I needed: simplicity in mechanics, flexibility in design, and the potential for a polished, cohesive experience. I could work with the tropical vibe I loved and build procedural spawning systems to generate obstacles and collectibles. It was straightforward but had room for creativity and growth. While I initially thought I could finish it in a week, the reality was far different—I’ve been working on Palm Run for over a month at the time of writing this, steadily learning and refining as I go.

The decision felt like a revelation. I could finally envision myself completing a game, not just starting one.

The Birth of Palm Run

Initially, I called the game Echo Run as a nod to the abandoned Quantum Echo. But as the project took shape, the name felt disconnected from the vibe I wanted. Since the game embraced a tropical aesthetic with palm trees and sandy environments, I renamed it Palm Run.

The concept was simple: players navigate a tropical path, avoiding obstacles and collecting coins. The mechanics involved free lateral movement and jumping to dodge barriers or grab collectibles. I created a system that allowed me to specify obstacle and collectible patterns in the editor, and it would then choose which pattern to spawn from the relevant options. I also added a more random option, making it somewhat procedural. However, the random spawning is still a bit buggy, with overlapping obstacles and other quirks that I’m working to resolve.

Unlike my earlier projects, progress on Palm Run felt achievable. I’d broken down the work into manageable tasks: creating terrain, designing a spawning system, adding a player controller, and refining the visuals. Each small step forward felt rewarding. For the first time, I believed I could actually finish a game.

Lessons Learned from Starting Small

Choosing an endless runner wasn’t just about simplicity—it was about building confidence. Before Palm Run, I struggled with a common beginner’s trap: over-scoping. It’s easy to dream big, but executing those dreams requires skills, time, and resources that beginners often underestimate. By scaling down, I gave myself the chance to learn, experiment, and grow without the crushing weight of unrealistic expectations.

Working on Palm Run taught me:

• The Importance of Scope: Keeping the project small allowed me to focus and and hopefully finish.

• Iterative Design: I could test, tweak, and improve without overwhelming myself.

• Enjoying the Process: Breaking the game into smaller tasks made development fun rather than stressful.

What’s Next for Palm Run?

Palm Run is still a work in progress, but it’s playable, and that’s a huge milestone for me. The next steps involve refining the obstacle spawning system, adding polish with sound effects and animations, and possibly expanding the game with achievements or upgrades. I’m also considering adapting it for mobile, where endless runners often shine.

More importantly, Palm Run has given me the foundation to continue learning and creating. It’s the first step in what I hope will be a long and exciting journey in game development.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an endless runner wasn’t my original plan, but it was exactly what I needed. It allowed me to start small, learn the basics, and prove to myself that I could finish a game. Palm Run might not be the most groundbreaking project, but it’s mine, and it’s a project I’m proud of.

To anyone else starting their game dev journey: don’t be afraid to scale back your ideas. Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small—it means giving yourself the opportunity to grow. Dreams are built step by step, and Palm Run was my first step.