Completing the Tutorial: A Reflection on Year One of Dusty Gamer
A Save Point for Dusty Gamer
How is your backlog looking right now? Mine is judging me as we close out 2025.
This is the final article for the year, and honestly? I’m feeling a little sentimental. Writing on Substack has been a hard but incredibly rewarding journey. I spent many days staring at a blinking cursor, overthinking my writing style, and wondering if anyone actually wanted to read the content I was making, especially the niche gaming market on Mac.
But we made it. So, before we boot up the “New Game” that is 2026, I wanted to create a save point and reflect on the grind, the loot, and the level-ups from the past year.
The Learning Curve
Let’s be real: finding a voice is tough. In those initial articles, I was constantly experimenting, trying to figure out how to present games without sounding like a press release. Researching games takes time, and diving into demos isn’t always quick.
I also set myself up for failure early on with a brutal schedule, trying to post consistently every Friday felt like playing on “Ultra Nightmare” mode. Once I relaxed that schedule, the process became enjoyable again. I found a flow. I could edit without panic. Lesson learned, Quality over crunch, always.
In the last few months i have gotten better at the process, but the mission remains to develop my voice into a master storyteller.
The Boss Fight: Video Editing
This year, I tried to introduce video to the Dusty Gamer workflow. Friends, let me tell you that was like a Dark Souls run for me.
I really struggled with the editing part. The amount of work required to chop up footage, sync audio, and make it watchable is something I didn’t expect to be so heavy. It felt like the first few months of my Substack start all over again, but times a thousand.
Despite the struggle (and my Mac Mini M2 Pro working overtime), I managed to produce two videos and a short. It’s not a full season of TV, but it’s a start(Please watch them):
The Mission: Building the Directory
The primary purpose of Dusty Gamer is to serve as a video game directory, a platform where Mac-friendly titles and hidden indie gems can shine.
In the new year, I intend to focus heavily on this. I want to build a platform where Indie devs and gamers can submit games. I want to make it easier for game devs to find an audience for their work, and I want to encourage gamers to try a game they would never have considered before. It’s ambitious, but the gaming community on Substack is already doing an outstanding job. For now, you can check out the Demo Drive Pack tab, where I’m contributing by collecting all the playable gold I find.
Expect more Play Diaries in 2026, too. I want to figure out a video flow that allows me to make shorter, punchier videos (5-7 minutes) without the pressure of a massive deadline. I still need to practice, so I hope you’ll stick around to see what sticks.
The Multiplayer Lobby
In the New year i would like to expand my writing capabilities as well as my audience. This can’t be done alone, so I am looking to host other writers on the blog or write for other blogs.
To my writer friends on Substack: If you have a hot take on an indie game or a hidden gem you love, drop a comment or a message. I’d love to host you. My audience might be small, but we are passionate. I’m also more than happy to contribute to your platforms. Let’s swap save files.
The Verdict
Finally, I want to say a massive Thank You to the 27 Subscribers and Followers of this Substack (19 Subscribers, 8 Followers).
To some, that might look small. To me? That is an entire classroom of people. That is a room full of gamers trusting me with their time. I am super thankful to every single one of you and to the wider Substack gaming community for being so hospitable.
My hope for the new year is that my writing improves enough to bring even more people into that classroom, allowing gamers to experience genres they never thought to click on.
Community Check-In
Let’s make some noise before the ball drops.
The Call to Action: If you’re a writer, comment below if you want to collab in 2026!
The Mission: Let’s continue to tag the Substack Team and Substack to make noise until we get our own Publication Category for Video Games.
The Vibe: Have a safe and happy New Year. May your frame rates be high and your temperatures be low.
Happy Gaming!