So one thing i kinda often worry about is repeating genres of the games i make.

I used to basically constantly make top down shooter and not much more, primarily due to how damn easy they are to make and the fact that i just find it plain fun.

The problem i see with that is that - 1. You will inevitably start to stagnate as a game developer, not being able to make, or even think of anything else. And - 2. People will just get bored after a while (cant confirm that one, so opinions appreciated) if you make essentially just the same thing but with different packaging.

So what are your opinions on it? Does it even matter? Do you ever get bored of playing the same genre over and over, especially from the same developer?

I think if you're thinking in terms of commercial success, it's probably easier to stick to the same genre. You get really good at the fundamentals of what makes this genre fun & interesting. You make changes, you innovate slightly, you push the genre forward. Maybe you set a precedent that other games in this genre start to build on. (actually now that I'm writing this out, that sounds good even for creative success too, pushing yourself to do something really original that impacts other creators in this way)

One example that comes to mind is Epic Battle Fantasy (https://matt-likes-swords.newgrounds.com/) which I think has been something the developer has created versions 1 through 5 of for the past decade, and people love it.

That's probably a good way to get more data on this, take a look at some successful games/some of your favorite developers, what have they been putting out for the last few years?

Hmmm, i do indeed see your point and i do think it is something to consider.

I still think it is a bit of a double edged sword, as on one hand you *do* get better at making the specific type if game, on the other hand, i still think that if you really want to evolve as a creator you should try to experiment and challenge yourself.

Thanks for your opinion!

Basically, I believe that as a developer, what should drive you is to seek what you find interesting and delve deeper into it. Scratch your own itch. And in that regard, it doesn't matter whether it's a different genre or the same one if you find a way to make things more interesting. Even sequels within a series strive to innovate and be different from previous installments. However, I do understand your point about trying out new genres to have a more holistic understanding of what makes a game enjoyable.

I think I agree with Omar Shehata. Put slightly differently: Would you rather be a jack of all trades or a master at one?

If you're like me and just make games for fun when / if you have free time, then there is no one right answer aside from whatever feels right to you, but I started to lean toward the latter and felt like I was improving going from Mech Squad to Quad even though they're pretty similar in the fundamentals.

That said, I do want to do something completely different (albeit along the lines of the original idea that got me into gamedev in the first place with Cat's Eye) if I ever get free time again.

All I know is if you ever need music for one of your top-down shooters, I'm your guy. Heh

If you're sticking to what you know best, I guess that's fine.

i dont know you but okie i guess ill keep it in mind

Why would you make things you don't enjoy? Do whatever you like.

As someone who has planned sequels to both her games, I don't think it is a problem if you are doing new things in each one.

You seem to be very creative if you genre jump like that.

To be fair, nobody knows anyone in the beginning of any introduction.