From AAA to Indie: A Game Developer’s Journey
Tomas Gomez, founder of Pancake Games, recently launched his first title, Slime Heroes, after four years of bootstrapping his own indie studio. His journey offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of navigating the independent game development landscape.
Gomez, a veteran of AAA studios like ArenaNet, King, Activision, and Polyarc, spent 11 years honing his skills before taking the leap into the indie world. This wasn’t a rash decision; he carefully cultivated the skills and knowledge necessary for success. Yet, the experience was still surprisingly stressful, demanding, and far more dynamic than he anticipated.
Tomas Gomez History
- Founded Pancake Games four years ago after 11 years in AAA game development.
- Successfully launched Slime Heroes on PC and Xbox, with Switch and PlayStation releases planned.
- Highlights the supportive indie game development community in Seattle and the resources available through groups like Seattle Indies.
- Emphasizes the challenges of securing funding and the business aspects of indie game development.
One of Gomez’s key takeaways is the crucial role of community. He emphasizes the tremendous support received from the Seattle Indie development scene, utilizing the network for feedback, advice, and networking opportunities. He found Seattle Indies invaluable, especially in the early stages when he was solely responsible for all aspects of development.
Securing funding proved to be a significant hurdle. Despite his extensive experience and a strong prototype, the process was far more challenging than anticipated. His advice to aspiring indie developers? Develop a strong business acumen, go into it with realistic expectations and ensure you have a solid financial plan before embarking on your indie journey.
Despite the challenges, Gomez’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in the game industry, alongside his passion for creative control, shines through. Slime Heroes is more than just a game; it’s the culmination of years of hard work and a testament to his determination to make his mark on the industry. With Slime Heroes now available on PC and Xbox, and future releases slated for Switch and PlayStation, Gomez’s story is one of perseverance and success, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of independent game development.
Join us for SLICE 2025
Join us for SLICE – the Seattle Loves Indie Creators Expo! This premier B2B conference is your essential opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain actionable insights, and empower your studio for growth. Held conveniently just two days before PAX West, SLICE offers a focused, high-impact experience for indie game developers, studio leaders, and game industry professionals.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM PDT (Doors open at 8:00 AM)
- Location: McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Why Attend SLICE?
- Targeted Networking: Connect with indie studio leaders, publishers, investors, and industry experts.
- Actionable Insights: Learn real tactics from curated sessions on business, leadership, fundraising, and more.
- Strategic Timing: Maximize your time in Seattle by attending before PAX West.
- Empowering Content: Get a “backstage pass” to the conversations shaping the future of games.
- Community Focused: Join a passionate community dedicated to celebrating and growing indie creators.
