u/RainbowLoli

I have a bachelor's in Arts & Technology with a focus specially on game design. I learned a little bit of everything (UX/UI design, programming, 3D modeling, etc.) and I rather specifically enjoyed UX/UI and 3D modeling - but I've struggled with making a portfolio and networking especially in social media. I unfortunately graduated at the height of covid so any final chances for internships had went down the drain and unfortunately, the industry is currently turning itself upside down with AI having practically demolished any junior or intermediate position. I've put in applications but I've heard not heard back from larger studios and companies or being met with rejection from smaller ones. Either way, I need to improve my portfolio.

I know that I need to network, but I largely have no social media presence and outside of that, I have no idea where I would even try to start. Unfortunately, I got the autism that makes me strictly okay at masking and not the one that makes me hyper competent at any particular subject.

However, I would like a job outside of part time retail and was thinking of getting an MA in wildlife ecology. I've looked at the jobs which I can get and I have a pretty big range of interests whether it's working as a zookeeper, park ranger, or even just writing papers and doing statistics and surveys.

But my biggest concern is really just getting a job and job security. I don't know if it would be a good idea to return to school, pivoting to an MA from a completely unrelated degree and try my luck elsewhere outside of the game and animation industry. While I wouldn't mind getting an MA in Arts, Fine Arts, etc. the biggest thing is job security of any sort.

All in all, I'm at a crossroads at what to do. Try to continue breaking into the game industry, pivot towards a career in wildlife/animals (and maybe do games on the side or pivot back when I can or if the industry is in a better spot) or try to find something I can do with an MA in art.

I’m looking for games similar to Tiny Glade but with a wider variety of biomes and/or aesthetics. For example I’d love to be able to decorate a cyberpunk style apartment or city, or places that are a bit more run down and grungy.

What I really like about Tiny Glade is the diorama aspect of it and being able to build without regard for grids and I rather enjoy the procedural nature of it. Truthfully the only thing I would personally add to the game would be more biomes (like a beach, desert, etc.), able to make exteriors look run down/abandoned, and the ability to design or create interiors better.

But primarily what I’m looking for is:

1. The ability to make builds that are more post apocalyptic/run down/abandoned. This is what I'm primarily looking for.
2. Preferably the ability to do interiors and exteriors, but I know most of these games are one or the other so the ability to make places that are abandoned, run down, etc. takes priority whether it’s an interior or exterior design game.
3. Varied biomes/aesthetics is a general bonus. I’d love to be able to make a beach or desert build for example.

What I’ve looked at so far:

1. Small Spaces - I love the interior design of the game, but the only thing that’s missing for me in particular is the ability to make builds that are less polished. Like for example I want to be able to make someone’s worn down but very much used and messy workshop.
2. Make Room - I really love the ability to make furniture and I’m more than likely going to buy this game for that specifically. I just wish there was more ways of changing the textures to make some objects look less polished.
3. Furnish Master - I don’t mind that it is low poly and it looks like you can make a variety of different interiors. Other than that, I don’t have any particular thoughts on it since it seems pretty similar to My Dream Setup.
4. Camper Van - Not what I’m looking for at the moment but it is on my to buy list
5. High Above - Not quite what I’m looking for at the moment, but it does look interesting and I have it wishlisted.
6. Summerhouse - I would like more perspectives than just front facing, but it’s cute and I have it wishlisted.
7. Cozyrama -Might partially fit what I’m looking for but I’d love to hear some other opinions on if anyone else has tried it.
8. Twinkleby - I really love the look and aesthetic of this game and I will probably end up buying it - the only thing is that it doesn't quote have the aesthetic I'm looking for even though I do overall like what I've seen of the game.
9. Log Away - I have this game wishlisted and I do like the log cabin aesthetic, I'm just not entirely sure if it'll fit what I'm looking for in terms of being able to make a place that is more
10. Midori no Kaori - I have it wishlisted and I want to buy, but it’s more of a cafe game. Still like it, want to play, just not what I’m looking for right now.
11. Hozy - I have the fame wishlisted, but it is more of a restoration style game. It’s a “getting at some point” but I’m not sure if it’s really what I’m looking for at the moment because I want to be able to *make* abandoned and run down places rather than restoring them.
12. Little Corners - Very interested in the game, but I would like more control over the builds compared to using premade stickers. This game would probably scratch an itch more similar to unpacking than Tiny Glade.

For games I know I’m probably going to be recommended, I have looked at House Flipper but I’m not entirely sold on it because of the price as well as the fact that I know another core part of the game is being able to flip and sell houses. While I’m not really concerned about price, I’m not sure if I want to spend 35 on a game where I’m only going to be in sandbox mode and it kind of lacks the diorama feel I’m looking for. I’m open to hearing opinions though.

As for any other game mention, I’m only able to judge them based on the store page so even if it’s something I’ve already mentioned looking at, I’d love to hear more about it especially if you already have and play it and think it would suit what I’m looking for (or if it is capable of doing it) but it isn’t quite displayed on the store page.

So far, I have Cozyrama, Twinkleby and Make Room in my cart. I'm probably going to end up adding Midori no Kaori because I've had my eye on the game for a while. I'm def probably buying make room specifically because I was sold on the ability to create furniture but chances are it'll come down to Twinkleby or Cozyrama... Possibly Camper Van.