Well, this is it. Difficult to believe that two years have past since this
column began as a journal entry on my website, but it has. It is also hard
for me to accept that this is my last column, but it is.
They say that timing is everything, and it is time for me to go. As I've
told some of you individually, I would only continue this column as long as
I had something valuable to say. In that regard, right now I'm speechless.
A lot of things have changed since this column first started. Finalists in
the first Independent Games Festival like Vicarious Visions, whom I spoke to
in 1999, are now considerable developers. My writing, exclusively about
video games in 1999, has expanded to many different subjects, including
music and science. And most importantly, my focus has changed, moving from
both indie game development and journalism in 1999 to, now, just journalism.
Me continuing this column would be a disservice. I'm not a part of the scene
like I once was.
However, I am very happy with the work that I've done thus far, which is one
of the reasons why I decided to stop. Thanks to all those who read the
column, especially those who supported me all the way, including Mikkom,
Sirocco and Ed Duffe.
Mikkom has told me that he will keep the Flying Solo archive up. I also
suggested, and he agreed, that the Flying Solo forum remain as long as
people stayed active on it. The principle idea of my column (addressing
issues unique to indie game development) will hopefully remain even after it
ends, and, if the recent flurry of activity on the message board is any
indication, there are still a whole lot of things to talk about. Ideally, I
would like my column to be viewed as a catalyst pushing ideas to the
forefront as opposed to an end-all in itself.
As for me, I will continue to write full time, sometimes about video games,
sometimes about science, sometimes about sex. You can keep up with my
interests through my website and see some of
my work on Playboy.com, and in the magazines Video Game Review and The
Source.
Still, even with all the new things going on, I'm really going to miss this
column. Thanks for allowing me to enjoy my labor of love and, perhaps one
day, my passion for the indie scene will return. Until that time, please
enjoy the past 22 columns again. Thanks for the ride.
--
Written by Damon Brown.
