Under the heading of things that make you feel good:
[yesterday]
I come home from a day at the office and there on the floor of the den are two teenage girls having a good time playing one of my prototypes. Out of my 300+ game collection they wanted to play Grand Prix Jumping. Definitely brought a smile to my face.
I also taught the game earlier this month to my niece who really liked it and wanted to play it more. It seems I designed a game that teenage girls love. How's that for hitting on an odd demographic? Obviously it has something to do with the love teenage girls seem to have of horses, but still it is fun to see them enjoy the game and how competitive they can be.
Anyway, seeing people enjoy your creations is what makes this hobby the joy it can be. I thought I'd share my little moment of sunshine on this dreary morning in Dallas.
Thanks for the anecdote -- that is indeed a great story. I had a similar experience when my niece, 7 at the time, was disappointed that I spent more time gaming with her older brother and dad... I tried to explain that I just didn't have any games that I thought she would enjoy or could play with us, and she replied:
"That's ok, Uncle Jay, I'm sure you can make one for me."
She was so earnest and matter-of-fact about it, that's exactly what I decided to do.
"What should it be about?" I asked her.
"Cows. I like cows."
So be it. The next day, I had a prototype of the game she inspired, Til The Cows Come Home, and I can't wait to share it with her.