A Designer Rejected 13 Times: How ‘Luck’ in Games Taught Me to Keep Creating

I still remember the email. The subject line said: “We regret to inform you…” It was my 13th rejection for a mod submission to an indie game platform.

My heart sank. Not because I didn’t expect it—but because I’d come so far.

I’d spent months designing a tiny pig-themed mini-game inspired by childhood memories of my mother’s garden in Jamaica. It wasn’t flashy. Just simple mechanics, warm visuals, and a hidden narrative about resilience.

And yet—no one wanted it.

The Game That Wasn’t Allowed to Be Played

At first, I thought it was about skill. About polish. Maybe my code wasn’t clean enough.

But then I realized something quieter: they weren’t rejecting my work—they were rejecting my voice.

It hit me like a wave at midnight: What if failure isn’t the opposite of success? What if it’s part of its rhythm?

So I turned back to games—not as players, but as storytellers.

That’s when I discovered Lucky Pig, not as entertainment—but as metaphor.

Why Luck Isn’t Random—It’s Rhythm ​​(And So Is Creation)

In Lucky Pig, every spin feels like fate unfolding. But behind the rainbow swirls and giggling pig symbols lies something real: a system built on balance, patience, and risk management.

I read through its mechanics again—not for wins, but for wisdom:

• High RTP (96%-98%) meant long-term fairness.
• Low volatility games offered steady small wins—like daily creative practice.
• Free spins? They weren’t magic—they were rewards for persistence.
• And jackpot triggers? Only possible after enough tries.

Suddenly, this game wasn’t just fun—it was therapy.

Because here’s what no one tells you: the moment you stop playing is when luck stops working.

My Rules Now (After Being Rejected So Many Times)

Since then, I’ve rebuilt my approach—not just as a creator, but as someone learning how to stay alive in uncertainty:

• Set small bets: Like starting with low stakes on Lucky Pig, begin with projects that cost little but teach everything. The goal isn’t instant validation—it’s data from experience. The same way you’d try low volatility slots before chasing jackpots—start small and grow your confidence slowly. The fear of losing shouldn’t stop you; curiosity should drive you forward instead. i.e., don’t wait for permission—to create is already permission granted.* note: to be continued…