---
title: "Game Dev Unlocked Case Study: The First Tree"
content_type: course
url: "https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree?language=en"
language: en
difficulty: beginner
duration_minutes: 70
supports_all_unity_versions: true
last_updated: "2026-08-04T14:20:37.000Z"
---

# Game Dev Unlocked Case Study: The First Tree

This Learn Project is a case study focusing on a top grossing Made With Unity game developed in its entirety by a single person; David Wehle's The First Tree.

## Contents

- [1.  How one person made The First Tree](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/1-one-person-make-the-first-tree?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/1-one-person-make-the-first-tree.md?language=en)) — Explore a case study on finishing a solo game by leveraging community resources to accelerate production and prevent burnout.
- [2. The Asset Store: Pros and Cons](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/2-the-asset-store-pros-and-cons?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/2-the-asset-store-pros-and-cons.md?language=en)) — Understand how to use the Unity Asset Store responsibly, avoid copyright issues, and prevent creating “asset flip” projects.
- [3.  Choosing a Framework](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/3-choosing-a-framework?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/3-choosing-a-framework.md?language=en)) — Explore time-saving framework assets that provide ready-made systems so you can focus on your game’s design.
- [4. Modifying Art Assets and Making Them Yours, Part 1](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/4-modifying-art-assets-and-making-them-yours-part-1?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/4-modifying-art-assets-and-making-them-yours-part-1.md?language=en)) — See how to customize stock assets in Photoshop and Unity and apply simple art tips to help your game’s visuals stand out.
- [5. Modifying Art Assets and Making Them Yours, Part 2](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/5-modifying-art-assets-and-making-them-yours-part-2?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/5-modifying-art-assets-and-making-them-yours-part-2.md?language=en)) — Learn practical tips for quickly adapting inexpensive assets and understand when external tools may slow your Unity workflow.
- [6.  Branding and Design Crash Course](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/6-branding-and-design-crash-course?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/6-branding-and-design-crash-course.md?language=en)) — Get practical tips to improve your game’s visual branding with simple logo, color, and type choices.
- [7.  Sound Design and Music](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/7-sound-design-and-music?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/7-sound-design-and-music.md?language=en)) — Learn to source, mix, and enhance sound effects and music so your game audio feels polished and professional.
- [8. Hiring Help](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/8-hiring-help?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/8-hiring-help.md?language=en)) — Discover ways to source audio, voice talent, and developer help to finish a solo game on a tight budget.
- [9.  How did I stay motivated to finish The First Tree?](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/9-how-did-i-stay-motivated-to-finish-the-first-tree?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/9-how-did-i-stay-motivated-to-finish-the-first-tree.md?language=en)) — Explore strategies to manage motivation as a limited resource so you can stay focused and finish your indie project.
- [10. Cut Your Game Idea in Half](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/10-cut-your-game-idea-in-half?language=en) ([md](https://learn.unity.com/course/case-study-the-first-tree/tutorial/10-cut-your-game-idea-in-half.md?language=en)) — Get practical tips for shrinking an overly ambitious first game idea into a small, finishable project you can release.