Unfortunately, I've lost a lot of hope. I've learned a lot, though. I've learned that you need a hefty marketing budget or else no one will know of your game. But paying advertising for players is a cost; you need to make your game addictive so they come back and watch adverts repeatedly. This considerably distorts game design.
Having said all that, I am working on a new game, admittedly more than just one new game, and if I can focus on just one I will try again! Perhaps free demo with in-app purchase to unlock full game, to avoid the insanity of adverts, despite everyone saying adverts pay better.
I had some games I used to let the kids play on my phone once in a while, like the one where you tip it to roll the balls into the hole, or go through a maze without falling down. They were great, but only ad supported, which is really irritating, but I imagine profitable. I would've gladly paid 20 bucks for an ad-free version, even if it felt like gouging. I was grateful to be able to try it out free with ads, but I wish people would sell it also, even if the price they would need to charge to be as profitable seemed excessive.
Next time you're feeling stuck, we should talk and bounce around some addictive game ideas. A change in target audience might make all the difference.
Having said all that, I am working on a new game, admittedly more than just one new game, and if I can focus on just one I will try again! Perhaps free demo with in-app purchase to unlock full game, to avoid the insanity of adverts, despite everyone saying adverts pay better.