February Monthly Update

I think that this has been my most eventful month so far. ​

It started by filming the kickstarter video. I made my own gnarly iphone stand using nothing but elastic bands and a coffee container lid - it was what MacGyver would have done :) The kickstarter video is completed, but will only be up on the kickstarter site on March 1st, which is when I begin the kickstarter campaign. ​​

On 31st Jan, I released the official trailer to the public and the response has been gooooooooood! It got close to 400 views right away, which is fantastic, and also got quite a few people showing interest and asking questions. One of my favourite interactions happened on Screenshot Saturday, when John Matrix and Bennett - rivals in the Schwarzenegger movie 'Commando' started riffing in the comments. It was comedy gold :) 

As of yesterday, about 745 people have viewed the trailer, and it's probably getting on average about 10 new views a day. Of course, I want it to get more views than 'Gangnam Style' but I guess that takes time :) Ideally, more people would share it, but that of course, that is up to them. I just know obscurity is the biggest challenge games like mine face, so hopefully, and with some luck, the numbers will just keep on going up.

At times, it has also been a reflective month. I spent some time thinking about when I would know if I had 'made it' as a game designer, and I also wrote about some of the unique challenges I am facing in my journey to develop this game. ​

​One of the biggest things to happen this month, however, has been the decision to introduce a new mechanic into the game. I was worried about all the work that comes with introducing a new mechanic this late into development, but I thought about it really hard and felt that this new mechanic would make for a funner, more compelling game so I have decided to implement it.

The new mechanic is that the crimelord will now be a part of the action - you'll be able to equip him with weapons, use him to block doors, and also use him to pick up items scattered throughout the building. I have been testing it out for the past few days (ironing out all the kinks) and it has already made the game even more intense - I like it. There is still a lot more work to do, but I'm on the right path. 

This month ahead will be a big one too. The biggest thing will be the launching of the kickstarter campaign on March 1st. I will also release a gameplay video within the next week. 

It's crunch time - wish me luck!

Cheers, 
Blake

​Follow the game's development on twitter (@FMMHenchmen), on facebook,  or follow me on twitter @BlakeMcDeezy