Sept 2018

September 2018 Update

Hello September! I know it been quite some time since I posted. I did get married and go on my honeymoon but I’m hoping to get into more of a regular scheduled updating. In terms of HTML5 mobile game development, I have made some changes. I am still using Gamemaker Studio 1.4 , mostly because I still dislike GMS2 as a game development tool. I don’t think there’s any point changing until GMS2 gets significantly better. It also looks like I’m not the only one.

I am now working on a relatively simple HTML5 game that I also want to port over to Android with more features. My brother and I came up with the idea of a web based chef game where you cook steaks. I’ve recently finished the HTML5 prototype for the game but for the moment here are a few screenshots of the mobile game in action! I also want to be more open and more social about my game development – I think it would force me to work and post more – so I’ve posted a link of the prototype to Reddit for feedback. I’m more than a bit nervous! If you want to play this game the link is here for you

Steakhouse Chef prototype

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gameplay in action

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hopefully you can see the kind of mobile game I want to try and make. I am thinking of making two ‘versions’: a HTML5 version and an Android version. Thankfully one of the great advantages of GM:S is that you can essentially have one code base and port the game you are working on from one platform to another quite easily.

 

Mobile Game Development Branches:

Android

The Android game version will be a fully realised game in it’s own right. I want to have the storyline of a chef who moves into a run-down dirty store then starts cooking for customers. I want this game to have subtle RPG elements in it as well. So for example:

 

  • Upgrade to nicer cookers
  • Buy better quality food
  • Refurbish/fix the restaurant

 

The above is just an example and essentially you keep playing. Pleasing the customers in the game gets harder but your tools are better and you keep have to give your customers the perfect steak every time. I think, especially with the RPG elements, the game should have a reasonable lifespan, considering it’s a hyper casual game. If this all pans out well, this will be my first Android game I’ve ever made! I’m really excited to be able to say I’ve made a game that others can find and play and hopefully give feedback to me!

HTML5

The HTML5 version will not have as many features as the Android version. This is because bandwidth must be considered when making HTML5 games. The more features I add, the larger the game and the more bandwidth consumed. HTML5 games should be quick to download and play, but as a consequence may be a bit less fleshed out due to the constraints. I want the HTML5 version of the game to be playable and fun but perhaps more focused on high scores and leaderboards than anything else. Pleasing as many customers as you can in a row and creating a leaderboard so people can see where they stand with their friends.

Future

There are differences between the HTML5 and the Android version of my idea. It makes sense to complete the simpler HTML5 game version first. I can upload the HTML5 game to this site, Kongregate and itch.io and request for feedback. Maybe even try to sell the game and have it hosted on various websites. Then work on the Android version. Seems like the way to go.

 

I will post again soon with an update on how things are going, but I’m happy with my progression so far!