Issue # 20 - Demo Grind
Hey there, Barty Buds. Another issue of the newsletter is here, with all of the GDC fomo and PAX East prep you could hope for. I've actually been ahead of schedule these past few weeks (delaying two months will help that!), so I've had some space to breath, think through my plan of attack, and do some things other than work on the demo. Let's dig in.
And of course, if you haven't wishlisted the game, you can do so HERE. It's the number one way to support me!
Barty in Person?
For months I have gone back and forth on whether I should attend or present at the big video game conventions throughout this year. I mean, this will theoretically be the last iteration of some of these events (such as PAX East here in Boston) before the game's release next year. Do I rush and spend a large amount of money just to "be there", or do I skip knowing that I may not get another chance at these events.
At the end of the day, it's been a case-by-case basis. My big three this year were the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, PAX East in Boston, and PAX West in Seattle. Looking at costs and the little budget I did set aside for the game, GDC was out of the question. Not only was a ticket several thousands of dollars, but the travel and lodging to one of the most expensive cities in the world added up to be just too much for what seemed like little return.
PAX East is a different story, being a mere half hour away from where I live. I definitely plan on attending, but how to use my time and network with others has been a huge question mark. Do I try to just enjoy myself and casually talk to others in the community? Do I go all out with a booth? It's a whole new world for me considering I've never discussed the game in person to people in the industry before. Regardless of how I attend, I feel like it will be a great experience and only help better the game.
PAX West is a question mark at the end of the day. By the end of August when the event is held, the demo should be ready and out there for everyone to try. Hopefully the game has a little bit of traction by then. If so, it may make sense to have a playable demo live at the event. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be with people playing the game, but the cost would only be worth it if I have that buzz already.
At the end of the day, the live events are only so helpful. The best thing for Barty's Adventure right now is to make the game the best it can be. Marketing it in-person would just be the icing on the cake.
Art Update
Just a quick art update: we're COOKING. My artist Rufino has been focused on the new Barty design, which I'm still keeping close to the vest. But above you can see that the Bubble Fairy has had a glow up like you wouldn't believe. I am PSYCHED at how these are coming out, and I'm so excited to see the rest of the characters with some actual artistic talent behind them.
We're prioritizing the characters first, and I'm working to improve the art of the rest of the game. I'm hoping that this will allow me to get the most bang for my buck, and it takes a large burden off of me. If the Bubble Fairy is any indication, the game is going to look fantastic really soon.
Seabass Picks
Let's wrap this one up with some picks:
Games (THIS KEEPS GROWING): Chants of Sedarr (beat it! Great puzzle game!); Jusant (another quick indie!); Baldur's Gate 3 (still!); Avowed (all the choices!); Link's Awakening (first time!); Chrono Trigger (I will FINALLY beat this!); Assassins Creed: Shadows (solid but slow so far!)
Books: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson (this is a long book...)
Shows: White Lotus (Seasons 2 and 3 - FINISHED); Karen Reed Documentary (this is all Boston will be talking about this spring); The Pitt; The Last of Us soon enough!
The reveal of new Barty should be coming soon! Thanks! 😄
This newsletter is an update series for the development of the game Barty's Adventure. Please wishlist on Steam here!
If you are interested in continuing the conversation, please join the community Discord server: https://discord.gg/M7p2Mtgkyx. Your input in these early stages of the game are invaluable and much appreciated. Thanks!
