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Other Things => Gaming => Topic started by: OBJECTION MAN on March 29, 2013, 06:37:01 AM

Title: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on March 29, 2013, 06:37:01 AM: Android Version has Dropped!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skylance.hamsterdrophd (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skylance.hamsterdrophd)

-------------------------

iTunes Version has Dropped!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hamster-drop-hd/id799773186?mt=8 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hamster-drop-hd/id799773186?mt=8)

-------------------------

(http://www.skylancestudio.com/hamsterdrop/external/ThreadBanner.png) (http://www.facebook.com/hamsterdrop/)

As some of you may have read on these forums before, I was in the process of starting my own video game company, Skylance Studio. The first project in development is an arcade action style title called Hamster Drop (http://www.facebook.com/hamsterdrop/)!

The basics are simple: catch hamsters while avoiding nasty hazards such as bombs. As we develop further there will be many more new stages, hazards, and more. We intend to include powerups, and and 2 playable characters. For the final version, it will have at least 80 levels including tough challenge levels.

The game is currently in an Alpha state, which we had brought to PAX East this year for our playable demo! PAX East was a HUGE success for us, and we're excited to continue development. On our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hamsterdrop/) we posted pictures from PAX East, along with screenshots and developer art!

We intend to release for iOS, Android, and Windows 8!

[youtube]Hamster Drop PAX East 2013 Demo Playthrough (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-GZFgWgDUY#ws)[/youtube]
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Protoman Blues on March 29, 2013, 06:43:08 AM: Awwwwwwwwww man. Another reason I'm sad I couldn't make PAX East this year. I would've loved to check this out. I love the indie game section at PAX. It's where I first tried Fez.

Anyway, congrats man! I hope everything goes well for you and your studio!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on March 30, 2013, 04:40:46 AM: Yeah, PAX East was amazing. It was the first time I've ever been to a convention, much less exhibiting, but I really felt like I've always been there. Such a friendly and awesome atmosphere.

We got a lot of invites to other conventions while we were there, so you may see us somewhere else if we can somehow swing the cost to attend. Being indie of course comes with financial restrictions.

We promise to bring some merchandise next time! We got a TON of requests to buy the shirts the staff were wearing, and the hamster plushies we were giving out for the hourly high score contest. We had no idea we would have such an overwhelmingly positive reception. We were completely swamped the entire time with all 4 demo stations filled, and lines forming on each them. I could barely get away from the booth to see anything myself.

People can't resist cute hamsters attached to fun gameplay.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: ViperAcidZX on March 30, 2013, 05:11:32 AM: At times like this, makes me wish I had an Android phone or an iPod Touch (or figure out how to dual-boot Windows 7 and 8 ). :(

I'll probably check this out if I get any of these platforms. Congrats and best of luck to you and your studios.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Archer on March 30, 2013, 05:18:31 AM: I like the music.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Sakura Leic on March 30, 2013, 05:19:25 AM: I definitely will get this game when it comes out.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Flame on March 30, 2013, 05:36:20 AM: Looks adorable and fun.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Dr. Wily II on March 30, 2013, 05:43:28 AM: I heard plushies.
I want them. I want them now.
The game too I guess.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Burst on March 30, 2013, 07:03:06 AM: Good work man, this could have easily been an arcade game.

Props.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: VixyNyan on March 30, 2013, 08:33:23 AM: Quote from: OBJECTION MAN on March 29, 2013, 06:37:01 AM
and Windows 8!

yay~ also Windows Phone 7+8? It would be neat if it turned into a XBox Live game (not just indie). :3
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on March 30, 2013, 03:47:22 PM: Thanks everyone!

Windows 8 phone for sure, but I don't know about anything prior to that version. We are making an effort to have a version for anything we can imagine though. This includes phone/ipod and tablet screen sizes.

As far as Xbox and other PC platforms, it is possible to do so. The development build is based on PC, and ported to other devices with the same engine. The only issue for PC is that we would need a distributor like Steam, and for Xbox Live we would need Microsoft approval.

However since Microsoft approached us to ask if we would publish the game on the Windows 8 App Store it's possible we could have a shot at Xbox Live, especially since Windows 8 has Xbox Live login integration for many of the games on it such as Jetpack Joyride.

As for Steam, we will be attempting a Greenlight. The issue we are likely to face is Valve's own reluctance to allow "iOS ports" on Steam, so I am not holding my breath or counting on it. It doesn't hurt anything to try though.

I always thought it would work well for the WiiU as well, especially considering that you have the controller touch screen and could play it on there in 'off screen' mode holding the controller sideways. Nintendo has recently revised their criteria for allowing indie studios to publish as well, making it very possible. 3DS wouldn't be out of the question either.

Of course, I can't confirm anything, and it's hard to say who will and will not accept us on their systems, but of course we will try to at least reach out and see if we can.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: VixyNyan on March 30, 2013, 04:02:06 PM: WP8 and/or Win8 with the standard Xbox Live functions (leaderboards, achievements, etc) is good enough for me. I'd get the game anyway but bonus features are nice. ^^
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: ViperAcidZX on March 30, 2013, 04:55:55 PM: So far I'm really starting to hate Steam Greenlight when it comes to getting indie games I want to buy out on their service. Don't get me wrong though, I love Steam but this a bad way to get independent works when you have people voting more for less-then-stellar games than the quality stuff. Don't take my word for it, ask Rockin' Android how long Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and 7 Devils (it's from the same creator of the Gundemonium series) has been in Steam Greenlight purgatory. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to get the game out on Steam, it's just that your mileage may vary.

Mind if I suggest DESURA (http://www.desura.com/) and GOG.com (http://www.gog.com/) (Good Old Games) as well?

DESURA is digitial distribution store in some veins of Steam but the service by itself doesn' t use DRM in their games (lest the developers wants it) and it caters more indie games than Steam does; Indievania may also be similar DESURA but I haven't tried that service yet.

GOG.com on the other hand is that awesome website that brings back many classic computer games of yesteryear like the Monkey Island series, Alone in the Dark, and recently System Shock 2 among many others for low prices (most of the time) and neat extras like original soundtracks, scans and artworks, et cetera. Lately GOG.com has been opening up to get more indie games on the service like the remake of La-Mulana, and like DESURA, it's DRM-free.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on March 31, 2013, 12:22:29 AM: Yes, those are also options that have come up in staff meetings. The viability of their market is somewhat questionable, as not much data exists on them but they are possible to release for.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Zan on April 03, 2013, 04:42:50 PM: The cuteness of this warms the heart. Gotta catch 'em all!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Phi on April 03, 2013, 07:02:03 PM: This looks addictive for sure. Here's hoping that everything works out for this game and your company.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 19, 2013, 02:33:00 PM: A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks.

As you may or may not have seen, I started a developer's blog (http://skylancestudio.com/mdw/). Today I added my account of PAX East from an exhibitor's point of view if that strikes your fancy.

Likewise if you haven't seen yet; I also have a website for the game (http://skylancestudio.com/hamsterdrop/) up now. This includes a Characters section, with art and showcasing the newest reveal of our second, of four, playable characters.
Title: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on January 30, 2014, 10:15:38 PM: You may remember a while back I mentioned that I founded a games studio. The team (including our very own Zan Sidera) started development on our first game: Hamster Drop. That game finally came out today for iOS! Android and Windows 8 still need work, but we'll have them out as soon as possible.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI6L1meFH3c[/youtube]

Homepage (http://www.skylancestudio.com/hamsterdrop/) | iTunes Page (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hamster-drop/id769902884?ls=1&mt=8)

If you like the game, please spread the word! It's really hard to get noticed on the app store, especially since the game doesn't seem to come up near the top when you search "hamster drop". Some people say it's easier to find it when you search Hamster Catch, ironically. Either way we need all the support we can get!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: ViperAcidZX on January 30, 2014, 10:21:41 PM: Congrats on getting the game out for us to buy. Now I just need an iOS device. I'll try to see if I can get the game known through other forums I go to.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on January 30, 2014, 10:29:47 PM: Congrats. Looks like a lot of fun. I'll have to wait till the Android version, but rest assured I'll give it a try!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Zan on January 30, 2014, 10:56:53 PM: We often get people asking us about the android version. I second the sentiment, owning a droid myself. Good thing it's dropping soon!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on January 30, 2014, 11:02:56 PM: Sweet. Just lemme know when!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Ladd Spencer on January 31, 2014, 04:47:24 AM: Sweet. This reminds me of the Chansey mini-game, which was a blast. Always left me wanting more.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on January 31, 2014, 05:40:55 AM: If any of you manage to get to play it please let us know what you think. And yeah, Android is so often requested. I'll be sure to post about it here as soon as it's ready!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop
Post by: Phi on January 31, 2014, 06:06:44 AM: Unfortunately, I don't own an android anymore... I have a Nokia Lumia (Windows phone). I know an android version is in a far higher demand, but if you and your team want to branch your game out even further, then perhaps you could consider the Nokia store?

Oh, and as you can see, I merged this topic with your old one.

EDIT: Ah, you already mentioned Windows. Nevermind, I missed that part somehow.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on January 31, 2014, 06:18:34 AM: I was afraid to resurrect it, since it was from March, and I've seen thread resurrection not taken too kindly here before. Thanks for merging it.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Sakura Leic on January 31, 2014, 06:20:50 AM: Hey it's your topic, the information is relevant, and you're not a noob.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on January 31, 2014, 06:56:10 AM: Quote from: OBJECTION MAN on January 31, 2014, 06:18:34 AM
I was afraid to resurrect it, since it was from March, and I've seen thread resurrection not taken too kindly here before. Thanks for merging it.

Mostly by members. Honestly, as long as it's relevant to the topic, we mods really do not care that much! But no biggie. The info is out there, and the topics are merged.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Dr. Wily II on January 31, 2014, 08:09:02 AM: O:
Will have to take a look when it comes out on Windows!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Zan on February 01, 2014, 01:51:43 AM: So, do any of us RPM-ians have an iOS device or know anyone who does?

To go into a little more detail about my own contribution to the game: I've worked on it as a tester, level designer, editor and pixel artist. As a neat little bonus and a nod to the 8-bit era of gaming, first-time players are greeted by an NES-style tutorial. Perhaps I could show some of those pixels in the future...

In the meantime, check out the deviantart page of our Lead Artist:
http://thatld.deviantart.com/
He's an amazing animator that even has several Mega Man pieces in his portfolio.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on February 01, 2014, 01:57:10 AM: Actually, in my own utter stupidity, I just realized that I could play it on my iPod touch. I keep forgetting I have an updated model.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Zan on February 01, 2014, 02:08:41 AM: :O Let us know what you think! (Also feel free to make screenshots or videos if you can.)
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on February 01, 2014, 02:11:40 AM: I shall download it when I get home.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Ladd Spencer on February 01, 2014, 03:10:15 AM: Quote from: OBJECTION MAN on January 31, 2014, 05:40:55 AM
If any of you manage to get to play it please let us know what you think. And yeah, Android is so often requested. I'll be sure to post about it here as soon as it's ready!
I wish I could, but I don't have any iCrap. Can't wait for the other releases.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Zan on February 06, 2014, 01:44:21 AM: New gameplay video:

Dance with the monkeys!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWmjJcv81M[/youtube]

http://youtu.be/hTWmjJcv81M
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Phi on February 06, 2014, 02:15:35 AM: Nice!

I look forward to the Windows version. 8)
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: ViperAcidZX on February 08, 2014, 02:42:39 PM: Sorta late, but I looks like somebody was eager for this game. XD

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42td0eIrb6w[/youtube]
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on February 09, 2014, 01:02:36 PM: Yes. That is our biggest fan, haha. He has been very supportive.

Also...

(http://www.skylancestudio.com/hamsterdrop/external/hamsterdrop_android_coming_soon_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Zan on February 09, 2014, 01:13:42 PM: First time gameplay by iTouchPower:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RLWwTxUNfo[/youtube]
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Sakura Leic on February 14, 2014, 04:44:42 AM: I just shamelessly plugged in this game to my anime club.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on February 15, 2014, 03:06:22 PM: Thanks! We appreciate all the support we can get.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 05, 2014, 06:28:06 PM: Tuesday April 8th

ANDROID RELEASE
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 08, 2014, 03:33:18 PM: AND ITS OUT!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skylance.hamsterdrophd
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Sakura Leic on April 08, 2014, 03:45:18 PM: .....Penguins?
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Phi on April 08, 2014, 04:04:03 PM: Penguins in a hamster game?

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Dr. Wily II on April 08, 2014, 04:08:41 PM: I knew it all along... THOSE EVIL PENGUINS!!
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Flame on April 13, 2014, 06:34:22 PM: Woot. Tried it out on my android. Its surprisingly well optimized. Runs ptetty smoothly even on my [parasitic bomb] phone
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Zan on April 13, 2014, 09:10:57 PM: How do you like the game itself, Flame?
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Flame on April 14, 2014, 01:58:32 AM: Fun and adorable.the smooth way it runs helps too

Edit: ive noticed something that happens sometimes. Fairly often actually, i touch the screen and the character doesn't move. Not sure if its my phone or what. Its most noticed during the hamster rocket segments.

Also, sometimes the game crashes as soon as i open it. I open, loading screen and music starts, and it crashes, telling me i must close the program. Music keeps playing until a press the button to close though. This is much rarer. (And not really that big a deal to me).
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on April 14, 2014, 06:18:02 AM: Were you guys at PAX East? I saw someone wearing a Hamster Drop button on my way out today.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 14, 2014, 09:11:23 PM: We were right at the entrance. How did you miss us?? Didn't see the cutouts and posters all over our double booth?
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on April 14, 2014, 09:30:12 PM: In the Expo Hall? Which entrance? The Queue Line entrance or the front entrance? I honestly was not in the Expo Hall that much.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 14, 2014, 09:37:23 PM: Right where the line comes in in the morning. "Guest Entrance"
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on April 14, 2014, 09:47:44 PM: Ahhh yeah. That explains it. Really didn't frequent that entrance that much. So sorry I missed you guys. I would've loved to say hello.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Flame on April 15, 2014, 01:28:05 AM: I think i found the source of that crash.

It happens if I try to change the volume at the same time I'm opening the app.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 15, 2014, 01:29:01 AM: Ah. Well, next year perhaps! Look us up; Skylance Studio.

Quote from: Flame on April 14, 2014, 01:58:32 AM
Fun and adorable.the smooth way it runs helps too

Edit: ive noticed something that happens sometimes. Fairly often actually, i touch the screen and the character doesn't move. Not sure if its my phone or what. Its most noticed during the hamster rocket segments.

Also, sometimes the game crashes as soon as i open it. I open, loading screen and music starts, and it crashes, telling me i must close the program. Music keeps playing until a press the button to close though. This is much rarer. (And not really that big a deal to me).

I get dropped input on my old shitty Android phone, but never on my tablet. The Droid2 is what I have for a phone, and it's known to have touch screen issues. Not sure which one you have.

As for the crashing, we've discovered what's the cause. We're looking into fixing it. Basically, when the phone tells the game to conserve memory and release it's textures, it'll try and reload them (back to the title screen) and crash for whatever reason after tapping on it. It doesn't seem to effect anything else in the game though.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Protoman Blues on April 15, 2014, 01:38:43 AM: Quote from: OBJECTION MAN on April 15, 2014, 01:29:01 AM
Ah. Well, next year perhaps! Look us up; Skylance Studio.

I definitely will. I'll most likely be back up there, unless my friends decide they really want to check out PAX South.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on April 24, 2014, 03:54:58 PM: @Flame: Patch is coming in a day or two.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on July 02, 2014, 06:18:19 AM: What would you guys think about a Vita/VitaTV version?
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Phi on July 02, 2014, 06:44:05 AM: Hm, honestly, I think it'd sell better on the eShop. The Vita isn't really doing too well, anyway.

Oh, and is this available for Windows yet?
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on July 02, 2014, 07:15:53 AM: Sadly not yet. The only platform for release we have to work with in that regard is Windows 8 which can't exactly be described as a bustling marketplace. It's going to take some more work yet to allow the game to run to a releasable standard with just the keyboard, and in non standard tablet/phone resolutions. Those same changes apply to any console release as well, which can be back ported for an easy Windows 8 release. (That's kind of the plan.)

That's all on the back burner because we've been putting our resources into a new game. Not sure when it'll be done though. A couple of months maybe. Our workflow got hit with some crazy [parasitic bomb] lately delaying a lot of things by slowing down everything.

The new game is on priority mainly because it was, in a way, commissioned by an outside entity looking to potentially help us market it. After that is done, we'll be going back to give Hamster Drop some new content and see about porting to other platforms.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: Phi on August 08, 2014, 09:37:24 PM: Since my sister recently gave me a Nexus 7 tablet, I was able to download Hamster Drop.

I haven't been able to play it quite yet, as I'm a little busy right now, but I'll let you know what I think about it when I get around to it.
Title: Re: Hamster Drop is released!
Post by: OBJECTION MAN on August 10, 2014, 02:14:13 AM: Thanks for you support! Let me know what you think of it.