Hamster Drop is released!

[OBJECTION MAN]

Android Version has Dropped!

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

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iTunes Version has Dropped!

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

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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!

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 we posted pictures from PAX East, along with screenshots and developer art!

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

[Protoman Blues]

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!

[OBJECTION MAN]

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.

[ViperAcidZX]

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.

[Archer]

I like the music.

[Sakura Leic]

I definitely will get this game when it comes out.

[Flame]

Looks adorable and fun.

[Dr. Wily II]

I heard plushies.
I want them. I want them now.
The game too I guess.

[Burst]

Good work man, this could have easily been an arcade game.

Props.

[VixyNyan]

and Windows 8!

yay~ also Windows Phone 7+8? It would be neat if it turned into a XBox Live game (not just indie).

[OBJECTION MAN]

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.

[VixyNyan]

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. ^^

[ViperAcidZX]

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 and 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.

[OBJECTION MAN]

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.

[Zan]

The cuteness of this warms the heart. Gotta catch 'em all!

[Phi]

This looks addictive for sure. Here's hoping that everything works out for this game and your company.

[OBJECTION MAN]

A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks.

As you may or may not have seen, I started a developer's blog. 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 up now. This includes a Characters section, with art and showcasing the newest reveal of our second, of four, playable characters.

[OBJECTION MAN]

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.

Homepage | iTunes Page

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!

[ViperAcidZX]

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.

[Protoman Blues]

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!

[Zan]

We often get people asking us about the android version. I second the sentiment, owning a droid myself. Good thing it's dropping soon!

[Protoman Blues]

Sweet. Just lemme know when!

[Ladd Spencer]

Sweet. This reminds me of the Chansey mini-game, which was a blast. Always left me wanting more.

[OBJECTION MAN]

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!

[Phi]

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.