My solo dev gladiator RPG blew up worldwide, I hired a team (after processing it all…), and we’re coming up on 2 years of Early Access. Trying to do EA right. Player feedback has been awesome, the game feels 10x better already. (more context in the comments)
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The last 2 years feel both like it took 10 years and 10 days to me. We’ve made a bunch of updates, thought it would be cool to share a rough overview:
* [Content Update v0.16](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/3647388158747879110) (2 Backstories, map variations, new gear, new weapons)
* [Content Update v0.17](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/3681172219984463601) (Godly gear, many items, combat and physics refinements)
* [Combat Controls Update](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/3687937038728579015) (Third Person Mode, Controller Support <- *for at the pc*, Throwing Overhaul, Lionslayer difficulty, Smart Shop, Items)
* [Anniversary Update](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/3817424410906675638) (Godly tier items Map variations, updated blocking system, combat tweaks)
* [The Spectacles Update](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/4172103171325838517?l=english) (Animation overhaul, AI overhaul, Audio overhaul, Survival, Bosses, Tournaments, Field battles …, New map, new gear)
* [Content Update v0.45](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/4235154200368539787?l=english) (Field battle update, new faction, new gear)
* [Champion’s Journey](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/973230/view/6977853536140424767?l=english) (50+ Random Character Traits, Timeline, Weight overhaul, Skill overhaul, New maps…)
I’m probably missing stuff. And every update also includes the standard visual improvements, optimisation, (much) bugfixing and extra content scattered throughout.
On a personal note, it’s really cool to list it all out like this. There’s work left to be done but its going well. I never thought I’d get as much feedback as I have and it’s been awesome to take it in as much as possible. Many of these features and adjustments come directly out of the community. I’m also focused on staying fearless during EA, we’ve changed REALLY fundamental things to the game (for the better) which could easily backfire if handled wrong – it’s a well known risk for developers working on EA.
Happy to answer any questions so AMA 🙂
Mr. Lakiere, your game seems to have the momentum of a runaway freight train. Why are you so popular?
Relay cool to see a solo indie dev do well, amazing to see a indie solo dev become a small studio (is it a studio if you have a team?).
Also super cool to see a dev try an idea, see it work then adapt to player feedback!
GL
Just tried it but had to refund, the physics are broken since last updates, idea is good tho but badly executed.
Oh shit you made this?! A friend put me onto this game & the combat is so much fun, I couldn’t stop laughing while trying to actually beat some ass
Congrats!
Been meaning to check this one out.
Really enjoyed playing a demo a few months back!
I’ll hold off on buying until full release but great stuff for starting as a solo dev in early access!
I bought your game last week and cant play any other games, even my space marine 2 hahaha
Moreover, because of you I bought Exanima too and I loving this game style.
I started following you youtube channel and became a fan. I really hope this game become bigger and even more players come.
This always happens when someone posts a game that would’ve gotten no interest or even label basic but with the attached personal story you get tons of people saying they want to download it.
This may be a brilliant game but it all feels so manipulative, there are so many indie games being released every single post on this sub could be from a different developer with a different special interest story.
Come on there is nothing that screams this game needs a post because it’s breaking so much new ground.
Man I remember you posting questions like “how should I swing the axe on my prototype character hehe” – amazing to see how far you’ve come, and how much people talk about your very original creation. Kudos!
Any update on deck performance or if it’s working yet. Remember a few month(s) back in the discord it was said you hired someone to do the work and was wondering how that was coming along.
Have you playt the game Gladiator Begins? Is this game like that?
I binged this hard not too long ago and had a blast, definitely plan on coming back for more!
Well done OP. Every time I attempt a solo project similar to this as a hobbyist I remember my modeling and texture skills are that of a 3 year old and end up with the most hideous looking bare bones game possible.
I loved road to colloseum in the ps2, this is the closest to it, and I’m really liking it! Keep up the good work.
I’ve been an early adopter, and havent played for a while, until recently. It came a long way !
Great expedience already, keep it up 🙏🏻
Looks kinda cool. Is it supported on the steam deck?
Really good game. I loved it early version had to pirate it doe so, sorry bout that definitely gonna buy it soon and can’t wait to see a road map
Satisfying sweaty chunky lopping! Roaring clanging combat! I’m an owner and have missed the feel of Shadow of Rome on PS2
Just felt the need to pop in and say thank you.. Got really into it earlier this year and am about due a revisit…
Ob I bought this a while back. Nice to meet you! I’ve had hours upon hours of laughs and fun with this game.
Your game is a great roguelite, keep it up.
I fucking love you. It reminds me so much of coliseum on the PS2 And I absolutely love that game, So in turn I love yours.
I just got my first aspirant to Aspired.
Huge amount of fun.
The game has come on leaps and bounds. You should be proud. Super work!
I wish you good luck man, just don’t take the Black Rock money.
Looks like a lot of fun! Controller support? Steam Deck support?
wow this game is insane!
played A LOT a few years ago (2022), and now the graphics looks so pretty!
I should give it a go again!
2 years of EA LOL