Things have been a bit crazy around here, but I’ve still managed to keep things moving forward.

First, as I mentioned a week or so back I hired the talented Chris Apple to create the theme song for Crashtastic.

I can’t share it yet, but Chris sent over a quick preview, and I thought it was awesome! I can’t wait to share it! In the meantime check out some of Chris’s other work here.

I’ve got a decent handle on the editor now, but need to work on the UI. I’m pretty picky about the UI for the game, so I have some tweaking to do still, but I want to get it in your hands soon! The initial release of the editor will just include the sandbox mode, as the UI work to enable level objectives is going to take a bit of iteration. I would rather get some feedback on the sandbox before diving into that.

Greenlight and the trailer…. Yes, I still plan on submitting for Steam Greenlight!  I don’t want to launch on Greenlight until the trailer is finished, and I would like to have the new theme song debut in the trailer… so I’m going to push it back a bit.

Mark

Looks like we are back in business again! The server has been up and down quite a bit this morning. It should hopefully be resolved for good now.

Mark

Having some issues with the login server. Should hopefully be back online soon.

Many of you asked for it so I started building it! That’s right, I started working on a editor which combines both a sandbox mode, and a level editor!

I’ll be providing more details in the future, but here’s a brief overview:

Level Editor:   The level editor will allow you to build levels using a set of pre-defined pieces. Everything you see the existing game… Ramps, blocks,  Checkpoints, walls, etc…. You can assign goals for your level as well. After you finish you level you will be able to publish it and other players will be able to download it and test their skills.

Sandbox Mode: Build whatever you want, no rules, no time limit. Go crazy! The sandbox mode will use the same interface as the level editor, you just won’t assign goals to the level. You will also be able to share your sandbox with others as well.

It isn’t close to done, but it is in progress! It’s going to take a ton of work, but think it is really going to make Crashtastic even better!

No, Crashtastic isn’t in the bundle, but I wanted to post this, as I think there are some really great games on here that deserve some support. 20% of the money also goes to a great charity Child’s Play.  You can check it out here…   http://groupees.com/bab3

Hello everyone!

I am going to be working on a new trailer for the game this weekend which will be used for both IGF and Steam Greenlight. The trailer will show a series of levels, with crazy designs, and of course insane and hilarious crashes.

I need your help to make this happen! So what do I need?

I need you to post here, video or images of your crazy, fun, amazing, funny, designs and simulations. In addition, post the design ID number for your design. I’ll be picking a few of the designs and use them in the trailer.

Don’t forget…

• Post a video or screenshot of your design here… http://www.reddit.com/r/Crashtastic/comments/zsz31/i_need_your_help_for_the_new_crashtastic_trailer/
• Save the design in the game, and post the ID number.

I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

Thanks in advance!

Mark

Well, I took a few days off away from the game and the internet. I had my friend Matt help out with any support issues while I am gone, so thanks Matt!

As a solo part time developer, getting away for a few days can be a bit stressful, but I am glad I got a chance to recharge the batteries. I didn’t go to PAX in case you are curious, it does sound like fun, and while I was tempted to get some booth space and show off Crashtastic…. I just couldn’t justify the budget to do the show this year. If you are curious, the guys over at Bit Flip Games have a breakdown on the costs to showcase a game at the show here. It basically breaks down to over $10,000, which is pretty tough to justify right now. Maybe next year!!!

While I was away, I got to spend some time thinking about the game, where it is, and the plans moving forward. I tell you, I love the organic development process the game has taken since the alpha launched. I’m amazed and humbled by the outpour of support, and the passion so many of you exhibit in offering up ideas and suggestions for the game, and I’m going to ask you to use this passion in the coming weeks. As many of you probably know, the  amazing people over at Valve launched a new community last week, called Steam Greenlight. In a nutshell Steam Greenlight is a way for small games (such as Crashtastic…. wink wink) to better their chances on being released on Steam. Why is Steam important?

54 Million Active Accounts

That’s 54 million PC game playing potential customers!!! Steam can be the difference between a developer surviving to make more games or not.

Here is where you come in! I am working on creating a new trailer for the game which will be used in conjunction with Crashtastic’s entry into the Greenlight process. Once the site goes live, I am going to need your help to get the game “Greenlit”. I’ll send out more details soon about the process and how you can help in a few days when the trailer is ready…. so stay tuned! I need you. I can’t do this without your support!

Also, I’ve decided I will enter Independent Games Festival again this year. The IGF is the biggest Independent Games Showcase in world. I entered last year and got some good coverage on the game, so I figure I will roll the dice again. The deadline is October 17th, so I will be doing a bit of a polish pass on the game over the next few weeks. As part of this, I am hiring a talented composer to write the Crashtastic Theme song! I’ll share more details about him in the future.

I’ve still got a ton of work to do on Crashtastic, but I’ve got some cool stuff in the works, and something I  know many of you have been waiting for 😉 but…. I am just not ready to share yet!!!

Also, I ran into a few kinks with the demo, which I still hope to have available soon.

Mark