My next game demo is out!
My next big game is getting closer to its release. But for now, here is the free demo :
- Released
- Jul 28, 2023
- Platforms
- Last updated
Updates & announcements
Developer post- Developer post
Re-capturing the first places from itch.io players
The player named S266 blasted through the leaderboard! For a long time, the Steam platform held all of the top places, but not anymore. An itch.io platform conquers 3/5 modes! This means the competition is on again. Can you capture the flag?
Original postThe player named S266 blasted through the leaderboard!
For a long time, the Steam platform held all of the top places, but not anymore.
- https://roboden-game.github.io/leaderboard/?mode=blitz#S266
- https://roboden-game.github.io/leaderboard/?mode=arena#S266
- https://roboden-game.github.io/leaderboard/?mode=inf_arena#S266
An itch.io platform conquers 3/5 modes! This means the competition is on again.
Can you capture the flag?
- Developer post
Educated Robo Update
This update is focused on a better new player onboarding experience. Important tooltips now give you much more information. For example, try hovering on any priority icon or on a faction (color) distribution bar. The updated tutorial utilizes that. Instead of giving you several m
Original postThis update is focused on a better new player onboarding experience.
Important tooltips now give you much more information. For example, try hovering on any priority icon or on a faction (color) distribution bar.
The updated tutorial utilizes that. Instead of giving you several messages about these priorities, it only mentions the option to hover over them to learn yourself if you want to. Some other tutorial content changes follow this principles: less text messages, more contextual hints.
The tutorial difficulty was re-adjusted. It's both easier and harder now. On one hand, you get a stronger start with more drones. On another, more enemies and threats are lurking around, along with a new trigger timing schedule.
Since factions were one of the most confusing part of the game, there is also an extra visual cue whether you change the distribution.
There are some other minor changes as well. Like making the on-screen buttons take priority over colony selection when it's below the buttons. The new font missed a couple of important glyphs, like "_", it should be fixed now.
- Developer post
Going full-on indie gamedev
Dear gamers. Game development has been my hobby for many years now. Roboden is my first serious release, and it's definitely the first game to reach Steam. I always had some other full-time job to support my hobby. This is going to change as I'm now going full-on indie game devel
Original postDear gamers.
Game development has been my hobby for many years now.
Roboden is my first serious release, and it's definitely the first game to reach Steam.
I always had some other full-time job to support my hobby.
This is going to change as I'm now going full-on indie game development.I want to create new games and see how it goes.
In turn, it means that I need to learn how to make money by creating games.
I will start by making Roboden a paid game so I can learn some basic stuff.
Maybe it can also give me enough money for a cup of coffee per month, who knows.Note that if you already have a free copy of the game, it'll stay that way. The game is also open source so in theory you can build it from sources if you so desire. The point is, we can treat this price tag as a way for you to support me.
I believe a week or more is going to pass until these changes take place, but in case you want to get this game for free, maybe it's time to act right about meow. :D
Let's see how it goes.
Perhaps you'll see a new game or two from me in the future.
Stay tuned.With that being said, the game still may get eventual updates. I want to move forward, but this game will always have a special place in my heart.
- GamingOnLinux
Asymmetrical indirect control RTS game Roboden now Steam Deck Verified
How about a free (and open source) game to add to your library? Roboden is an asymmetrical indirect control real-time strategy game about robot colonies and it's now Steam Deck Verified. Read the full article here:
Original postHow about a free (and open source) game to add to your library? Roboden is an asymmetrical indirect control real-time strategy game about robot colonies and it's now Steam Deck Verified.
Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/04/asymmetrical-indirect-control-rts-game-roboden-now-steam-deck-verified
- Developer post
Steam Deck Verified update
This update brings the game to the Verified (green) Steam Deck status. While it doesn't sound too involving to adjust the game for the Steam Deck, you can check out the recent code changes in the game to see that it wasn't a breeze. Change logs Steam Deck Compat Added gamepad in-
Original postThis update brings the game to the Verified (green) Steam Deck status.
While it doesn't sound too involving to adjust the game for the Steam Deck, you can check out the recent code changes in the game to see that it wasn't a breeze.
Change logs
Steam Deck Compat
- Added gamepad in-menu navigation (D-pad and left stick)
- Added a "larger fonts" option that enables ~x1.3 font scaling (enabled by default on Steam Deck)
- Accessibility: Stats & Progress profile screens now use a larger base font
- Accessibility: credits is now a multi-page screen to fit a larger font
- Accessibility: made text panels background darker
Note that if you started the game on your Steam Deck before, you will need to enable the larger fonts manually as the game respects your previous settings. Go to options -> accessibility to enable it.
Misc
- Added a random drone selection button to the game lobby (all modes)
- Projectile hit check does take the target size into account now (hitting larger targets is easier)
I had to draw a scaled bitmap font (x1.3) myself to get clear and pixel-perfect text in the game. Now Roboden has 2 bitmap fonts.
Developer postSnowfall Update
This is probably the most massive game update to this date. Here is a short overview: A new biome: snowy tundra A new colony: an immobile fortress called Hive A new turret: a resource gathering point - Refinery A new turret: a powerful AoE attack laser that requires an active cre
Original postThis is probably the most massive game update to this date.
Here is a short overview:
- A new biome: snowy tundra
- A new colony: an immobile fortress called Hive
- A new turret: a resource gathering point - Refinery
- A new turret: a powerful AoE attack laser that requires an active crew
- A new weather toggle (works for a snowy tundra right now)
- A new special seed for Arena mode (see Infernal achievement)
- New achievements
- Several quality-of-life changes
- Balance tweaks
Now let's get down to the details.
Tundra Biome
This new biome is rather harsh and challenging.
Due to the cold weather, drones get discharged 33% faster.
The landscape is covered in snow, trees, and landcracks, making it one of the hardest terrain for the ground units. Unlike the Forest biome, trees in Tundra can't be traversed and used for cover by ground units.
Since this place was never explored before, many artifacts wait to be collected. When recovered, the artifact increases the drone level as well as restores its energy and structure. Only drones of tier 2 and above can recover artifacts.
The local unique resource is minerals. It can be compared to the iron resource from the Moon biome, but it's worth more and stashes are usually larger. The downside is that they can only be mined by workers of tier 2 or above.
This biome also features snowy weather (which can be turned off).
To try it out, use an Environment option in the World tab when creating a game.
Hive Colony
This colony plays very differently from everything else.
It can't move at all. Instead, you're controlling a rally point of your drones. By building another colony further away from your first one, you expand your area of control.
The Hive itself is so resistant to damage it can survive a couple of Dreadnought's raids without getting destroyed. It also has anti-ground weapon systems.
It has the largest drone count limit and the biggest resource storage capacity. In addition to that, the drone production cost is decreased: it can build a bigger fleet more easily.
I recommend trying it out in combination with a new Refinery turret.
If you're not sure how to play it correctly, make the bots play it. While not being overly smart, they can show you some basics.
Since this colony is so unique and unusual for Roboden, it may take a couple of patches to make it properly balanced.
Refinery Turret
This utility building acts like an income-boosting resource delivery point.
It also has a passive effect of distributing excessive resources between the colonies.
It works best in combination with Hive colony, but can be useful to boost the economy of some other builds too.
Twister Turret
Twister is a multi-target laser turret capable of attacking both air and ground targets. This is the only turret that can handle both kinds of targets.
This turret requires the constant maintenance of three worker drones to function. If any of these three drones are disabled, the turret will go offline.
The assigned workers will repair this turret from time to time.
Various Changes
- Clicking on a message with a marker moves a camera to that marker
- Blitz mode is now open by default (the tutorial is not a mandatory entry point anymore)
- Extra tooltips (turrets, enemy buildings)
- Reverse mode is now unlocked earlier (before the Infinite Arena mode)
- Whether a special (magic) seed is used, the game produces a sound cue
New Achievements
You can browse the achievements inside the game or use Steam.
- Lucky Roll achievement (any game mode)
- Fast-forward achievement (any game mode)
- Siege achievement (Reverse mode)
- Infernal achievement (Arena mode)
Balance Changes
- Completely reworked the drone energy systems
- All tier 2 (and above) workers now repair buildings more efficiently
- Tier 1 workers now build buildings 25% slower (T2 and T3 workers keep the 100% efficiency)
- Buffed Disingrator: +1 damage (16 -> 17)
- Buffed Scarab: -1 upkeep cost (8 -> 7), -1 cloning cost (20 -> 19), faster reload (2.5 -> 2.4)
- Buffed Servo: -1 upkeep cost (7 -> 6), -4 cloning cost (26 -> 22), +4 hp (18 -> 22), moves fast ability
- Buffed Cloner: +5% cloning discount (85% -> 80%), -2 cloning cost (26 -> 24)
- Buffed Courier: +10 attack range (140 -> 150)
- Buffed Trucker: alternative AoE attack, faster reload (2.6 -> 2.2), energy regen +0.2 (0.5 -> 0.7)
- Buffed Crippler: +1 max targets (6 -> 7)
- Buffed Commander: +5% follower's damage reduction (20% -> 25%)
- Buffed Devourer: +1 max level (7 -> 8)
- Buffed Seeker: +20% damage against buildings
- Buffed Firestorm turret: +50 attack range (750 -> 800)
- Buffed Navigation Beacon: +1 max targets (4 -> 5)
- Nerfed Beam Tower: +4 upkeep cost (18 -> 22)
- Dreadnought (creep boss) deals 40% less damage against buildings
- Dreadnought servants deal 75% more damage to buildings
Bot Changes
Changes in computer player behavior (relevant co-op and Reverse mode):
- Comes back to finish a building construction
- Distributes the faction colors more carefully
- Can pick less obvious drone builds in Reverse mode
Bug Fixes
- Mega Seeker is not getting too close to the colony anymore
- A T1 army achievement will no longer be unlocked if Seekers are used
- Developer post
Game schemas update
This minor update implements a couple of suggestions given in the Steam reviews. By default, a pause disables the fast-forward mode. You can now disable this behavior in gameplay options. The second improvement is more significant. You can now save/load your drone builds, world,
Original postThis minor update implements a couple of suggestions given in the Steam reviews.
By default, a pause disables the fast-forward mode. You can now disable this behavior in gameplay options.
The second improvement is more significant. You can now save/load your drone builds, world, and difficulty settings using schemas.
Every game mode has a separate schemas sheet with 10 slots per each.
- Developer post
The Widest Update
This update has two sides: It makes the game better, like any other update would It enables Android platforms You can find a detailed changes list at the bottom of this post. The biggest one is probably a new mode called Blitz. As the name suggests, it's a faster-paced mode. This
Original postThis update has two sides:
- It makes the game better, like any other update would
- It enables Android platforms
You can find a detailed changes list at the bottom of this post.
The biggest one is probably a new mode called Blitz. As the name suggests, it's a faster-paced mode. This mode is also competitive, you can send your high scores to claim the best spots on the currently vacant leaderboard.
As you might already know, we have a cross-platform online leaderboard. Steam and itchio were the only "clans" available so far. This is not the case anymore as Android enters that fray. Let's see whether Steam could hold its current leaderboard dominance.
If you want to play Roboden on your Android device, you probably know where to look it up. :)
New Content
- New game mode: Blitz
- New Reverse mode difficulty option: Elite Fleet
- New Grenadier creeps (available in most modes via a difficulty setting)
Achievements
- Added a Quicksilver achievement
- Added a Gamer's Cheese achievement
Gameplay
- A better exit confirmation system to fix accidental activations
- A better spectator mode (replays, bots-only)
- A new damage reduction mechanic that works for several units
- Elite workers now have reduced upkeep costs
Balance
- Tier 1 drones now have less max energy
- Firestorm turret damage increased
- Navigation beacon turret speed boost & range increased
- Turrets and colonies construction costs are rebalanced
- Courier's resource gain increased
- Commander now grants 20% damage reduction to its units
- Bomber drone damage increased
- Bomber drone gets significant damage reduction when attacking
- Prisms use x2 more energy per shot
- Den colony can now stomp Howitzers too
- A "very small" world size is no longer available for Reverse mode
- All relicts get a buff to be more useful
Misc
- A wide screens support (a wide range of ratios like 19:9 and 21:9)
- A native Steam Deck display ratio support (16:10)
- Added a new screen filter: CRT
- Added a large diode mode (accessibility)
Performance
- Improved tutorial performance (mostly important for mobile devices)
- Developer post
Clan Wars Update
This is a non-content update that will bring you some new experiences nonetheless! I was working on better web and mobile ports of the game recently. After a couple of weeks, I managed to make new versions of Roboden run smoothly in the browser. You might be wondering: how does i
Original postThis is a non-content update that will bring you some new experiences nonetheless!
I was working on better web and mobile ports of the game recently. After a couple of weeks, I managed to make new versions of Roboden run smoothly in the browser.
You might be wondering: how does it concern you, a fellow Steam gamer? Well, I came up with an idea: a combined leaderboard that will highlight the player platform. And to make it more fun, let's call these platforms clans.
So, every Steam game (Steam Deck included!) represents a Steam clan. This is the first and the most powerful clan right now, but things might change. It's up to you to keep the balance, or join the other side as itch.io web build introduces a separate clan!
With some luck, we'll have even more platforms (ahem, clans) in the future. Having a good browser version of the game means we can upload it to social networks and see which team has the best Roboden players.
More technically speaking, this update includes:
- A mobile control scheme when playing a web version from a phone or a tablet
- A much faster load time that makes the web version possible
- An XM music player; desktop builds still use OGG music, but you can try out the new player
- Leaderboard now mentions the clan
- Several balance tweaks
- Slight improvements to the tutorial
Most of the things above were necessary to make the web version run better.
Warning: even though you can play a browser build of the game on your mobile device, it won't be a very polished experience. You can taste how Roboden could play on your tablet, but the real native Android app will be released later.I'm looking forward to seeing some real fun on the leaderboard!
Good luck, and good hunting!
- Developer post
An update of irregular shape and color
This update brings a new map shapes to the table. Previously, you could only play on a square map. But not anymore: rectangle-shaped maps can now be used in any game mode. There is also a new capturable relict object: battle platform. If you repair it, it will follow your colony.
Original postThis update brings a new map shapes to the table.
Previously, you could only play on a square map.
But not anymore: rectangle-shaped maps can now be used in any game mode.There is also a new capturable relict object: battle platform. If you repair it,
it will follow your colony. Its weapons are more effective against the flying targets.New content:
- Horizontal and vertical map shapes (a new world setting)
- "Into the Darkness" achievement
- Battle platform relict
- Screen filter option (please use with caution)
Fixes:
- Improved performance when restarting level a lot
- Several balance changes to the Reverse mode
- Developer post
My game for the Ludum Dare 54
Hi! You might not know about it, but Roboden was initially created as a prototype for a ~2 week game jam that was hosted on itch io. You can still find the game on itch.io and play the online demo ; although I really need to re-upload it so that the browser version is in sync wit
Original postHi!
You might not know about it, but Roboden was initially created as a prototype for a ~2 week game jam that was hosted on itch io. You can still find the game on itch.io and play the online demo; although I really need to re-upload it so that the browser version is in sync with a Steam release.
I enjoyed the results and wanted to give Roboden a chance to see the world.
Ludum Dare is a more classic & hardcode game jam. You have to create a game from scratch in just 2 days! Many cool games start as a prototype for some game jam; my favorite example is Baba Is You.
The Ludum Dare 54 was my first LD jam. I'm not that good with fast prototyping, but it was a fun experience to have. And I like the results!
You can play this game here: https://quasilyte.itch.io/cavebots
This game is very different from Roboden, but:
- It's also about robot colonies
- Its graphical style is similar
- It's an RTS without direct control over your units
I wanted to share it with you. I hope you find this game jam thing as fascinating as I do.
Let me know if you like the new game idea. I may start working on it later. Who knows, maybe I'll even release it on Steam. :)
- Developer post
Leaderboard submission issues status update
If your score was submitted, but never appeared in the leaderboard, don't worry! I have the replays on the server as well as the error logs. I'll investigate the issue and re-run the simulations to add these scores to the board. You can continue sending the scores, no progress wi
Original postIf your score was submitted, but never appeared in the leaderboard, don't worry!
I have the replays on the server as well as the error logs. I'll investigate the issue and re-run the simulations to add these scores to the board.
You can continue sending the scores, no progress will be lost.
Estimated time of the fix: tomorrow (24 of September).
No game updates will follow as it is a server-side issue. :) - Developer post
Reverse mode v2
I'm back with another game update! This update brings a new feature that was requested several times: the dynamic game speed toggle. Press to enter the double-speed mode, and press it again to return to the normal mode. This feature helps you to pace the game in a way you want to
Original postI'm back with another game update!
This update brings a new feature that was requested several times: the dynamic game speed toggle.
Press [F] to enter the double-speed mode, and press it again to return to the normal mode.
This feature helps you to pace the game in a way you want to experience it.Another big change is focused on the Reverse game mode. Dreadnought gets a new unit: Coordinator.
These new units have many purposes:- Keep them around the Dreadnought for protection
- Use them as a diversion group to keep the pressure on your opponent
- Rally your other units through them
Gold versions of Coordinators have another ability you would like to discover for yourself.
They're also available in Classic mode as an extra challenge option.
Reverse mode is much more dynamic now, give it a try and tell me what you think about it. Playing against the bot is OK, but playing with your friends is even better! You can use Steam Remote Play to enjoy the PvP.
Some other changes include:
- New Tactician achievement
- Improved tooltips in Reverse mode (extra unit discs info)
- Improved computer player for colonies (esp. important in Reverse mode)
- Minor balance adjustments
- Vanguard creep gets a one-time use invulnerability shield ability
- New, more compact lobby menu layout for toggle buttons
- Having no drones without resources is no longer a soft lock: a colony can sometimes produce a worker drone for free
- Bug fixes
As a side note, I'm fascinated to see many new players on the leaderboard. :)
Developer postInferno Update
Are your robots ready to conquer the Inferno? This update includes some major new content. The new Inferno environment is the most dangerous biome to this point. The searing geysers, spitting lava, and lack of oil resources make it very unfriendly. But with high risks, there is a
Original postAre your robots ready to conquer the Inferno?
This update includes some major new content.
The new Inferno environment is the most dangerous biome to this point.
The searing geysers, spitting lava, and lack of oil resources make it very unfriendly.
But with high risks, there is also a high reward.
New sulfur and volcanic rock resources can be found there.Bastion is a new colony design.
It can't fly and its drone capacity is very limited.
This is compensated by the fact that it can attack enemies on its own!
A group of these colonies is deadly.Firestorm is a new turret design.
It's a siege missile launcher that can reach enemies from afar.
As always, there is a downside to this power: it can only attack slow ground targets like buildings and howitzers.The tutorial uses an Inferno environment now.
The amount of text there is reduced as well.
I'm trying to make the onboarding experience better.Some game performance optimizations are added as well.
Previously, the game could drop some frames in bigger Dreadnought battles.
I spent some time fixing this: Roboden should run smoothly on a wider range of machines now.
It's expected to work on a potatoe computer; if you have any performance issues, just let me know.Some of the community requests were addressed as well!
For instance, you can now see the drone counter when hovering over the recipe tab.This update also includes many smaller changes, like better AI, new visual effects, balance tweaks, bug fixes, etc.
Oh, and Steam Deck support also gets better with every update! Maybe it's time for you to give it a try?
Some things that are planned to be added in the upcoming updates:
* Game modding support (community request)
* Additional display aspect ratio support (esp. wide screens)
* Japanese localization
* New relicts (right now there are only 3 of them)- Developer post
The leaderboard is now available online
The Roboden site now has an online version of the Leaderboard: It may be more convenient that the in-game leaderboard. You also get access to some extra information, like the drones that were used by that player to achieve a given score. I always get excited when I see a player s
Original postThe Roboden site now has an online version of the Leaderboard:
https://roboden-game.github.io/leaderboard/
It may be more convenient that the in-game leaderboard. You also get access to some extra information, like the drones that were used by that player to achieve a given score.
I always get excited when I see a player submitting their score. Let's keep this party going!
Note that submitting your score does not require any kind of registration. You don't even have to use your real username (it's possible to change it in the profile settings).
As always, good luck, and good hunting.
- Developer post
Build 15 is released
I'm happy to announce the first Roboden game update on Steam! Stay tuned as there is more to come! This post describes most changes to the game. This list may be somewhat hard to read as it was never meant to be a public release note. :) The next release notes post will be a bit
Original postI'm happy to announce the first Roboden game update on Steam! Stay tuned as there is more to come!
This post describes most changes to the game.
This list may be somewhat hard to read as it was never meant to be a public release note. :)
The next release notes post will be a bit better.First of all, you can now play Roboden on MacOS!
UX:
- Show Dreadnought's health level in the tooltip
- Give an input device prompt for the new players
- Display drone recipe in the Drone Collection menu as well (even for T3 drones)
- Add drone highlighting when hovering over a recipe tab entry
- Auto-fill the player's name from the Steam account (this can be changed in the menu later)
Controls:
- Reworked the default middle mouse button scroll behavior (can be reverted in the keyboard controls section)
New content:
- Added Spectator achievement
- Added 1337 achievement
- Added Gladiator achievement
- New Fortress creep (available via difficulty setting)
- New Templar creep
- New Ion Mortar creep turret (available via difficulty setting)
- A "gold" option that disables the gold resource deposits
- Added a Drone factory-neutral building
- Added a Power plant neutral building
- Added a Turret neutral building
- Added "super creep rate" option in Reverse mode
Gameplay:
- Increase dreadnought max crawlers limit
- Added x2 game speed
- Made x1.2 game speed default (was x1.0, but it's kinda slow)
- Reworked colonies movement
Bug fixes:
- Fixed dreadnought sprite flashing component
- Fixed devourer levels when joining a commander's group
- Fixed an intro mission crash when "keyboard" input method was selected
- Escape/back inside a results screen no longer skips through rewards
- Fixed a virtual cursor click over a screen button like "exit"
- Fixed the right/down edge scroll with its range set to 1
Visuals:
- Improved some effects layer arrangement
- Made screen shaking more intensive
- Added a damage shader to Dreadnought
Balance:
- Bombers now deal extra damage to buildings and dreadnought
- Increased Destroyer's evo points cost (11 -> 17)
- Increased Devourer's evo points cost (11 -> 12)
- Increased Guardians's evo points cost (8 -> 9)
- Make evo points generation slightly slower
- Some drones now use energy when attacking
- Unallocated drone point now grants 2 difficulty points instead of 1
- Dreadnought can now dispatch up to 7 crawlers (this limit was at 5 previously)
- Reduced Ark colony drone limit (100 -> 80)
- Wisps will retreat for longer distances
- Added damage vs buildings modifier
- Increased wave budget scaling in Infinite Arena mode
- Decreased "attack colony" action time cost in Reverse mode
- Scale the number of wisps with a map size
Computer player (colony bots):
- Bot will no longer play a solo base tactic with Ark core design
- A better max radius selection strategy
- A better evolution-related choice selection
- Bot will use Attack action more often with Firebug & Bomber drones
Misc:
- Trim trailing whitespace in the username
- New modes and options are now listed in the rewards screen
Tutorial:
- The difficulty & speed is now configurable via the terminal
- Pinned the special choice that is required to continue
- Removed the radius increase context hint (it's already in the main course)
- Removed the north attack notice (it was redundant)
Replays:
- Disabling replays from mismatching game versions
- Showing the game seed in the replay's description
Steam Deck:
- Showing the on-screen keyboard when appropriate
- Added Steam Deck layout option
