Hello Contestants!!
In this blog post, I'll outline the latest demo update (our biggest yet) and give you some background on where we've been and the dreaded release date plans...
The Demo Changelog
We last updated the demo content in November last year. Aside from occasional hotfixes, it has been very very quiet (more on this shortly).
Thankfully, we've just launched a brand new update which includes a ton of features you'll never notice in addition to:
- UI Revamp
- Random Challenges (WIP)
- New Animations for Baseball Bat
- New Enemy and Enemy Variants
- Audio Optimisation
- Showcase mode video (shows after 60s in Main Menu)
- General Performance Enhancements
Known Bugs:
- Zombie clothing does not sync
- Light in the button puzzle does not sync
We're hoping to streamline the blog posting process so we can keep you updated on development more frequently.
Be sure to join our Discord to give us feedback on what you think!
Where We've Been
It has been a long while since we last updated you all on development. Happy to report that we are still alive! (i think)
Rest assured, we have still been working hard and we've got a lot of content to cover over the next few months. Hopefully this blog will shed some light on our progress.
Last year, we focused heavily on seeking funding. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful which has resulted in multiple delays and a reduction in scope. With this, we've all taken up other employment to keep our personal lives afloat.
Although this sounds really doom and gloom, we have more of an idea of what the game will look like and our plans as a team which has ultimately benefited our overarching vision.
Showcasing Shenanigans
As many of you will know, we've continued to attend multiple exhibitions across the UK. Most notably, our old friends at Insomnia (RIP) have invited us back each time. I personally just wanted to thank those of you who have returned to check out development - we're really putting our all into this and it's always refreshing seeing people with smiles on their faces as they slap our abominations.
Last September, we were lucky enough to get the entire team together for the first time and showcase the latest demo updates.
It's thanks to these events that our design choices have been challenged and resulted in countless improvements. Thank you to anyone who has critiqued our work.
NEW LEVEL! Twisty Tunnels
There will be 3 spectacular levels at launch (with more conditionally planned for post-launch). Each level has a unique flair and host of ridiculousness. You've already seen the Rickety Rooftops over the past few years but we've also been hard at work putting together The Boat and the Twisty Tunnels...
The Twisty Tunnels has been an idea before Slap-It Together had even existed. It's long been my dream to make a level with moving trains. This level is a real testament to our ambition and it pulls things off that we've never tried before.
Testing has been positive and we're just doing the final tidbits for the puzzles before we're ready to show it off. Stay tuned for an exciting blog post going more in-depth into how the entire process has looked for us.
How Launch Will Look
Aside from the features you already see before you, we're currently working towards a plethora of new cosmetics, enemies and gamemodes. Some of which will potentially become available post-launch.
One aspect that won't be coming is a voiced antagonist and more story elements. As mentioned earlier, we just don't have the funds to pull something like that off.
I've saved the best for last...
When are we releasing?
Initially, we were aiming for a 2024 release but our lack of a marketing push has left our numbers too low to justify it. Assuming this improves, we will be releasing in Q1/Q2 of 2025.
Thanks for Reading
Thank you for baring with us as we wade through these obstacles and I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.
If you want to support us in any way, please do wishlist Slap-It Together on Steam and join our Discord Server.
Cheers,
Matt.