6 years ago our journey with SUR5 ☢️ started. Today we would like to share our 6 reasons why it began in the first place...
6 Reasons
Gambling Epidemic
Every year more and more games or even other products include lottery elements, loot boxes or boosters. Even when you buy pasta in a store there is a chance to win a luxury cooker. This is not how we remember the world. It became a new norm that prays on the compulsive behaviours of the weakest. This false sense of control creates society that "hopes" something will change their lives instead of taking action.
Economic Crisis
"The rich get richer and the poor get poorer". A story as old as the world, but taken to the extreme in 2025. By no means we are not opposed to accumulating wealth, but extracting every penny in order to satisfy insatiable investors has gone too far. Our small game made by just 2 people is an inexpensive refuge for individuals who want to take a break from predatory monetization and don't have to spend a dime while having fun.
Shattered Home
We are aware that there are tons of incredible deck building games out there. We love those titles, but predominantly they are single player experiences that make us disconnected from society. People keep jumping from one title to another repeating the same mechanics. SUR5 improves on a well established classic formula and together we can go even further. Creating a community where we share truly innovative mechanics.
Freedom of Speech
The idea behind "Freeworld" (original title) was to create a post-apocalyptic world where no governments and companies can censor our thoughts. A new beginning, big reset unlike what we have in real life... Apparently we can't handle the truth and need to be fed constant lies and misinformation. Disabling communication leads to creation of echochambers, separating people into groups and escalating real life conflicts.
Degenerating IQ
The constant reliance on technology for every task prevents the formation of new neurons and memories. This leads to the creation of a less intelligent and easily controlled society. SUR5 won't hold your hand. We believe in people's ability to understand complex ideas, learn and use their imagination. Hopefully these skills will help in building better reality for us all.
Reason #6
Sixth reason? Hmm... I forgot what that was. Oh I know! Remember to have fun. Not everything has to be serious or competitive. Those old days where we could waste all day playing games, making silly jokes and talking to friends. Without building a thick skin and the ability to accept other people's viewpoints (instead of trying to change them) the world will become more depressing each day.
Development
SUR5 might be one of the most ambitious indie games ever with over 160 000 lines of code and 800 hand painted illustrations made by just 2 people. Let's These highly advanced and specific mechanics be an inspiration for your own projects
The best way to create your own game is to start with pen and paper allowing your own thoughts to guide you in decisions of what is fun and what isn't.
Greyboxing is the first step of building a functional prototype. The goal is to polish very solid foundation before heading towards working on details.
SUR5 as an online game needed specialized network code that requires understanding of how the internet actually works.
Using art templates during the development can help to decide what the player will feel.
Over the years a lot of features were crafted and separated into modules/subsystems.
In our Discord Server there is channel called #promo-codes where you can find special present for joining.
Please help us share our message everywhere you can. I hope you will support our efforts in creating a strong and happy world. Have a wonderful time in 2025 and we welcome you in our small rebellious community.
~Team SUR5