Over the past few months, a significant effort has been directed towards making every aspect of Numb coherent and cohesive. It's been a journey of meticulously crafting the art style, ensuring it not only creates the right atmosphere but also aligns seamlessly with the gameplay.
A key aspect of this endeavor was the implementation of dithering, a technique used to create texture and gradients in pixel art. The choice was not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to subtly conceal elements beyond the player's immediate reach, enhancing the game's mysterious and immersive environment.
The game's menu underwent a comprehensive overhaul. I redesigned each tab to be stylistically consistent and to accommodate the final system features that were in development. This was an essential step in ensuring that every element of the game felt integrated and intuitive to the player.
I've also reorganized the game elements to ensure clarity and sharpness, but only when the player is in close proximity to them. This approach adds a layer of depth and discovery, encouraging players to explore and interact closely with the game world.
In non-development-related news, some publishers have shown interest in Numb. I'm currently discussing a couple of potential deals, which could help in increasing Numb's marketing reach - discoverability is a real pain in the a** for any indie dev without a budget.
If you want to help, consider following Numb on social media and spreading the news to any moody friend of yours looking to make their day worse by playing Numb.
- Walter