When I set out to make Gunlocked 2, I had grand ambitions. If you read my last dev diary, you’ll know I talked about how good enough wasn’t good enough anymore, and how I wanted to go for great. So I shot for the moon with my Kickstarter campaign. A moderately large goal that could guarantee I could add a ton of content and features with room to grow even beyond that. But what I didn’t leave was any room to land in the stars, which is ironic because that’s where Gunlocked takes place. Somewhere along the line I forgot that there were many milestones between good enough and the greatest ever (version of Gunlocked 2).
It turns out the development of Gunlocked 2 is a lot like its gameplay loop. I needed to start small and work my way up. The end goal in this case is not to become an unstoppable killing machine, but maybe in some figurative way that I can’t imagine it is (It isn’t). So I took a risk, and I started over.
I launched a new Kickstarter campaign a few days ago with a new goal: Better than good enough. My focus was initially on funding the soundtrack, and a little extra polish time before Early Access. If I could reach that goal, I’d start to unlock some upgrades, and equip some extra firepower both literally and figuratively. Stretch goals can unlock new bosses, new weapons, and even a new mode.
I was nervous that people might lose interest, or write the project off for its more modest initial ambitions, but within days the campaign has already raised more than the original did after weeks. At 130% funded already, the first stretch goal has been unlocked and 2 new bosses have been designed, and will be added to the game for a total of 8 guaranteed bosses. That’s more than the original plus the DLC had. Already better than good enough! But there’s a lot more I’d still love to add.
Pictured: The 8 bosses currently planned for Gunlocked 2. There could be as many as 20!
And here’s the deal: Every piece of stretch goal content could eventually make its way into the game even if I don’t reach my funding targets. These goals, and this campaign in general, are all about allowing me to guarantee a certain level of content and polish, without having to worry about sales. But if the game sells well, I plan to support Gunlocked 2 for a long time. Getting the funding ahead of release, and knowing there’s this level of interest is all about keeping any promises I make.
Pictured: Funding tiers for additional Gunlocked 2 content. Up next: More weapons! And that means more symbionics!
In other words, there’s a lot of potential even if I don’t raise more funds, but with your help I can unlock it now, and deliver a better version of Gunlocked 2 at launch and beyond.
Back the Kickstarter campaign here and become a part of Gunlocked 2 lore! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fromlefcourt/gunlocked-2-endless-battles-in-space