I’m pretty passionate about this game idea! It’s been a while since I’ve had a game idea that I feel so strongly about. Scratch that, I’ve *never* had an idea that excites me like this one. I am going to finish this game. I *have* to finish this game. It’s the game I’ve always wanted to play, it produces feelings at my core that just can’t be ignored. But I need your help.
I’ve been making games since I was a teenager. Many of them never reached completion, some of them where far too big for one man, some just didn’t keep me interested for long enough. In recent times, I have got a lot better at finishing games and a couple have made it to Google Play. They prove that I can do it, but they aren’t very spectacular. I know I can do better, and from this moment forward I’m going to use everything I’ve learned to make games I’m proud of.
I recently read the Gunpoint Development Breakdown by Tom Francis and I found it very inspiring. Particularly the way he created regular releases of the game for community testing and the open submission process to find artists. He’s also far better than I at blogging and promotional stuff so I hope I can learn a few things by following his lead this year. Thanks Tom, Gunpoint is awesome btw! 
My game is about crafting gadgets. Actually it’s more of a toy than a game at the moment, but I really like the game mechanics. The player has lots of little parts that can be connected together in various combinations to craft a gadget. After each gadget is crafted new parts are unlocked allowing for more interesting gadgets to be crafted.
So far I’ve got the inventory and crafting board implemented. A couple of parts are working including a battery, wire and a light bulb. Next on the list are some buttons and switches followed by timers.
As a programmer I’m going to enjoy implementing all of the parts. I’ve got lots of ideas for what kinds of parts to add to the game, and I think there’s loads of potential for many more. The programmer in me is also the reason the game appeals to me as a player, it’s about creating things in a similar way to programming software. Although, far less complicated and hopefully more fun for non-programmers.
I need your help turning this toy into a game though. While sandbox mode can be a lot of fun, it would be nice to have some goals. It could be about crafting a particular type of gadget on each level, and/or selling them on a virtual market. Maybe they lead up to a bigger goal or are somehow part of a bigger game. I’m really not sure about this part yet. Any ideas are welcome.
