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Hello everyone!
It has been some months since the release of Three Minutes To Eight, and I'm writing this DevLog to reflect on the nine months that have passed since the games launch.
Developers often share insights into the development process (as I did in a previous DevLog and a video interview partially featured on the games Steam homepage), but it's less common to hear their thoughts nine months post-release.
Well, here I am! I must admit I'm a bit disappointed with how things are going with Three Minutes To Eight, both in terms of sales and player reviews. I consider Three Minutes To Eight the best game I've ever made, yet the sales and reviews are worse than some of my previous games like ENCODYA or Clunky Hero. The market isn't at its best right now, but adventure games are still selling a decent number of copies.
I'm not here to whine about bad luck or things like that. There are hundreds of video games released every month; its normal that some do well while others dont. However, we launched with a decent number of wishlists (about 30K), yet the reviews are mixed, and sales are so-so. This is despite receiving a solid 5/5 from Adventure Gamers (registered as 100/100 on Metacritic) and winning the Best Indie Game award at the Game Development World Championship, Summer Edition 2023.
So, what's the reason behind this "meh" result?
I believe the strengths of my game are also its weaknesses, at least for some players. The unique aspects that make my game stand out among many adventure games are also considered its flaws. Three Minutes To Eight is a classic example of a game that you either love or hate. The limited locations, repetitive actions, time loop, and narrative structure (or lack thereof, with ten different narratives that coexist in a clockwork mechanism, without a main story) have apparently displeased a good portion of gamers. Yet, I think these aspects also make it a great and unique game. Not to mention that the soundtrack, voice acting, dialogues, and aesthetics are top-notch, a fact recognized even by those who didnt leave a positive review.
Overall, I think it's a game that requires time to fully appreciate its mechanics, philosophical messages, and psychological puzzles filled with secrets and Easter eggs. Unfortunately, in 2024, with the constant bombardment of new titles, players often dont have the time to get captivated by such a game. Thats my fault; I should have designed it differently or provided more engagement from the very first minutes of gameplay.
It is what it is. But I still hope the game will find its special niche, becoming a cult title beloved by a growing elite, if not by the masses.
In the meantime, I've been working on a new game, which is totally different, called Speedollama. It's coming to all platforms (PC and consoles) this fall.
Furthermore, today, together with Assemble Entertainment, we have created a special discounted bundle with all my adventure games, including the acclaimed ENCODYA, Three Minutes To Eight, and Soul Tolerance, another title that deserves more recognition.
Have a look! Its a great chance to get a bunch of good games at a cheap price!
And if you haven't played Three Minutes To Eight yet, give it a chance. And if you like it, please consider leaving a Steam review. It truly deserves more attention!
Yours, Nicola
Dear Puzzlers, Today the Steam Awards are kicking-off. I would be honoured and thrilled if you choose to cast your vote for Three Minutes To Eight in the Most Innovative Gameplay category. Thank you for your ongoing support. Yours, Nicola https://store.steampowered.com/app/2303320/Three_Minutes_To_Eight/
Dear Puzzlers, thank you for your humble feedback on my latest developer notes about the most reported flaws of Three Minutes To Eight. As stated there, I took your feedback very seriously trying to adjust the discussed negative issues as good as possible. Here's the changelog:
Hello Steam Community, Three Minutes To Eight developer is here. And before we dive into the feedback, I want to express my honest gratitude to everyone who has supported Three Minutes To Eight. Your enthusiasm, your feedback and support really mean a lot to me. So far, Three Minutes To Eight has collected very mixed reviews since its release. There are people that absolutely love it, and people that dont which is okay. Creating a game that everybody loves would be the holy grail. Positive or negative, Im beyond thankful for everyone that chose to play my game and took their time to provide me with valuable feedback. Anyways, while it's always tough to receive and read negative reviews especially as a mostly solo developer with little resources I still see it as a valuable opportunity to learn and improve both the game and me on a personal level. I'm committed to taking your input to heart, trying to make the game the best it can be. So, since its always important for me to listen what players have to say, I'm working on a patch with a few fixes (to be released early next week). All in all, I'd like to share some development insights regarding a few points of this game and its intricate mechanics to give you a better understanding how certain things work in Three Minutes To Eight and why. In summary, the most disappointing points coming from the ones that left a negative review, can be summarized in two things:
It happened, Puzzlers! Three Minutes To Eight is finally available - and it's up to you the end this insance cycle. But beware, don't get yourselves dragged to much into this insanity! Watch the release trailer here: [previewyoutube=Oq3wp2L9dO4;full][/previewyoutube] Creating this game has been a truely mindblowing experience and journey. I can't wait to hear your mind-bending thoughts and feedback. Thank you for being part of this and let me know what you think. Yours Nicola from Chaosmonger Studio https://store.steampowered.com/app/2303320/Three_Minutes_To_Eight/
Hi Puzzlers, I hope you already had the chance to take a look at the demo of Three Minutes To Eight during Steam Next Fest. Don't be shy, share your feedback and let me know what you think! Not to forget, and in case you might've missed it, Featurette Part 3 is available: [previewyoutube=yi_fvlzCsAc;full][/previewyoutube] It tackles the challenges I encountered during development of the game. Especially when it comes to incorporating different genres (e.g. roguelike elements etc.) or making all those randomized events feel natural and fun. Don't wanna spoil too much though, make sure to check it out. -------------------------------------------------------- Three Minutes to Eight is set in the near future, where players must uncover secret paths, find ways to cheat death, and unlock multiple endings to a unique mystery. Each run includes randomized elements and differing events that will urge players to revisit the game multiple times. Three Minutes to Eight is meant to mimic the borderline state of mind that teeters on the edge of consciousness, where everything is possible, yet remains elusive. Features: Stunning Pixel Art: Explore unique locations with a dark, neon style in awesome pixel art. Multiple Endings: Finish multiple runs each with unique and randomized elements and events in order to unlock more endings. Unravel the Mystery: Why are you destined to die at 7:57PM? Its up to you to discover and find a way to stop it. The demo is still available for you to play! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2303320/Three_Minutes_To_Eight?snr=1_2108_9__2107
Fellow Puzzlers, Steam Next Fest October 2023 Edition starts today, and you can dive right into the Three Minutes To Eight demo! Let us know what you think about it! On top, the third part of our Featurette videos is available here: [previewyoutube=yi_fvlzCsAc;full][/previewyoutube] And don't forget to wishlist the game, if you liked it. Also, feel free to share your thoughts and feedback here on Steam's discussion boards. We're eager to check it out! Take care everyone! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2303320/Three_Minutes_To_Eight/
Hi Puzzlers, after the recent Featurette #1 drop about the Genesis and Gameplay of Three Minutes To Eight, I'm here with the #2 Featurette. Here I'm talking about the characters and philosophy of the game. It gives you some more development insights and my though processes while developing Three Minutes To Eight. I hope you'll like it! And don't forget, Three Minutes To Eight launches on October 23, 2023 already! You can watch the Featurette #2 right here: [previewyoutube=2siuk0bizH4;full][/previewyoutube] -------------------------------------------------------- Three Minutes to Eight is set in the near future, where players must uncover secret paths, find ways to cheat death, and unlock multiple endings to a unique mystery. Each run includes randomized elements and differing events that will urge players to revisit the game multiple times. Three Minutes to Eight is meant to mimic the borderline state of mind that teeters on the edge of consciousness, where everything is possible, yet remains elusive. Features:
One of the mysteries has been resolved, and we're proud to announce that Three Minutes To Eight will be released on October 23, 2023! Time to open your minds, getting ready to solve the bizarre mystery surrounding the timely demise of Three Minutes To Eight main character. And to help you pass the time until release, we managed to decrypt the first part of the Featurette where Nicola Piovesan, the developer behind Three Minutes To Eight, sheds some light on genesis that led him to develop a game like this. Make sure to give it a go: [previewyoutube=_WUFVwwTFM4;full][/previewyoutube] -------------------------------------------------------- Three Minutes to Eight is set in the near future, where players must uncover secret paths, find ways to cheat death, and unlock multiple endings to a unique mystery. Each run includes randomized elements and differing events that will urge players to revisit the game multiple times. Three Minutes to Eight is meant to mimic the borderline state of mind that teeters on the edge of consciousness, where everything is possible, yet remains elusive. Features:
We're excited to share that the demo for "Three Minutes To Eight" is now live on Steam! Embark on a captivating journey and get a sneak peek into the thrilling challenges that await. For those who joined us at Gamescom 2023 in Cologne, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your participation has been invaluable in shaping the game, and we can't thank you enough for your support. As you dive into the demo, we invite you to be a part of the process. Your feedback is essential in making the game even better. Share your thoughts, suggestions, and insights with us so we can continue refining the experience. Download the demo now and help us craft a truly remarkable adventure. Your journey to "Three Minutes To Eight" starts today! Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to create something extraordinary! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2521280/Three_Minutes_to_Eight_Demo?snr=1_7_15__13
Today, we are happy to announce our pixel art adventure indie game Three Minutes To Eight, by the ENCODYA-masterminds Chaosmonger Studio, which premiered exclusively, during todays Guerilla Collective showcase. More details: https://mediaindieexchange.com/showcases/guerrilla-collective-mix-2023
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