Hey, happy 2025! I hope this little update finds you in good spirits as you get back into the post-festive routine. Last year was a roller coaster for Iconiel and Codename: Zalidium. The demo didn't hit the mark despite my best efforts. I thought people would find the game more appealing, but I was wrong. So over the festive break, I took some time to reflect and research. Here's where I think my design and philosophy went wrong:

• Aesthetics matter Personally, I liked that my game looked different from others that shared similar gameplay to mine. I thought there was a bigger audience for this type of low-poly chicanery, but I was living in the past. But not living in the past enough to appeal to the retro gamer either, as I was not trying to make it look like something you'd play on an old console. Therefore, it lost out in a couple of ways and probably others.
• Worry What started out as a game designed to be fun and frictionless became more about not upsetting anyone and making the game inclusive. Then there was the worry about budget and time, being a self-published, solo-developed game. I spent too much time worrying about marketing and hustling for likes and follows because I was worried the game wasn't going to be seen. This all took focus away from the gameplay itself.
• Godot Godot is a cool game engine, don't get me wrong. Switching to it was essential for me to keep developing something after turning my back on using Unity. But it has its limits and drawbacks. I really didn't want to listen when other developers said it was only good for rapid prototyping but, to be fair, they were right. Of course, as an open-source project, it is constantly improving; however, for what I need as a solo game developer, it just isn't there for me.

There are just two weeks left for my Kickstarter campaign. 4 people have shown they possess a rare balance of high IQ and EQ by becoming backers. Will you join them? https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iconiel-nate/codename-zalidium The physical version is an exclusive rewards for this Kickstarter only. And don't worry about the game not getting made. While the Kickstarter would allow me to make the game a lot better and springboard Iconiel to new heights, I am committed to finishing and releasing Codename: Zalidium here on Steam. #indiegame #gamedev #madewithgodot #godot #solodev #zalidium

Support this solo developed indie video game by backing it on Kickstarter. Digital and physical releases of the game are up for grabs. Also 5 chances to be an NPC in the game and 1 exclusive cheat code reward. Thanks you for your support! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iconiel-nate/codename-zalidium
#indiegame #solodev #pcgaming #linuxgaming #steam #itch #gamejolt #selfpublishing

About the Game: Codename: Zalidium is an isometric run-and-gun adventure game that follows a team of agents investigating a deserted town in the American West. Players can choose from single-player or local multiplayer co-op modes. The game combines the clue-hunting found in RPGs with combat against waves of vicious goblins. Kickstarter Campaign: The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise at least 4,000 towards Codename: Zalidiums development and the production of a limited physical release for Kickstarter backers. Backers will also have the opportunity to receive other limited rewards, including a chance to be included as a survivor in one of the games missions and one chance to choose a top-secret cheat code. Quote from Developer: I have been working on this game for 9 months, and with the positive feedback from the demo release, I am really excited to turn this into a full-length game, said Nathan Osborn, solo developer at Iconiel LTD. Kickstarter offers a way to build a community of early supporters while offering a fun way for them to be involved in the games development. Campaign Details: Campaign Start Date: 31/08/2024 Campaign End Date: 30/09/2024 Kickstarter URL: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iconiel-nate/codename-zalidium Steam Demo URL: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3104990 About Iconiel LTD: Nathan Osborn set up Iconiel LTD in July 2023 to develop and release video games after struggling to find work in the UK games industry. Rather than give up, Nathan doubled down on his own company and began making a game independently. Nathans biggest dream is to turn Iconiel LTD into a vehicle that inspires and supports other creatives in similar circumstances to get together and collaborate, valuing passion and ability over experience. For more information, please contact: Nathan Osborn - Game Developer nathan@iconiel.com iconiel.com

• OS: Ubuntu 64 bit or equivalent
• Processor: 2GHz + x86_64 CPUMemory: 16 GB RAM
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (Pascal). AMD Radeon RX 460 (GCN 4.0)
• Storage: 200 MB available space