RoadHouse Manager
gameboardgames Developer
gameboardgames Publisher
2025-04-29 Release
Game News Posts:
11
🎹🖱️Keyboard + Mouse
🕹️ Partial Controller Support
🎮 Full Controller Support
🕹️ Partial Controller Support
🎮 Full Controller Support
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Introducing your nemesis: Mr Weasely
[ 2025-06-28 20:37:11 CET ] [ Original post ]
Mr Weasely & The Arch-Nemesis
Every great story needs a great villain, and RoadHouse Manager, this is Mr Weasely.
Mr Weasely owns the second floor of the traveling trans-dimensional roadhouse you call home. But he has a problem: if your roadhouse is too much fun for patrons, they'll never make it upstairs to his Cocktail Bar on the second floor.
Your failure is Mr Weasely's success! Every night he'll ponder your progress and if need be, will send some of his minions to cause big time trouble in your roadhouse. In this way he's a reactive villian, and the goons become parts of a system of nemesis where they are promoted or dismissed according to their success and failure.
Eventually one goon will be promoted to right-hand wo/man, and this person becomes your... Arch - Nemesis!
[previewyoutube="FtpbDzKfT0s;full"][/previewyoutube]This spices things up, in a big way. The full game will feature 10-12 different types of these special trouble makers, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics. You'll have to bounce them out of the roadhouse with extreme haste and prejudice to keep order in the roadhouse.
First Demo Feedback in Edmonton
RoadHouse Manager had a roaring success at our recent first public playtest demo featuring in Edmonton's GameCon. This was an invaluable event for us, and thank you so much to everyone who played the game and gave feedback.
Being the first real play test, the feedback was vitally eye-opening. As a solo dev, I'm too close to the game to really get a sense for what needs work.
On the positive side, I had a ton of compliments for the look of the game. On the needs work side, sliding beers was way (okay, more like way way way) too hard, and the game needs vastly expanded tutorials to explain everything.
So I'm adding taps on the left and right of the bar to address these concerns and slowly ramping up the mechanics in a much slower pace instead of throwing people in deep.
Thanks again for everyone who gave the game a whirl!
Timelines
I thought I'd have the Steam demo out but after the great playtest feedback, I now want to fix all those things before putting the first Internet-public demo out.
In my personal life, I've spent a lot of savings working on this game these last 2 odd years, FT. So I had to take a in-term recent job. This is good as I won't have to figure out coding in the streets, but bad for production, as I'll have greatly reduced time to work on the game.
I've broken down my remaining production to get the revised demo out to about 16 days of work, 2-3 hour sessions. This means that Steam demo will be coming out in July.
The next demo will be the Playtest Demo and anyone who tries the game out and submits feedback will be credited in the official credits! I rely on your feedback to make this the bestest game it can be.
Full game wen?
The tentative release date is going to be after October Next Fest. Most likely mid November, as I'll incorporate the feedback from the updated demo in Next Fest, and wait until the Spooky Halloweenie games have had their moment. I'm also revising the scope of the game so that expanded parts will be in a sequel or DLC so that I can release the first title sooner (next news will be about this!)
As a solo dev who is not doing this for the money, releasing the game in a good state when its done is my main goal. This is balanced out with not taking eternity to release the game.
Thanks for everyone reading this and showing interest in my game. If you think a friend may like this, please tell'em about the game, as I'm practically invisible on Steam these days, and a game's not a game without players. Like you!
[ 2025-06-28 20:37:11 CET ] [ Original post ]
Going to Game Con Canada 2025 June 13th-15th!
What an exciting time: we're only a month and a week from the world trying out life in the RoadHouse ! Thanks to ASUS, we've secured a booth for gameboardgames at Game Con Canada, in Edmonton, June 13th-15th, to be featured in the Innovation Zone, because we are innovative, an indie, and ASUS is awesome. If you haven't heard of this terrific event, it's one of the largest in Canada and covers all sorts of gaming, IRL gaming, a huge cosplay contest, and even has some celebrities, like last year's most lovely Deborah Ann Woll. You should go! For more info go to the official website Really excited to show off the game, and to introduce it to all the Game Con folks!
We'll also be launching this early demo on Steam in mid June, exact time unset yet, and for how long, also unset at this time. But you'll be able to play it! So keep on checking back around June 13th!
After a lot of consideration, we're not going to do this June Next Fest, and instead launch the demo concurrently with it during this in-person Game Con Canada event. We're juggling the release date and pushing it back one final time (hopefully for the last time -- being a solo indie game dev is fraught with unexpected stuff!) We are really hoping for a July release but the game needs a lot more polish and WAY more playtesting so, we'll see what players say. We'll be having a larger open playtest round.
We'll be recruiting. It doesn't pay much beyond a professional credit in this professional game's credits, and free early alpha access to the game, but if you love games, love giving feedback, and love the RoadHouse, then get in touch at gameboardgamesstudio@gmail.com . If you are a more casually-inclined playtester, that's awesome as well, when we release the demo we'll put a optional google form in there to give feedback, and we'd love to read your feedback. As a solo dev, really trying to make the best game possible, and to do so, a necessary and valuable component of the process is your feedback. Not doing this for the money, just trying to make the best roadhouse-roguelite game that's ever been made before. Thanks!
[ 2025-05-08 21:40:14 CET ] [ Original post ]
The RoadHouse is coming to Game Con in June !
What an exciting time: we're only a month and a week from the world trying out life in the RoadHouse ! Thanks to ASUS, we've secured a booth for gameboardgames at Game Con Canada, in Edmonton, June 13th-15th, to be featured in the Innovation Zone, because we are innovative, an indie, and ASUS is awesome. If you haven't heard of this terrific event, it's one of the largest in Canada and covers all sorts of gaming, IRL gaming, a huge cosplay contest, and even has some celebrities, like last year's most lovely Deborah Ann Woll. You should go! For more info go to the official website Really excited to show off the game, and to introduce it to all the Game Con folks!
Demo on Steam?
We'll also be launching this early demo on Steam in mid June, exact time unset yet, and for how long, also unset at this time. But you'll be able to play it! So keep on checking back around June 13th!
Going to do the Next, Next Fest
After a lot of consideration, we're not going to do this June Next Fest, and instead launch the demo concurrently with it during this in-person Game Con Canada event. We're juggling the release date and pushing it back one final time (hopefully for the last time -- being a solo indie game dev is fraught with unexpected stuff!) We are really hoping for a July release but the game needs a lot more polish and WAY more playtesting so, we'll see what players say. We'll be having a larger open playtest round.
Ever wanted to be a playtester?
We'll be recruiting. It doesn't pay much beyond a professional credit in this professional game's credits, and free early alpha access to the game, but if you love games, love giving feedback, and love the RoadHouse, then get in touch at gameboardgamesstudio@gmail.com . If you are a more casually-inclined playtester, that's awesome as well, when we release the demo we'll put a optional google form in there to give feedback, and we'd love to read your feedback. As a solo dev, really trying to make the best game possible, and to do so, a necessary and valuable component of the process is your feedback. Not doing this for the money, just trying to make the best roadhouse-roguelite game that's ever been made before. Thanks!
[ 2025-05-08 21:40:14 CET ] [ Original post ]
Slimes!
Originally in the roadhouse, dirt was a semi realistic concept that accumulated from human traffic. But we are always trying to cram more fun into the roadhouse, so, enter Slimes! Slimes randomly pop in from other dimensions during the day time, slimin' a way across your bar. The quicker you take them out with a broom, the less slime-damage will be suffered to your roadhouse's vibes. The slimes leave big slimy trails that you'll have to broom away, to restore your roadhouse's reputation for cleanliness. Those VIP patrons won't want to sit on slimy seats, after all!
It's been very long days these days for this solo dev building the roadhouse. But all this work paid off, as we recently hit enough milestones to now enter the Alpha state. There is much to share! The game is coming along fantastically and we have some real big news coming up about where our first demo will become available in June! Time sure flies when you are crunching. I can't wait for the day the RoadHouse will be all built, and you'll be able to drop in for a beer or brawl or two.
[ 2025-03-27 18:17:57 CET ] [ Original post ]
Time for another update!
Slimes!
Originally in the roadhouse, dirt was a semi realistic concept that accumulated from human traffic. But we are always trying to cram more fun into the roadhouse, so, enter Slimes! Slimes randomly pop in from other dimensions during the day time, slimin' a way across your bar. The quicker you take them out with a broom, the less slime-damage will be suffered to your roadhouse's vibes. The slimes leave big slimy trails that you'll have to broom away, to restore your roadhouse's reputation for cleanliness. Those VIP patrons won't want to sit on slimy seats, after all!
General Update: Alpha daze!
It's been very long days these days for this solo dev building the roadhouse. But all this work paid off, as we recently hit enough milestones to now enter the Alpha state. There is much to share! The game is coming along fantastically and we have some real big news coming up about where our first demo will become available in June! Time sure flies when you are crunching. I can't wait for the day the RoadHouse will be all built, and you'll be able to drop in for a beer or brawl or two.
[ 2025-03-27 18:17:57 CET ] [ Original post ]
Upgradin' Your RoadHouse
Arcade Set
Smokers Set
Caffeinated Set
Pub Games Set
Healthy Set
Lounge Set
Gambling Set
[/olist]
Each will confer bonuses for you to enjoy. But maybe more importantly, your customers will enjoy these as well. You'll need the best amenities and vibes to collect the best VIPs and become the best roadhouse lost in the multiversal fog!
Stay tuned for more updates as this solo dev endeavors to make the ultimate roguelite roadhouse experience for you.
[ 2025-01-19 19:59:55 CET ] [ Original post ]
When you think of what makes a terrific roadhouse a terrific roadhouse, what comes to mind? Whatever the answer, there's a good chance it's covered by one of our 70 odd upgrade blueprints! This last month, been working on the upgrade system. I'll let the youtube video show you it in action: [previewyoutube=In_2eU3b8tM;full][/previewyoutube] There's 7 different sets of upgrades you can build (but not all in the same game!): [olist]
[ 2025-01-19 19:59:55 CET ] [ Original post ]
100 Bottles of Booze now in 3D
The more you like to drink, maybe the more you may enjoy crafting a cocktail in the roadhouse! Stocking the ultimate collection of fine alcohol, spirits, beers, wines, ciders and mixers is going to a big part of your mission to make the ultimate roadhouse experience for your guests. Originally, I created a 2D ingredient system with 333 items in it. But it just wasn't as fun to stock your bar in a 2D UI as it would be in 3D! So, I've decided to go more 3D! It just so much more fun to earn that top quality booze and see it added to your shelf, like trophies. There's just something about collecting these unique bottles and being able to build your Signature Cocktails out of your impressive collection. So far I'm 60 bottles in of the 100 in the category Booze, Spirits and Ciders. I day dream that I'll one day be able to build a collection like this in real life!
Really happy with this switch. It's more exciting when you see that 3d booze drop instead out of a treasure sack, instead of what it was previously, which was a single-standard standard 3D bottle image which you then had to check your inventory to identify further. Seeing your booze collection grow over the course of a run on your bar shelves... I don't know why, but it's just awesome. Collecting stuff is fine in any game but collecting booze -- well that's even better! And for anyone that can collect'em all, that'll be a heck of an achievement. And take a few longer runs through the game.
Be the first to comment on my game. I'm feeling pretty invisible these days as a solo dev with his head down working away, so would love any non-trolling feedback that you have out there in the void. If you are reading this you are a special and limited edition, rare person! The Steam algorithm has marked this game as not popular enough to show the masses so we're only getting a few dozen visits to the store page these days from wanderers and fine indie game connoisseurs and rare oddities enjoyers like you, so whoever you are, thanks! And if you like this game at all, telling someone about it would be a big huge Xmas present to me, thanks, and the gift that'll keep giving, as I'll be able to continue making games if this one doesn't bankrupt me.
Things always take longer than expected! I've always been refining the roadhouse experience, trying to make each minute spent in the roadhouse count. Aiming for fun foremost, above all. I'm going to make a big change to the release plans, and lay out a whole new blueprint for The RoadHouse Franchise, with some big and final pivots, restructurings and so on. That'll announcement will be in the coming weeks, stay tuned!
And if I don't post before then, happy holidays to anyone out there reading this. I wish you all the best whether you buy this game eventually or not, and hope you all have many ounces of holiday good times to end out the year!
[ 2024-12-08 23:26:22 CET ] [ Original post ]
3D modeled booze!
The more you like to drink, maybe the more you may enjoy crafting a cocktail in the roadhouse! Stocking the ultimate collection of fine alcohol, spirits, beers, wines, ciders and mixers is going to a big part of your mission to make the ultimate roadhouse experience for your guests. Originally, I created a 2D ingredient system with 333 items in it. But it just wasn't as fun to stock your bar in a 2D UI as it would be in 3D! So, I've decided to go more 3D! It just so much more fun to earn that top quality booze and see it added to your shelf, like trophies. There's just something about collecting these unique bottles and being able to build your Signature Cocktails out of your impressive collection. So far I'm 60 bottles in of the 100 in the category Booze, Spirits and Ciders. I day dream that I'll one day be able to build a collection like this in real life!
Really happy with this switch. It's more exciting when you see that 3d booze drop instead out of a treasure sack, instead of what it was previously, which was a single-standard standard 3D bottle image which you then had to check your inventory to identify further. Seeing your booze collection grow over the course of a run on your bar shelves... I don't know why, but it's just awesome. Collecting stuff is fine in any game but collecting booze -- well that's even better! And for anyone that can collect'em all, that'll be a heck of an achievement. And take a few longer runs through the game.
What do you think of this change?
Be the first to comment on my game. I'm feeling pretty invisible these days as a solo dev with his head down working away, so would love any non-trolling feedback that you have out there in the void. If you are reading this you are a special and limited edition, rare person! The Steam algorithm has marked this game as not popular enough to show the masses so we're only getting a few dozen visits to the store page these days from wanderers and fine indie game connoisseurs and rare oddities enjoyers like you, so whoever you are, thanks! And if you like this game at all, telling someone about it would be a big huge Xmas present to me, thanks, and the gift that'll keep giving, as I'll be able to continue making games if this one doesn't bankrupt me.
General progress update
Things always take longer than expected! I've always been refining the roadhouse experience, trying to make each minute spent in the roadhouse count. Aiming for fun foremost, above all. I'm going to make a big change to the release plans, and lay out a whole new blueprint for The RoadHouse Franchise, with some big and final pivots, restructurings and so on. That'll announcement will be in the coming weeks, stay tuned!
Happy holidays!
And if I don't post before then, happy holidays to anyone out there reading this. I wish you all the best whether you buy this game eventually or not, and hope you all have many ounces of holiday good times to end out the year!
[ 2024-12-08 23:26:22 CET ] [ Original post ]
Drunk Aliens Found the RoadHouse!
I've added aliens to the roadhouse. Drunk aliens, that cause a real ruckus. Before the aliens, customers would get angry. And if many customers get really angry, a bar fight breaks out, and that's something to be avoided. But I needed another something to keep players on their toes. It was too easy to serve beers well, and if careful, avoiding unhappy customers causing troubles for you, the roadhouse manager. So -- enter aliens! This is a new mechanic that adds some more pressure and chaos to your roadhouse experience. Each night they'll be a portal time countdown, and when it hits 0, an alien will pop in. These aliens are so drunk they run around and completely smash your furniture to bits, break your upgrades, and bash your customers in, generally causing a bad time for all involved. But you aren't powerless: that's why I also added the Alien Drunk Tank Containment. You'll be able to upgrade this, to help with the alien menace. It's a limited time shield that will keep the alien contained around the portal. But watch out -- when the Alien Power Booze tanks run out, the shield will fail, the alien will be free, and your bar trashed!
AI. Some people love it, some people hate. Most gamers... just aren't a fan. For a couple of reasons, I've decided to move two major live-service AI features to be optional DLC: the Tall-Tales and AI-powered Cocktail Creator. Instead of integrating these in the main game as I planned originally, they'll now becoming down the road, as optional DLC. This way, those who are interested in these features can get'em, and those that aren't, will enjoy a lower price for RoadHouse Manager. Running live AIs is costly, with ongoing fees, so it makes more sense for me to have these as add-ons. Don't worry though: the non-AI powered Cocktail Creator is still gonna be pretty amazing. And now you won't need a network connection to play the game, so that's a plus, or worry about how long this poor indie solo game dev will be afford to keep the live service AIs serving up drinks.
The game is coming along great! But wow, being a solo dev sure is tough. I had to push the release date back. Over the last few months, I shifted the design from more of a simulator to now more of an action game. Because that's just more fun, I've found in all the testing. Unfortunately, my development funds are running down, so I'll likely have to go back to work for someone else and finish RoadHouse Manager part time. But the good news is I'm not doing this for money, I'm doing this to make a great game, and whenever release day comes, you can be assured it'll be a fun game worth your time, and cost you less than two happy hour drinks and your local. Thanks for all your support! Look forward to seeing you all the roadhouse one day.
[ 2024-10-27 02:01:49 CET ] [ Original post ]
Happy Halloween folks! May your times be fun and only slightly haunted. Here's another update! [previewyoutube=rRDPNP5nklw;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Aliens incoming to the RoadHouse
I've added aliens to the roadhouse. Drunk aliens, that cause a real ruckus. Before the aliens, customers would get angry. And if many customers get really angry, a bar fight breaks out, and that's something to be avoided. But I needed another something to keep players on their toes. It was too easy to serve beers well, and if careful, avoiding unhappy customers causing troubles for you, the roadhouse manager. So -- enter aliens! This is a new mechanic that adds some more pressure and chaos to your roadhouse experience. Each night they'll be a portal time countdown, and when it hits 0, an alien will pop in. These aliens are so drunk they run around and completely smash your furniture to bits, break your upgrades, and bash your customers in, generally causing a bad time for all involved. But you aren't powerless: that's why I also added the Alien Drunk Tank Containment. You'll be able to upgrade this, to help with the alien menace. It's a limited time shield that will keep the alien contained around the portal. But watch out -- when the Alien Power Booze tanks run out, the shield will fail, the alien will be free, and your bar trashed!
Live AI Features Going to be DLC
AI. Some people love it, some people hate. Most gamers... just aren't a fan. For a couple of reasons, I've decided to move two major live-service AI features to be optional DLC: the Tall-Tales and AI-powered Cocktail Creator. Instead of integrating these in the main game as I planned originally, they'll now becoming down the road, as optional DLC. This way, those who are interested in these features can get'em, and those that aren't, will enjoy a lower price for RoadHouse Manager. Running live AIs is costly, with ongoing fees, so it makes more sense for me to have these as add-ons. Don't worry though: the non-AI powered Cocktail Creator is still gonna be pretty amazing. And now you won't need a network connection to play the game, so that's a plus, or worry about how long this poor indie solo game dev will be afford to keep the live service AIs serving up drinks.
General Update
The game is coming along great! But wow, being a solo dev sure is tough. I had to push the release date back. Over the last few months, I shifted the design from more of a simulator to now more of an action game. Because that's just more fun, I've found in all the testing. Unfortunately, my development funds are running down, so I'll likely have to go back to work for someone else and finish RoadHouse Manager part time. But the good news is I'm not doing this for money, I'm doing this to make a great game, and whenever release day comes, you can be assured it'll be a fun game worth your time, and cost you less than two happy hour drinks and your local. Thanks for all your support! Look forward to seeing you all the roadhouse one day.
[ 2024-10-27 02:01:49 CET ] [ Original post ]
1st Trailer Released!
As promised, serving up a first trailer to give ya'all a sense of what transpires in a place like The Fogs End, the multiversal roadhouse on the edge of the worlds. It's a gameplay trailer, 95% exclusively gameplay footage, as I know most of you are most concerned with how this game will play, and not what the main character is eating for breakfast, or the orcs invading or wizards whatevers. This 1st trailer focuses on what's it like to be a Cooler (class): and how you keep control over those unruly ! guests. This trailer also features the Polar Bear (mechanic), which can be activated when things get out of hand, when there's a bar brawl, or just for fun when you want a polar bear to rip through your customer-base and you want to end the night prematurely. Keep in mind: There's no half-measures of polar bear in the roadhouse. And hey if you really want to fully appreciate this first trailer, by all means, follow this youtube link, and watch the 4k version with some decent volume to hear our hit title tune, 'A Polar Bear Fell On Me.' Inspired by a real fictional story, by the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_cRus3pU6E
My goodness. RoadHouse Manager is shaping up to be a very fun, entertaining, silly and innovative game that really pushes the multiversal bartender RPG beat'em up genre forward into ... well an entirely new genre mix of this sole amazing game. The other news: it's taking longer than expected. I'm just a solo dev dude, so 'bear' with me -- I'm not rushing to pad the quarterly earnings to keep my shareholders happy, I'm just endeavoring to make the best unique, fun and interesting game I can make for you all to enjoy. Now with the trailer ready to go, finally gonna start doing some marketing as well. I'm currently not very visible at all so, lots of work to do on that front before I can release this game into our world. Cheers and beers, gameboardgames
[ 2024-09-08 19:00:53 CET ] [ Original post ]
Trailer #1: Polar Bear, Customer Service
As promised, serving up a first trailer to give ya'all a sense of what transpires in a place like The Fogs End, the multiversal roadhouse on the edge of the worlds. It's a gameplay trailer, 95% exclusively gameplay footage, as I know most of you are most concerned with how this game will play, and not what the main character is eating for breakfast, or the orcs invading or wizards whatevers. This 1st trailer focuses on what's it like to be a Cooler (class): and how you keep control over those unruly ! guests. This trailer also features the Polar Bear (mechanic), which can be activated when things get out of hand, when there's a bar brawl, or just for fun when you want a polar bear to rip through your customer-base and you want to end the night prematurely. Keep in mind: There's no half-measures of polar bear in the roadhouse. And hey if you really want to fully appreciate this first trailer, by all means, follow this youtube link, and watch the 4k version with some decent volume to hear our hit title tune, 'A Polar Bear Fell On Me.' Inspired by a real fictional story, by the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_cRus3pU6E
Development Update
My goodness. RoadHouse Manager is shaping up to be a very fun, entertaining, silly and innovative game that really pushes the multiversal bartender RPG beat'em up genre forward into ... well an entirely new genre mix of this sole amazing game. The other news: it's taking longer than expected. I'm just a solo dev dude, so 'bear' with me -- I'm not rushing to pad the quarterly earnings to keep my shareholders happy, I'm just endeavoring to make the best unique, fun and interesting game I can make for you all to enjoy. Now with the trailer ready to go, finally gonna start doing some marketing as well. I'm currently not very visible at all so, lots of work to do on that front before I can release this game into our world. Cheers and beers, gameboardgames
[ 2024-09-08 19:00:53 CET ] [ Original post ]
Country Hood: Country Hip-Hop Covers
Good day managers! In another dimension's Earth, hip hop never happened. Instead, a lot more country music came from the streets and urban centers. In another dimension's Earth, there's a band called Country Hood that lights up the charts. The vast majority of music appearing in RoadHouse Manager is all original stuff. All of the music's original except for today's feature band, Country Hood, which covers hip hop classics. Country Hood will provide much of the music in our free demo exclusively, and not feature in the main game, because parody song copyrights are bit murky. Damn we got some good tunes here! Enjoy! Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZe9PvlNoPSDhKm_NUErdbKzk0IQQO_w [previewyoutube=QT5HF5xSbbk;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=gjZ7mDoqS3Q;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=LYMode6VgFc;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=GoER8YwW0_U;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=UUCpR0HZWzQ;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=SXzW4Pv7Xsg;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=N-Yup-U0Jag;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=fg4HD5Dg-f8;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
[ 2024-08-06 00:15:52 CET ] [ Original post ]
Country Hood
Hip hop classics done country style!
Good day managers! In another dimension's Earth, hip hop never happened. Instead, a lot more country music came from the streets and urban centers. In another dimension's Earth, there's a band called Country Hood that lights up the charts. The vast majority of music appearing in RoadHouse Manager is all original stuff. All of the music's original except for today's feature band, Country Hood, which covers hip hop classics. Country Hood will provide much of the music in our free demo exclusively, and not feature in the main game, because parody song copyrights are bit murky. Damn we got some good tunes here! Enjoy! Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZe9PvlNoPSDhKm_NUErdbKzk0IQQO_w [previewyoutube=QT5HF5xSbbk;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=gjZ7mDoqS3Q;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=LYMode6VgFc;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=GoER8YwW0_U;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=UUCpR0HZWzQ;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=SXzW4Pv7Xsg;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=N-Yup-U0Jag;leftthumb][/previewyoutube] [previewyoutube=fg4HD5Dg-f8;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
[ 2024-08-06 00:15:52 CET ] [ Original post ]
Release dates and beers deep-drink
Whew, making games is tough. And whew, making games as a solo dev is even tougher. And double whew, making a solo indie dev game in a never-before-seen genre mix with never-before-seen game mechanics and never-before-done cutting edge AI tech is even tougher. And estimating how long it'll all take? That's even harder. We pushed our release date, to tentatively Feb 12th 2025. We are trying as hard as humanely possible to get our demo out for October's Next Fest. We may have to push it further -- we aren't going to be releasing this game until it is fully baked and awesome. And we have a ways to go. Currently, this solo dev is working FT, about 40-60 hours a week on this game. However the savings are dryin' up. I may be forced to go back to work FT somewhere and shift game production to PT for the final stages. However rest assured: the game will definitely come out, its just a matter of when.
Another reason why we are pushing the release date is a lack of visibility and wishlists. Sure is tough to get noticed on Steam these days, with so many great games coming out everyday! Heck, there are even a lot of just tavern related-games coming this year. We have to seriously crank the marketing and wishlists and such to make this game a hit that can sustain gameboardgames and this solo dev to make future games. Towards this end we are putting together a great first trailer and upgrading our store page this month, do more often updates, and then we'll work on marketing more to get us where we want to be. If RoadHouse Manager looks like something someone you know may like, do us a huge solid and tell them about this obscure indie game being made. The more wishlists we get, the sooner the game will be released. It makes a big difference! If you have already wishlisted us, a big thank you, consider yourself a RoadHouse Manager OF (original fan.)
The roadhouse will feature one beer on tap. This will be the primary pour for the majority of your customers. The VIP's will get something special made for them (from our 350 ingredient cocktail creation system), for everyone else walking in through the fog, its tap beers. You'll be able to feature one beer on tap and it'll confer a unique bonus, so choose well. The featured beer will also have it's logo prominently on display above the main floor bar. Here's the beers! Brands are unlocked through meeting with special VIP Rep's who sometimes walk into the roadhouse, and confer special bonuses. The beer selection carries over to additional play-throughs.
Klump Beer Type: Stout Bonus: Takes longer for customers to drink (before needing another round) Klump is a delicious stout from an alternate dimension Ireland that is popular in over half of the known universe a billion years from now. Goes down smooth, full flavor, and best when poured from a keg.
Chilin Beer Type: Belgian White Bonus: More mellow customers (less chance of customer getting angry) You are sitting on a patio on a hot summer day, in the shade, overlooking a beach. At this moment in time you want a wheat beer with a touch of orange flavor. In most dimensions of Earth, you'd order a Chilin.
Horn Beer Type: Irish Lager Bonus: Extends time before angry customer looses his cool Sometimes you want the easy-drinking of a clean lager but you don't want the local tasteless stuff, you wanna go fancy, you want some real-deal beeriness to your beer. For these occasions, get a Horn.
Zip Zap Beer Type: Coffee-Infused Stout Bonus: Faster pour The beers making you sluggish? What if you caffeinated that? Put a little zip in your step and zap in your pouring times with the ever-popular Zip Zap stout.
Spririli Beer Type: Golden Lager Bonus: Extra $ tips Drinking a Spririli is like inviting a miniature German brewmaster into your mouth to orchestrate your taste buds to produce the most balanced and crisp lager featuring traditional malts and hops. The sort of easy-drinking, "all-day, all-night" beer.
Queen Beer Type: American-style Lager Bonus: Easier to pour (larger green zone when pouring) Here we have the true Queen of beers, in most of the known multiverse. Medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp lager that has little head, making it easier to get that perfect pour that keeps your customers happy. Barley, malt, hops and a touch of rice in this classic and perennially popular brew.
Sharky Beer Type: Pale Ale Bonus: Can't over-pour (no auto-fail if over-poured) Light, floral and a touch fruity, Sharky is a new easy-drinker out of universe 324251. Brewed in Washington state, this is the sort of summer beer that offers enough different flavors of the discerning palettes of those who want to try something a bit different, featuring grapefruit, lemon and lime notes.
[ 2024-07-19 20:30:41 CET ] [ Original post ]
Good day all future roadhouse managers out there. Thanks for reading. Get comfortable and we recommend pairing this update news with a fresh beer. Today we'll look at two things: a general update on how the game is coming along, and a look at the possible beers on tap in your roadhouse.
Release Date Pushed
Whew, making games is tough. And whew, making games as a solo dev is even tougher. And double whew, making a solo indie dev game in a never-before-seen genre mix with never-before-seen game mechanics and never-before-done cutting edge AI tech is even tougher. And estimating how long it'll all take? That's even harder. We pushed our release date, to tentatively Feb 12th 2025. We are trying as hard as humanely possible to get our demo out for October's Next Fest. We may have to push it further -- we aren't going to be releasing this game until it is fully baked and awesome. And we have a ways to go. Currently, this solo dev is working FT, about 40-60 hours a week on this game. However the savings are dryin' up. I may be forced to go back to work FT somewhere and shift game production to PT for the final stages. However rest assured: the game will definitely come out, its just a matter of when.
Need To Get More Known!
Another reason why we are pushing the release date is a lack of visibility and wishlists. Sure is tough to get noticed on Steam these days, with so many great games coming out everyday! Heck, there are even a lot of just tavern related-games coming this year. We have to seriously crank the marketing and wishlists and such to make this game a hit that can sustain gameboardgames and this solo dev to make future games. Towards this end we are putting together a great first trailer and upgrading our store page this month, do more often updates, and then we'll work on marketing more to get us where we want to be. If RoadHouse Manager looks like something someone you know may like, do us a huge solid and tell them about this obscure indie game being made. The more wishlists we get, the sooner the game will be released. It makes a big difference! If you have already wishlisted us, a big thank you, consider yourself a RoadHouse Manager OF (original fan.)
Beers on Tap in the RoadHouse
The roadhouse will feature one beer on tap. This will be the primary pour for the majority of your customers. The VIP's will get something special made for them (from our 350 ingredient cocktail creation system), for everyone else walking in through the fog, its tap beers. You'll be able to feature one beer on tap and it'll confer a unique bonus, so choose well. The featured beer will also have it's logo prominently on display above the main floor bar. Here's the beers! Brands are unlocked through meeting with special VIP Rep's who sometimes walk into the roadhouse, and confer special bonuses. The beer selection carries over to additional play-throughs.
Klump Beer Type: Stout Bonus: Takes longer for customers to drink (before needing another round) Klump is a delicious stout from an alternate dimension Ireland that is popular in over half of the known universe a billion years from now. Goes down smooth, full flavor, and best when poured from a keg.
Chilin Beer Type: Belgian White Bonus: More mellow customers (less chance of customer getting angry) You are sitting on a patio on a hot summer day, in the shade, overlooking a beach. At this moment in time you want a wheat beer with a touch of orange flavor. In most dimensions of Earth, you'd order a Chilin.
Horn Beer Type: Irish Lager Bonus: Extends time before angry customer looses his cool Sometimes you want the easy-drinking of a clean lager but you don't want the local tasteless stuff, you wanna go fancy, you want some real-deal beeriness to your beer. For these occasions, get a Horn.
Zip Zap Beer Type: Coffee-Infused Stout Bonus: Faster pour The beers making you sluggish? What if you caffeinated that? Put a little zip in your step and zap in your pouring times with the ever-popular Zip Zap stout.
Spririli Beer Type: Golden Lager Bonus: Extra $ tips Drinking a Spririli is like inviting a miniature German brewmaster into your mouth to orchestrate your taste buds to produce the most balanced and crisp lager featuring traditional malts and hops. The sort of easy-drinking, "all-day, all-night" beer.
Queen Beer Type: American-style Lager Bonus: Easier to pour (larger green zone when pouring) Here we have the true Queen of beers, in most of the known multiverse. Medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp lager that has little head, making it easier to get that perfect pour that keeps your customers happy. Barley, malt, hops and a touch of rice in this classic and perennially popular brew.
Sharky Beer Type: Pale Ale Bonus: Can't over-pour (no auto-fail if over-poured) Light, floral and a touch fruity, Sharky is a new easy-drinker out of universe 324251. Brewed in Washington state, this is the sort of summer beer that offers enough different flavors of the discerning palettes of those who want to try something a bit different, featuring grapefruit, lemon and lime notes.
[ 2024-07-19 20:30:41 CET ] [ Original post ]
RoadHouse Manager: The Soundtrack (Free Album!)
Lend me your ears! To get us all into the spirit of the RoadHouse, a soundtrack was made! And damn, is this special. Seriously. This turned out really well, you gotta give it a listen right now! 7 tracks of different genre musical minor masterpieces! I wrote all the lyrics and selected the genres and keeping with the design of the game, got a friendly AI to help out! the game, the soundtrack Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZe9PvlNoPQVvVbQo2YwwAnKXh4GCEyg [previewyoutube=jpB70z3Ar58;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Dreamy, haunting, simple! [previewyoutube=fEHOv2ZLCBg;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Folk ballad with a steel guitar finish, the three rules to being a legendary bouncer! [previewyoutube=7jYnYO6-i5g;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Punk energy! Bar Fight! Bar Fight Bar Fight Bar Fight! In the game: if you can't contain your bad vibes, everyone fights and the furniture starts flying! [previewyoutube=LRGwXz8wC9w;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Early 90's action movie soundtrack energy in these power cords! Never surrender! [previewyoutube=9PK4pUYMV3s;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
It's not only a song, it's a recipe! Reggae style Barbados punch, give it a listen and a drink! [previewyoutube=_rO9YnPZnxY;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
A country ballad about that time a stuffed polar bear fell on me! [previewyoutube=-JncW_4Z89Y;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Ending with the welcome, about getting lost in the fog and finding yourself no longer lost, at the Fog's End! What a soundtrack! Give it a listen! And if you enjoy it, share it with a friend. I'm just a solo indie dev guy without much of a marketing budget, and sharing this would really help, so thanks!
[ 2024-04-11 17:05:30 CET ] [ Original post ]
RoadHouse Manager the game, the soundtrack
free promo album released!
Lend me your ears! To get us all into the spirit of the RoadHouse, a soundtrack was made! And damn, is this special. Seriously. This turned out really well, you gotta give it a listen right now! 7 tracks of different genre musical minor masterpieces! I wrote all the lyrics and selected the genres and keeping with the design of the game, got a friendly AI to help out! the game, the soundtrack Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQZe9PvlNoPQVvVbQo2YwwAnKXh4GCEyg [previewyoutube=jpB70z3Ar58;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 01. roadhouse manager
Dreamy, haunting, simple! [previewyoutube=fEHOv2ZLCBg;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 02. the 3 rules of being a bouncer
Folk ballad with a steel guitar finish, the three rules to being a legendary bouncer! [previewyoutube=7jYnYO6-i5g;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 03. bar fight!
Punk energy! Bar Fight! Bar Fight Bar Fight Bar Fight! In the game: if you can't contain your bad vibes, everyone fights and the furniture starts flying! [previewyoutube=LRGwXz8wC9w;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 04. Pain Don't Hurt
Early 90's action movie soundtrack energy in these power cords! Never surrender! [previewyoutube=9PK4pUYMV3s;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 05. how to make the punch that saved the world
It's not only a song, it's a recipe! Reggae style Barbados punch, give it a listen and a drink! [previewyoutube=_rO9YnPZnxY;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 06. a polar bear fell on me
A country ballad about that time a stuffed polar bear fell on me! [previewyoutube=-JncW_4Z89Y;leftthumb][/previewyoutube]
Track 07. Welcome To The RoadHouse (extended mix)
Ending with the welcome, about getting lost in the fog and finding yourself no longer lost, at the Fog's End! What a soundtrack! Give it a listen! And if you enjoy it, share it with a friend. I'm just a solo indie dev guy without much of a marketing budget, and sharing this would really help, so thanks!
[ 2024-04-11 17:05:30 CET ] [ Original post ]
Welcome To The RoadHouse .... Manager!
Welcome to the RoadHouse! Thanks for being here, you reading this. Whats-your-face, I really appreciate it. Here are the three pillar prerogatives slash design goals for this amazing first game from gameboardgames, a game-making gamey game company.
RoadHouse Manager is a completely new idea in gaming. If you combined Dave The Diver's gameplay loop, with a sorta Overcookedish control & camera, with the roguelite mechanics and crew of F.T.L, and set it in a [strike]bar[/strike] RoadHouse, and added circa 2024 LLM AI powered NPCs that you send on quests sort of how you do in Palword then you'll have a rough idea of what this newfangled debut Steam game of ours is all about.
Lot of game devs these days are like 'Oh noes, AI's be bad, they took our jebs!' and so on. Not gameboardgames. If we were making games when the Adlib and SoundBlaster came out (the first sound cards), we'd put voices in our games. If we were around when 3dfx released the Voodoo (the 1st generation of video cards) we'd make a 3d game. If we were around when network-enabled multi-player became a thing, we'd make a MP game. In short: we're going to push the envelop of gaming tech with AI in 2024, having our custom AI's give personalities to our game characters. Big thank you to Steam for allowing AI content (just a few months ago). It's time for a new era of gaming.
Well this is sorta of more a goal than a pillar of design. We are using Starfield as fun-benchmark because I was personally mega-disappointed by it. (What a bad design though, really.) If RoadHouse Manager isn't more fun than Starfield then I think we'll close the studio and call it a day. Fortunately this a low bar though, because Starfield was about as much fun as a soggy banana. So that's post number 1. Stay tuned, we're going to make a dev-log here, giving updates on the roadhouse's development. If any of this sounds interesting, we'd love it if you wishlisted our game and followed along on journey. Hasta la vista!
[ 2024-03-25 00:23:17 CET ] [ Original post ]
Hello world! Today, with great pride, I'd like to introduce RoadHouse Manager to the world. What a momentous occasion! First, a tiny bit about me. My name is Kevin. About two years ago or so, I quit my day job with Activision Blizzard to make my own games -- a lifelong dream. This was a big leap of faith, as I didn't really know how to make games at the time, but hey, we only live once in this game, so I hopped. Gameboardgames studio came into being. I got into the groove making some blockchain games associated with my crypto-company, Steak4All, on the Sandbox platform. But I wanted more. So here is more:
RoadHouse Manager
Welcome to the RoadHouse! Thanks for being here, you reading this. Whats-your-face, I really appreciate it. Here are the three pillar prerogatives slash design goals for this amazing first game from gameboardgames, a game-making gamey game company.
1] Create a truly innovative, never-before-seen game design in an entirely new genre-combination.
RoadHouse Manager is a completely new idea in gaming. If you combined Dave The Diver's gameplay loop, with a sorta Overcookedish control & camera, with the roguelite mechanics and crew of F.T.L, and set it in a [strike]bar[/strike] RoadHouse, and added circa 2024 LLM AI powered NPCs that you send on quests sort of how you do in Palword then you'll have a rough idea of what this newfangled debut Steam game of ours is all about.
2] Utilize the latest AI tooling to have infinite-possibilities NPCs
Lot of game devs these days are like 'Oh noes, AI's be bad, they took our jebs!' and so on. Not gameboardgames. If we were making games when the Adlib and SoundBlaster came out (the first sound cards), we'd put voices in our games. If we were around when 3dfx released the Voodoo (the 1st generation of video cards) we'd make a 3d game. If we were around when network-enabled multi-player became a thing, we'd make a MP game. In short: we're going to push the envelop of gaming tech with AI in 2024, having our custom AI's give personalities to our game characters. Big thank you to Steam for allowing AI content (just a few months ago). It's time for a new era of gaming.
3] 300x - 500x more fun that Starfield!
Well this is sorta of more a goal than a pillar of design. We are using Starfield as fun-benchmark because I was personally mega-disappointed by it. (What a bad design though, really.) If RoadHouse Manager isn't more fun than Starfield then I think we'll close the studio and call it a day. Fortunately this a low bar though, because Starfield was about as much fun as a soggy banana. So that's post number 1. Stay tuned, we're going to make a dev-log here, giving updates on the roadhouse's development. If any of this sounds interesting, we'd love it if you wishlisted our game and followed along on journey. Hasta la vista!
[ 2024-03-25 00:23:17 CET ] [ Original post ]
Welcome to The Fog’s End: a roadhouse in an alternate dimension where there are many thirsty travelers. In this strange place, every night a fog bank rolls through the land. Here the fog bends worlds together, and makes you forget who you are. Lost in fog, misfits and lost travelers wander through infinite possibilities. The Midnight Train from some other place stops here, every night. These travelers will come to The Fog’s End, a beacon in the mist: looking for friends, looking for forgotten memories, and a well-made drink.
Oh ya, and some jerks will come in as well. You'll have to throw them out -- maybe through a window, or down the stairs.
Stock the Bar, Save the World
Most folks in this world are friendly, but not all of them. You have thirty days to prepare for the end of the world. It will take all your skills and a hell of a perfect signature cocktail to appease the OMEGA CRITIC, the weird being who owns this dimension. If you don’t make the cut, you get cut; your reality phased-out into the fog and mistified.
No two games play the same way, as different travelers find you in the fog every night. Over 50,000 possible looks to these random NPCs. Each night's travelers include one VIP guest. VIPs are vital for your roadhouse. Send them on quests, or gamble-dice to win cocktail infusions for your custom cocktail, or hire them to staff.
Advanced LLM AI-powered Patrons
Your drinks are famous. Sometimes they are so good, they'll shock the guests into remembering that they were once famous.
Socrates. Maurice Rocket Richarde. Cleopatra. You can infuse guests with over 100 possible historical personalities if you have can craft the correct cocktail!
Once a wanderer enjoys one of your fine beverages, they’ll decide to stay, and become a permanent fixture in your bar. You can even hire them as staff. Maybe Seneca could work coat check, and Nikola Tesla be your handy-man, the choice is yours.
Dialogue for these famous guests are generated by a live AI using a simulated personality matrix, enabling near limitless possibilities! But please note: a network connection is needed for this feature -- you can still play offline though, without the dialogue, if you aren't much of a reader.
Advanced Bartending Fun
No one ever bartended like this before, in gaming.
Each drink is a performance in The Fog’s End. You’ll need some good flair to impress your VIPs. Toss the glass, spin it, balance it on your arm. Pour it perfectly. And your ingredients have to be up to snuff to, as only the highest quality cocktails can trigger an Infusion, where your VIP remembers he or she is a famous figure from history!
24 kinds of beer. 24 kinds of wine. 100 different spirits. 99 different beverages and juices. 85 kinds of sweeteners, mixes and syrups. No game has ever had any bar anywhere near as stocked as yours, with 333 possible ingredients in the roadhouse. Ralph, our in-house AI, calculates upwards of 2,364,896 possible unique drink recipes are possible with this many ingredients... and that's a lot!
Days Are For Building, Exploring and Prep -- Nights You Are Open For Business
As the days go on, you’ll need an increasingly better ambiance to entice fog-wanderers to stop by. Through your staff, you can spend money on upgrading your roadhouse: show lights, plants, seating, appliances, and enhance your VIP room for your most famous guests. The day time is for casual prepping for the night time.
Reminiscent of old-school design, when the night starts, you'll have to run around to pour drinks, keep your customers in line, and collect tips and glassware, some of it flying through the air! To keep operating costs low, catch those flying glasses and try not to break furniture if you got to bust heads and do some coolin'. During the day, you can rebuild, upgrade and explore the open world.
Infinite Cocktail Design
Utilizing an AI-powered Signature Cocktail designer, the amount of drinks you can create is almost endless. Only have some lime juice, maple syrup and gin? Don’t worry about it! Our AI will come up with something!
Our cocktail creator offers near infinite possibilities. You may be able to generate your very own original and delicious legendary drink that you could make in the real world if you have the same ingredients. Millions of possible cocktail inventions are possible in your roadhouse!
But only the Best Cocktail can save the world! If the OMEGA CRITIC isn't impressed, your roadhouse will get knocked down to make way for a new trans-dimensional highway bypass. It's all up to you!
Improve Your RoadHouse, & Collect 120+ Songs From Around the Multiverse
You have a magic interdimensional jukebox that can bring in over 120 songs from alternate dimensions, unlocked via impressing traveling VIP musicians.
You are limited in how many VIPs you can keep as regulars though. Each one has different stats and bonuses. Choose wisely, and swap out when needed. Upgrade the VIP room for a bigger squad of patrons.
With each new run, you can carry over a few of your prized bottles of booze. Choose wisely to make the next run count!
Cool It!
Rule number one for your roadhouse: always try to be rice.
Rice is flexible. Rice is easy-going. Rice is nice. You always try to be rice. But sometimes, being rice just won’t cut it.
If push comes to shove, you’ll have to deliver an occasional beat-down to keep the unruly guests chilled and reasonable. Punch, kick, and throw unruly guests down the stairs to prevent a giant bar fight from breaking out, wrecking your roadhouse!
MINIMAL SETUP
- OS: Linux
- Processor: Quad core 2 GHzMemory: 8 GB RAM
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: (testing upcoming)Additional Notes: (testing upcoming)
- OS: Linux
- Processor: Quad core 3 GHz+Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: (testing upcoming)Additional Notes: (testing upcoming)
GAMEBILLET
[ 6450 ]
GAMERSGATE
[ 1306 ]
MacGamestore
[ 4170 ]
FANATICAL BUNDLES
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