Alright, it's been a month since the new demo launchedtime to share what Ive learned and whats changing in Paper Sky.

Warning: Wall of Text Incoming

Demo Post-Mortem

Let's begin from the top, the release of the new demo was a success overall, over 40,000 players completed the demo, and I'm seeing 500800 new players weekly, passively generating wishlists. That gave me some space to step back from content creation (as I mentioned last month) and focus on business and upcoming events. Still, I cant get too comfortable. While the numbers exceeded my expectations, I want to stay true to the original vision for Paper Sky.

The Positive Feedbacks

Heres what players liked most:

• Fun Gameplay
• Fluid experience
• Great sense of speed
• Delivers on the pitch
• Beautiful graphics
• Very well optimized for its content

The Negative Feedbacks

• Confusing controls (keyboard/mouse)
• Too short
• Not enough incentive to explore or collect
• Minor bugs (see Steam forums)
• Sparse options menu
• Harder than the previous demo (about 10% of players, based on Kickstarter feedbacks)
• Offensive content in online messages
• Steam page visuals could use a refresh

At a Crossroads

The demo was meant to be a proof of concept, even if some features were missing. But feedback made it clear: Paper Sky needs to evolve a bit. Im considering changes to the core gameplay, which would extend dev time by a few months. (This wont affect asset creation or visuals)

What I want to change

Player feedback is valuablebut its often silent. I need to keep steering toward the game I want to make, not just vocal player feedbacks (good and bad). Here's what I'm planning:

• Online messages: No more free-form input. Players will choose from curated word sets (Dark Souls kind of messaging). I hate to do this, but too many messages were offensive. Im exploring a system where words you choose reflect how you upgrade your planewords will have power.
• Options menu overhaul: Full redesign with V-sync, remappable controls, and accessibility settings.
• New trailer and Steam page assets, including translations.
• Fix Plane-to-Ball transformation to prevent clipping.
• Major gamefeel shift: The current level design leans too much into platforming. Most players expected a chill, floaty experience with bursts of challengenot constant uphill struggle. Future levels will be larger, more open, and downhill, with generous air currents and more space to flow. Early game = chill and contemplative. Later game = faster and more skill-based. This should also ease difficulty complaints and better match expectations.

A new trailer drops next month along with some platform announcements. Ill also share visual progress on other worlds.

Wall of text oversee you next month!

[ 2025-05-05 17:12:57 CET ] [ Original post ]