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Mops & Mobs is growing - the demo, and the dungeon behind it. Much of that growth has happened in the shadows so far. Now it’s time to open the dungeon hallways: with our first dev log, we take you into the depths of development. How it all began, what changed along the way, and where the dungeon is heading: Welcome to the dungeon!
First off: A wonderful new year to you!
For us, this is going to be the year of Mops & Mobs. The latest thing we’ve prepared is a huge update to the demo. Picture this:
The dungeon crew is in distress! Normally, adventurers - their customers - shouldn't be able to reach the cafeteria where the monsters take their breaks - or casually break some bones. But soon you find out: the adversary was hidden someplace in the dungeon - a new task for you, Detective Janitor! The new content is inspired by detective games, so be ready to take some notes.
Find the secret hideout, decipher their message and clean-up the place with some new decoration assignments.
You played the new demo version 0.4.4 and enjoyed it? Perhaps you like to let others know. Our demo now has a dedicated Steam page for reviews and the lot.
From now on we will concentrate on the story of the full game, level 3 and beyond. But it's also planned to change the card combat slightly, which will probably be part of the next version of the demo.
And our level designer Patrick is doing some nice work for level 3 - here's a sneak peek:
From gamescom to local meetups - today there’s no shortage of opportunities to display your game. You can get feedback, watch players react to your latest build, connect with fellow devs, and chase wishlists. But it’s often the smaller events, that have a huge impact as the community surrounding them can make all the difference. And if it applies to anything, it's the AdventureX.
Last weekend, Jana was attending the AdventureX in London, a conference dedicated to narrative games - and especially those rooted in classic Point & Click gameplay.
Thanks to a jury, we were selected with Mops & Mobs to showcase our current demo there, as well.
Being part of the 30 exhibited games was a real treat. From organizers to volunteers, everyone was enthusiastic and dedicated to the genre and it's fans to create a well-run space for both devs and fans. Attendees were committed to often play thoroughly and discuss their experience in detail with the devs. Therefore, it makes total sense, the AdventureX requires developers to attend in person: catering to a special interest group made every discourse and examination of the games more focused and thoughtful than the typical questions you might get from the audience at a mainstream expo like gamescom.
AdventureX isn't just an exhibition! You will quickly experience that these are not just any volunteers or attendees, they are a tight community that has grown together over the years. Therefore, the overall event is a big hello! for everyone that's ever been at AdX before, devs that attended previous years and the Discord community that's been meeting online over the year. It’s rare to find something comparable in the wider games scene - perhaps A Maze Festival or developers being present at the Indie Arena Booth. But both grew significantly in size over the last years, while the AdventureX is quite small - they sold about 700 tickets over the weekend - and with that the event was sold out!
As I was solo at the event, staying in my little corner, I did mainly experience watching people play Mops & Mobs, having the most encouraging feedback we've had so far. Though that meant I missed most of the overall event - there were some developers or writers attending, that I would have deeply loved taking to - but hey, without the exhibition we wouldn't have attended our first AdvX either.
So I had an excellent time with my neighbours who are these wonderful people - and show the amazing diversity the overall exhibition offered:
Now that I’ve experienced it, I’m absolutely in the loop, and I’d definitely return to London next year. With much more time to explore, I presume, as you can't submit the same game twice.
And the talks are even online. And the AdventureX Sale is still running until December, 2nd on Steam.
Hear ye, hear ye!
Adventurers, Rogues, Dungeon Crawlers and Monster Whisperers - heed this proclamation:
The guild of RAT KING shall be present at the battlegrounds of the gamescom fields. From the depth of the pixel dungeons, they'll bring their monstrous friends that will get all emotional to see you!
Mark your scrolls and seek RAT KING amidst the bustling halls 4.1 at the Saxony Booth A-051g-B-060g!
Jana is armed with mops, monsters and a playable demo on the quest to seek brave allies along the journey as we are looking for a publishing partner to join our monster-filled drama.
RAT KING will have their permanent camp at the Saxony Booth on Friday, 22nd from 9:00 - 2:30 pm to present their freshly baked fully playable demo to all the mingling spectators.
Your eyes will feast upon:
And for everyone of ye: there shall be a warm welcome to our “Bergfest” at the booth on Thursday - with beer and chocolate (Knusperflocken)!
Showcasing current and upcoming German games on STEAM has become a nice tradition. We take part in the Event, again, with our freshly forged MOPS & MOBS demo. Come over to STEAM and wishlist our game, if you haven't already.
Check out the complete German catalogue here.