Gym Empire is the first gym simulation management tycoon game.
Game Development
In the last game development update we discussed creating the premises menu and finalising the demo game loop. Completing this we then moved on to the tutorial system and then tweaks and bug fixes… And we’ve been here for the past half year!
You see the thing is once you start pushing your game and trying to find all the bugs in it. You start finding more and more little features that you’d forgotten about and more bugs than you ever imagined. Especially when you’re dealing with the complexities of a simulation and management game! All the little systems and interactions in a tycoon game provide a perfect environment for little bugs to thrive. Things like teleporting barbells and clients falling through the floor. Not to mention the random topless ladies! And I’m not even joking about that last one…
Tycoon Games Development
I always knew developing a tycoon game would be a whole different ball game to developing a platformer. I just hadn’t realised how different.
So the reality is that Gym Empire has been in some form of playable state for a while now. But the bugs were so regular and missing features too important to put it out for testing. You see the point of the alpha test is two fold. Firstly to spot any bugs I’d missed, secondly to test the basic features before everything is expanded. The point is to not just throw out a bare minimum tycoon game that will just frustrate you guys. Therefore I’ve been spending all of the past few months removing bugs and ensuring key features are present.
And we’re close now… Really close!
Other Developments
As far as other work goes the YouTube channel continues to grow. And I just released my biggest YouTube project to date. The Metal Gear Solid Retrospective. An episode I’ve wanted to do for the longest time and put my heart and soul into. If one game has impacted the way I perceive video games the most. Metal Gear Solid is that game.
The response to the episode has been really great. With lots of people commenting of the nostalgia they felt while watching it. That for me is exactly what I wanted people to feel when they watched the episode, so I’m really pleased.
Game Development Videos
In terms of the YouTube channel I’m planning some slight changes as we approach 1000 subs. The biggest change being a large focus on Indie Games and Game Development. Both indie games and game development are a huge part of my life and I want the YouTube channel to reflect that more. So keep an eye out for those episodes.
Patreon
To support the extra focus on game development. We will also be modifying some of the Tiers on Patreon. Up until now the rewards were focused small things early access to content and shout outs. But now I’ll be offering much more valuable rewards, with a focus on game development. Things like private consultations and development Q&A.
One of the biggest benefits to me in my game development journey was information from fellow developers. And I want to pass that learning on. I’ll be discussing loads of info in the game development videos. But the Patreon is an opportunity to have a level of support that is more focused on your project and needs.
Time Management
This week the focus will continue to be on bug testing and adding in features. The features will be a more detailed staff AI in terms of which clients they choose to train. As well as edge scrolling for the camera.
Gym Empire is now available to add to your Steam Wishlist.
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