Focus - March/April 2024
Hi there, let me start by jumping straight into the explanation for the recent “radio silence” from Gitterport, and why it probably will go on for some time. It might not be what you think - but we think you’ll be happy with it.
For the past weeks (leading into months, actually) we’ve been hard at work working on our next title. This has led to alterations in scope, new gameplay elements and an altering of marketing strategy. This post will go into details regarding that.
Alterations in scope:
Back & current:
The original scope was supposed to carry on with a total amount of 2x scenes. One as the menu, and one as the “gameplay-scene”. This has changed. Changed a lot. At the moment, there’s currently 7 scenes included in development. To be clear, the number of scenes does ot reflect the amount of functions and features - if to be included, the number would quickly reach into the double digits. The easy explanation is that the game’s original scope more than 3x doubled in a rather short span of time.
But why?
The new IP we’re developing showed much more potential than we first imagined. We were able to further extend the usage of game logic and design, and expand this into new modes and gameplay features. And no, just so we’re clear. These new “modes” are not just that. Not re-skins and using the same logic. They could very well have been stand-alone games on their own, and rightfully held up. Yet; we saw it as a more fun and complete experience to merge these ways of playing - and make them complement each other.
New gameplay elements:
An interactive experience
The new IP was already vastly different from Tanks on Wheels; both in design and gameplay. Yet, with the alterations of our scope - the title would get even more complex, and required more features to be implemented. Developing for smartphones; touch controls combined with animations and graphics can range quite a bit. How the game plays, the feel of it - can be different form device to device. As always - we have set smooth transitions, animations, visual experiences and sound above close to anything else for this title. That has led to a fully-fledged settings system, in a class of its own. Expect this to be developed further, as the game evolves over time.
The game has implemented turn-based, as well as strategy-like features into the gameplay. Combining these already unique playstyles with their elements into the already existing “runner-type” game, has been a challenging and fun experience. We think we’ve managed to merge them well - and are excited for you to try them all out - combined, later this year.
Altering of marketing strategy:
As most businesses
Our games (both currently live and in development) are designed to be free. Now, that already speaks a ton about the costs. Time and money going out - not too much coming in. Hence, the adaptation into advertisement. For those of you that have played Tanks on Wheels (and died on a map) you’ve probably seen the banner that appears at the screen for a short second. We will expand upon this type of marketing in general, to be able to generate a steady cashflow for Gitterport: so that we’ll be able to continue to develop games.
The new IP will very likely utilize ad banners certain places within the game, and also include rewarded videos as an optional way to speed up progression within the game. For the time being - there won’t be included any cash-shop within the game. No real money transactions.
At the end of the day, Gitterport is a company currently consisting of one person. Me. Asbjørn (Abbi). It has been - and is, a journey that i enjoy. It does however mean that at times; development will not follow the scheduled plan - or updates will have to wait. The development of Tanks on Wheels has been affected, that’s a sure thing. I can only do so much, i’m afraid. But, i have scheduled development time for Tanks on Wheels as well in the coming weeks - so look forward to that!
The radio silence will continue for some time. Hopefully, not for too long.
Abbi