Weekly Recap #21

So much going on, it is hard to keep up with it all! Last week we rolled out so much new stuff: website, two videos and a Greenlight page. Since the launch I’ve been fixing bugs and trying to gain publicity for our game. I also went on an excursion this weekend to the in-laws and day of the devs in SF.

Our Greenlight page is going pretty good so far. We are at 42% to the top 100 games – not too bad for one week. However, things are slowing down now that we are no longer on the first page. If you have not voted for us yet, then please vote now. If you have voted, first of all, thank you! Secondly, there are lots of ways to continue to help support us.

1. Put the word out wherever you can, especially in communities that you frequent. I try to post in some forums, but promoting Crea is always better when it comes from fans than from me.
2. Mention us to youtubers, livestreamers and news sites. I can provide a press copy to anyone willing to cover Crea. You can direct them to here - http://playcrea.com/press/
3. Help create a positive environment on our Greenlight page. Right now there are lots of people shouting that Crea is a Terraria clone. I would appreciate it if people would discuss Crea on it’s own terms rather than whether it is or isn’t a clone of something else. It would help a lot if Crea fans post constructive comments, questions, and feedback.

Crea has started to get publicity. At the top of the list is John and Landon of Bigsushi.

These guys host a podcast where they talk with indie devs about their projects. Yesterday they released an episode where they interviewed Kelley and I. We had a great time talking to them and it turned out to be an entertaining episode that I think all Crea fans would enjoy. If you enjoy it, be sure to check out some of their other episodes.

Gullofdoom put together a very funny video of himself playing Crea. We really got a kick out of it.

There are several other videos I’d love to share but I have much more to cover in this update. If you want to see more, follow @SiegeGames. If you do make any videos or posts about Crea, be sure to mention @SiegeGames.

With so much to keep track of, the only time I really get outside is when I go for a bike ride. I normally only go somewhere between 15-20 miles; however, I have done longer distances a few times but I am generally used to riding on flat ground.

This weekend I wanted to go on a ride with my father-in-law, who is a serious cyclist. I was feeling reasonably confident I could keep up and at the beginning of the ride I even said “we can go faster.” I spoke too soon though. After a slight dip we began to climb what seemed like forever. My young heart was about to give and my lungs cried out. It was obvious that some demon had constructed this hill purely for its amusement. As soon as it flattened out I bailed and flopped about for 10 minutes trying not to hurl. Alas, I am but a mere indie dev.

After I recovered and we began our descent to a more friendly route a group of 50 chattering carefree cyclist passed us going up the slight incline. I only managed to do 15 miles – half of what I wanted to do. Next time though, I will conquer the demonic hill.

Kelley and I had some other fun this weekend down in San Francisco at Day of the Devs, which was hosted by DoubleFine. After waiting in line for 45 minutes we got in and quickly discovered that this event was more of a club – so dark you could hardly see and so loud you could barely hear. Being introverted game developers, this was not exactly our scene. We were hoping for more of a chill environment where we could meet other developers and chat. Still, it is great that the event was put on and I commend all of those involved.

We are back home now and focused on working. A new build is coming very soon (tomorrow?) with lots of bug fixes. I will be working on refining multiplayer more now that things have calmed down and I have more time to invest into it. Some really great stuff is coming up in Crea’s development. I’m really looking forward to it!