16
We’ve added rats and flies so the player can finally smell the game
r/IndieDev
7/11/2025
Content Summary
Developer shares progress on adding environmental interactions in game 'Glasshouse', featuring rats and flies to enhance lockdown scenario realism. Shows NPC behaviors and plans for more interactive elements based on community feedback.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion supports environmental detailing for immersion. User Capillary2582002 suggests adding violent interactions (rat-kicking) which developer embraces. No significant conflicts - community appreciates whimsical approach to grim scenarios. Debate potential exists around violence vs passive environmental storytelling.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasshouse | https://store.steampowered.com/app/2244700/Glasshouse/ | Game Development | Environmental storytelling with interactive rats/flies, lockdown scenario simulation |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Need for environmental realism in game design
- Managing sanitation simulation in confined spaces
Problems to Solve:
- Creating believable lockdown environment mechanics
- Adding life-like interactions in constrained settings
Potential Solutions:
- Implementing reactive NPCs (rats that flee when approached)
- Adding destructible/interactive elements (suggested rat-kicking mechanic)
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Showcasing development progress through social engagement
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Reddit community engagement with gameplay snippets
- Developer interaction in comment sections
Monetization & Product:
- Early Steam listing for wishlist growth
- Iterative feature development based on user feedback
User Engagement:
- Creating 'characters' from environmental elements (rats as favorite characters)
- Teasing future features in comment interactions