Home/r/IndieDev/2025-07-11/#solving-obstruction-in-game-design
723

Many ways I’ve approached solving obstruction in my game

r/IndieDev
7/11/2025

Content Summary

Developer showcases four different technical solutions for handling environmental obstructions in their chaotic action game Tossdown. The community discussion reveals strong preferences for Solution #2 (dynamic building retraction) and Solution #4 (transparent overlay with outlines), with detailed debates about visual clarity, gameplay impact, and implementation refinements like fade transitions and boundary indicators.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream opinion favors Solution #4 (transparent overlay) for balancing visibility and environmental preservation, with Solution #2 (building retraction) praised for its visual clarity. Key debates:

  1. Visibility vs Immersion: Some argue Solution #1's complete obstruction removal sacrifices environmental context
  2. Animation Impact: Solution #2's movement polarizes views - some find it satisfying, others distracting
  3. Functional Priorities: Hardcore players prioritize collision clarity (demanding boundary markers) over visual polish
  4. Technical Implementation: Strong consensus for adding fade transitions to Solution #4's instant toggle

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
(No specific SaaS tools mentioned in content)---

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Chaotic gameplay obscures visibility of enemies/obstacles
  • Fixed camera angle creates persistent obstruction issues
  • Difficulty communicating collision boundaries
  • Balance between visual clarity and aesthetic integrity

Problems to Solve:

  • Maintaining situational awareness in fast-paced combat
  • Preserving environmental detail while eliminating obstructions
  • Clearly indicating walkable vs. non-walkable areas

Potential Solutions:

  • Dynamic building retraction (Solution #2)
  • Transparent overlay with outlines (Solution #4)
  • Fading transitions for visual effects
  • Ground boundary highlighting
  • Hybrid approaches combining multiple techniques

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Community-driven iterative development
  • Public showcase of development process for engagement
  • Multi-variant testing with user feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging Reddit communities for targeted feedback
  • Steam platform integration for visibility
  • Using visual showcases as marketing assets

Monetization & Product:

  • Prioritizing gameplay clarity over visual fidelity
  • Adaptive solutions for accessibility requirements
  • Balancing aesthetic style with functional needs

User Engagement:

  • Direct developer interaction in comment discussions
  • Incorporating community suggestions into development
  • Maintaining transparency about design challenges