Home/r/IndieDev/2025-07-13/#gloomlight-warp-effects-feedback
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What do you think about the warp effects?

r/IndieDev
7/12/2025

Content Summary

Developer u/shinypixelgames showcases warp effects for their game Gloomlight, inspired by black holes. The post seeks feedback on the visual implementation. Comments generally praise the effect but highlight issues with the level transition causing dizziness, black borders appearing odd, and inconsistency with pixel art style. The developer responds to feedback and reveals game details: it's a roguelike set near a black hole where players control immortal Voidlings in time-distorted environments.

Opinion Analysis

Mainstream Opinions:

  • Most users praise the warp effect as cool/visually appealing (u/True-Ingenuity4108, u/ArtNoChar, u/SharksEatMeat etc.)
  • Consensus that the level transition needs improvement: too abrupt causing dizziness (u/xland44, u/Mafoobaloo, u/MonkeDiesTwice)
  • Appreciation for Zelda-inspired art style (u/DoNotFeedTheSnakes, u/obj7777)

Controversial/Conflicting Views:

  • Some find the distortion glitchiness fitting (developer) vs others wanting pixel-perfect integrity (u/Naitor5)
  • Roguelike genre: u/cerwen80 avoids it while others express interest (u/CanisLVulgaris)

Different Perspectives:

  • Technical: Developers discuss shader implementation (u/feryaz)
  • Marketing: Tutorial suggestion as growth tactic (u/mel3kings)
  • Accessibility: Concerns about motion sickness vs artistic vision

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
No SaaS tools mentionedN/AN/AN/A

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Level transition is too fast and sharp, causing dizziness/nausea
  • Black borders around the warped level look weird
  • Distortion effect doesn't respect pixel art grid
  • Visual inconsistency with game's art style
  • Confusing footage for new viewers

Problems to Solve:

  • Improve smoothness of level transition
  • Reduce motion sickness during warp effects
  • Maintain pixel art integrity during distortions
  • Ensure visual consistency with game's theme
  • Clarify gameplay context for viewers

Potential Solutions:

  • Slow down transition speed
  • Add pixelation effect to match art style
  • Use off-screen environment to fill borders
  • Adjust lighting system for better color consistency
  • Create tutorial content explaining the effect

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Creating tutorial content for marketing
  • Releasing playable MVP on platforms like Itch.io
  • Setting up Steam page for wishlists

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Tutorials as marketing tools (suggested by u/mel3kings)
  • Social media presence (Instagram/X mentioned)
  • Community feedback collection

Monetization & Product:

  • Roguelike genre may affect wishlist conversion (mentioned by u/cerwen80)
  • Procedurally generated levels add replay value

User Engagement:

  • Responding to all feedback (author replies to every comment)
  • Sharing development progress on Reddit
  • Planning community releases on Itch.io