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Is there anyone here who remembers the movie Jaws? In the project I’ve been working on for 2 years, treating jaws is your job, and how well you do it often determines the safety of your own body parts.
r/IndieDev
7/13/2025
Content Summary
The post introduces 'Shark Dentist', a horror game where players perform dental procedures on sharks. Inspired by Jaws and games like Buckshot Roulette, it features tense gameplay with random dental issues and equipment malfunctions. Players must monitor shark vitals while using dangerous tools. The developer shared a Steam link and requested feedback. Comments include engagement bait accusations, spelling corrections, gameplay questions, biological accuracy debates, and requests for VR support. The developer responded to some comments, explaining inspiration and addressing concerns.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream Opinions:
- Many users found the game concept unique and interesting
- Several pointed out spelling errors in the trailer
- Concerns were raised about trailer authenticity (pre-rendered vs gameplay)
Controversial Debates:
- Strong disagreement on whether the Jaws reference was engagement bait
- Debate about biological accuracy (sharks not needing dentists)
- Suspicions about AI-generated developer responses
Diverse Perspectives:
- Some defended the cultural relevance of Jaws references
- Others criticized the lack of immediate developer engagement
- Suggestions for gameplay improvements (e.g., X-ray montage) were welcomed by dev
- Polarized views on trailer quality: some praised creativity, others called it misleading
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | https://store.steampowered.com/app/3423280/Shark_Dentist/ | Game Distribution | Platform for game publishing and wishlisting |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Spelling errors in promotional materials (e.g., 'inflammation', 'whishlist')
- Lack of clear gameplay demonstration in trailer
- Concerns about AI-generated content authenticity
- Cultural barriers in references (e.g., Jaws movie not universally known)
Problems to Solve:
- Need for accurate game representation to build trust
- Desire for VR support
- Clarification on gameplay mechanics and variability
- Addressing biological inaccuracies (sharks not needing dentists)
Potential Solutions:
- Fix spelling errors in trailers
- Show actual gameplay footage
- Consider VR support based on feedback
- Add educational notes about creative liberties taken with shark biology |
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Using nostalgic references (Jaws) for engagement
- Leveraging Steam platform for distribution
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Engagement bait titles to spark discussion
- Sharing trailers on Reddit for visibility
- Encouraging wishlisting on Steam
Monetization & Product:
- Planned release by end of year
- Potential future VR support based on feedback
- Randomly generated scenarios for replayability
User Engagement:
- Responding to comments to build community
- Incorporating user feedback (e.g., X-ray montage suggestion)
- Addressing concerns about AI-generated content |