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r/IndieDev
2025-07-14·5
302

World/map select menu before and after (which one do you like?)

RedditDetails

Summary

Developer shares UI evolution of level selection screen for puzzle game Golden Arrow, comparing a nostalgic world map design (Before) with modern icon-based menu (After). Community feedback overwhelmingly prefers the map version but suggests hybrid solutions. Key discussions focus on balancing aesthetics with usability, leveraging nostalgia, and iterative design processes.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion strongly favors the nostalgic world map design (Before) for its immersion and world-building potential. Controversy exists between aesthetic preference (80% support for Before) vs usability concerns. Key debates: 1. Nostalgia vs Modern UX: Older players prefer map's retro feel while some advocate cleaner interfaces 2. Development Effort: Map design requires more artistic resources vs simpler icon menus 3. Target Audience: Hardcore gamers vs casual players' different expectations 4. Hybrid Solutions: Majority suggest combining both approaches with dynamic elements

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Golden ArrowSteam PageGame DevelopmentSokoban-based puzzler with level selection UI iterations

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Static list menus feel sterile and lack immersion
  • World map designs may sacrifice readability for aesthetics
  • Difficulty balancing nostalgia appeal with modern UX expectations

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating intuitive level selection interfaces
  • Maintaining game identity across UI elements
  • Balancing visual appeal with functional clarity

Potential Solutions:

  • Hybrid approach combining map and icon elements
  • Dynamic color coding for progression states
  • Context-sensitive UI elements (hover effects, pop-ups)

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging community feedback for iterative design
  • Nostalgia-driven UI elements for target demographics

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Using Reddit communities for targeted feedback
  • Steam page integration in developer communications

Monetization & Product:

  • Balancing development effort with aesthetic goals
  • Pivot capability between design approaches

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging user-generated design suggestions
  • Transparent sharing of development process decisions
29

I might have a new dwarf game idea

RedditDetails

Summary

A game developer proposes a dwarf-themed RPG with a complex class evolution system featuring 46 total classes across 3 tiers. The system ties class progression to five core attributes (Agility, Strength, Intelligence, Endurance, Wisdom). Discussion focuses on class naming consistency, attribute-based progression, and inspiration from classic Korean MMOs like Ragnarok Online and Tree of Savior.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions praise the ambitious class system and nostalgic MMO elements. Some debate exists around class naming conventions (e.g. Ranger vs Thief alignment). Key viewpoints: 1. Support for multi-tier class systems inspired by classic MMOs 2. Suggestions for thematic naming consistency 3. Emphasis on attribute-based progression mechanics 4. Discussions about balancing mechanical needs with thematic coherence Controversial aspect: Whether to use WoW-inspired aesthetics vs original designs

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
[No SaaS tools mentioned]---

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Need for class systems with deep progression and customization
  • Thematic alignment of class names with attributes

Problems to Solve:

  • Creating a coherent class evolution system tied to core attributes
  • Balancing thematic consistency with mechanical requirements

Potential Solutions:

  • Multi-tier class evolution system (base->advanced->elite)
  • Attribute-based class branching (AGI/STR/INT etc.)
  • Thematic naming adjustments for better consistency

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging nostalgia from classic MMO systems

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Community engagement through class system discussions

Monetization & Product:

  • Deep character customization as product differentiator

User Engagement:

  • Encouraging player theorycrafting through complex systems
  • Maintaining thematic consistency for immersion
28

Does this steam page look okay? Going for a getting over it sorta vibe.

RedditDetails

Summary

Developer seeks feedback on Steam page design for a 'Getting Over It'-style platformer where players control an overweight character descending a mountain. Key discussions focus on improving capsule art quality, font choices, and gameplay communication. Community suggests mechanical improvements like checkpoints and death mechanics, while debating visual presentation strategies for maximum appeal.

Opinion

Mainstream opinions suggest the capsule art needs significant improvement through custom artwork and better font choices. There's debate between maintaining current wind-reset mechanics versus implementing more visceral death systems. While some advocate for streamer-friendly rage mechanics, others emphasize the importance of balanced checkpoint systems. Controversy exists around using in-game screenshots versus custom art for store presentation.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
None mentioned---

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Capsule art appears low-effort/unappealing
  • Font choices mismatch game style
  • Store page fails to communicate gameplay mechanics
  • Screenshots lack variety and depth demonstration
  • Short description feels placeholder-like

Problems to Solve:

  • Need better visual communication of game's platformer nature
  • Require clearer premise explanation
  • Need to avoid looking like asset-flip clones
  • Must balance difficulty spikes with checkpoint systems

Potential Solutions:

  • Use custom artwork instead of screenshots for capsule
  • Adopt sans-serif fonts for better readability
  • Add snow overlays/particle effects for visual interest
  • Implement checkpoints/portals to prevent frustration
  • Create trailer showing chaotic gameplay moments

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leverage influencer partnerships with content creators
  • Study successful tags from similar games (Getting Over It)

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Optimize Steam tags for recommendation algorithms
  • Use rage-game streaming communities for promotion

Monetization & Product:

  • Position as spiritual successor to popular rage games
  • Implement streamer-friendly features (kill cams, corpse markers)

User Engagement:

  • Incorporate community feedback into design iterations
  • Maintain transparent development process via Reddit/Socials
10

A look at my zombie game :)

RedditDetails

Summary

Developer showcases zombie game inspired by CoD Zombies mode. Community reacts positively to nostalgic elements and jump scares. User inquiry reveals interest in understanding indie devs' game testing challenges and QA time management. Multiple requests for Steam page indicate market interest.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion praises nostalgic elements and effective scares. Conflict exists between artistic showcase and practical development concerns - while most focus on aesthetics, one user specifically seeks QA process insights. Debate surfaces about balancing creative vision with technical execution requirements.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned---

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Need for effective game testing strategies
  • Time management challenges in QA processes

Problems to Solve:

  • Understanding indie devs' testing challenges
  • Optimizing QA time allocation

Potential Solutions:

  • Sharing testing experiences among developers
  • Developing efficient QA workflows

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Leveraging community engagement for feedback

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Showcasing gameplay to generate interest
  • Direct Steam page requests indicate demand validation

Monetization & Product:

  • Nostalgic elements (CoD zombies inspiration) as product differentiator

User Engagement:

  • Active developer interaction in comments
  • Creating jump-scare moments for memorable experiences
6

Please roast my Steam Page!

RedditDetails

Summary

A game developer requests feedback on their Steam page. The game is described as peaceful by a commenter. Another user offers localization services to expand the game's reach to Latin American markets. The developer engages with positive feedback but doesn't address the localization offer publicly.

Opinion

Mainstream opinion praises the game's peaceful aesthetic. A business development opportunity through localization is presented but remains unaddressed by OP. No conflicting opinions observed in available comments. Key perspectives include community support vs. professional partnership opportunities.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
No specific SaaS tools mentioned in the content---

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Need for feedback on Steam page presentation
  • Potential localization challenges for Latin American markets

Problems to Solve:

  • Improving Steam page appeal
  • Expanding game reach to new regions

Potential Solutions:

  • Professional localization services
  • Community feedback collection

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Seeking community feedback for product improvement

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Leveraging localization to access new markets

Monetization & Product:

  • Not explicitly mentioned

User Engagement:

  • Direct interaction with community members
  • Building partnerships through social platforms like Discord
Reddit Analysis for IndieDev on 2025-07-14 - Vynixal