A few things after an intense week (month)!
Drifters! It's been a bit of time since last we posted an updated. We have been deep in the midst of development and planning for all the big events, so things became irregular on posting. We attended GDC (truly incredible), we announced support for a new platform, and we made some great new friends throughout the process.
Playstation
Sony has been an amazing group to work with since our Kickstarter took off, and they were gracious enough to provide us a spotlight on the blog (which contains some new footage, and our updated logo):
Sony made an announcement on GameMaker:Studio (and several other middleware platforms) mid-week here:
http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2014/03/19/gdc-new-tools-middleware-coming-ps4/
What this means: it's far easier and less costly to release our game on the PS4 and Vita now. We had a screenshot of it running on Vita over at the GM:S booth at GDC:
http://heartmachinez.tumblr.com/
We're in good company with games like Samuria Gunn, Nuclear Throne, Luftrausers, Hotline Miami, Risk of Rain, Nidhogg and many other excellent projects showing off what's possible on this tool.
YoYo Games, the creators of GameMaker, have been vigilant in making certain they have the ability to port to these consoles as painlessly as possible. They know that small developers need as broad a platform base as possible to reach a wider audience, and they've been impressive in getting it together so far. We hope to see more great platform announcements from them soon.
HLD on Xbox One
Just in case anyone missed the announcement, we are indeed coming to Xbox One! This means you'll be able to claim a key for any of the platforms now. Whew!
The ID@Xbox program has evolved rather quickly since the beginning of the year; they've begun reaching out to developers and making sure the platform is competitive for all types of games. Chris Charla has been the biggest proponent of small devs like us, and he pushes hard to get the program where it needs to be. We have a lot of respect for the man and what he's doing over at Microsoft.
Please check out the other announced titles for XB1 (Divekick!):
http://news.xbox.com/2014/03/games-id-xbox-games-first-look
We're beyond excited to be on all of the major platforms.
GDC
This was my first GDC, and it was kind of magical. I met a lot of wonderful people throughout the show, including amazing games journalists that I've followed for years, amazing developers that have my utmost respect, and amazing new people I can call friends.
The game was well received by everyone who played it, and we have plenty of notes on what to tweak after our first major showing.
Here's a few links to some videos and articles if you missed them (there's one on PC Gamer and a few more coming up later next week):
http://www.destructoid.com/hyper-light-drifter-is-gorgeous-and-punishing-272124.phtml
http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/21/5527310/hyper-light-drifter-gameplay-video
http://www.mediaindieexchange.com/
We also had the opportunity to briefly play some inspiring games at the events; stand-out gems from the IGF booth, and the super-cool Night in the Woods:
http://www.nightinthewoods.com/
PAX East
Just to let people know, we will indeed be attending PAX East. We'll have further details in the near future - booth number, rewards, possibly a new screen shot or two. We're looking forward to meeting as many of you as humanly possible, after giving you the chance to play the game and talk about life and smashing things to bits.
Plushie
By the way, we have the Drifter plushie up for order now! Small run of 25, hand crafted by Rita Hunt:
www.etsy.com/shop/egabragcrafts
If this goes well, we plan to have a larger run soon.
T-Shirt rewards
Both tiers have been sent out, and t-shirts are all currently in production. We will send out the next set of surveys as soon as possible, likely closer to PAX East, and likely starting with the smaller tiers.
Final Bits
It's been a whirlwind week, and a heavy month. We still have a lot more to do prior to our next public event, but I'll try and keep everyone updated as quickly as possible. Please keep in mind that it's a bit of a crunch time, so messages/emails take a lower priority to allow us to concentrate on delivering a great experience.
Have an incredible week, you lovely souls.
AlieN InK on April 20, 2014
I'm still so stoked for this game, I don't care when it happens. All the videos are amazing, and I am starting to think that you guys would be totally nuts not to do a backerkit for this project. Alt drifter, plushie, art books, and what else ya got?! I'm still as excited to play this game as the day I pledged! :-) More now actually! Always exciting to check in!
Keith A. Chartrand on March 29, 2014
I thank you for having this on xbox one, I can finally but something different on it
Jon Evans on March 27, 2014
How do I add more money? I want to up my pledge.
Jordan Zwack on March 25, 2014
Nice to see HLD is coming to XB1 also. : ) Keep up the great work guys, it will all be worth it in the end. :D
SinoSamba <(-'.'-)> on March 24, 2014
Yay, I will be at Pax East and make sure to drop by your guys booth :)
J.R. Raith on March 24, 2014
Woah, am I reading this right that HLD is made in GameMaker? That's fantastic!
Sir Jordi
Superbacker
on March 24, 2014
great news that along with Wii U it is comming also to ps4 and Xbox One
Gregory Hones on March 23, 2014
Woot Plushies! Just ordered one, thanks :D
Ivan Romero Jimenez on March 23, 2014
Will you still release it for ouya?
Anthony Bello on March 23, 2014
Fantastic news! Glad to hear all the platforms are coming together. Keep up the great work, and looking forward to the next update.
James Lewis on March 22, 2014
All this news is fantastic! I can't wait to buy HLD on Xbox also now!
So many great media previews that I'll be watching over and over again until the next update! Planning on putting together some more fan art and collabs soon, I'll update you guys!
William Kyle Anderson on March 22, 2014
CONGRATS HEART MACHINE!!! I watched the polygon video twice to see the wonderful game!!!! Looks great and cant to play it!!!!!!!
René Sebastian Shabastari on March 22, 2014
Beta Timeframe pls
Alex Howell on March 22, 2014
Is the beta in the summer?
Brendan Rein on March 22, 2014
It looks great so far and I'm glad you all are having an easy time going to different platforms. Oh almost forgot, this may come as a foolish question but did you guys already send the surveys out. I can't remember if you did or not I've been really busy.
Aaron Senser on March 22, 2014
Can't wait! Question though, is there any way to increase my pledge from $10 to $15 to get the Vita version?
Sharkey on March 22, 2014
Glad to hear you guys had a great time, keep up the good work and thanks for the update! =D
Ryan on March 22, 2014
Very exciting news indeed guys! Keep up the great work
Heart Machine Creator on March 22, 2014
@Leewelo Lorekeeper:
There's so much media! Go watch the polygon vid!
Heart Machine Creator on March 22, 2014
@Jonathan Anaclet:
Not until after release of course. The ost can't be done until the game comes out.
Heart Machine Creator on March 22, 2014
@Tiso Spencer:
Yessir
Heart Machine Creator on March 22, 2014
@Mr. MoJo:
You can watch the polygon video
Jake Gumbleton on March 22, 2014
Wonderful news all around, I can't wait to play your beautiful game!
Jason Bolla on March 22, 2014
Gah, you were there? Dang. I saw it at thr GameMaker booth. Was looking gorgeous. Great job!
Mr. MoJo on March 22, 2014
Godammit I made an ass of myself! I just found it.....
Mr. MoJo on March 22, 2014
Great news! Also, could you upload a play through of the demo you had running at GDC? Pretty please??? :)
Matthew Bowie on March 22, 2014
@Tiso
The stretch goal was reached for it, so of course it will!
Tiso Spencer
Superbacker
on March 22, 2014
As you said any platform basically would I be alright to assume Wii U is still on the platform release?
Jonathan Anaclet on March 22, 2014
Yay, I wanted to play it on Xbox One so much! You made my day! Are OST and Artbook coming soon?
Leewelo Lorekeeper
Superbacker
on March 22, 2014
An update without at least a tiny new picture or animation, it looks so sad...
That's good news anyway. Thanks for the update.
Matthew Bowie on March 22, 2014
._. I kinda messed up that comment, huh?
Matthew Bowie on March 22, 2014
Glad to see you guys are using GM Studio to make this! Glad to see it's making it's way to the PS4!
Paul-Arnaud Lapeyre on March 22, 2014
Yessssss !!!! I'm ready to play this game on Xbox One !!!!
Good job ;)