How to Create and Release a Game – All the Key Steps Using a Puzzle Platformer as an Example

Contents:

• How to quickly remake a game
• How to work with a game composer
• Why Steam Next Fest is useful
• Why it's so hard to finish a game

How to Quickly Remake a Game

Mark Brown didn't completely change the Mind Over Magnet project, but used the video title to attract attention. In early 2024, he began preparing for the Next Fest festival on the Steam platform, where developers present demos of their upcoming games. During the preparation process, the blogger decided to refine one element of Mind Over Magnet that had been irritating him for several months.

Brown's platformer is created in the pixel art style, which gives it a unique visual appearance. All of the game's sprites are composed of carefully crafted pixels, which makes the graphics expressive and nostalgic. In the standard configuration, one puzzle room takes up the entire screen with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, which corresponds to the 720p format popular on older monitors. This design approach not only emphasizes the game's atmosphere but also provides players with a comfortable viewing experience.

Running the game on a screen with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (1080p) corresponds to the most popular format among PC players, according to Valve research. In this case, the number of pixels on the screen should be one and a half times greater, since 1080 divided by 720 yields a value of 1.5. However, there is a problem: it is impossible to increase the resolution by one pixel and half a pixel, since the concept of half a pixel does not exist in graphics. This limitation can affect image quality and the perception of graphics in games, which is important to consider when adjusting the graphics settings.

There are several solutions to this problem, but none of them are perfect.

• You can let Unity solve the problem: the engine will add some pixels to fit the image to the screen's proportions. However, since the engine will have to simulate a 1.5-fold increase in resolution using whole pixels, all the lines in the game will be uneven, and the graphics will look very sloppy.
• You can use screen anti-aliasing to remove the "jaggies" of pixels (that is, their parts sticking out in unnecessary places), but in this case you will have to put up with a slightly blurry image.
• You can make a huge background frame around the puzzle room, which will compensate for the 1.5-fold increase in resolution. However, this will force players to peer at the tiny image inside this frame.

Brown shared his feeling that he was trying to find the least bad compromise in the current situation.

There was an alternative solution to the problem: replace pixel art with assets and graphics created in 4K resolution. This would allow the game to adapt high-quality assets to the required aspect ratio without increasing the pixel count by 50%. However, implementing this idea would require significant effort, including a complete rework of all assets.

Brown said he completely replaced the pixel art with graphic assets optimized for 4K resolution.

The developer scaled up the sprite three times and used it as a reference to create a new model in Adobe Photoshop. This process covered every button, door, decorative element, and interface object in the game. The only exception was the level backgrounds, which Brown processed using a special filter. This didn't cause any problems, since the player's gaze usually isn't focused on images that are in the background of the main visual content.

Brown's work on the sprites turned out to be less labor-intensive than he expected. The bulk of his sprites consisted of simple shapes painted in solid colors. Brown also chose not to add additional detail to the assets, which allowed for good image readability on devices with small screens, such as the Steam Deck. This approach ensures clarity and ease of perception, which is especially important for users playing on handheld platforms.

The developer noted: "After completing all the work, I'm really happy with how the game looks." The new textures help Mind Over Magnet stand out from the crowd of other pixel art games. It now looks attractive on a variety of computers, regardless of screen resolution. These changes not only improved the visual experience but also increased the overall performance of the game, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Brown shared his experience, noting that he ended up spending more time searching for the optimal compromise than creating assets. This process became an important lesson for him, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between quality and deadlines. Brown realized that effective time and resource management are key aspects of successful project work.

Planning is a key element of successful development. I created the sprites in advance, before the final camera was completed, hoping that they would work together harmoniously. However, this did not happen. Therefore, it is important to think through the interaction of all elements in advance to avoid problems during the implementation phase. Proper planning allows you to optimize your workflow and improve the end result.

It is important to understand that finding compromises or workarounds may sometimes seem convenient, but in practice, this can be a manifestation of laziness. In some situations, it will be much more effective to focus, overcome challenges, and do the necessary work to achieve a quality solution to the problem. A persistent approach and a willingness to tackle challenges often lead to more sustainable and effective results.

Now that the most difficult stages With the game behind him, it was time to put the finishing touches on the Steam Demo Festival.

Brown had been putting off this task for a long time, as he only had levels for one of the five worlds completed. This wasn't enough to showcase the game in all its diversity.

The blogger shared his experience, noting that he ultimately decided to apply a method known as "fake it till you make it." This approach can be useful for those looking for ways to overcome challenges and achieve success in various areas of life. By applying this principle, one can gradually develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve their goals.

Brown used levels from other stages of the game's development that had not yet been completed, adding unfinished backgrounds and unimplemented mechanics to create the trailer. While not all of the content featured in the video will make it into the final game, it's a good representation of what the project will look like when it's released.

The footage for Brown's trailer was recorded in 4K, which allows for cropping to 1080p resolution without loss of quality. The trailer's music was sourced from Epidemic Sound, which previously provided sound effects for the Mind Over Magnet project. This approach to creating trailers ensures high-quality images and sound, which is an important aspect of successful content promotion.

The trailer's narrative arc is structured as follows: at the beginning, the player is shown basic obstacles, such as magnetic blocks and beams. Then, the character Magnus is introduced and his abilities are revealed. The video ends with a dynamic montage showing the hero solving various puzzles, as well as a call to wishlist the game on Steam. This approach not only introduces viewers to the game mechanics but also creates interest in the product, encouraging potential players to take action.

The trailer helped Brown surpass 30,000 wishlists, which was a significant boost to the game's promotion, which was showcased at the Steam festival. Such interest from users indicates the high potential of the project and its demand in the market.

The Mind Over Magnet demo faced a similar issue to the trailer: insufficient content couldn't fully capture the gameplay. Therefore, the team had to work hard to create a sufficient number of levels by the start of the festival. This is important for players to appreciate the unique mechanics and atmosphere that Mind Over Magnet offers. Proper presentation of the game in the demo will help attract the audience's attention and increase interest in the full release.

To speed up the game's development process, Mark developed a pipeline inspired by Valve's approach to creating Portal. In this pipeline, each day of the week is dedicated to specific tasks, which helps optimize the workflow and increase team efficiency. This approach helps focus on specific aspects of development, improving coordination and reducing time costs.

• Tuesday - Thursday. During these days, Brown worked on new content: puzzles, room backgrounds, and cutscenes.
• Friday. At the end of the week, the developer would fix the bugs, then test the new build and give it to testers (often a couple of random subscribers from social network X).

• Monday. At the beginning of the week, Brown reviewed playtest recordings sent in by testers and noted things that needed to be fixed, whether it was a bug, an exploit, or an overly difficult or overly easy puzzle.

The developer gradually refined his method, reducing the maximum number of testers to three. This avoided receiving identical feedback from dozens of different people and increased the efficiency of testing. This approach provided more valuable and varied feedback, which in turn contributed to a better product.

Creating an efficient pipeline made it possible to quickly develop new puzzles and significantly improve the puzzles in the initial levels. This gave Brown confidence that he would be able to release the game shortly after the festival ended on Steam. However, before moving on to this important stage, he needed to tackle a task he had been putting off for several months.

How to Work with a Game Composer

By the summer of 2024, Mark Brown had completed all preparations for his participation in the festival. He had prepared a polished demo featuring puzzles from the first world of his game, created a Steam page with attractive screenshots and gifs, and edited a trailer. However, all of these elements were missing one key asset: the game's soundtrack, which the blogger was unable to create on his own.

Music plays a key role in creating the atmosphere and emotional load of a game, Brown asserts. However, he admits that he does not have the skills or talent to write musical compositions. Even a simple line of musical notation is difficult for him.

Mark could have licensed existing music, as the creators of Braid and Hotline Miami did, but this carries certain risks. For example, a stream of the game could be blocked due to copyright infringement of the composition used. So Brown decided to hire a composer to create an entirely original soundtrack. However, he still had one small reason to doubt this choice.

The developer wondered, "How can I communicate with a composer if I don't have a deep knowledge of music?"

To allay his doubts, Brown turned to Austin Wintory, a composer known for his soundtracks for games such as Journey and Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical. The answer was crystal clear:

That's natural. Most of your peers in game design don't know how to express their thoughts about music. My usual advice is, "Just figure out what emotion you want the player to feel." Don't worry about how we'll implement it. That's my job. We're taking that burden off of you to ease your burden during the project's development.

Austin Wintory is a renowned video game composer who has gained recognition for his unique musical compositions for games. His work is characterized by depth and emotion, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in game worlds. Wintory has collaborated with various developers, creating music for projects such as Journey, Sword & Sworcery, and many others. His compositions not only enhance the atmosphere of games, but also become independent works of art. Throughout his career, Austin Wintory has received numerous awards and nominations, which confirms the high level of his talent and mastery in the field of video game music. This calmed Brown. He realized that he did not need to delve into studying music theory; The most important thing was to convey my vision of the game.

In previous releases, the developer announced the launch of a Google form to accept applications from potential composers. By the spring of 2024, 857 applications had been received. Brown admitted that he was unable to review every one of them, but he studied numerous resumes, listened to a large number of music samples, and familiarized himself with the rates proposed by composers. This talent selection process has become an important stage in his work, and despite the difficulties, he continues to seek the best of the best for his projects.

As a result, the developer chose Zach Jones, a game designer and composer from New York. He quickly selected tracks that perfectly matched the atmosphere and setting of Mark's game.

The developer emphasized that this gave him confidence in Zach's ability to create high-quality music for the Mind Over Magnet project.

After the required steps, such as a video meeting and signing a contract, Brown and Jones began creating the music for the first world. The developer suggested using the sewer system, the setting of the opening levels, as a source of inspiration. This unusual environment provided unique opportunities for creating a sound design that would match the atmospheric conditions and gameplay. The musical compositions were intended to emphasize the dark and mysterious atmosphere, thus creating an immersive experience for players.

World #1 is a sewer, where a mysterious and gloomy atmosphere reigns, but at the same time there is a slight touch of hope and inspiration. Soundtracks for this world could include recordings of running water, drips, the rustling of rats, and the sounds of chains. These elements will help create a unique audio environment that will enhance immersion in the channel's atmosphere, highlighting its mystery and appeal.

Mark Brown, in a letter to composer Zach Jones, expresses his thoughts and ideas on musical creativity. He shares his impressions of Jones's latest work, emphasizing the uniqueness of his style and his ability to convey emotion through music. Brown notes how Jones's compositions inspire him and make him reflect on the deep meaning of music in human life. The letter also raises questions about the creative process, the importance of finding a balance between originality and tradition, and the impact of music on society. This letter emphasizes the importance of communication between musicians and their desire to develop and improve in art.

Jones soon returned with a track created in accordance with the suggestions. The music suited the setting, but turned out to be too dark and energetic, distracting players from solving the puzzles. This reminded Brown of Austin Wintory's words: music is an iterative process.

Of course, I'm available to help with editing the lyrics. Please provide the original lyrics you want to change.

I often say, "Accept the fact that my first track will be a rough draft. We will move towards the final result based on your reaction to the music." I create something new, and it becomes a guideline that allows you to indicate which direction we need to go. For example, you might say, "We need to shift two degrees west and one degree south." This way, I better understand what you want to achieve. This is the iterative process of creating music.

Austin Wintory is a renowned composer working in the video game industry. His music resonates with millions of players around the world and becomes an integral part of the gaming experience. Wintory is known for his unique style that combines elements of orchestral and electronic music. His most notable works include the soundtracks for games such as Journey and Shadow of the Colossus. With his talent and creativity, Austin Wintory continues to inspire both game developers and music enthusiasts. His contributions to the video game industry highlight the importance of music in creating atmospheric and memorable game worlds.

With these words in mind, Brown contacted Jones again and indicated that changes to the proposed track were needed.

The composer returned with a lighter, more upbeat melody, perfect for the relaxed gameplay and cartoonish characters. This is exactly what Brown needed to create the right atmosphere in the game. The new melody complements the gameplay, giving it a bright and cheerful feel, making interactions with the characters more engaging and memorable.

This track has a high-quality beat that does not distract from solving problems, but on the contrary, creates a pleasant background for concentration. The developer emphasizes that music is ideal for working on puzzles, allowing him to stay focused on the process.

This process was an important lesson for Mark. He realized that he didn't have to do everything himself, as other people could handle certain aspects of the game even better than he could. This realization allowed him to more effectively delegate responsibilities and leverage the team's talents to achieve common goals. Mark learned to trust others and value their input, which significantly improved the quality of work and the project's results.

A developer doesn't need to be an expert in every aspect of programming. It's enough to clearly articulate the desired result. It's also important to understand that things don't always work out the first time. This is a natural process, and to optimize it, it's recommended to include the possibility of making edits in the developer's contract. Providing clear feedback also plays a key role in achieving a successful result.

The lessons learned by Brown played a key role in creating the cover art for the Steam game Mind Over Magnet. Cover art is a crucial element of a game's page, as it must immediately attract the attention of potential players. Therefore, Mark decided to turn to an experienced artist to develop an attractive design.

The developer turned to Grayson Evans, who had previously created promotional art for Devolver Digital and designed covers for games such as Skatebird. This time, Brown had a clear vision of the desired result: he aimed for a bright and dynamic illustration depicting the two central characters – the robot Uni and Magnus. Using the covers of the physical editions of Super Mario Bros. 2, Fez, and the Braid remaster as inspiration, he created a stylish and attractive visual style for the game.

As with the creation of the soundtrack, the design process was not without its challenges: several drafts were required to achieve the perfect proportions and overall style. As a result, Brown was able to create 3D character models that would be perfect for the cover of the album "Mind Over Magnet".

After completing the Mind Over Magnet cover, the developer began preparing for the festival on the Steam platform. Specifically, he posted a build of the game on itch.io for testing. During testing, Brown discovered that the game was not compatible with Mac operating systems. As a result, he decided to focus exclusively on the Windows version to ensure optimal quality and performance for this platform.

After reviewing Steamworks' rules, which require specific file settings in the game folder, Brown uploaded a demo version of his game to Steam a week before the festival. Now all he had to do was wait for the event to start.

Why Steam Next Fest is Good

The festival, which began on June 10, 2024, featured a demo of Mind Over Magnet among 1,800 games available for free download. Nearly 300 of these games belong to the puzzle genre. Brown's game was among projects such as the turn-based tactics Tactical Breach Wizards, the action game I Am Your Beast, and a remake of the classic puzzler Riven. This festival became an excellent platform for showcasing the diversity of games and drawing attention to new developments in the puzzle genre.

Standing out against the background of bright projects such as modern games with a modest game about magnets turned out to be quite difficult. This fact initially left the developer feeling demoralized. However, despite the difficulties, it is important to focus on the unique aspects of the game and promotion strategies to attract audience attention and create a niche in the gaming world.

"I wonder if anyone has taken the time to play my game?" Mark mused. "Actually, yes."

During the festival, 9,640 users played the Mind Over Magnet demo. The game was also added to wishlists 3,961 times, bringing its total number of additions to over 40,000. Additionally, several popular YouTubers reviewed the Mind Over Magnet demo, which contributed to increased interest in the project.

Mark received a significant amount of feedback in the comments on YouTube and itch.io, as well as in Discord and X messages, emails, and posts on the Steam platform. Players shared their impressions of the game, reported discovered errors and suggested ideas, and also expressed their willingness to help in the further development of the project.

The overall impression of the game is positive: users liked the concept, but many noted that the demo was too short and the puzzles weren't challenging enough. However, this doesn't bother me, as I'm confident that the full version of the game will address these issues, providing players with a more engaging and enriching experience.

Brown took a more systematic approach to processing feedback, creating a spreadsheet to track every comment and suggestion. He categorized comments into different categories, such as bugs, ideas, and accessibility options. This method allowed him to more effectively analyze feedback and make any necessary improvements to the product.

Mark rated his agreement with each comment on a scale of one to five and recorded the amount of feedback received for each element of the game. This allowed him to analyze opinions and improve the quality of the gameplay.

Brown analyzed the spreadsheet and identified key aspects of the Mind Over Magnet method that needed improvement.

• The main character, Uni, moved too slowly. This was especially noticeable in puzzles that required the character to run from one end of the room to the other. Brown agreed: it was not for nothing that he himself used the secret run button while fixing bugs – and increased Uni’s speed by 20 percent. This required reworking some puzzles – but as his previous experience showed, sometimes you have to choose the hard way and do it right.
• Players were unsure whether to take Magnus with them after completing a puzzle. To clear up the confusion, Brown created a scene where Uni struggles to squeeze through a narrow opening and is forced to leave Magnus behind.
• Players disliked the dripping water animation and the fact that the bolts falling to the level floor made no sound. The developer smoothed out the animation and added a bolt-clanging sound.

Brown suggested that in this case, players noticed small details like the water animation. This is because such details are easier to notice. Perhaps this is because other aspects of the demo had reached a high level of quality by the time the festival began.

The developers highly recommend participating in Steam Next Fest. While it's possible for your game to get lost among the crowd of other projects, this event provides a unique opportunity to bring your product to the spotlight. Even if you don't have millions of subscribers on YouTube, participating in the festival can significantly increase your game's visibility and attract a new audience. Steam Next Fest helps developers showcase their games, get feedback, and connect with players.

I received a lot of positive feedback from different people, and this will help significantly improve the game. Participating in the festival was a great rehearsal before the full release. I also learned all the intricacies of Steamworks, so the actual launch will go much smoother.

The festival set a tight deadline for Brown: participating in Steam Next Fest pushed him to release a significant portion of the game in its final form with full functionality.

The success inspired Mark to be confident that he will complete the Mind Over Magnet project within a few months. With this feeling in his gut, Brown began the final stages of development, focusing on improving functionality and user experience.

Why is it so hard to finish the game?

By August 2024, the Mind Over Magnet project will be completed, but it will not be fully finished.

Mark explains the difference between "finished" and "completed" using his original game plan as an example. He envisioned 50 unique puzzles spread across five original worlds. The game would feature three main characters and a plot with many unexpected twists. This highlights the importance of not only achieving the end goal, but also completing the project well, which includes working out all the details and aspects of the game.

Brown shared his thoughts: "This all sounds great. However, I have another, slightly secret plan."

The plan was to complete the game by the end of 2024. However, as development progressed, Mark realized that this deadline and the amount of work were incompatible. He needed to not only create numerous puzzles, but also devote time to testing, polishing, marketing, relaxation, travel, creating video content for YouTube, and leading a Game Maker's Toolkit game jam. With such a schedule, Brown couldn't meet the deadline, but he also didn't want to push it back.

"I've been developing this game for three years now, although I didn't initially plan to." Now I'm striving for new horizons and want to leave thoughts of magnets behind."

Brown realized he couldn't test the patience of his subscribers, who supported the game's development with donations. So he had to change his original plan. This situation made Mark feel incompetent. However, by talking to other developers, Brown realized that few release games in their original form. Almost everyone has to scale down projects at the last minute to fit within deadlines and budgets.

Brown discussed his changes to the project. Instead of the original 50 puzzles, the developer decided to reduce the number to 40 and place them in four worlds instead of five. He also concluded that three magnets were too many. A magnet with a split personality named Maggie/Meg, who can change polarities, has completely replaced Max's basic magnet. Players now meet Maggie early on, before she can change polarities, and later unlock this ability. This solution makes the gameplay smoother and more engaging.

Some mechanics were excluded from the game. For example, Brown didn't develop any puzzles for the magnetic blocks, resulting in them being shelved. Furthermore, Brown didn't consider himself a talented writer, so he decided the plot should simply explain the protagonists' motivations for escaping the factory where Mind Over Magnet takes place and give players a break from puzzle solving.

Mark implemented a new work plan, and the game was completed just a few months later. Mind Over Magnet is now available for a full playthrough, from the opening cutscene to the end credits.

Brown said that all remaining issues now need to be addressed.

The developer carefully reviewed the entire game, conducted several playtests, and compiled an extensive list of all the issues that needed to be fixed. This made the fixing process significantly easier and more efficient.

I had a clear picture of the finished game, fully understanding its structure and dynamics from start to finish. This allowed me to identify areas that needed refinement and identify where something was missing. With the game complete, I was able to more effectively allocate my time in the final weeks and months of development.

Brown realized that his original story had been overly simplified and ultimately lacked interest. To remedy this, he developed a tongue-in-cheek plot that includes jokes about artificial intelligence and an unexpected twist that adds intrigue and keeps the reader's attention.

The developer realized that players only gain access to both magnets late in the game, limiting their ability to use them effectively. As a result, he created additional puzzles, including a more challenging final level, to enhance the gameplay and increase player engagement.

The final world, consisting of 20 puzzles, proved too drawn-out. As a result, Brown divided the game into five worlds, making the final one shorter than the others to maintain the dynamism of the finale. To mark the transitions between key worlds, the developer added short cutscenes featuring Yuni flying through a pipe. This solution not only simplifies perception, but also maintains the player’s interest throughout the entire gameplay.

At this stage, Braun completed work on the content and completely focused on testing and optimizing the game.

Brown noted that this allowed him to focus on small details rather than more important issues. He was finally able to tackle details that he had previously put off due to the need to solve larger problems. For example, he added situational dialogue and implemented a hint button that would appear on the screen if the player was unable to solve a puzzle for too long. These improvements significantly improved the quality of the gameplay.

Creating new content for a game always increases its size, but this does not always lead to a significant improvement in quality. Currently, focusing on polishing, I observe how each update makes the game more and more high-quality and engaging. It is also important to note that successful playtests contribute to a boost in team morale, which has a positive impact on the further development of the project.

By this point, Brown realized that the game was approaching its end and decided to announce the release date for Mind Over Magnet - November 6, 2024. This date marks ten years since the first video was released on the Game Maker's Toolkit channel. However, the release was later pushed back a week, to November 13th, to avoid clashing with the US elections. Nevertheless, this new deadline became final.

During the final stages of development, Mark realized that there is no end point in this process except the one he defines for himself. At some point, the developer decides: "The game is finished. I am stopping my work." This moment underscores the importance of personal responsibility and self-discipline in the game creation process. Developers must be able to find a balance between the pursuit of perfection and the need to complete the project to avoid delays and loss of motivation.

Brown recalled a famous quote by the French poet Paul Valéry: "Work is never truly finished, it is only abandoned." This idea emphasizes that in any process, there is always room for refinement and improvement. The importance of continuous improvement and the pursuit of perfection is relevant in various fields, whether creative, scientific, or business. Every project has its own aspects that require attention and refinement, making the process endless and engaging.

With the release of Mind Over Magnet, the game designer unveiled a new video in which he thanked players for their support and shared the development process. One of the key innovations is a developer commentary mode, available after completing the game. This will allow players to replay familiar levels and learn about Mark's design decisions at every stage of the game's creation.

Mark focused all his efforts on fixing bugs in order to release the game in the best possible quality. The results of his work were successful: although Mind Over Magnet did not achieve the status of a resounding hit, it received positive reviews from both critics and players on the Steam platform. Both audiences note that the game is not revolutionary, but the Game Maker’s Toolkit host created a high-quality and attractive puzzle platformer with original puzzles. This project demonstrates that even in a saturated industry, it is possible to offer interesting mechanics and engaging gameplay.

Brown intends to continue working on new projects, despite the fact that his latest creation was not perfect, and some ideas remained unimplemented.

The developer commented: “Well, there’s always the possibility of a sequel.” He added that this was not an announcement of the continuation of the game Mind Over Magnet 2 and asked not to take his words seriously.