Home Gaming Indie Zoe: Raider of the Lost News (6 March 2014)

Indie Zoe: Raider of the Lost News (6 March 2014)

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Zoe s indie 500

And just like that, we’re already almost a week into March. Joburg has been flooded, my usual roads are filled with potholes and crazy drivers. So, winter is coming? But never fear, there’s some cool indie news to make you smile and warm your heart, if nothing else.

First up, Microsoft has revealed that 65 more developers have joined its poorly named ID@Xbox program. You can check out the full list of new guys over here, but it includes some relatively big names in the indie development scene. Compulsion Games (the makers of Contrast), Playdead (the studio behind Limbo) and Neocore Games (the makers of The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing) have all joined up. Good news for the program and for the developers – let’s see what cool indies show up on the Xbox in the future.

In other indie news, do you like to make games? Do you have sadistic tendencies? Then do I have the game jam for you! The term “Procedural Death Labyrinth” has become the new preferred way of describing games like FTL, Spelunky and others. It’s seen as less awkward than saying “rogue-like-like” or “rogue-kite” and I personally think that it more aptly describes the experience. Now, it’s getting a game jam. Starting 8 March, developers can take part in Procedural Death Jam, where they get seven days to make such a game. Want to get involved? Head on over to their page and find out more.

Mike Bithell, the man behind Thomas Was Alone, has released some raw gameplay footage for his new game, Valume. I still have no idea what it’s about except that there’s a stealth element, but I’m certainly keen to find out more.

Over on Steam, another batch of 50 games have gotten the Greenlight. Looks like we’ll get to take on cyber warfare with Disrupt or head to The Rock with Prison Tycoon Alcatraz. In great local news, South African led and developer Oculus Rift game Atajrubah was one of the games Greenlit – well done. It makes me so proud to see local games getting the greenlight in almost every batch.

Prototype of the Week

A couple weeks ago I told you about Dead Run, a game from Tuism that could be played in the browser. It has apparently moved into Beta and can be played here, but you have to see this video of a local YouTuber playing this game. I think it perfectly captures the experience of playing the Alpha, and even has some Walking Dead references:

The beta is even more fun, and you should give it a whirl.

Another prototype/alpha that stole far too much of my time this week was Cadence. I already told you about how awesome the game is, but you just have to play it to understand – it’s fantastic. Go check out the demo that can be played in your browser through Unity.

Last Updated: March 6, 2014

30 Comments

  1. Alien Emperor Trevor

    March 6, 2014 at 13:36

    Idiotbox *chortle*

    Reply

  2. Gerhard Davids

    March 6, 2014 at 13:40

    The beta of dead run is a massive improvement already.

    Reply

  3. RinceThis

    March 6, 2014 at 13:48

  4. Kensei Seraph

    March 6, 2014 at 13:57

    Zoe’s description of the state of the roads has given me inspiration for a game: Pothole Repair Simulator.

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      March 6, 2014 at 13:57

      Yes! I want to be the flag waving guy!

      Reply

      • Kensei Seraph

        March 6, 2014 at 14:00

        Just remember that if you too good a job you lose.
        So take your time, do a bad job and try to cause a few accidents while you’re at it.

        Reply

        • General JJ the Fett

          March 6, 2014 at 14:04

          I’m going to let cars through from both sides when only one lane is open.

          Mwahahaa

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief in Vegas

            March 6, 2014 at 14:09

            lulz

    • RinceThis

      March 6, 2014 at 14:18

      Load shedding simulator. Aim is to see how quickly you can piss off the entire population of South Africa. Level 9000+ Achievement Unlocked.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        March 6, 2014 at 14:28

        With difficulty levels:

        Easy, Normal, Eskom.

        Reply

        • Kensei Seraph

          March 6, 2014 at 14:36

          Actually it should be Eskom, Easy, Normal, Hard, Olympus.

          Reply

          • RinceThis

            March 6, 2014 at 14:38

            Eskom, Easy, Normal, Hard, Dark Souls* fixed

          • Her Highness the Hipster

            March 6, 2014 at 14:42

            Eskom, Detroit, Normal, Dark Souls 😛

          • RinceThis

            March 6, 2014 at 14:43

            Nice 😉

  5. Kensei Seraph

    March 6, 2014 at 14:01

    Cadence was a lot of fun, but the demo didn’t have enough levels.
    I’m really looking forward to trying the full game.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      March 6, 2014 at 14:44

      What is this game Cadence? Never heard of it, don’t tell me it’s some kak indie BS hipster stuff? *RUNS

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        March 6, 2014 at 14:49

        Aren’t all indie games that? 😉

        Reply

  6. ToshZA

    March 6, 2014 at 14:47

    What passes for news on this website is shocking. I can’t believe how the quality of reporting has just gone to the dogs.

    And now that I’ve got your blood boiling (yes, first paragraph was a joke, chill, have some green tea and load up an Indie to quell your frustration), that Procedural Death Simulator genre is such an apt description – and has me addicted. So many ways to die. And we just keep coming back for more. Masochists are we. Also, it is lovely to see local devs getting some steam love. Its nice to see that the industry is growing in this country.

    Also, I do love this header, gets my lols racing every time.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      March 6, 2014 at 14:49

      I was about to release the Kracken when I saw this coming from you man! Unfortunately a little bit of the Kracken appeared, not getting it back is nigh impossibru!

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        March 6, 2014 at 14:51

        Wait.. what? O_O

        Reply

        • ToshZA

          March 6, 2014 at 14:52

          Trust you to find the dirty in that comment. Also, now that I’ve seen it too.

          Wait.. what? O_O

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            March 6, 2014 at 14:53

            Mission accomplished.

          • ToshZA

            March 6, 2014 at 14:53

            Where’s Unavenged when you need him?

          • ToshZA

            March 6, 2014 at 14:58

      • ToshZA

        March 6, 2014 at 14:52

        LOL sorry dude. I had to, one of those things you just have to try once.

        Reply

        • RinceThis

          March 6, 2014 at 14:56

          Heheh 😉

          Reply

  7. Draco Lusus

    March 6, 2014 at 15:05

    Only a week left to back Darkest Dungeons on Kickstarter!!! DOOO EEET!!! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1460250988/darkest-dungeon-by-red-hook-studios

    Reply

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