Devlog #9 - Beta Release

Hey there!

Nice to sea ya! Team Octogroup is here again to bring you the Beta version of our co-op obstacle course game, Gimme a Hand! Our team has been hard at work to make the game as fun as possible, and that includes a lot of work into our main mechanics, level design, user interface, and research into the user experience. Below are more details on what changes we’ve made for this playable Beta release!

Level Design Updates

• We decided to try and build our levels around the idea of having “more to do in a smaller space” to keep the flow state going for players. We came up with various ideas for future areas/rooms in the game.
  • This is based on our feedback from our generous Ubisoft playtesters.
• Sized down everything to focus on what’s important in the level (obstacles/puzzles)
• Shortened puzzles based on new metrics and timing players during playtests. 

Visual Updates

• Added updated UI asset sprites (controls popups)
• Colour-coded the puzzle rooms (yellow/red = interactable, tentacle coloured rocks = correspond with each tentacle of the same colour, potentially)
• The camera and cutscenes have been changed to accommodate the revamped Beta level of the game

Programming Updates

• Hinge-jointed objects have been added as physical props players can interact with as a side activity
• Added “i” & “k” keys for vertical control for the keyboard.
• Added “up” & “down” buttons for vertical control for gamepad. 
• Implemented colour-coded interactable logic.

Audio Updates

• A new music track has been added for level 1!
• A new music track has replaced the old one for the win screen!
• Volume adjustments and where/when audio starts have been made using FMOD.

Shader Updates

• The trail shader has been added to the game, making Tickles paint the floor as he moves across the levels
• The trail shader was reused to make markers for the first room for players to play with!

Next steps

From here on out, our focus will be on polishing our levels and adding in final assets to really bring our game to life. Gimme a Hand is well on its way to becoming something we can show off proudly at a showcase like Level Up! Thanks for reading! We’re looking forward to sharing the Beta build of our game with you, and seeing what chaos you’ll bring to the table with your friends. Sea you next time!