Devlog #2 – ASCENRUNE 

I announced the game’s development back on July 22nd, but so far, I’ve only done the bare minimum from my to-do list. Still, even those small efforts haven’t just been left to gather dust. Thanks to the experience I gained from PRESS ALT + F4, I can finally tackle this project with more confidence and dedication.  

But a few questions arise:  

– What engine will you use for development? 

– Will you have a team to help, or is this a solo two-year endeavor?

– On which platforms will the game be available?

– Will there be a demo?

1. The Engine  

As I mentioned before, I’ve chosen the most optimal engine for a 2D game: GameMaker. It’s the engine behind Undertale and the still-in-development Deltarune. While it requires payment for multi-platform builds, it has its perks:  

– Cross-platform compatibility. If all goes well, expect the game on Switch or PS4/PS5.  

– Room for future growth. The game won’t stagnate, which is always a plus.  

If you’re looking to make something of your own, go with GameMaker. (If you don’t want to spend money, try Godot — it supports C# and its own scripting language.)  

2. Team or Solo? 

For a debut project, there’s a lot of work ahead. I’m not sure if I can pull off even a demo version in those same hypothetical two years while working "on my knees" (so to speak). So, my decision will depend on my mental and physical state during development. For now, I don’t plan on assembling a team.  

3 & 4. Platforms & The Demo

Yes, there will be a demo.  And it won’t just be on distribution platforms—it’ll also be available on the game’s official website. If a project is ambitious, a demo is what helps boost its visibility and reception. It’s the best way to show players whether the game is for them or not. For now, the platforms are the usual: itch.io and GameJolt, with a later release on Steam. (Yes, I’ll have to pay $100 for the Steam page, but it’ll be worth it.). The full game will be paid, but the demo will be free. Let’s be real—even the most basic work deserves compensation. The estimated price is around  ₽399. (5,09 USD), the same as Undertale. There will also be giveaway keys distributed via a bot.  

An exciting adventure in game development awaits me... Let’s see how it turns out.