Disclaimer:None of this story is accurate to real life or even close. It is inspired from the fun I had whilst playing Kairosoft's "Game Dev Story". Only the world, event names, console names and certain environments described are borrowed from the game. All characters and major plot points are mine.
CHAPTER THREE
EPIK GAMING – First Birthday
Some of you might have noticed that today marks the first appearance of new-game studio, Epik Gaming in the game development scene. So far, because of budget problems, Epik Gaming has only released one game. And it was crap, by our standards. But we understand that they are a brand-new game studio, and we weren't expecting anything flashy or AAA grade.
So far, they've made a name for themselves doing various multimedia work. This includes making sound effects for cartoons, making game scenarios for other indie game studios and creating ringtones.
Some readers might say, "why are they calling themselves a game studio when they're not even making games?" This is wrong. There is nothing wrong with saving your expenses to train and allow your company to grow so that you make better games, even if that means you lose the chance to get huge amounts of money quickly. This is exactly what Epik Gaming is doing, as just last week, Epik Gaming has released info on their website (link at the end of the article) that they are at the beta stage of their latest game "Blackbarrow". According to Epik Gaming, "Blackbarrow" should be completed and fully released in about a month. So we're all looking forward to see how much improvement Epik Gaming has gotten since their first game, "REVERSI MANIA".
Happy birthday Epik Gaming, all of us at Game Guy wish you a happy birthday and hope that you continue to bring us more games that'll show your potential.
And to our readers, hope your gaming has been amazing so far and for it to continue!
Mark Antoine
Epik Gaming's website: epik-gaming
It's been a year since I joined the team. Which is about two weeks after Epik Gaming's official debut into the multimedia scene. It's gone by so quickly as well, which made me even more sure that this is what I want to do in my whole life. Our work on our latest game "Blackbarrow" is nearly over. We are just going over it and getting rid of all the bugs that we could find.
Mack has really put a lot more effort into the storyline for this game, and I enjoyed reading through all the game's plot-points. I hoped that we'd get better reviews on this one.
Jared has strategically spent our income for training everyone of us to become better at our respective jobs. So I really hoped that our improvement will show in "Blackbarrow"
Six hours later, John called out, "got the last bug!" and we all cheered then sighed, it's been a long debugging session and now it's finally over.
"Did I hear some good news?" Jared said, walking into the office smiling.
"Sure did, I just debugged the last bug that 'Blackbarrow' had." John explained.
"Excellent! Now Ms. Dunt will organise the distribution of the game!" Jared started, "And I know that this is the last thing you guys want to do after a long day, but we need to have a company meeting to plan our next move."
We groaned out loud but followed Jared into the meeting room and sat at our usual places.
"So, as you guys know, because of our recent training marathon, our finances are a bit lower than where we want them to be. But it's alright, because what I see us doing now, as 'Blackbarrow' is being sold in stores, is that we'll be doing some more odd jobs here and there just to give us a bit of an insurance in case something disastrous happens. Thoughts?" Jared started the discussion.
"I guess that makes sense, that's what we've been doing for the past year." John said honestly.
"I agree, sure we're not making a lot of money now, but as long as there's enough money for you to pay our salaries and keep the company in the blacks, then I'm fine with it." Callie chipped in, "and anyway, if we keep training, then we'll get better, and then we'll make better games!"
Mack nodded.
"What about you Chris, any thoughts?" Jared looked at me, "because of our budget, this means that we'll need to do a quick-fix game, something like 'REVERSI MANIA' so we won't be able to do your 'Fantasia' idea yet."
"Yeah, sure, I'm not ready story-wise to make 'Fantasia' into a full-fledged game anyway. I'm happy with whatever everyone is happy with for now boss." I answered him.
"Great, I guess it's settled then, everyone have a great night's sleep, there's another day of hard work to be done tomorrow!"
Jared stood and everyone followed his lead. As he walked back into his office, John called out, "come have drinks with us boss!"
He laughed, "not tonight John, sorry, Ms. Dunt and I need to look over the books and make sure that 'Blackbarrow' can be distributed as soon as possible."
"Ai'ight," John called, "see ya tomorrow big man!"
"Hey Chris, you wanna come have drinks with us?" Callie asked cheerfully.
"Is it only you guys?" I asked.
"Yeah, Mack doesn't like to socialise, probably spends his time making more stories or scenarios and big man back there likes to, you know, 'do the deed' with Jessica." John whispered roughly.
"No way," I said in disbelief, "is that why he always says no?"
"Duh," John laughed. "Now, what about you? You haven't answered Callie yet, it's been a year since you started working with us here, and you are yet to join us in drinks. What's wrong with you?"
"I don't know, I think I've just been really tired. Who would've known that sitting in front of a computer all day will be really tiring?" I explained, "but, tonight, in celebration of us finishing 'Blackbarrow', I shall join you guys."
"Right on, come on, we'll carpool in my car." John cheered, Callie grinned widely.
For an older person than the rest of us, John's car was really messy. I thought that the older you get, the cleaner your car will get. But that's not the case with John's car. His front passenger seat was so full of random rubbish and general stuff, that Callie and I were forced to sit at the back.
I sat in the middle while she sat on the left. The right seat was covered in rubbish also, not to mention, the whole floor. It was really uncomfortable for both of us as I needed to lean on Callie a bit to stay away from the rubbish on my right side.
We arrived at the bar (not as soon as I hoped) and ordered a round of drinks.
"So, newbie, how are you finding the games industry after your first year?" John asked, taking a big mouthful of beer afterwards.
"I'm really enjoying it. Epik Gaming has such a great atmosphere that I really enjoy working in and I can't wait to keep making games with you guys." I answered truthfully.
"Aw," Callie responded.
"Such a naïve response." John laughed loudly, Callie turned and gave him a look, he ignored her.
"So, when are you going to have that 'Fantasia' idea of yours done?" John continued.
"I really don't know, as I said in the meeting, I really don't want to ruin this after you guys gave such rave opinions about it," I told them, "and I really don't want to take Mack's 'thing' away from him, you know?"
"Yeah, Mack is so anti-social that he probably won't do anything if you did." John laughed at his cruel remark.
"That's not fair, just because he isn't as loud as you are!" Callie defended Mack.
"Yeah, and he's been working so hard to improve in his story-telling too, I just want to make sure that he doesn't feel like I'm pushing him out." I told them.
"Fine, whatever." John muttered, "but I can't wait to work on your idea, it really is, quite an awesome one."
"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it too, and I'm sure that Mack feels the same as us." Callie added.
I shrugged and finished my drink, "I buy the next round?"
They both loudly agreed.
It turned out that Callie's house was only about three streets away from mine, so I just got out when John got to her house. We both thanked him for the ride, and we both sighed deeply that we finally got space to breathe.
"Thanks for the great night," I told Callie, "I'll make sure that I attend more of those from now on."
Callie laughed, "yeah, I know right?" She paused for a beat then continued, "about John's car…"
"Please tell me you have your own," I said suddenly.
"I have a scooter but it's under maintenance till tomorrow." Callie explained.
I checked my watch, it was past midnight, "you mean later today?"
She laughed, "yeah. How do you get to work?"
"I take the train, I'm still refurbishing and fixing up stuff in my apartment, so I haven't been able to save up to get a car yet." I explained.
"Really? After a year?"
"Yeah, it's an old building, but the rent was cheap." I told her.
"Okay then," Callie said quietly, "hey, what you said about Mike, that was really thoughtful of you."
"It was the truth though. I'm completely new to this industry and Mack has helped out on some scenarios for other game studios than Epik, so I don't want to invade his specialty." I explained.
"It was still very thoughtful of you." Callie said.
I shrugged and smiled. She smiled back.
"Well, we both need our sleep for work," I paused, "later in the morning, so I better walk home now."
"Okay." Callie said as she walked up the steps to her apartment building. I started walking down the road. "Hey, Chris," she called out.
I turned around, "can we take the train to work together? I don't want to be in John's car again."
"Sure thing, 8.15 train?" I called out.
"Yeah, that's fine."
"See you then." I said as I waved one more time and continued walking down the road.
I was quite happy with my life walking home that night. Even though I do live in a very old apartment that has the knack of things being broken, it is nearly the end of the fiscal year which means that I'll get my first bulk paycheck, I'm working at a great place with great people. And I'm doing my dream job. My calling. I was content at that moment.
Little did I know that something tragic will hit Epik Gaming really soon. After the release of Epik's fifth game in fact.
Blackbarrow (PC) – Epik Gaming
For a quick look:
James McNally – 3/10 – The idea isn't bad but it needs a lot of work
Mark Antoine – 3/10 – Meh.
Annette Bland – 4/10 – They worked hard on it but still…
Brendan Jaquez – 3/10 – Better luck next time
The Review:
They're back after their last indie flop, 'REVERSI MANIA', hoping to prove that they're a worthy indie developing studio but unfortunately, 'Blackbarrow' is like the captain's annoying talking parrot that ends up dying off-screen near the end of the story.
Mack Laylard if Epik took a cliché pirate scenario and built onto it. In 'Blackbarrow', players take on the role of the titular character as he is stranded on a deserted island when his first mate mutinied against him.
Yes, the universe of the game is somewhat wonderful (all thanks to the time that Laylard took to create it) but Epik's ability of creating something theoretical into something practical is barely worth mentioning. Epik Gaming couldn't really pull this one off – in our opinion (IOO) – and failed to create something that was fun to accompany an intriguing universe. 13 out of 40 points from us.
Reviewer Comments:
James McNally – Epik Gaming are great guys, and this game was alright. It had a good idea, but they couldn't finish it properly.
Mark Antoine – I didn't actually like this game. It didn't interest me at all. When I played it, I was like, "meh…"
Annette Bland – Epik Gaming obviously worked hard on 'Blackbarrow', but you can't make a good game with only creativity.
Brendan Jaquez – Sorry Epik Gaming, I didn't like the gameplay at all. Better luck next time.
The reviews were quite harsh and we scored a lower score than 'REVERSI MANIA' which really affected Mack, but he got through it, and soon we started working on our third game.
'Blackbarrow' sales peaked in the first week with 27,024 units and managed to get into rank 22 in the top 30 top-grossing Game Guy list of the week, better than 'REVERSI MANIA' which entered at rank 23 in the first week. 'Blackbarrow' production stopped by the sixth week after a total of 66,439 units were sold, which is generally a better outcome than 'REVERSI MANIA'.
Within three months, we started working on our next game, 'Puzzle Galore'. Production of 'Puzzle Galore' ended after five months and we went straight back into miscellaneous contract work.
Puzzle Galore (PC) – Epik Gaming
For a quick look:
James McNally – 6/10 – Not for most players
Mark Antoine – 3/10 – What the heck is this?!
Annette Bland – 6/10 – It all needs more work
Brendan Jaquez – 5/10 – I'm a little disappointed
The Review:
Puzzles are only one half of the deal in Epik Gaming's, "Puzzle Galore". Writer, Mack Laylard, explained that he wanted players to experience something new, and "Puzzle Galore" is definitely new.
Compared to their first two games, this game is amazing (only because the others were utterly shocking). Every element is better, especially the graphics. Players will notice an obvious change for the better in the graphics of "Puzzle Galore".
President of Epik Gaming, Jared Klapton (yeah, the son of the founder of Klapton Media) explained that the sudden change in gaming experience was Klapton's executive decision to spend money to train the staff members in their respective fields instead of simply hiring new and better people.
"Over here at Epik Gaming, we like to strive to create a positive environment for our workers to work in. This includes having a workplace where the pressure of suddenly losing your job is not something that eats at the back of their heads. A positive working environment is always a plus for our developers in this struggling economy."
The most obvious problem about the game is its storyline. The method of story-telling and the subjects that are explored in the story-line are so abstract that most likely, 50% of gamers who play this will be left confused.
Overall, "Puzzle Galore" is still short of current gaming standards, even for indie games, but it is a statement to Epik Gaming's courage and perseverance to live up to their company name. (20 out of 40)
Reviewer Comments:
James McNally – Personally, I enjoyed this a lot. But I realise that the content of the game will not be for most players at all.
Mark Antoine – I see a lot of different things in this job, but what the heck is this?! It's. Utter. Crap. I'm sorry Epik Gaming, but this is utter crap.
Annette Bland – I like Epik Gaming, they're all hard workers and I believe that this all needs more work to be a better game.
Brendan Jaquez – I think we all agree that Epik Gaming is one of our favourite upcoming game developing companies. But truthfully, I am a little disappointed with this one.
Mack took the reviews of "Puzzle Galore" way more seriously than the reviews of the previous two games. And at one point after we read the review, I walked in on him slamming his head on a toilet cubicle door in frustration.
"Who's there?" he yelled surprisingly loudly. It was the first time I've ever heard him actually yell.
"It's Chris, are you alright Mack?" I answered him.
"Do I sound alright?" He yelled. He opened the door and he looked like he had been crying too. "Do I look alright? Have you been reading the same review that I've read?"
"Dude, calm down." I said quietly, "I'm not here to gloat. I'm just here to talk since you never really talk to me."
He glared at me. "I hold this company back. Why aren't you more angry at me?"
"Because we're a team right?" I said to him more firmly. "Why do you think you're holding the team back."
"Oh, I don't know," Mack started sarcastically, "because I'm not a good writer?"
"Then train more!" I exclaimed. "Jared's trying his best to let everyone have training sessions to get better, if you don't want to continue to hold the rest of us back, just ask him for more training sessions!"
He stared at me.
"Hell, I'll even walk up with you and demand it." I concluded.
He looked away and sighed. He then turned around and wiped his eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just, the Game Guy reviewers sounded like they were targeting me, you know?"
I patted his shoulder, "it really wasn't that bad. They noted that we all have gotten better."
"Yeah, I guess so, I really am sorry for snapping at you. I shouldn't have." Mack said softly.
I held my hand out to him for a handshake, "new slate?"
"Yeah, new slate." He said, smiling weakly and shaking my hand.
We both walked out of the bathroom, "did you know, that was the first time you and I had a proper conversation together?" I told him.
"Really?"
"Yeah, you've only ever told me what you want in the visuals of the game we were currently working on in a certain scene and then just sat back down in your seat and stay silent for hours on end." I explained.
"I get in the zone quite easily." He smiled.
"I reckon!"
"Puzzle Galore" did better than the previous two games, entering the top 30 top-grossing list at rank 17 on its first week of release and after 7 weeks of production, ended up selling 91,679 units in total. Because of our gradual improvement in sales, we managed to afford more training sessions.
Following the sudden successful trend of educational games, we started production on "Guess the Animal". Whilst developing "GtA", Intrendo released their new console to battle the Exodus, the IES which had the initial shipment of 1,800,000 units.
Guess the Animal (PC) – Epik Gaming
For a quick look:
James McNally – 5/10 – Good overall
Mark Antoine – 4/10 - It's alright
Annette Bland – 4/10 – Meh.
Brendan Jaquez – 3/10 – Not bad. But not good
The Review:
"Guess the Animal" is Epik Gaming's first attempt at an educational game. Epik Gaming is the latest game developing company to have jumped on the Educational band wagon and it is a bold move for them. One that could have made them a popular game developer for the ever-growing educational gaming scene.
Unfortunately for them it didn't work.
"Guess the Animal" has all the basics for an educational kids' game, but it was not enough. Nothing was right and truthfully, we think that Mark Laylard (main writer of Epik Gaming) is slowly losing his touch with story-telling, although it might just be that making educational games is not Laylard's thing.
At their current skill level, they won't be able to create any worthwhile games (and we don't like games that are condescending)
Reviewer Comments:
James McNally –Look, Epik Gaming is slowly improving, but we're not sure if they'll be able to make it big when their game is 'good overall'.
Mark Antoine – I don't know. This one, it was alright, except for the traumatic experience it left me. I'm just kidding, of course!
Annette Bland –No comment. It's just 'meh.'
Brendan Jaquez – I don't like educational games. They're not bad, but they're also not good in my opinion (IMO).
Mack took the review for "Guess the Animal" really well compared to the "Puzzle Galore" review, he admitted that educational games aren't really in his comfort zone. And even though it didn't have great reviews, because of the trend, "Guess the Animal" did quite well, entering the top 30 top-grossing list at rank 13 and having a total of 99,186 units in its six day production run, which meant, more training sessions.
Mack was suddenly very sociable after "Guess the Animal", which was a welcome change for the rest of the company. And when he came up with the pitch of our next game, "Marry Me!", we were very motivated to make it our best game yet.
And in six months, we managed to finish debugging it.
Celebrating Epik Gaming's 2nd Birthday with
Marry Me! (PC) – Epik Gaming
For a quick look:
James McNally – 5/10 – I'm a little disappointed
Mark Antoine – 5/10 – Close. Try harder
Annette Bland – 6/10 – It looked fun, wasn't really
Brendan Jaquez – 4/10 – It shows promise
The Review:
"Marry Me!" is an interesting romance simulation, where players take on the role of Mark, a low-esteemed, math club president who has a knack of obsessing over things. In this game, it was Jill Macintosh – and he wants her to marry him…even though they're still in high-school (we weren't kidding when we said interesting). It's not as easy as it sounds, as Jill hates Mark's guts.
The concept is definitely something amazing, but unfortunately the gameplay was not. Very sketchy graphcs and shocking animation did not help them at all, but it was manageable. I (James) believe that the sketchy graphics, weren't just their lack of skill, but a creative decision to go along with the sketchy story-line.
According to a post on Epik Gaming's website, the fact that the release of "Marry Me!" being exactly the same as their second birthday was completely coincidental. Was this in reality, simply a marketing scheme? We don't think so, no matter what our readers might speculate.
At least now we can see the bright light of good games at the end of Epik Gaming's tunnel of bad games! (20 out of 40)
Reviewer Comments:
James McNally – Knowing what Epik Gaming is capable of, now that they've gone under extensive training since their humble beginnings, I'm a little disappointed with "Marry Me!" Get better quick Epik Gaming!
Mark Antoine –They're getting there. Very close, but they need to try harder.
Annette Bland – When I saw this on my desk, it looked so fun! But I was wrong. It wasn't really. Story was amusing though.
Brendan Jaquez – Yes, this was not a good game, but Epik Gaming has improved so much since "REVERSI MANIA", this shows a lot of promise.
"Marry Me!" managed to excel in sales. It entered the top 30 list at rank 5 and stayed on the list for five weeks before dropping out. On the seventh week, production of "Marry Me!" stopped because of dropping numbers in sales, but at the end, "Marry Me!" made a total number of 262,782 units sold. I guess that releasing it on our second birthday as a company somehow improved our sales.
There was a huge celebration, drinks, Jared came along. But for some reason, Mack was still unwilling to join in.
The next day, as soon as I got to work, I knocked on the door of Jared's office.
"Come in!" he called from inside.
I opened the door and walked in.
"Sit down, what can I do for you Chris?" he asked me kindly.
"I've finished 'Fantasia'. I'm ready for us to create it." I told him.
Hello guys! I know it's been so long since chapter 2 was released. I hope you guys haven't forgotten about Game Maker. So, to celebrate the end of my uni year, I've been on a massive writing spree, releasing two new chapters for "A House's Secret" and now, this humongosaurus of a chapter for Game Maker. Filled with game reviews!
All the scores and 'For a quick look' comments, are straight from the game itself. This is based on a run as I played Game Dev Story at the time that I conceived the idea. I know that this chapter was a huge game review fest, but next chapter I promise there'll be a lot more dialogue and drama as Epik Gaming starts to develop the pitch that they loved nearly two years ago (two years in the story).
So I hope you've enjoyed the growth of the characters – if there was any – in this chapter. And I know I promised last chapter for me to update this sooner, but I promise, I will come back with chapter 4 much sooner than chapter 3.
So until then, enjoy!
Kid.