Junk Odyssey

Our small team of indie developers brought Junk Odyssey, a mobile puzzle game, to life in just six months, launching at SXSW with a guerrilla marketing strategy. Little known fact, Nexrage Studios started as a game company back in 2012. Over 10 years later, those dreams would become reality once again. The conception of the game was pioneered by Luka Hyman (Creative Game Director) and Dustin Williams (Lead Game Developer).

As with any creative project, the development of Junk Odyssey faced significant challenges. The team had to balance the need for challenging puzzles with the requirement of an engaging storyline. The initial focus was to create a fun game, but incorporating a strong message about environmentalism added complexity. Additionally, the limitations of a small team and a demanding timeline for launch at SXSW introduced further complications. With just two people juggling multiple tasks - from concept design and animation to coding and marketing - the process was intense.

The birth of Junk Odyssey evolved from numerous brainstorming sessions. Initially conceived as 'Shadow Box,' a simple square-navigating puzzle game, the idea took a turn when the team began experimenting with space-themed backdrops. This switch introduced an astronaut character (MARVIN), planetary settings, and a compelling mission to clean up intergalactic waste. The development journey was an intense four-month expedition to craft a game blending strategy, entertainment, and a touch of interstellar environmentalism.

Junk Odyssey's creation required a plethora of tools and technologies. Character models were designed and customized in Blender, while Unity formed the backbone of game development. 2D art was brought to life in Inkscape and Photoshop, and video editing was carried out in Davinci Resolve. GitHub, Gitkraken, Visual Studio 2022, and Visual Studio Code played crucial roles in source control and coding in C# and HLSL/ShaderLab. The game's visual style evolved from basic 2D designs to complex 3D elements, fostering a vibrant and dynamic gaming environment.

Dustin focused on game mechanics, smooth gameplay, and the diverse environments MARVIN explores. In contrast, Luka was the visionary force behind the unique concept, ensuring the theme of interstellar environmentalism was woven consistently throughout the game. The team meticulously planned and organized tasks, using detailed to-do lists and sprint work strategies to stay on track. Beta testing and gathering player feedback was invaluable, informing adjustments to gameplay mechanics, tutorial formats, and level difficulty.

The marketing of Junk Odyssey was an essential component of the game's success. The team's marketing strategy began before the game's launch, building anticipation through the creation of the MARVIN suit. This suit would not only create interest in the game but also allow the team to engage with potential players, creating a community around Junk Odyssey at SXSW and other industry relevant events. With an infinite number of games vying for attention in a saturated market, it was crucial to find innovative ways to generate buzz and captivate potential players' interest.

Despite the challenges, the team's dedication, commitment, and constant communication prevailed. The team remained unwaveringly committed to the game's central theme of intergalactic environmentalism. It ensured this theme permeated every element of the game, from the design of M.A.R.V.I.N. to the types of debris players encounter, effectively combining gaming fun with environmental consciousness. Navigating these challenges not only resulted in a game that resonates with players but also provided invaluable lessons that would shape the team's future projects.