We have moved our development blog to new address: http://snowballz.joey101.net Be sure to check it out for latest news!

Today we will present you with a couple of screenshots from our current development product. This is obviously just a glimpse, but we want to give you a small idea on what you might expect when the game is released! (click the thumbnail for full sized image):


Things have been generally going smoothly for the past week - as usual ;) Michael is attending the GDC as I type, promoting our game, getting more fans and spreading the word of SnowballZ to general public. The developers are working hard on the igloos and the UI - a prototype interface is already completed and being revised by the entire team. Last but not least - the penguins SPEAK! Marek, our audio guy prepared several samples of what the penguins may sound like. While we cannot tell you more details on that yet, I can assure you - you'll love it ;)

All in all, our new work system seems to its job - our flow of information has improved and the general pace of work has increased (despite the fact that most of us work fulltime and treat SnowballZ as a hobby).

Keep up the good work guys!

/Krzysztof

Well, here we are! Almost one month since the last blog update. There have been some things going on during that period. Most of the time we spent on improvmenet of our work as a team - being stranded in different parts of the planet it proves to be extremely difficult. First of all, we started working on the community side of the game, which will hopefully be up and running within several days (stay tuned for more details). During several of our brainstorming sessions we came up with dozens of new ideas we want to introduce in the game. I won't tell you much at this point (don't want to spoil the surprise!), but I can shed some light on one fact: you will be amazed, astonished and completely dazed! (did I mention "amazed"?) Fear not though: we will gradually share the secrets as the development progresses!

The coding of the game itself is going smoothly as it should. The main concept of the AI for the penguins is almost ready and the implementation is underway. A preliminary user interface is being created and the entire control system of the penguins has been greatly improved. Also, the penguins themselves will soon speak with their own voices! You will love the way they chat, mock and sing!

On the business side, we've been quite busy too. We keep meeting new people willing to help us promote SnowballZ in the best way possible. We even found possible contacts in Europe, so we might truly spread worldwide sometime soon! And don't forget: if you're going to attend the GDC this year, be sure to talk to Michael Lubker, the "main dude" of SnowballZ team!


Stay tuned for more updates!

/Krzysztof

Our first month of development has gone very well. Lots of exciting new stuff coming up that we hope to be able to share with all of you soon.

The game world will be changing quite a bit from the last open source release (0.9.5.1). Expect to see colorfull and detailed places with all sorts of crazy and hilarious stuff in them!

One feature that I can reveal right now is the ability to make your own penguins. Want this one fat? How about a little shorter? You'll also have an array of apparel to dress your penguins in... a lot more than just that old stocking hat!

Estimated development time is 8 to 12 months - stick around for further updates.

~Joey

As the title says! Happy Holidays!

We're still snowballin here! We're setting up milestones and as a few members of the team take a break for the holidays we still do what we can to keep on track. We're making good progress in pretty much all areas and soon hope to have some screenshots/media to share!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

~McAden

After pre-vis, research, coordinating, and inspiration the snowballz project is...well...snowballing.

Our small development team is hard at work to put out an exceptional-quality product on a small budget and with busy lives. The team is scattered all over the world but we are determined to do what it takes.

The game started with Joey. Then Matthew joined in and it spread to Michael, Aaron, and Jeff like a contagion. From there we've moved along to revamping graphics systems, making business decisions, improving content, and turning the project into something that is constantly growing, while keeping the premise as a kid-friendly and enjoyable game.

Stay tuned as we make progress as we share our successes and failures here as an encouragement to all indie game developers out there that are reaching for their dream.

~Aaron "McAden" Moore