So, after a long struggle, I think I have to kill a level that I put a lot of work into. I was looking at this blog and found a post from almost a year ago, and can see how I’ve just put too much time / effort / energy into something that just will not take cohesive shape.

I’ve struggled with it – fought with it – scrapped it and started from scratch (see last year’s post!) – and I just cannot get this level polished to the point where I think I can ship it.

I had some seriously good bits – the envelope quest was a simple, easy quest to start the level; the big rolly balls that flattened the player had a nostalgic touch – but the whole thing never congealed into a cohesive mass. And it pains me to dump all that.

I can, of course, reuse the assets and FSMs to drive them. It’s my innate stubbornness that makes it difficult to let it go. I mean, I worked that level . A year ago I decided to re-do it from scratch and that didn’t work, so I went back to my original design. I was considering trying a different version of it – but then I came upon the post from a year ago and had a moment that forced me to realize that I could work another year on it and still not have the functionality I want.

But, the clock is ticking and I’m feeling the pressure. I need to get this demo OUT. I need to start working on the main game. I need to get funding. And sitting here tinkering with the same level over and over isn’t getting the ol’ job done.

I’m currently prepping for the MakerX Expo at the end of February. And FedEx is opening their Small Business contest at the end of the month. And once I can get my head around the budget concept and get my act together, I’ll be applying to IndieFund and a few local angel investor funds. I need someone smarter than me to get my mechanics feeling tight, and I need a young 2D modeller looking to make his bones to help with the cranking out of assets. Plus, I’m looking at expanding my demo reach – GDEX and MakerX are my staples, but I feel like I could get good traction showing at Games 4 Change.

And that is where I’m applying next. (soon)