Blackhole
How we are fighting in the sea of indie games
In this article, We would like to share a couple of discoveries we've made during the development of BLACKHOLE. Also we'd like to show you the power hidden inside a community and how important it is to promote your games outside of the internet. We also have two stories about our experiences from attending two major events, with very different outcomes.
This blogpost is targeted mainly for developers community. But it's a great open window to the background of our development for curious gamers.
Read more at Gamasutra
Also, our game is on the sale with -70% off for limited time! So, if you don't have game yet, it's great to pick it up right now!
Yours,
FiolaSoft Studio
How we are fighting in the sea of indie games
In this article, We would like to share a couple of discoveries we've made during the development of BLACKHOLE. Also we'd like to show you the power hidden inside a community and how important it is to promote your games outside of the internet. We also have two stories about our experiences from attending two major events, with very different outcomes.
This blogpost is targeted mainly for developers community. But it's a great open window to the background of our development for curious gamers.
Read more at Gamasutra
Also, our game is on the sale with -70% off for limited time! So, if you don't have game yet, it's great to pick it up right now!
Yours,
FiolaSoft Studio
Easy & Less Dialogue Mode + FREE DEMO available now!
FREE DEMO
Consisting of 5 diverse levels, the demo will allow gamers to get a glimpse of what’s best in Blackhole. Playing with gravity, solving puzzles and learning how to wall-jump should be enough to convince all not convinced yet, that it’s worth to join Endera crew and learn their story.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/395510
ADJUSTING THE AMOUNT OF DIALOGUE LINES
Not a big fan of long chats between NPCs, that interrupt your platforming experience? No problem as from now on you’ll be able to choose ‘Less dialogues’ option and turn it on or off freely throughout your whole play through. This option doesn’t switch the story off completely. It only disables some side dialogue lines that are not core for the plot. And leaves you with pure, dynamic, platforming joy.
EASY MODE
Unlike ‘Less dialogues’ this option can be chosen only once as it changes the gameplay massively. Also it disables most achievements based on hardcore playthrough and timing. And it won’t allow you to send time record or coffee-time for levels to online leaderboards. So be careful and think twice before enabling it! In the same time this may be a great solution for gamers who seemed to have problems with finishing the game but yet were keen on learning the whole story.
Mostly because with Easy Mode on, you will be able to keep your collected selfburn if you die. And if you run over the start portal, your progress will be saved. Those, who already had a chance to try out the game know, that this will make beating the levels and solving puzzles significantly easier. And in result the game should be more accessible for casual gamers.
1.0.5B CHANGE LOG
MAIN ISSUES
- Fixed 120+ bugs across the game
- Fixed some level solutions
- New less dialogues mode
- New easy mode
- New options in the menu
- New asynchronous save system
RESOLVED ISSUES
- (FIX) Testing laboratory DLC loading fixed
- (FIX) New volume for some music files
- (FIX) Buttons are now more responsive
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing hack in Videogameception level
- (FIX) PS4 controller images fixed
- (FIX) New save system has now backup function
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing death for character close by you
- (FIX) Fixed bug with loading external resources
- (FIX) Fixed bug in datapads at Sacred Library location
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing hidden Ati's auto-batery
- (FIX) Fixed typos in english language file
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing sound loop and game crash in Sacred Library
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing that logo of the game is missing
- (FIX) Fixed bug when you're getting more than one quest at time
- (FIX) Fixed graphics glitches
- (FIX) Fixed some achievements
KNOWN ISSUES
We are working hard to fix these reported issues as soon as possible:
- We need to translate new lines for Secret of the Entity into all languages (missing lines are temporarily replaced by english)
- Missing Steam Overlay in Mac OS X version (still under review)
What next?
We also want to inform all players that we are currently working on another big update for the game. Challenge Vault in version 1.0.6 will bring a new set of levels for free every week, also we will introduce the "online mode" for the game! Thank you for your patience and support!
In the meantime, don't miss the opportunity to get some additional content for the game:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/322700
http://store.steampowered.com/app/323650
We want to thank you for all of your positive reviews and all the reported bugs. We are fully focused on making the game even more enjoyable and looking forward to hear how you like the update on our Steam Discussion forum!
Also, we have released troubleshoot article to solve many problems with the game. Feel free to check it out on this link! :)
Enjoy the game,
FiolaSoft Studio :auriel:
We hit the GAMESCOM 2015 and it was AWESOME
EASY MODE INCOMING
Based on community feedback & because we want to our game adjust also for casual or „mainstream“ players: the easy-mode is coming. If you experience the problem with finishing the game and you want to complete the story & enjoy the levels in "easier" way. The easy mode enabled could help you do that.
In easy mode, when you collect selfburn and run over start portal - your progress is saved. If you die, you will respawn with already collected selfburn. This is so easier way how to solve many puzzles - so please, remember and think twice if you set your profile to easy mode - because there is no way how to set the easy mode off on that profile again.
Be aware that enabling easy mode you will turn-off most of the achievements based on „hardcore“ gameplay and timing. Once you set easy mode on, it can’t be turned off on that game profile. Also with easy mode enabled you can't send time record or coffee-time for the levels to online leaderboards.
LESS DIALOGUES MODE
This mode (unlike the Easy mode) could be turned on and off anywhere & anytime in whole game. When you set the game into "less dialogues" mode; we will cut-off most unnecessary dialogues, so you will experience less story events (like by 60% less). This option is here for all who wants play only & mainly platform experience and story is for them some side-related thing.
We are not removing all the story! Story is still presented. We will just cut-off the lines that „extends the basic storyline“. So even with Less Dialogues on, you will have to repair the ship, hear all blackboxes & save everyone from the crew.
FREE DEMO WILL BE AVAILABLE
We will also release the DEMO of the game in a few days for free on STEAM, to give a taste to everyone who wants the game just try & maybe we will convince some new players to join our Endera crew! :)
Our DEMO contains 5 levels, player will learn how gravity platforms works, then go to the jungle, experience puzzle in sacred library (city & emp glove), learn how to wall-jump and try to solve little puzzle in desert at one from „Eternal Thirst“ levels.
THIS BIG GAME UPDATE COMING IN A FEW DAYS!
Hope you will like how we expanding the game in order to get it more attractive for other players than just hardcore base.
Thank you! ♥
- Devs from FiolaSoft Studio
PS: Keep calm and make Cpt. Jetsen coffee! :enderacoffee:
Help BLACKHOLE to GAMESCOM 2015
This contest provided by Playfield is a chance for every game developer to get spot on GAMESCOM event.
The contest ends in a few days (on Sunday 19th of July, 18:00 CET), exactly two weeks before gamescom. The two community winners will be announced on the 19th, and the Jury will choose the third winner during the following week.
We're now in the top 5 (2nd place right now!) out of hundreds of games. But only first places can gain the spot on GAMESCOM. So we need your support to make it happen!
Thanks to our community we are on the good way to win this contest with Blackhole. But we need your support. If you love our game, if you loved the experience of the story - this is your chance to support our dream.
HOW TO HELP?
Just head to Playfield's game page of BLACKHOLE and follow these steps:
- Follow our game
- If you are interested, check our screenshots and rate them!
- Every rate "I woul'd play it" gives us great score
- That's it! You've supported our dream! Thank you! :)
Follow our game BLACKHOLE on Playfield here
We are so thankful for the community we have. And we know that asking this too much is not matter of course, but we want inform other players about BLACKHOLE so much! This is our longterm goal and with you, we can do it!
- Follow our game BLACKHOLE on Playfield here
- More information about contest is here
- Check leaderboard
Thank you! ♥
- Devs from FiolaSoft Studio
PS: Keep calm and make Cpt. Jetsen coffee! :enderacoffee:
Secret of the Entity Free Expansion Available Now!
Now assuming that you have successfully rescued all crew members and repaired the ship you’re probably now ready to get back home. Right?
Not so fast soldier. How do you want to go back when The Endera spaceship tank is empty? You’ll need to refill it with gas. To do so follow Jetsen’s guidance in order to collect special black ‘selfburns’ and use them as Endera’s fuel. This should be easy right? In the end you already know the universe, are a master of turning levels upside down and nothing can surprise you. Or does it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLkol94fckw
1.0.5 CHANGE LOG
MAIN ISSUES
- Fixed 160+ major bugs in the whole game
- New & Final ingame menu design
- Fixing all missing achievements and dogtags
- Added Coffee Time! functionality
- Fixed major problems with controllers & key bindings
- New story dialogues & missions
- 12 brand new hardcore levels
- New exploration puzzles
- New overworld map!
- You can now mute characters by your selection
- New stories in the Sacred Library! Search the datapads!
RESOLVED ISSUES
- (NEW) New particles & effects on Endera
- (FIX) Fixed XBOX Controller detection on Windows, Linux & Mac OS X
- (FIX) Fixed other controllers detection (see FAQ for more info)
KNOWN ISSUES
We are working hard to fix these reported issues as soon as possible:
- We need to translate new lines for Secret of the Entity into all languages (missing lines are temporarily replaced by english)
- Missing Steam Overlay in Mac OS X version (still under review)
- Option to play the game in "Less Story mode" with overall less dialogues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMIaY3htV5c
What next?
We also want to inform all players that we are currently working on another big update for the game. Challenge Vault will bring a new set of levels for free every week, also we will introduce the "online mode" for the game! Thank you for your patience and support!
In the meantime, don't miss the opportunity to get some additional content for the game:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/322700
http://store.steampowered.com/app/323650
We want to thank you for all of your positive reviews and all the reported bugs. We are fully focused on making the game even more enjoyable and looking forward to hear how you like the update on our Steam Discussion forum!
Enjoy the game,
FiolaSoft Studio :auriel:
You can now enjoy Blackhole in French, Italian, German and Polish!
The universe is large and full of dangerous Black Holes. To close them all we need more brave adventurers. Calling all hardcore gamers from France, Italy, Germany and Poland to join forces and save not only Earth but the entire universe!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FjdmL8q64w
BLACKHOLE has been released with this language support:
- English: HUD / Subtitles / Voiceover
- Czech: HUD / Subtitles / Voiceover
- Polish: HUD / Subtitles
- Italian: HUD / Subtitles
- German: HUD / Subtitles
- French: HUD / Subtitles
- Spanish: HUD / Subtitles
All these languages are now available for free in the newest version of the game! More languages are coming soon.
1.0.4G CHANGE LOG
MAIN ISSUES
- French, Italian, German and Polish language is now available
- Fixed major bugs in the DLC: Testing Laboratory
RESOLVED ISSUES
- (NEW) New water effect (with splashes! :))
- (FIX) Fixed XBOX Controller detection on Linux & Mac OS's
- (FIX) Fixed PlayStation Controller detection on Linux & Mac OS's
- (FIX) Fixed PlayStation Controller tutorial icons for Windows.
- (FIX) Language selection has been improved.
KNOWN ISSUES
We are working hard to fix these reported issues as soon as possible:
- Missing Steam Overlay in Mac OS X version (still under review)
- Adding support for even more controllers
- Adding option to mute selected characters, setup the tutorials and etc.
- Option to play the game in "Adventure mode" with less dialogues
What next?
We also want to inform all players that we are currently finishing another big update for the game. Secret of The Entity is coming really soon and it will bring a new set of levels & story absolutely for free!
In the meantime, don't miss the opportunity to get some additional content for the game:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/322700
http://store.steampowered.com/app/323650
We want to thank you for all of your positive reviews and all the reported bugs. We are fully focused on making the game even more enjoyable and looking forward to hear how you like the update on our Steam Discussion forum!
Enjoy the game,
FiolaSoft Studio
The first DLC: Testing Laboratory is now available with 50% off for first week!
ABOUT TESTING LABORATORY
DLC: Testing Laboratory tells the story back on the Earth. Testing Laboratory is kind of a flashback chapter or a prequel if you want. Our hero just signed up for the Endera's suicide mission, but he wants to be captain of the mission. What really happens and why he ended up as the coffee-guy? Try to uncover this secret!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_SWdRaWPR8
DLC FEATURES
- Introducing new character: House
- 10 ultimate tests
- 20 levels in total
- New back-story revelations
- Get 5 new achievements
- More than 30 minutes of additional gameplay
This DLC is now available for all owners of Collector's Edition for free!
If you don't want to miss this chapter, you have the option to upgrade your game to the Collector's Edition - or you can buy this DLC separately.
DLC: Testing Laboratory
Approx. game time: +30 minutes of gameplay
Release date: 18th May 2015
Price: Free (Collector's Edition) or 1,99 USD/€
Release sale: 50% off for 1 week
http://store.steampowered.com/app/322700
1.0.4d CHANGE LOG
MAIN ISSUES
- DLC: Testing Laboratory for OS X now available
- DLC: Testing Laboratory for LINUX now available
- DLC: Testing Laboratory for Windows now available
RESOLVED ISSUES
- (NEW) EMP indicator is not aimed on lights now
- (FIX) Fixed graphics glitches in Eternal Thirst by crumbling blocks
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing bad resolution by ingame menu
- (FIX) Smusa has now resolved all animations
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing bad numbers in gameplay statistics
- (FIX) Fixed bug causing that Cpt. Jetsen is invisible in the rescue mission
- (FIX) Fixed collision bug on Endera
KNOWN ISSUES
We are working hard to fix these reported issues as soon as possible:
- Missing Steam Overlay in Mac OS X version (currently under review)
- Adding support for even more controllers
- Re-master of basic tutorials
- Adding option to mute selected characters, setup the tutorials and etc.
- Re-design of the ingame menu
- Adding the native support for PS3 controller under the LINUX
- Option to play the game in "Adventure mode" with less dialogues
- Adding more languages (Russian, Polish, German, Italian, French)
What next?
We also want to inform all players that we are currently finishing another big update for the game. The End Game update is coming soon and it will bring a new set of levels for free!
We want to thank you for all of your positive reviews and all the reported bugs. We are fully focused on making the game even more enjoyable and looking forward to hear how you like the update on our Steam Discussion forum!
Enjoy the game,
FiolaSoft Studio
BLACKHOLE for Linux and OS X now available
We want to thank you for your amazing support & all the positive reviews. We hope you are all enjoying BLACKHOLE. The following are brief upcoming news. We are still trying to collect all your feedback. Please, continue to send us your awesome thoughts and ideas
New accolade trailer
We have prepared brand new trailer showing final version of the game! Look at the awesome combination of gameplay, story and our original music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FjdmL8q64w
For a better gameplay experience, we've made these changes in this update:
1.0.4c CHANGE LOG
MAIN ISSUES
- OS X version now available
- Linux version now available
RESOLVED ISSUES
- (NEW) Particles & GPU optimalization
- (FIX) Graphic glitches in some levels
- (FIX) Improved game performance for most laptop graphics cards
KNOWN ISSUES
We are working hard to fix these reported issues as soon as possible:
- Missing Steam Overlay in Mac OS X version (currently under review)
- Adding support for even more controllers
- Option to play the game in "Adventure mode" with less dialogues
- Adding more languages (Russian, Polish, German, Italian, French)
What next?
We also want to inform all players that we are currently finishing another big update for the game. The End Game update is coming soon and it will bring a new set of levels for free!
Free Story Update: Secret of the Entity
We are preparing a big content update for all players for free! With version 1.0.5 you will get access to "Secret of the Entity" - more levels and more story incoming!
UPDATE: Secret of the Entity
Approx. game time: 5+ hours of gameplay
Release date: June 2015
Price: Free for all users
At the same time, we are working hard to release our first DLC for BLACKHOLE.
DLC: Testing Laboratory
On May 15th you will experience a new chapter in life of Coffee-Guy! DLC: Testing Laboratory tells the story back on the Earth. Testing Laboratory is kind of a flashback chapter, or a prequel if you want. Our hero has just signed up for the Endera's suicide mission, but he wants to be a captain of the mission. What had really happened and why he ended up as the coffee-guy? Try to uncover this secret!
This DLC will be available for all owners of Collector's Edition for free! If you don't want to miss this chapter, you have the option to upgrade your game to the Collector's Edition - or you can buy this DLC separately.
DLC: Testing Laboratory
Approx. game time: +1 hour of gameplay
Release date: 15th May 2015
Price: Free (Collector's Edition) or 1,99 USD/€
We want to thank you for all of your positive reviews and all the reported bugs. We are fully focused on making the game even more enjoyable and looking forward to hear how you like the update on our Steam Discussion forum!
Enjoy the game,
FiolaSoft Studio
Help BLACKHOLE to E3!
We're now in the top 10 (6th place right now!) out of hundreds of games. But only 5 places can gain the spot on E3. So we need your support to make it happen!
Thanks to our community we are on the good way to win this contest with Blackhole. But we need more support.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
The contest ends on April 26th, so we have small amount of time to click some more support for BLACKHOLE! :)
Support Blackhole here
Don't forget to show us your own SCORE! We are curious how you actually achieved this success! Show us it here: Facebook status about contest
Thank you!
- Devs from FiolaSoft Studio