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Toasterball screenshot
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Genre: Sport, Indie, Arcade

Toasterball

Performance Boost Update

Hi everyone! 👋



As we finish porting Toasterball to a little console from Nintendo (stay tuned for more info on that 👀), we had to do all sorts of optimizations that we decided to bring to the PC version too, so that our friends with smaller configs could enjoy Toasterball with a crisps 60 FPS as well 😀

Here are the small changes we made to this version:

1. Performance boost


We upgraded the asynchronous loading at the begining of the game to make it look smoother and reduce the time between the moment you click "Play" in Steam and the app launches.

We also did a lot (like... a month's worth of work) of invisible optimizations to our materials and lighting to make them run smoother (went from 25 to 60 FPS on that little console for example). Visually, basic shaders didn't change at all (well... apart for the fact that it runs way faster), but you might notice a slight change in the shadow system. We opted for a custom shading technique and had to remove the default Unity hard shadows that used to be applied everywhere. We replaced them with custom soft shadows below the toasters, the toasts and the ball. It might be less visible than before, but it's closer to the cartoonish style we had in mind for the game, it's way faster to run, and also better for gameplay readability!

2. Addition of traditional chinese


We also added the traditional chinese language in-game, in achievements descriptions and on the store page (another cool side-effect of our port).

Enjoy! 🔥

Les Crafteurs,
Alex, Simon, Joris & Théo

Release patch 2.0.2
Hi everyone!

Here is a very small update fixing a few bugs found by the nice players on Toasterball's Discord server. 😀


  • Fixed Achievement "Treadmill"
  • Fixed Achievement "Jump Arround"
  • Fixed Achievement "Deli Meal"
  • Fixed Achievement "GET IN THE POOL RIGHT NOW!"
  • Improved perfomance on "Porto Rada Beach" map
  • Fixed Master Volume not saved between sessions
  • Fixed fullscreen toggle not working properly on launch
  • Removed possibility to have two toasts in the same slot by picking up a toast at the last moment
  • Fixed weird ground collisions on spring slabs variant
  • Credits update including all our wonderful translators

TOASTERBALL’S FULL VERSION IS FINALLY AVAILABLE!

Since Wednesday, May 3rd at 10am UTC, a big update is available on your Steam launcher!



It offers a significant number of additions, like new maps, a custom mode, or the ability to play against AI! In fact, it's almost Toasterball 2, but FREE! (well, for those who had already purchased the game in early access, of course, let’s not exaggerate)

We've already talked about it in the devlogs (here, here and here), but we decided to do like the grown up devs do and detail all these new features of the final version here!

We recommend that you stay until the end, there's a little surprise! (No really.)
(AND DON'T CHEAT, I SEE YOU THERE STARTING TO SCROLL)




New features



Launch intro



  • Added a new logo animation for Les Crafteurs (formerly known as Couch Game Crafters)

Main Menu



  • Added the Athletes Menu
  • Overall UI revision

Lobby



  • Tutorial with pictures on the whiteboard
  • Updated "How to Play?" video

Classic Mode



  • New team and role selection menu (attack/defense)
  • Ability to add AI-controlled athletes and play solo with/against them
  • New map selection menu, with 4 new maps and an update to the original Stadium

Custom Mode



A new mode to fully customize your game sessions:

  • Variants selection, chosen in order or randomly
  • Map selection, chosen in order or randomly
  • Rules customization (points to win, doors & toaster HP)



During play



  • New VS screen with athlete background
  • New intro cinematics for each map, with dedicated music
  • Changed goals: a system of three breakable panels for more intense and balanced matches
  • Polished physics (jumps and toaster movements)
  • Polished ball behavior (acceleration over time)
  • New replay system (with multiple controllable cameras)
  • A lot of new variants (we'll let you discover them yourself, hehe)



Athletes Menu



  • Display of each athlete attributes (description, locker, background)
  • You’ll finally be able to see the back of the toasters



Options



  • 8 new languages available (plus a really special one)
  • UI options
  • AI difficulty slider
  • New secret codes
  • New sound settings and volume test

Credits



  • Updated credits page (addition of adorable & awesome people)

General UX



  • Removed mouse control
  • Added buttons to hold down to navigate menus
  • New loading screens
  • Steam Cloud Saving
  • Removal of Tikhon

Steam



  • Added a ton of achievements
  • Added collectible cards


We really hope you’ll enjoy this update and that it will be an opportunity to do some crazy tournaments!





Help us get the word out!



This is all great, but now we need the world to notice us!
And that's where you come in!

After getting your copy of Toasterball, please don't hesitate to leave us a positive review. Steam seems to LOVE that.
And of course, if money’s tight and you can’t buy the game right now, feel free to add the game to your wishlist! It doesn't cost anything and it also helps us a lot to gain visibility on Steam!


Thank you



Toasterball has been with us for 5 and a half years now. This project has taught us so much and still has the power to surprise us, to bring us amazing experiences and crazy opportunities.

As our first game, you can imagine the immense relief and pride we feel in finally delivering it to you and sharing it with the world.

Thank you again for your support, kindness, and enthusiasm.

The next step for us will be to sleep for a few days port Toasterball to the Nintendo Switch, and then start working on a new project that we can't wait to share with you!

❤ Suivre Toasterball · ❤ Suivre Les Crafteurs



A little gift (or is it?!)



All right, as promised, since you stuck around until the end, here's a little secret for you: we've hidden 4 Toasterball Steam Keys in our latest videos.

Good luck! (join our Discord to discuss your leads)



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1142810/Toasterball/

See you soon!

Les Crafteurs,
Alexandre, Simon, Joris & Théo

TOASTERBALL is leaving early access on May 3rd!


SAVE THE DATE



My dear first-hour athletes,

We have some exciting news to announce:

Toasterball will be leaving early access on May 3rd!



Preheat your toasts 🔥🍞, because on that day at 10:00am UTC, a small update will be launched (if you already own the game of course, otherwise you should go buy it!) and you'll be able to enjoy our brand new content:

    <*> Physics rework 🚀
    <*> New maps 🌍
    <*> The possibility to play against and with AI 🤖
    <*> A "custom" mode ⚙
    <*> And many other surprises... 🎁


We can't wait to see you play!




A Switch version



This announcement also confirms something you've been eagerly waiting for: we're currently working on a Switch version of Toasterball!

As always, don't hesitate to follow us on social media - your support is our best chance to see Toasterball travel the world and make its mark in the esports scene! (who knows)

Support us here:

❤ Follow Toasterball · ❤ Follow Les Crafteurs



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1142810/Toasterball/

We'll see you in two weeks for the official release!

Les Crafteurs,
Alexandre, Simon, Joris & Théo

DEVLOG #3 : Custom Games

Just as you wish!



Hi champs, we're back for this third and final devlog before the official release of Toasterball! The feels...! 😭

On today’s agenda 🧾
Details on the new "custom mode", a sneak peek at the additions around classic matches, a quick look at the new "Athletes" menu, and finally, a heart-wrenching announcement. (you are not ready)




Custom games


As requested, we bring you the long-awaited "custom mode"! A game mode entirely dedicated to creating custom matches.
  • Select your arena of choice from the 5 available maps. Play them in order or at random.
  • Choose the game variants you want to play with, whether it’s with or without toast, with small or large toasters. As with the maps, decide whether they will be played in sequence or randomly.
  • Set the rules, like the number of impacts needed to break a goal’s door, the amount of damage a toaster can withstand, or the number of points needed to win a match.

You can now create games with 99 points to win, goals that breaks after 42 shots, and choose to only play on the lava variant if that’s your thing. We’re not saying it’ll be a blast, but at least now you can try it out!





An enhanced match loop


With the new maps and emphasis on Toasterball lore, we add to go even further!

To enhance the immersion of matches, we’ve added:
  • A cinematic intro for each map, with dedicated music and sound effects.
  • A new way to display scores, more readable and adaptable.
  • A new replay system, with multiple camera angles and slow motion.
  • A new end-of-match animation, with a spectacular replay and a reminder of the scores.
  • A post-match scene where you can dance to celebrate your victory. Or your defeat.




The "Athlete" Menu


It's a bit like the Toasterball Hall of Fame: a dedicated space for athletes, where you can discover the backgrounds of your favorite sports stars. (literally and figuratively!)



Tikhon, little angel gone too soon


It is with great sadness that we learned earlier this week of Tikhon's withdrawal from the sports competition. This announcement follows a major injury that occurred during the 2023 Toast Olympics, forcing Tikhon to abandon his athletic aspirations and interrupting his promising rise in the league.

Our sincerest thoughts go out to him. His design and colors will be deeply missed.


We're in the home stretch!


All the content is integrated and functional, just a little more playtesting and we're good to go! Next step, preparing the communication around the release!

Now, I can already see you waving your pitchforks and shouting:

“Blimey! When shall we toiling masses finally hear of this gosh darned release date, you wretched do-nothing snakes, eh?!”

(don’t ask why I pictured you as a medieval angry mob for a moment)


Well, you'll have to wait a little longer. But it's for a good reason: between you and me, Toasterball might be preparing to release on a famous red and blue japanese console, if you know what I mean! 😏

So we'll see you in a few weeks for the official announcement of the release date! There won't be any devlogs until then, so it's more important than ever to follow us on social media so you don't miss a thing.

It’s as simple as:

❤ Follow Toasterball · ❤ Follow Les Crafteurs



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1142810/Toasterball/

Thank you so much for your support, cheers!

Les Crafteurs,
Alexandre, Simon, Joris & Théo

DEVLOG #2 : NEW AI

Beep - Boop - Bleep-bloop… ?! 🤖



Hi champs, great to see you again for this second Devlog!

On the agenda 📜
Robots and major gameplay changes, here we go!



A brand new AI



Many of you have been asking this for a while: the release version of Toasterball will finally have AI-controlled athletes! You'll finally be able to play solo or complete your team with formidable machines, and believe me, they won't go down without a fight!



Meet Beep, Boop, and Bleep-bloop, our three new robot athletes with unique designs inspired by some of the most beautiful computer models in modern history (kind of).

Their high-tech microprocessors allow them to adapt to all situations, different commitments, and variations. They can also decide to attack or defend based on their role on the field and are capable of performing acrobatics worthy of the best athletes.

Warning: These machines are not bound by any of the three laws of robotics. We shall not be held responsible if they manage to convince your household toaster to strangle you during the night.




Physics Tweaks


After spending hours blackening the field with our anti-slip feet pads, we realized that the movements of the toasters could still be improved. So, for the next update, we've made some adjustments to the physics of the toasters to make them easier to play, improve the accuracy of their movement on the ground and in the air, whether they have toast or not. It was necessary work, especially to help the integration of…



...The Turboflip! THE new special move!


Some of you may have noticed it in our last devlog (shoutout to Austin from the Discord who was the first to spot this acrobatics), we've added a special move that can be executed during a match. It triggers when your athlete is in the air and you hold down one of the triggers, then release it. The athlete will then unleash an epic aerial roll, sending the ball flying at lightning speed!



New variant: Hell Belt


Toasterball's latest addition, Hell Belt, is one of the most dangerous variants out there. A conveyor belt, flames. That's all you need to know.


The release is near...!


We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! Only a few elements left to add before it's ready to launch! Mid-February will mark the start of our communication campaign to put all the odds in our favor for the release! It will also be an opportunity to share with you our last devlog, dedicated to the most important feature of our upcoming version: the custom mode.

As for the release date, we still don't have a specific one but let's just say we're moving from "Spring 2023" to "end of March/April" (depending on our partners; more info in the next devlog!).

We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed our little videos, let us know in the comments!

If you're feeling generous and want to help us out, here's how:


  • follow us on Toasterball and Les Crafteurs
  • carefully write a thoughtful positive review on Steam
  • share Toasterball with your friends and on social media
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1142810/Toasterball/

Until next time!

Les Crafteurs,
Alexandre, Simon, Joris & Théo


DEVLOG #1 : We're back, with maps!


WE'RE BACK! 🍞🥎🔥



Dear athletes,
We missed you very much!

After nearly three years without a Toasterball update, we’re finally back at work on its final version.

And we have great news for you:

Toasterball will officially release in the spring of 2023!



Until then, we'll try and introduce you to the new features of this version (which we've already been working on for a few months 🤫) with lil’ Devlogs like this one, as often as possible complete with (somewhat) humorous videos.


4 NEW MAPS



One of the main additions to come is that you will be able to choose between different arenas to play in.
Be aware, these won't directly influence the gameplay, but they will bring visual variety to your games, while expanding the lore of Toasterball.

Let us go through these arenas together, follow me:


🏀 Breadington Square



This mini-stadium, one of the first on the East Coast of the United States, is the birthplace of Markus Decker, an emblematic figure of the Burners. After 5 years of negotiations, during which the city had to adapt to the current code standards, the Breadington Square stadium was recently approved by the Toasterball League. Excellent news for the surrounding residents, who can now watch the official Toasterball Cup games for free, from their windows.




🌿 Panachado Forest



Located in northern Peru, in a damp, mosquito-infested jungle, this arena is nonetheless an ideal one: thanks to its 70 acres of mosquito netting and air dehumidifiers under each seat, the arena offers spectators fantastic watching conditions. Unfortunately, the Toasterball League has been the target of an ecological and ethical controversy, to which they responded that they were at least working for world peace through the organization of federative events. (to the great pleasure of the locals who are now working in the stadium's cleaning department)




🌊 Porto Rada Beach



Known primarily as a tourist destination, the city of Porto Rada also has one of the most beautiful beach in Brazil. And if, before a match, you can sometimes spot Anna Flow practicing her surfing moves on its beautiful waves, it's because Porto Rada’s beach now houses a new arena, where the next games of this regular season will take place. A heavenly setting where the fans' anthems mix with the seagulls' choirs. Watch out for sunburns though!




🏰 Tartembourg



Located in eastern France, the medieval village of Tartembourg seems frozen in time. Famous for its traditional "Tartinades", a series of bakery-related sports events, the village's stadium was naturally approved by the Toasterball League. This decision has been contested, with some voices denouncing a certain form of favoritism on the part of the League, pointing out the impassable roads (only accessible by cart) as well as the danger represented by the foul beast that, allegedly, lurks in the corridors of the castle.





TOASTERBALL ARENA REWORK



As these new arenas are more detailed, with new goals and a dedicated crowd, we decided to rework the Toasterball Arena, in order to keep an overall visual consistency.



GAMEPLAY ADJUSTMENT



Thanks to these two years of playtesting (haha... better to laugh about it, eh!), we noticed that the current goal system in most of the variants was imperfect: either the exchanges were too short and the players scored as soon as they were engaged, or the exchanges were too long because players just blocked the goal.

To solve this problem, we decided to replace this system with destructible goals. They encourage strategic thinking, precision, and they allow the points to last long enough (but you know, if you’re just too bad, we can't help you with that)


BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!



We still have a lot of new features to share with you! Unfortunately, there won’t be an online mode, but on the other hand, we’ve added AIs to play against, and train with in solo mode. Also, we are working on a custom mode, where you can create your own matches (choosing map, rules, etc).

See you at the next devlog for more info on these!!! 🤓


THANK YOU SO MUCH! 💜



Finally, we really wanted to thank you. Despite the fact that we did not communicate much online, Toasterball has been part of our everyday life for 5 years now. And what an amazing experience it has been (and still is)! All thanks to you!

Toasterball is now far more than game for us, with tens of millions of views on Youtube, lovely comments on all the platforms, several thousands of players (including LOTS of Polish players <3), all the wonderful people we’ve met during conventions, the tournaments between friends, between colleagues... (oh yes, we’ve seen your brackets online!)

Thanks a lot to the people who took a chance on buying this little game of ours, helping support us in the process. By the way, if you find the time, feel free to leave a positive review on Steam, it will give us even more resources to make the best of this final release!

And for those who don't have the game yet (we're not mad, we swear), consider adding it to your wishlist so you don't miss its final release!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1142810/Toasterball/

“À très vite les p’tits potes !”
As we say in french. Maybe. Sometimes.


Les Crafteurs,
Alexandre, Simon, Joris & Théo (with the invaluable help of Margaux and Florian)

PS: Don't miss any news by joining our Discord or our other social networks! 👉 [FOLLOW US]

Toasterball 1.6.0: Electric Update
[previewyoutube="40vEck6Cn8E;full"]


Here are the new features on this little update:


1. New variant: Electric Slabs ⚡💡


Description: Try not to get electrocuted! There’s a moving light bulb on the ceiling, and electric slabs on the floor. Every few seconds, an electric arc will appear between a random slab and the bulb, creating a deadly laser that you must avoid or you will explode! Yay, electrical hazard!




2. Dynamic music system 🎶


We added a new dynamic music system, that will add little varieties to the music depending of the variant you are in. Not all variants are covered but we tried it on the pong one (with an 8bits version of the main theme) and the ice one.


3. Secret codes 🎁


We implemented a secret code system you can access via the options menu. This will allow us to put secret unlockable stuff like toasters of your favorite twitch streamers, or secret modes to unlock. For now, let’s just say there’s little surprise in the dev letter on the start menu! (Also join our Discord for more codes!)


4. Other cool things


And then there’s the usual stuff: bug fixes, little tweaks on the physics system, etc. Amongst other things, here’s what we did:

  • Fixed the basketball variant bug where the ball could go though the hoop and not trigger a goal,
  • Added more bounce to the basketball so it’s easier to score,
  • The ball will now accelerate way more as the point goes on,
  • The ball should not get stuck sliding on the pong paddle anymore,
  • The “Claustrophobia” variant (ceiling of death) should now last a little bit longer,
  • The bomb ball will now explode faster and faster.

Toasterball 1.5.1: New variants!
[previewyoutube="SGR013dKZSc;full"]


We've got a new version with tons of new stuff!

1. Two new variants


We have two brand new variants for the match!

🔥 Lava pool


Description: THE FLOOR IS LAVA.

⏫ Claustrophobia


Description: THE FLOOR IS MOVING (and the ceiling is death).

Here’s a preview of these two dangerous variants, we’ll let you discover in the game 🔥




2. A better ball 🥎


We’ve worked a lot on the physics and the feeling of the ball!

It’s now way more responsive to your toaster’s movement: you can slow it down or speed it up more easily, and it moves along in your direction as you push it. Overall, it’s now a lot more controllable. Try it out and tell us what you think!

3. Other cool things


Toasts:


- You can now catch your opponent’s toast in the air, ninja style. 🍞🐱‍👤

Audio:


- A lot of audio sources were not properly mixed, making them really loud even with the FX volume turned down. Now all the sounds are properly mixed.
- Some of you also reported that the game was just too loud in general, so we reduced the overall volume a bit 💜

Team placement:


- A lot of you were confused with the placement of the toaster when playing with two players on the same keyboard. Now the player with WASD is invited to join first in the locker room, and is always placed on the left side of the field, with the player using the arrow keys on the right side.

Basketball variant:


- It is now impossible to score from below the hoop.
- We’ve added nets to the hoops with cool cloth simulations, and the ball now has a proper basketball texture. Woah, NBA budget. 🏀💲

Ceiling launchers variant:


- If you are not in front of your goal when your adversary touches the launch button, the launcher will now fire the ball directly into your goal, so the choice of going after the toast is a bit riskier.

Portal variant:


-Fixed the bug with the ball disappearing when entering a portal (turns out it was getting stuck inside the toaster and teleporting everywhere on the map).

Wave variant:


- The gap between the wave platforms and the ground is now invisible before the wave starts, making the variant a complete surprise.

Infinite toasts variant:


- It’s now easier to get back on your feet (your toaster’s feet) when you fall on your side with infinite toasts coming out your slots. The recoil from launching a toast is also a little bit bigger on this variant. 💥

Explosive ball variant:


- Fixed a problem with the sound of the bomb continuing to move up in pitch even after exploding.
- The timer of the bomb is now a fixed timer instead of random, making it easier to predict when the ball will explode.
- We fixed the color of toaster explosions. Burners now explode in red particles, and Defrosters in blue particles (gotta wear those team colors until the end 🔥❄).


Thanks for sticking with us 💜

Alex & Simon,
The Couch Game Crafters