Brave Escape Xbox Series X Review 8.5/10 "All life is a rhythm – Fled (1996)" 🤠

We here at GF will always champion local co-op. Recently we’ve been treated with awesome titles such as Heave Ho 2, Wobbly Life, Basureroes: Invasion (which I’ve just played through for the second time – adore that game!) and others – and Brave Escape is most certainly closest to Heave Ho in that list, leaning as it does on absolute cohesion between the two players. Playable both online and in local co-op modes, Brave Escape will have you gazing at your partner with violent death in your eyes, and love in your heart.

Our story begins with Colin, an intrepid adventurer that find himself irresistibly drawn towards a large crack (careful now… – ed) or rather crevasse in the ground near his home (fewf – ed) into which he soon falls, and find his player two – Floyd, a robot with a skill set that neatly dovetails with his own, and they shortly decide to work together as they make their escape towards the surface.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced PS5 Review 8.5/10 “Yo ho, Yo Ho, a Resynced Pirate's Life For Me” 🏴‍☠️🦜

Black Flag was my favourite game of the pre-Origins games. I've always been on the side that actually preferred the series after the shift to a more open-world RPG style; looking back now, I kinda see why, as this game introduces things that would later become staples of the newer direction. That’s not to say that I don’t like the original stuff - Assassins Creed 2 is great - but for some reason I never shared the love that I have seen other people have for it, I played the first game and enjoyed it but controlling Altair is like controlling a shopping cart that’s being pushed down a steep hill on an icy day when a truck full of jam has just crashed and leaked onto the hill...it’s difficult is what I’m getting at. 

That did hinder some of my enjoyment; I continued to play the series, and there were games I enjoyed, but then Black Flag came out, and it was really the first game I loved. The setting, the characters, and the ship combat all came together and blew me away. Resynced keeps all that I loved and enhances most of it; to this day I still think that this game is the most I’ve ever felt like a pirate whilst playing a game, sorry Guybrush.

'From Passion Project to Profit: Selling Your Indie Retro Game'

 

Image Credit: Unsplash

You've poured countless hours into making that pixel-perfect platformer or chiptune-filled RPG, and that's an amazing achievement. But what if your passion project could also bring in some money? It's easier than ever to monetize your retro game creations. This can help fund your next project or even turn your hobby into a full-time job. This guide will show you how to start selling your games to retro fans all over the world.

Turning Passion into Profit

First, you need to think like a creator-entrepreneur, not just a hobbyist. This isn't about "selling out"; it's about valuing your work and finding a way to keep creating. There are a few popular ways to make money from your games. The simplest is a one-time purchase, where players pay a set price to own your game. You could also offer a free demo and let players unlock the full version with an in-app purchase. Some developers also do well with cosmetic add-ons that don't change the gameplay. Looking into different ways to make money making video games is a good way to see what fits your game and your goals as a developer.

Choosing the Right Sales Platform

Where you sell your game really affects how many people see it and how much money you make. Each platform has its own balance of audience size, community features, and commission fees.

• itch.io: This is a favorite among indie developers because it's so flexible. You can set your own price (or let players pay what they want), and the platform takes a small, adjustable cut of sales. It's a great place to build a following and talk directly with players.

• Steam: As the biggest digital store for PC games, Steam offers a huge audience. Getting your game on there involves a review process and a standard revenue split, but many more people could discover your game.

• Direct Sales: Selling your game right from your own website gives you total control and lets you keep almost all the money. But you'll have to handle all the marketing and payment processing yourself.

Thinking about how to make money from your indie game will help you figure out which platform's fees and audience are best for your project.

Seamless Payments for Global Fans

Once fans are ready to buy your game, you don't want a clunky or confusing checkout process. A smooth payment experience is crucial for turning interest into sales, especially with an international audience. You need a system that can easily handle different currencies and popular local payment methods. If you're selling directly to players around the world, having a smooth and reliable checkout experience is key. A system like an igaming payment gateway can help manage different currencies and payment methods behind the scenes, making it easier for international fans to support your game without friction.

Handling Recurring Purchases

A one-time sale is good, but getting money regularly can give you a stable financial base for your development work. This approach is becoming more popular, even for retro-style games. You could offer a subscription that gives players access to all your current and future games for a small monthly fee. Another popular choice is a Patreon-style system where fans can contribute regularly. In return, they might get exclusive content like early builds, behind-the-scenes development logs, or special in-game items. This not only creates predictable income but also builds a strong community around what you do.

Understanding Sales Data

Don't forget how powerful analytics can be. Understanding your sales data is key to making better decisions and growing your business. Most sales platforms give you a dashboard with useful information. Look at where your sales are coming from, what time of day people are buying your game, and how your marketing efforts lead to purchases. If you see a jump in sales from a certain country, you might think about translating your game's text or marketing materials for that region. This data-driven approach helps you improve your strategy and put your time and resources where they'll make the biggest difference.

Turning your retro game creation into income means learning and adapting along the way. Start small, connect with your players, and celebrate every sale as proof of your hard work and creativity.