Over a year in the making (and still in development), I give you the first step in what will become a six-part saga known as: Space Pricks.

Like so many indie devs, my first "real" project started out as a tutorial for making 'Space Rocks' in GameMaker Studio 2.  So a bunch of credit has to go to Friendly Cosmonaut's video series - if you've ever thought about making games this is a great place to start: My First Game - Intro to GameMaker - Space Rocks (Part 1) - YouTube (and GMS2 is now free until you're ready to export!).

Call it scope creep if you like, but after this tutorial, Space Pricks really took on a life of its own.  Besides learning to code with gml, the project has called for pixel art, animations, music, and sound effects.  I've handcrafted everything: a pursuit of the pure indie.  But it's not your 'pretty waterfalls' kind of indie - so I hope you can appreciate the humour in how bad some of it is!  One day I might make something prettier, but Space Pricks didn't call for it.  All the same - I hope you enjoy some of the characters you meet.  I like to think Space Pricks doesn't stray too far from indie ideals when it comes to its characters and story beats.

Speaking of story, this game is inspired by too many people around me who, not long after graduating from university, found themselves doing miserable jobs for miserable people.  As a young working person you don't always see the signs before you reach burnout, but please know that it's not like that everywhere, and it doesn't have to be acceptable.  If the managers in this game sound familiar, go and join the resistance a union.

But let's forget all that touchy-feely stuff.  This is just a satiric piss-take game about managers, and a small group of individuals who try to liberate the universe.  If Space Pricks happens to relieve your workplace stress, it's served its purpose.  And if it's really that relatable - do the universe a favour and stop working for those pricks (there are plenty of great managers out there).

Would always love to hear any of your feedback if you've been playing.  And don't forget to download the soundtrack!  The music is beautiful and a little obnoxious.

Wishing you peace and only the best management,

conoro