At the start of this week we finally released Potter About on Steam. This is a major milestone in our studio’s history.
I remember when I first sat down with Ivan, the game director for Potter About. He was saying he had this small game he was working on mostly as a way to learn game development, and I saw it as a way to get us into publishing a game, before we had to do it for our big title: Knights Only. It was a great idea, but we were a really small team. We already bit a bit more than we could chew with Knights Only. This just further divided our time. And our time was limited.
So we tried doing both at the same time, but that got confusing really fast. Fast forward a couple of years, and it was already 2026, and all the projects we were working on had been collecting dust. So at the start of this year we said we should just focus all our energy on releasing Potter About and make a final push and get the baby … I mean the game out.
So now it’s half a year later and the game is out! People are actually playing it. There’s someone playing it right now, as we speak.
It’s not a big game and we probably could have done it a lot sooner, if we didn’t hem and haw, and also do some loitering and loafing about (not to mention all the faffing and lollygagging). What was I saying? Oh, yeah. We did it in the time we did it. And now we know what it’s like. How to put something on Steam, how to get a couple thousand wishlists. We have a huge list of things we could have done differently. And that was kinda the sidequest of this quest.
The main quest though? Just getting the game out there. People seem to like it! We already got some nice reviews, there’s a couple of shorts and reels about, someone played our demo and put in on Youtube. It’s like we actually released a game or something.
KeeperCGC trying out the Potter About demo.
A shorts feature of the game
So, what’s next you may ask? First, we’re grabbing a beer with all this Potter About money (It’s millions! Millions!! … in some currencies). You need to celebrate victories.
Then, once the alcohol vapors lift and the sky is clear again, then … something. I think we got the bug for releasing games.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this! Yay team!
We’re in the final stretch, people! We just released the demo out into the wild, and in just a couple of hours Potter About will be featured as part of the Steam Next Fest event, which features new games that have just gotten their demos out. Perfect timing. It’s almost as if this was all part of out master plan.
Anyway … I promised you a couple of behind the scene images of the lovely Lonchek and the development of this short but sweet game, so feast on these images.
A couple of sketches for a level in the game
Oh, yeah, that contract I mentioned last time? Still in effect. Just the mere fact of looking at these images contractually obligates you to wishlist the game, share this post, and give us ten thousand … Fine, not that last bit. But all the other stuff – legally binding.
The start of game has this nice little strip. The ending also has one, but we won’t be sharing that one with you. You’ll just have to play the game, won’t you?
It’s been a while since we last talked. To be quite honest, we were doing other things, while the whole Stableboy project was on pause. But then months went by and the itch was still there. So we decided, it’s now or never. We got the gang back together and we’re now in the final push to release our first game: Potter About.
So this is just a heads-up. We’re releasing it on June 23rd 2026, and the demo should also be out any day now.
Potter About is a short game, but it was made with love and care. You can see that in the art style, in the though process that went into designing it.
We’re really excited to show it to you fine people. So stick around as we’ll be sharing some behind the scenes stuff to get you pumped up.
Here’s a little sneak peek into the behind the scenes stuff:
Early sketches of art and level design
And this is what it came out as:
Btw, the game also runs on SteamDeck
We think it came out great. Right?
If you said yes, you’re now morally and contractually obligated to share the game. Here’s the Steam page.
We’d also really appreciate it if you spread the good word: Potter About is almost out and about. Share the Steam page with fellow gamers. Yes, that’s also in that contract you signed. You should be careful saying yes into a screen.
And here’s a cute little Lonchek, inviting you to wishlist the game. I told you not to look at things online. The cuteness might overwhelm you.
More stuff in the next few days.
Alright. Here’s one more thing. A small trailer we made for socials.
We learned a lot from our first big event – Game Gang Show – and tried hard to make our next event even better. Andy and Marko kept cracking away at Eggs for Pie, upgrading the art and adding fun new mechanics, while Ivan and David whipped up a demo for Potter About.
Both the demo and the minigame were a smashing success at our stand. The deal was the same as last time – the top 3 egg-catchers would win a FREE copy of Potter About! So without further ado, let’s scramble into the results:
Overall you guys caught almost 12.000 eggs! That is an egg-scelent number 🤯
The top 3 players were:
Maja with 223 eggs
Melly with 211 eggs
Zala with 198 eggs
Girl power all the way this time!! 🤩
As promised, you three will get a free copy of our platformer Potter About, at the games release. The rest of you should keep an eye out for these emails, as you guys will be the first to know about our upcoming events and promotions!
Once again – a huge THANK YOU to everyone that stopped by our booth and tried out our games. It’s what keeps us going!
Potter About release
Speaking of Potter About, we have big news! Originally, we planned to release the game right after Steam Next Fest this month, but we’ve decided to postpone the release until fall—and it’s because of you!
Potter About is a cozy, simple platformer, so we didn’t invest as much time in playtesting as we did with Knights Only. We did test it, but not nearly enough.
Having the demo ready for NMN24 was a huge wake-up call. Dozens of people tried the game in one day, and we got to witness the feedback firsthand. After the event, we realized that a month wasn’t enough time to implement all the fixes you guys suggested. So, we decided to push the release back a few months to ensure you love the game as much as we do.
Thankfully, Lonchek agreed.
We don’t consider this a setback, but a great opportunity to make our game even better – for you guys! We’re sure you’ll appreciate the improvements.
Thank you for your patience and support
Our team has grown a lot over the past year, but we’re still just a small group of people developing games in our free time. We are, however, hard at work, whenever we find the time, and your support is what lights that fire under our butts.
Thank you for being a part of our journey – we’ll catch up with you soon!
Our first minigame started as a small entertainment feature at our booth, but your dedication to mastering it and climbing to the top of the leaderboard blew us away! Don’t take it from me though – here’s what Andy Poplas (the game developer) has to say about it:
“Your feedback was really positive, which motivated us to keep working on the mini-game and fix some of its issues, improving both the visuals and mechanics (we added some extra surprises too 😉).
I sincerely hope you’ll find the updated game even more delightful than before and that you’ll continue to enjoy it – that’s what makes it all worthwhile and warms our hearts!
And guess what? We’ll be bringing Eggs for Pie to our booth at the NMN Show in May, where you’ll get another chance to help Bertie catch the eggs! “
Are you curious to see what we’ve improved? 😏 Or do you just want another shot at winning a free copy of Potter About?
Visit our booth at Na meji nevidnega on Saturday, May 25th 2024.
Thank you!
Our audience grew A LOT this month – jumping from 60 readers to over 200. As the newsletter writer I can’t help but feel both excited and kinda nervous. I hope you guys are in this for the long run, like us, because great things are coming!
Thanks once again, and we’ll catch up with you soon – maybe in a few weeks, if you visit us at Na meji nevidnega!
And it’s all thanks to you guys! Stepping into such a large-scale event for the first time was kinda scary, but your warm reception made it sooooo worthwile. Meeting all of you and watching you enjoy our games was truly heartwarming.
The game you played at our stand – Eggs for Pie, was our first ever minigame and we think it’s safe to say it was a HIT! Many of you kept returning, determined to outdo the current high score. It was a great reminder to why we even started this studio in the first place:
to create games that bring joy and excitement to players everywhere.
Now enough stalling… let’s get to the eggs!
Yes… you read that right. You guys collected over 50.000 eggs…that’s quite an eggstravagant number. 😏
We could hardly believe it ourselves when we tallied them all up. Do you know how many pies Bertie could make with all these eggs?!
No seriously, do you? Cause we couldn’t find any pie recipes that use eggs… Bertie didn’t think this one through.
And the winners are…
…wait a second. Gal as in “our art department head” Gal?! This is unacceptable! I had a higher score than him for 2 whole days! 😡
Don’t worry, he’s not getting a prize, I’ll make sure of that. We’ll be giving Potter About to the person that came in 4th place – Roburo.
If your name is on the leaderboard, keep an eye on your inbox. The grand prize for all of you is a free copy of our upcoming game – Potter About. It’s set to launch on June 18th, so hang tight because it’ll be worth it!
If your name didn’t make it into the top 4, don’t fret – there’s still a chance to win! Join us at Na meji nevidnega on May 24th at Gospodarsko razstavišče, Ljubljana, and show us your gaming prowess in action. 💪
That’s it for this month!
A huge thanks to each and every one of you for making this month truly memorable. Your enthusiasm and enjoyment of our games have been incredibly touching and motivating! Indie development can be tough, but your support reminds us why we do what we do.
Thanks once again, and we’ll catch up with you soon – whether it’s through our newsletter or in person!
While Knights Only, our ambitious project, is steadily progressing, it’s a journey that demands time and care. So, while we work on crafting its grand adventure, we’ve cooked up something special for you in the meantime—a delightful prequel called Apple Pie Heist.
This decision not only allows us, aspiring game creators still honing our craft, to sharpen our skills on a smaller scale, but also offers you, our eager players, a sneak peek into the Knights Only universe.
Consider it a tasty appetizer before the main course!
In Apple Pie Heist, you’ll step into the shoes of a younger, yet equally mischievous Bertie, whose imagination is fueled by the heroic tales of a local hero – Don Coyote. Upon discovering that the castle baker has just whipped up a fresh pie, Bertie is determined to walk in his idols footsteps and embarks on a daring mission.
The heist won’t be a walk in the park though! The castle and kitchen are heavily guarded, presenting Bertie with formidable obstacles. Will you lend him a hand in his first escapade?
Over the past two months, our game design team has been hard at work, meticulously crafting and refining the challenges that Bertie will face on his adventure.
With a clear picture of the characters, locations, and items required, our talented artists have begun brainstorming ideas and fleshing out the details, while the narrative team crafts engaging dialogues to breathe life into the storyline.
In the beginning of the year we set out a detailed plan of activities for 2024 and so far, we’re right on track. Apple Pie Heist is progressing steadily and we’re planning on releasing it this fall!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring our vision to life.
That’s it for this month!
Our studio has officially marked its first anniversary, and looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. From a modest team of 4, we’ve now blossomed to over 10 members! The addition of ‘Apple Pie Heist’ means we’re set to unveil two games this year—an achievement that feels almost surreal.
Thank you for sticking with us while we struggled to figure this gamedev world through. Great things are coming, and we are counting on your support.
What are you looking for? There’s no other option…
Meet our puzzle mastermind!
Every great game needs a skilled game designer to ensure the puzzles strike the perfect balance between challenge and fun. In our team, that responsibility falls on the capable shoulders of Miha.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I love to play – whether it be games, volleyball or the trombone. That is why I was super exited when Rok invited me to play in his DnD campaign. In the last few years we shared many epic and memorable moments in his DnD world, and outside of it.
But you know what’s even better than playing games? Crafting them for others to enjoy. My dream came true when Rok invited me to join the Stableboy team as the puzzle designer. It’s amazing how a simple Facebook photo like led to this exciting journey!
What is your favorite game genre?
I like to keep it interesting, so I rotate between point and click adventures, MOBAs, FPSs, racing games and pla(n)tformers.
What are your favorite games and what do you like about them?
The Curse of Monkey Island: This game has an amazing vibe. The music, the art and the humor make you wanna stay deep in the Caribbean all day.
Portal: The puzzles were great, but the story really got to me. When I finished the game, I went to the kitchen to eat, and when I looked at the microwave, I felt a wave of negative emotions. My relationship with technology has never been the same since.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I can laugh at my own jokes for 10 minutes!
Thanks for giving us a short glimpse into your world Miha. We hope you guys are as excited as we are about the puzzles he’s crafting for our upcoming games!
Before you cast your vote for next month…
We’re super excited to announce that our team has grown in the past month – by 4 members! Isn’t this exciting? Here they are:
Marko Grad joins our dynamic business and marketing team, collaborating closely with Klara and Tina to ensure our visions are aligned and strategically targeted.
Gal Kononenko, our newest narrative writer and game designer, has taken the helm of the art department. His intricate understanding of the projects’ narratives positions him perfectly to lead and manage the art production.
Tim Rekelj, our newest developer, has teamed up with David, and dove right into the ongoing project. With Tim on board, we’re thrilled that David, our sole developer until now, has some much needed assistance.
Andy Poplas is a jack of all trades, so he will be working closely with pretty much everybody on the team. His expertise as a 3D artist, graphic designer, and UI/UX specialist, will enhance both our marketing and art departments.
Now that you know a bit about all of the team members, it’s time to vote!
Who would you like to meet next?
Klara, the business mastermind
Marko, the pencil that never rests
David, the programming genius
Tim, the programming apprentice
Gal, the artisan extraordinaire
Tia, the design virtuoso
Andy, the jack of all trades
Another Marko, this one a revenue maestro
I just want the news on Knights Only
Click on a name and seal your choice… forever! (until next month)
That’s it for this month!
Look at us – a growing family! The past month has been a whirlwind of planning and welcoming new members. With each addition, we’re not just growing in numbers but also in strength and focus.
Exciting times lie ahead in 2024, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Stay tuned for some fantastic events—we look forward to meeting you in person!
Until then, a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support.
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you for your support throughout the past year — your encouragement has been our greatest treasure. ❤️ We hope we’ve made you proud and if we haven’t, we hope you’ll stick around for a while longer, as we have some BIG things planned for 2024.
So, here’s to a New Year filled with laughter, health, and to unlocking exciting new levels of this journey together!
You asked for it – who is writing these?!
Last month you guys voted on who you wanted to get to know next and I won by 1 vote (hehehehe). I am honoured, of course, so let me introduce myself.
A bit about me…
Hi there! My name is Tina. I joined Stableboy ent. a few months ago and took over the Marketing & PR side of things.
I’m a nerdy, crafty type of gal and I make all sorts of random stuff: medieval weapon plushies, dice towers, mimic books and bags…basically whatever pops into my head. I love everything fantastical and delve into videogames and audiobooks on the regular…
My favorite game genre
I adore platformers, as they transport me to my childhood living room, where my gaming obsession started. Kirby, Jazz Jackrabbit, and Earthworm Jim all hold a special place in my heart, and I keep chasing that calming feel of childhood to this day. Hollow knight, Unbound: Worlds apart, and Cuphead are a few of the platformers that have absolutely bewitched me, body and soul.
What are your favorite games, and what do you like about them?
I could go on for hours on this, but I’ll spare you the drama:
Baldur’s gate 3: I mean…are you surprised? This game is absolutely amazing and every dnd players dream. I love the character creation, the epic storytelling and the endless replayability. And I love Shadowheart.
Hollow Knight: I bought this game for a measly sum of 15€ fully expecting a short but stunning adventure I could finish in one sitting. What I got was a beautiful masterpiece that takes a lot of time and skill to finish – people don’t compare it to Dark Souls for nothing.
The Borderlands franchise: I started playing Borderlands 2 with my friends and got totally addicted. The variety in weapons, characters and builds makes all of the Borderlands parts super fun and chaotic, and I love that.
Honorable mentions: Hades, Don’t Starve Together, Human Fall Flat, Portal…
A fun fact about me
When it comes to gaming, I’m a total completionist… when playing a game I make sure to uncover the whole map and all of the hidden gems. In 2023 I managed to gather 365 achievements on Steam, and I’m damn proud of it!
Did you get any fun facts from your Steam Year In Review? I’m curious!
That’s enough about me… who should we interrogate next month?
Klara, the business mastermind
Marko, the pencil that never rests
David, the programming genius
Miha, the man behind the puzzles
Tia, the design virtuoso
I just want the news on Knights Only
Click on a name and seal your choice…forever! (until next month)
What has the team been up to?
We spent the better part of December planning and preparing for 2024, and let me assure you, there are some BIG things coming. While I can’t spill all the beans just yet, I’ve got some tantalizing hints for our #1 fans:
If you crack the code, I’ll sketch up a personalized doodle just for you! 🎨😄 (Side note: I can’t draw…)
Thanks again!
Stableboy is coming up to it’s first anniversary and it’s safe to say you’re our OG’s, and we love you for it. We have plans to thrive in the new year, and we would love to have you with us – as a fan, or as a part of our team.
Thanks again, and we’ll reconnect with you next month, on February 2nd.
You guys, and your incredible support, mean the world to us. We want to forge a close, laid-back bond with you because your opinions matter just as much, if not more, than our own. To get things started, we’ve decided to introduce ourselves, starting with the one that started it all – our founder and leader.
At the end you can cast your vote for who you’d like to learn about next!
(It’s not a competition, but I’m making it into one! 😈 Mwahahaha)
Tell us about yourself, Rok!
Ever since I was little, I’ve loved creating and weaving stories. In my free time, I love to play games, read, and I’m obsessed with learning new things. I’m pretty busy, as I lead two clubs, teach creative writing courses, write novels, and run a long-term campaign in my own D&D world.
What inspired you to form Stableboy Ent.?
Video games have been my refuge and home since I was seven. Their ability to transport you into a unique reality always fascinated me, and drove me to create worlds where others could find themselves – whether that was in the D&D world or the local theater. Excitingly, I have a theater play set to debut in about two months!
Ever since I was introduced to the gaming world, I’ve wanted to make a video game. Last year at the end of November I started fiddling with the idea and pretty soon it became an actual project. It’s never been easier to start making games, so why not join the party? And once you get going and truly believe in your vision you soon find yourself surrounded with people who share that belief.
What is your favorite gaming genre?
I prefer genres that either offer complete creative freedom or enthrall you with a compelling story.
What are your favorite games, and what do you like about them?
My classic all-time-bests will always be:
Deus Ex: I reinstall this game every couple of years. It was the first game that made me feel like I’m creating my own narrative. Warren Spector knew what he wanted to do, and his game revolutionized the entire gaming industry
Grim Fandango: The humor and the story in this game are in like none other. There’s a serious theme being told in the background of Manny Calavera’s shenanigans. It stuck with me. Tim Schaefer had a vision and he followed it through.
Curse of Monkey Island: the wacky humor, the outlandish story, the art style. For me, this is the best game in the Monkey Island series (sorry Ron Gilbert, but there’s just something about it).
Then there’s the dirty secret… Minecraft: This is my escape game. I go there when I feel overwhelmed, and need a break. I love building intricate contraptions, exploring depths, all while listening to a good podcast.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself 😃
I never finish most of the RPG’s I start.
Quite the interesting fellow, isn’t he?
Well, now that you’ve met our founder, the driving force behind our motivation and the guardian of our empty to-do lists, it’s time to see what everyone else has been up to. Don’t forget to let us know who you’d like to get to know next!
Hey team, what have you been up to?
Klara has earned the title of Chief Executive Officer, steering our ship on the business front. In the wild world of game development, she’s been rubbing shoulders with seasoned experts, and absorbing their wisdom. With their guidance, she’s charted our team’s vision all the way to the year 2026! It might feel like a distant future, but hey, time flies when you’re having fun!
Now that you know Rok a little better, you know he’s not just the team glue but a multi-tasking maestro. A recent visit to AdventureX conference in London left him charmed by the warm and welcoming community. Safe to say, you’ll spot a Stableboy Ent. stand there next year.
In his recruiting adventures, he roped in two new writers this month— I know what you’re thinking and NO, the newsletters will still be written by yours truly. Unless, of course, you’ve had your fill of my ramblings already. 🥺
Miha dove into the gaming scene at a Ljubljana Games Club meetup where Mer Grazzini, an Argentinian game designer showcased her gaming masterpieces. From a poetic sandbox with dragons, a game of faulty mirrors and a wacky platformer with flying pigs, each game was followed by a nuanced debate and gave plenty creative ideas for our games as well.
Tia, our designer and concept artist, seized the reins and embarked on a visual revolution, giving both the Stableboy Ent. and Midnight Snack Games logos a fresh new look. Her concepts are nothing short of amazing, but alas, the big reveal must wait… Exercise that patience, for I assure you, the unveiling will be well worth it!
Our artistic maestro Marko is deep into crafting concept art that we can’t quite reveal yet… but guess what’s made its way onto his canvas. A cute little cat! Feast your eyes on this cuteness overload…
David has been acquainting himself with Godot. Lately, his focus has been on constructing a brand-new dialogue system that taps into our story files, and generates dialogue flow automatically. Simple in description, perhaps, but the journey was anything but straightforward.
He and Ivan have made significant progress with Potter About as well. We proudly announce that it can now be played with a controller too!
Click on a name and seal your choice…forever! (until next month)
Thanks again!
That concludes our monthly roundup, ensuring you stay firmly in the Stableboy loop. With our team expanding and our game getting better every day, your incredible support keeps us on cloud nine.
Feel free to drop us a message anytime for a chat, thoughts, or questions—even if you’re just bored. We thrive on your input!
Thanks once again, and we’ll catch up with you next year, on January 5st.
As the newsletter writer I can’t help but feel both excited and kinda nervous. I hope you guys are in this for the long run, like us, because great things are coming!
