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.
Ever found yourself craving a gaming adventure that’s like a midnight snack—fulfilling and quick, but without the commitment of a five-course meal? Well, that’s precisely what we’re cooking up!
While we’re still diligently chipping away at the epic saga that is Knights Only (seriously, it’s a behemoth), we’ve decided to indulge our creative cravings with some bite-sized, yet equally awesome games. Think of these as the tapas of the gaming world—small, satisfying, but packed with flavor.
So, get ready for a whole buffet of games and content coming your way from your trusty stableboys! These projects are like the sorbet between courses—not distractions, just short, sweet breaks to keep our creative engines revving without burning out.
Potter About took root on Steam
Our green-thumb masterpiece has taken root with its very own Steam page. Yes, it’s real – and absolutely blooming exciting! It is currently listed as “Coming soon”, and we mean it when we say “soon”.
This game is quite different from Knights Only. It’s a simple, short-but-sweet platformer where you potter about (see what we did there?) as a plant pot, exploring a cozy house.
The idea sprouted in Ivan and Tia’s minds, and they dove straight into cultivating it – Tia hand drawing this beautiful game, and Ivan covering the animation and development.
Now, teaming up with Stableboy entertainment, the project’s growth has been accelerated! With more hands on deck comes more diverse perspectives and expert opinions.
We’re all thrilled to nurture this wonderful game and help it bloom into the gem it truly is.
We welcomed a new member this month! Her name is Klara Eva Kukovičič, and she will take care of the Business and Funding side of things.
She’s been busy going to talks, courses, and tender applications while we, the unpaid dream team, are rooting for her success! (’cause we’re nice like that 😜)
Rok, our big cheese, is in full-on prep mode for AdventureX – the UK convention for story-driven gaming. He’ll be networking and sneakily pitching Knights Only to anyone who’ll lend an ear. Say hi, if you run into him there!
Miha, our game guru, is crafting the next Knights Only playtest with ninja precision. We’re aiming for puzzles that walk the fine line – not a cakewalk, but definitely not mission impossible.
He also took demos for both Knights Only & Potter About to Amulet d20 – a local gaming haven. 15+ folks jumped into the games, and offered precious feedback.
Marko is in his creative cave, sketching top-secret characters and places (Shh, it’s classified!). It seems that drawing and 3D modeling was not enough for him, as he has taken up rigging too – a sponge for knowledge this one.
Tia is over the moon seeing ‘Potter About’ bask in the limelight at last. It’s tough to hide something you’ve poured heart and soul into!
She attended the Wild Galway Game Initiative in Ireland, and flaunted the game to eager ears. 🌱 She even crafted a wee plant pot buddy to tag along!
David and Ivan are fine-tuning ‘Potter About’ for the big release – working on the code while Rok and Miha improve the game design. Juggling code upgrades and game completion, this tag team’s got their plates piled high. They do say working with pals hardly feels like work, and these two seem to be in perfect sync!
What have I been up to? Well… my days are filled with posting on social media and planing our marketing tactics for the future. Just trying to spread the word to the right people. Oh, and we have a TikTok account now!
Working with this wild bunch is a barrel of laughs, and we’re on the hunt for more recruits! If you’re up for some game-dev shenanigans, hop over to our website and apply. We’d love to have ya on board!
That’s the monthly wrap, keeping you in the Stableboy loop. We are expanding and upping our game! Your incredible support keeps us on cloud nine. Thank you for being awesome.
Shoot us a message anytime for a chat, thoughts, or questions – even if you’re just bored. We thrive on your input!
Big thanks, and see you next month on Friday, December 1st.
It’s finally here! Potter About has sprouted on Steam!
Listed as “Coming soon” (and we do mean SOON), this cozy, meditative plantformer is now live and ready for wishlists.
In this short-but-sweet adventure, you’ll take on the role of a well-worn plant pot wielding peculiar plant powers—perfect for a mental break or a midnight snack. 😉
Check the Steam page to see the trailer – we’re sure it’ll leaf you wanting more!
Your unwavering support and interest keep us going, and we can’t thank you enough. We’re just a message away if you have suggestions, comments, or questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out; we love hearing from you!
Thank you, and we’ll catch up with you next week on Friday, November 3rd.
Rest assured, Bertie isn’t going anywhere; we simply wanted to find a name that is memorable and encapsulates the heart of our game.
For those familiar with our game’s premise, you know it all begins with Bertie’s burning desire to win the heart of his crush, who happens to be REALLY into knights. Bertie is prepared to go to great lengths to secure a spot in The Royal Tourney. However, his dreams hit a hurdle at the tourney’s entrance when a stern town guard declares.
‘Can’t you read? It’s Knights Only.’
And now, drumroll, please! The new name of the game, hidden in plain sight from the very beginning, is revealed.
We believe this title perfectly encapsulates our game’s essence, even for those who are new to it. What does it signify? Knights, a medieval backdrop, and the trials of unjust exclusion! What do you guys think?
We wanted you to be the first to know
Over the past month, our team has been hard at work, expanding and exploring new horizons. With the addition of fresh talent to our crew, we’re excited to be able to launch a game they developed independently, under the Stableboy banner. “Potter About” is set to launch on Steam very soon!
This charming 2D side-scrolling platformer lets you join the adventure of a humble, well-worn plant pot.
Awakened alone and abandoned in a discarded trash bin, this lovable pot embarks on a heartwarming journey. Explore a stunning, hand-drawn house using peculiar plant-inspired powers and immerse yourself in the enchanting aesthetics of the home.
While you’re diving into this email, our founder and Game Director, Rok Sanda, is out there representing us at the Gaming Industry Conference in Poznań, Poland. You can stay up-to-date with his shenanigans by following him on Twitter (@dazbog835). If you happen to cross paths with him, be sure to say hi – it’ll make his day!
You may or may not have noticed that the newsletter has a fresh look and feel. Rok, our fantastic writer, has passed the torch, and now it’s my turn to take the reins.
My name is Tina, and I just recently joined the Stableboy gang. I will be taking over the newsletter and social media.
Feel free to reach out, I’d love to chat and get to know you guys!
Another addition to our team is the talented illustrator and designer Tia, that is responsible for the stunning visuals in Potter About. Be sure to follow her on Instagram (@grrreenrat) to see more of her captivating artworks!
Marko is the creative genius behind Knights Only’s captivating concepts. He’s been pouring his heart into crafting new characters for our fantasy universe, taking them from mere sketches to breathtaking 3D models.
On the other hand, Ivan, our resident animator extraordinaire, has been masterfully breathing life into these 3D models. He expertly rigs and animates them in Unity – sometimes he makes them dance, and it really cracks me up! If I’m lucky, I catch these on camera and post them on Instagram. Give us a follow if you’d like to join in on the fun!
Now without further ado – allow us to introduce the latest creation born from their dedication. This formidable Scottish strongman is sure to add an exciting twist to our scallywag team.
Please welcome: Duncan Douglas.
David, our lead developer, is now working on both games. He’s been busy optimizing the code for ‘Potter About’ and ensuring that the dialogues in ‘Knights Only’ run smoothly. We’re pretty sure he has a secret potion for balancing it all successfully, but he won’t share!
Monthly Roundup and Heartfelt Thanks
That’s the scoop for this month, bringing you up to speed on all things Stableboy. With our growing team, we’re not only doing more but doing it better too! Your unwavering support and interest keep us going, and we can’t thank you enough.
Remember, we’re just a message away if you have suggestions, comments, or questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out; we love hearing from you!
Thank you, and we’ll catch up with you next month on Friday, November 3rd.
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!
