Fish Game News

Hi everyone!

So, some have you may noticed we said over and over again we were launching in Early Access. Well we launched, and barely anyone’s actually pointed it out, but we’re not in Early Access. What?

Quite simply, as has become my brand, I messed it up in Steamworks! The short version is: I didn’t check the box or whatever.

The long version: I don’t know exactly *what* happened–it might have been that since we briefly worked with a publisher who set up our store pages I assumed we had been applied, or I have a false memory of doing it, but in my brain we were 100% definitely set up for Early Access, and that when I clicked “Release Game” that is what I was sure we were releasing. Anyway, welcome to what it’s like to be me, a musician with ADHD, working with a complicated back-end and a non-technical mind on very little sleep for a month.

After a few moments of blinding panic, I asked myself “what did we really need EA for anyway?” and it didn’t take too long to realize that, well, we don’t? We’ve got a stable game with a ton of content. We’re very proud of it, and players really like it too (leave a review!). We don’t feel like we need particular lenience with regard to reviews etc. We know exactly what our design goals are and have achieved most of them already. The bugs that exist are minor and can be taken care of in short order.

Also, just 3 weeks ago Steam released a video explaining how games are featured, and Early Access games are largely excluded from the algorithm. This made Early Access really actually quite bad for us! Our whole marketing strategy was planned around our EA launch.

Crazily, by accidentally launching as a full release, we found ourselves at #2 on the New and Trending list, which we would not have seen with an Early Access release. So my mistake started looking like quite a happy accident. Failing upward, baby!

How does this affect our players? We’re continuing with the development as scheduled. Technically, instead of an Early Access title in development you’re getting a Full Release Game with a bunch of awesome (and free) updates in the future.

We’re asking for understanding when updates do come out, particularly in regard to saves. In Early Access it’s much more the norm that updates will have major implications on existing player profiles etc. Well, we’re Not Early Access, but this may still happen. We’ll be discussing if/how we can mitigate this, but are asking for patience. Take lots of pictures of your favourite tanks, have fun, but don’t get too attached (even though one of our design goals is to get you attached :P).

We had planned to increase the price on full release, which we probably can’t comfortably do anymore. That’s our problem to solve.

Thanks for playing!

Fish On,

Gord

Thanks for your interest in Fish Game!

We're really proud of what we're kicking Early Access off with and are getting fantastic responses to the demo and from those who have had advance access to the release build. We made the game we wanted to play, and it looks like we're not alone. And hey, if you're not ready to buy it yet, a wishlist still really helps us out!

You can expect a MUCH more content heavy and more comprehensive version of the game than in the demo.

You can expect everything listed on the store page and more.

Basic content:

50 species of fish
50 species of plants
25 types of hardscape, most with multiple variations
13 fish shops

We've also got a first pass--but I think pretty solid (I may be biased)--on the fishkeeper progression system to ease players into the experience. It starts you out with creative and more freeform organic tank building, but as you gain more experience the game opens up to be more detailed and intentional with your designs.



Unlockables:

- tank slots
- inventory slots
- tank sizes: small, medium, large, huge, & custom
- custom tanks
- shops
- tools - plant trimming, algae scrubbing, substrate vacuum
- photo mode
- backgrounds
- substrate colours

And of course, bugs! It's an early access game after all! But nothing game-breaking we're aware of, so please let us know if you encounter anything. Make use of the feedback button on the menu if you find anything you want to report, or if you simply have ideas you'd like to share.



As for future features, there are plenty more coming! We'll have frequent content updates, and more substantial milestone gameplay updates throughout the year which are roughly listed here.

On the early access note: Don't get too attached to your keeper profiles. There is a good chance major systems updates will wipe your saves. So take lots of pictures and don't get too attached to anything just yet. We'll try to make sure to give everyone a heads' up when these updates are about to happen.

Come and join our already upbeat and active communites on discord and reddit!

Hi everyone!

Launch Update: We wanted to release tomorrow but XBox just announced they’re doing a showcase and our PR team said it’d be a bad idea.

Anyway, even if something else crazy happens, we won’t be releasing outside of this week. The game MUST be out before the weekend for an even bigger marketing reason. As for the game, it’s ready to go; I’m literally hovering over the button waiting for people to tell me we can go live. Sorry for the delays; I know it's annoying for you dedicated wonderful few, but in order to give the game its best chance to become a thing that lasts a long time we need as many eyes on it as possible.

Discord: We have a discord now!
Discord not your thing? Head on over to our subreddit! /r/fishgame

Cheers!

G

Hi Everyone, Gord (creator) here.

Real sorry about this! No one is more disappointed than me, believe me--I pulled an all-nighter finishing the Announce Date trailer.

The good news is that we're not delaying because the game's not ready, it's ready and we are unbelievably proud of it.

We are just waiting on build approval from Steam and that's a 2-5 business day process. Long story short: I thought we submitted it alongside the demo build and noticed on Weds I most certainly had not. No one to blame but myself--not getting a lot of sleep these days and the stupid mistakes are rolling in.

We believe we could be approved as early as Monday, or as late as Wednesday. If you have a press key, you should be able to play as early as Saturday afternoon (PST). Will update here, on twitter (@afishgame) and on our subreddit (r/fishgame). We'll have a discord up & running next week as well!

Thanks for your patience! We're really looking forward to seeing your tanks, hearing your fishy stories, and soaking up your feedback.

Fish on,

Gord

Yesterday, we announced Fish Game’s release date: Sunday October 22nd, 2023. Today, we’ll go over some of the new features and content that we’ll be rolling out (with the specifics subject to change). We’re excited to continue Fish Game development, and hope you’ll be excited, too, for what we have planned!



Hunger and Health Update
We’ll be introducing fish illnesses, so your fish can get sick and spread illnesses, and you’ll need to obtain medicine from stores to help them get better. Fish will also have specific food needs, and you’ll have to make sure the right types of fish are fed the right kind of food. And with more food types, fish will also experience more competition while feeding!

Plant Update
Plants will have root needs that need to be met in order to survive. We’ll also be introducing fertilizer to the game, as well as plant response to CO2. You’ll be able to see your plants visibly change as they react to lighting and fertilization conditions.

Water Chemistry and Equipment Update
Players will be able to manage their water chemistry via temperature, pH, light, water flow, and more. This update will also include the introduction of a variety of new tank equipment, including but not limited to heaters, thermometers, filters, and circulation pumps. With this update, players will have more direct control over the water chemistry of their tanks, and be able to create environments that are particularly suited for the needs of specific species.

Other Updates

• Different substrate types
  
• Store system update
  
• Even more that we’d love to get to, but aren’t ready to announce yet!
  

We have big plans for Fish Game. With your continued support, we’ll be able to get to it all, so please wishlist the game now, and buy the game when it launches! Also, keep sharing your thoughts with us because we want your feedback!

Share your thoughts, start a discussion, and report any bugs that come up:

• Our feedback form (it only has 2 questions, so it’s quick to fill out!)
  
• Our Steam Community Hub
• The Fish Game subreddit

And of course, feel free to tag us in your Fish Game posts!

• Twitter
• Instagram
• TikTok