Fish Game News

Hi fellow fish enthusiasts!

We have a very exciting announcement to share with you all: we are rapidly approaching our Early Access release date! Yes, Fish Game will have its Early Access release on October 22nd, just over a week from now. We want to take some time to give you a better idea of what to expect and what additional content you’ll see in Early Access when it becomes available.

Let’s start with some important news:
Demo tanks will not translate to the full game in Early Access.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience, but we’re unable to have demo tanks carry over to the Early Access version of the game. We hope you’ll instead look forward to building new tanks with even more options available to you!

Our current demo has

• 12 species of fish
  
• 16 species of plants
  
• 5 unique stores
  
• 15 different hardscapes
  

When the game is released in early access, you’ll have access to

• A lot more fish species
  
• A lot more plant species
  
• A bunch of additional stores
  
• Many more beautiful and varied hardscape
  

In addition to more content, you’ll also get access to:

A progression system
The progression system will be straightforward, in that features will become unlocked as people play through the game at their own pace. Nothing will be missable or end up getting locked because of how you choose to build your tanks. As you continue to explore the world of fishkeeping in Fish Game, all the content will eventually become available to you.

Advanced tools for monitoring your fish and plants
There will be more tools and options that will allow you to obtain more nitty gritty details about your fish and plants, and their behaviors and interactions. Not all of these tools will be available on the Early Access launch date, but to start, there will be more than is currently available in the demo.



As we progress through our Early Access development, you’ll see more tools, features, and brand new content gradually added. We’ll publish another post tomorrow with more details about our Early Access plans, so please look forward to it. In the meantime, we’ll let you get back to your tanks and your little fish pals!

Gordon McGladdery, composer at A Shell in the Pit Audio and one of the developers of Fish Game, is livestreaming the Fish Game demo. Join him here as he creates some beautiful aquariums for his fish friends!

Clipping in video games, while widely accepted by most players, does not lend to making a big world in a small box. We did not want to limit the number of in-tank items or the player’s ability to examine their tank closely because of rampant clipping issues. We explored LOTS of options to contain hardscape, fish, and plants within the bounds of the aquarium. We found that experimental solutions from research teams cost too much performance, and simpler solutions only looked pretty from a distance.



Instead of finding an established method, Ryan discovered that he could clamp all of the mesh vertices to the inside of the tank; the player then sees items smooshing against the glass instead of clipping through it. This smoosh has become an iconic part of Fish Game, resulting in some hilarious and gorgeous options. It gives players the ability to place hardscape unconventionally--like building 3D backgrounds along tank walls or placing a terra cotta pot against the glass to create a porthole.

It also means that plants will bend at the glass, growing along the side of the aquarium instead of through. Fish tails gently slide along the tank, and algae-eating fish can actually attach to the wall. Because the top of the tank is capped at the water line, plants and fish will ripple with the water’s surface.



This original bit of tech allows Fish Game to provide a more unique macrophotographic experience, encouraging the player to stick their head in the water and look closely at the ecosystem they have created.

We can’t wait to see what you do with this unique system! Tag us in your creations on social media.

• Twitter
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Reddit

Gordon McGladdery, one of the developers of Fish Game, plays the demo and shows off his aquascaping and fishkeeping skills. Fishy shenanigans ensue!

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