Final Profit: A Shop RPG News

Ahoy! Announcing a new game in the Final Profit world, called Oil Town. The Steam page is live so scoop it into your wishlist!

And please watch the trailer! I put so much work into it, and I'm really proud of the new music.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

You may recognise the name from the later acts in Final Profit, the story in Oil Town is going to be rich in tasty lore and relevance for the overall plot going forward. The gameplay is significantly different, but it can still be considered a number-go-up type of game. And we'll be seeing many familiar faces.



I intend to release it in Early Access at some point, I would rather do this sooner than later but there are -business- considerations to... consider. It's generally recommended for a developer to wait until you have a sufficient pile of wishlists before making a game available, else it won't make it onto Steam's New and Trending at launch, and that is such a crazy snowball effect that it hurts your game forever if you miss it, which unfortunately was the case for Final Profit. It launched with only 2000 wishlists and didn't land on that chart. The number recommended is around 7000 (which may even be a bit of a lowball). So because of that I am going to try and build that pile before launching into Early Access. I would appreciate if all you Final Profit fans help in this regard by spreading the word, the sooner we reach that number, the sooner I can launch.



In the meantime, so I can still get some feedback during development I have made a development build available to my Patreon supporters. This is experimental and I will only continue on that path if it's seeing decent use and providing helpful feedback (so far it has been quite helpful). Patreon supporters can also submit names for the customisable workers in Oil Town, just like they can for the Patron customer in Final Profit.



You may notice on either the Final Profit or Oil Town Steam pages a new link to the Brent Arnold collection. This is the beginning of a central place to find my games. I hope to bring Rebertha over here in the future as well, though I want to polish it up a bit first.



I've also been busy sprucing up the Official Website, adding a World page where you can see how the various games in the setting relate to each other. And adding a main page for Oil Town.



There's also a new Oil Town channel on the Final Profit Discord for discussing the game. And a new development log channel there too so I can separate my Oil Town live development log from the Final Profit one.

So yeah, update complete. Please wishlist Oil Town!

Thanks for playing! And for all the continued support! Appreciate you all!

Wow! Two years is a long time for an indie to keep up post launch support, especially when all the updates are free! Going in, I didn't know if it would be a viable development method, but thanks to all the continued support from the community I'm still hanging in there. Please keep recommending the game to people! It's keeping the lights on and the updates coming!

[h3]Contents[/h3]
- Year in Review
- Roadmap
- Art Corner
- Thanks

[h3]Year in Review[/h3]
First up, some stats.



This year the game has seen almost double last years sales, and a steady increase of new wishlists.
Steam key activations look a bit weird in both years, with last year including keys from taking part in the Yogscast Jingle Jam, and this year including those from the recent Fanatical bundle (details below). Not listed above are 300 additional downloads through Itch, from taking part in the Queer Games Bundle which was a delight.

This year I've put out 4 Major Updates, with loads of features and improvements, even an entirely new game mode! Links to each below.

1.2.3 - Just Shop Mode https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1705140/view/4678767641836768590?l=english
1.2.2 - Coin Laundry and Museum https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1705140/view/7026261605374807688?l=english
1.2.1 - Shop Staff and Commodity Pavillion https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1705140/view/4175475163766583852?l=english
1.2 - Lighting Overhaul https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1705140/view/7279578129964076622?l=english

Alongside the launch of 1.2.3 I managed to get a Daily Deal slot on the front page of Steam, huge!



Which led to a hit reddit post where I analysed how this was achieved, and the many things I did to maximise the opportunity.

Twitter is gross now, so I've migrated most of my social presence to Bluesky, some fun work-in-progress previews show up there from time to time.

At time of posting, Final Profit is part of the Sandbox Sensations Bundle over on Fanatical, 1200 or so keys have already been redeemed from there. I don't see much of a cut with these compared to Steam sales, but it's nice to spread word about the game and I was glad to get involved.

Throughout the year the game has also been nominated for a bunch of awards, won some, and been featured in many festivals. Including the short film festival Aesthetica! Which still tickles me.

[h3]Roadmap[/h3]
I get asked where the public roadmap is all the time, up 'till now there hasn't been one, just my comments sprinkled around the forums and on discord. But today that changes! Let's take a look at what's in development.



As for timeline, they will be ready when they're ready. 1.2.4 is still months out. And 1.3 is a loooong way off, if you've been putting off trying the more recent content because you've been waiting for 1.3 I urge you to dive in sooner rather than later, because there's still a big wait. And momentum now is better for the game, which improves my ability to get the work done.

[h3]Art Corner[/h3]
Ideally, this is where I'd put fanart...

If i had any!

(draw Biz ya'll, and show me!)

Alas, I have some 1.2.4 spoilers to share instead.



Don't expect to see this next one in the game, this was just a bit of fun to see if I could draw Biz in a Chrono Trigger style. Think I pulled it off?!



[h3]Thanks for playing![/h3]
The game continues to grow. It's all thanks to your ongoing support, please keep spreading the word and telling your friends about the game! It is immensely helpful.
And consider leaving a Steam Review.

Here's to another great year. Let's hope year three is even better!
-Brent

Support future content updates on Patreon
Join the community on Discord
Also there's a website

Most opportunities for games to be seen are launch dependent, which makes it tough to get noticed when your model is to keep releasing free content updates.

The Labor of Love award is one of the few exceptions. It would be awesome to see the love I continue to pour into Final Profit be recognised, so please nominate it!

Ahoy! And welcome to 1.2.3! This is a very different update, adding an entire separate roguelike game mode, accessible through new options when selecting New Game at the title screen. This is an alternate scenario to the main game, Final Profit is now effectively two games in one!

Before we get into it, some general news. Over to you Brent.

Thanks Brent, first up, Final Profit is now in IGN's funky new games thingo, users can rate games there so it would be awesome if some of you head over and lavish some praise! Maybe we can drum up enough attention to get a reputable review so I can finally get the wiki page approved! -gasps audaciously- Please and thank you.



Final Profit is also involved in a few events at the moment! Such as the Melbourne Queer Games Festival (be aware, there are some NSFW games in there). It's also featured again in MIGW which has been wonderful in previous years so a big thank you to the organisers. And it's even featured in an upcoming film festival! Yes, you read that correctly. Aesthetica has a new Games Lab which has selected 32 titles to showcase, which is super cool and I really love being able to say "My game's in a film festival".

I've also made some new Pixel Art of Biz, you'll find this used in a couple of places in the game. Enjoy!



The big ticket item. This is basically a new game so I'm not going to list everything about it like I normally would in the patch notes, but I'll talk a bit about it! J.S.M. is a roguelike mode that focuses on income through the shop, the main goal is to pay off your loan (but there may be something more beyond that...) and there are LOADS of new customers. Only a couple have carried over from the base game, the vast majority are different, with unique upgrades and mechanics.



Though this is a separate scenario to the main game, there is still story content and lore, and it is canon, excluding some endings, which there are 9 of.



Many aspects of this mode are unlocked through the new card systems, where you roll for cards and get a choice between whichever 3 pop up. These are separated into categories and have different methods of obtaining more rolls.



My goal with adding this mode is to create an option for players that are put off by the gradual start of the main game, it's a way to quickly see what the game really offers, though it does so by throwing you in the deep end so we'll see how effective that is. It also provides existing players with a fantastic way to get more out of the game.

You can't use New Game+ saves with J.S.M., to access it just start a new game and follow the prompts.



There are several difficulty options to set during game creation that effect the run. Play around with these and see how much of a challenge you can handle!

In this devlog I went over a bunch of the new features, though some were added after it came out so it's not comprehensive. Still a good overview!
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Slight disclaimer: I built Just Shop Mode in under two months so it is possible there are bugs are oversights I've missed, but thanks to the playtesters over on Discord I think we've caught most of them and it should be a fairly solid experience!*

*I hope.

[h2]Changes:[/h2]

• Some very small changes to a couple of cutscenes to accommodate the existence of the new scenario.
  
• The Money Hole will now remain active after having met it, even if the conditions are no longer true. (There's always money in the money hole *click sound*)
• Updated Patron list (Thanks patrons!)
• Nerfed coin laundry passive income exchange rates
  
• Removed a certain item from persisting into ng+ (I can't remember what it was...)
• Added Generosity and Ruthlessness to save screen, reduced font size, renamed Items Sold to Sales.
  
  
  
  
• The Vend cutaway will now say 'not too long ago' if she's already working.
  
• Using the Garden Pillar to plant seeds will now cost 1 Mana total, instead of 1 Mana per seed.
  
• Updated the Gems in the Lab to not stop movement
  
• Reworded Gift of the Fae accessory descriptions from 'products made using mana' to 'products that can be made using mana'. (they're for more than just hats!)
• Updated loading screen graphic.
  
  
  
  
• Updated some instances of the rendered coin image to match it's new fanciness
  
• Updated picture graphics used in the climactic confrontation
  
• Slightly adjusted lighting in the Top Floor
  
• Added something secret. (I've also forgotten what this was, so it'll be a nice surprise when I find it too)
• Moved where Goalie hangs out near the Biztorium if you haven't found them yet when you get there
  
• Added game mode selection when creation a new game
  
• Added new music track
  
• Added new song to OST: How Far Will She Go?
  
• Added a new effect when sensing new royals
  
  
  
  
• Added some extra jump spots at the Port so you can get a better look at how to get around to the Apple
  
• Made it so that you can jump off the ledge in the City Markets so you can get to the Bar faster
  
  
  
  
• The chicken song will now play before the Jukebox, alert rather than after
  
• Rearranged the Gift of the Fae accessory lines list priority so they don't split the Animal Magnetism line in the menu
  
• Life Insurance Policy application will now cause HP damage (ouch)
• Added a new sprite for the Tutemun holding a gun
  
• Added 3 new accessories (JSM exclusive... for now)
• Fire accidents during crafting no longer spread by themselves, instead they spread through further crafting, and when extinguishing the flame you'll get some Fire components. (this should hopefully make crafting candles more of a fun thing)
• Reaching the end of the Apple Labyrinth will now unlock a warp between both ends
  
• Changed the wording on some Steam achievements to specify they need to be done in Main Story Mode
  
• Changed icon for the Crunch spell
  
• Changed Lava Place internal warps to eliminate lag when going through them (for maximum BIRDNESS!)
• Reworded Store Marketing Beat item description
  
• Added a new easter egg (I remembered this one!)
• Slight change in the Commerce District so the player can get around to and speak with the Wood Boss near the restaurant
  
  
  
  
• Goalie will now only pop up in the Residential Quarter while you're on the roof, and will spawn there 4x faster than normal
  
• Commodity tables will no longer allow purchases to go over the item caps
  
• Changed the rock blocking the way to the Deepwoodway to be interactable on touch rather than on use, so it's easier to stumble into it
  
• Added an Auction related easter egg (... I don't remember this one, but at least there's some direction to where it should be!)
• Stock trading is now taxed (the cries of a thousand businessmen were heard throughout the city this day)
• Disabled staff income popups from the climactic confrontation onwards
  
• The camera will now follow King Bean on his very slow walk (because we don't wanna miss it)
• Mimic sales will now multiply by 1.01 each click (op)
• Added 'blue' to the description of the bubbly jump spots when learning Bird: Up!
  
• Added new pixel art to new game creation (when not skipping the intro, there's also a funky new jingle!)
• Added a jukebox near Tinto
  
• Added 9 new Steam achievements (all 9 JSM endings)

[h2]Bug Fixes:[/h2]

• Two cosmetics had flipped hints, unflipped them. (350 points!)
• Fixed Garganna's disappointment not counting towards her timer (happiness nerfed)
• Fixed a clipping issue in the Slums
  
• Fixed some bugs in the Bee loop logic which was causing them to pay more than they should before the 1000 vendrank quest was complete (bee bug loop log)
• Fixed washing machine cosmetic facing the wrong way
  
• Fixed a couple of instances of Scrunched Token text being the wrong colour
  
• Fixed Bouncer not being able to leave when Staff are in the way
  
• Fixed overlapping floating text over the VenDRANK! driver
  
• Tinto sales will no longer count towards Batnik levels
  

[h3]Hotfix roundup:[/h3]

• Fixed text in Under HQ saying 'crammed' when it was really 'scrunched'
  
• Pushed an Under cutscene 1 tier token unlock higher
  
• Fixed a softlock when running into a car
  
• Fixed Upmarket Coffee on table not being interactable
  
• Vend will no longer congratulate you on buying the Information Center if she's working for you
  
• Properties will now generate upkeep correctly during a Charitable Landlord challenge run
  
• Sped up swapping spellbinds
  
• Fixed getting stuck from car collision when in between spaces
  
• Spellbind menu now has icons
  
• Made setting spellbinds always available and set to a quickbind key
  
• Changed some default keybinds (use spellbind from v to s, equip menu from b to e, set spellbind (new) to a)
  
• Vending machines now also give e.i.tokens when collecting profits
  
• Added a special interaction if hitting a car while the max tier boots are equipped
  
• Added track 36 to the OST
  
• Updated control info at the start of the game
  
• Made the portable spellbinder unobtainable
  
• Getting through the Faeona crystal no longer blocks movement when successful
  
• Horse skin unlock now actually works (oops)
• The chimney outside the Bakery will now correctly turn on after the Bakery becomes available
  
• Made the Spirit Child count as an Apple related customer for accessory benefits
  
• Fixed a token redeem bug
  
• Fixed laundry vending machine being tied to the wrong property unlock
  
• Goalie fund extract input will default to 1billion if you have more than that in the fund
  
• Increased passive income and upkeep caps
  
• Adjusted passive income numbers from token exchange
  
• Typos
  
• Made the intro to the cosmetic museum more noticeable
  
• Added an option to toggle the shockwave during token compression
  
• Added 2 new token upgrades to increase how many of the lower tier tokens can be compressed at a time
  
• Fixed Under cutscene save warning not appearing
  
• Made certain butterflies no longer halt mouse movement
  
• Fixed premium member token interaction
  
• Added an option to move e.i.token popups to the left
  
• Changed the mouse click destination to a coin sprite
  
• Substantially reduced the price of the decorative plant selection
  
• Fixed decorative plant selection choices being available by default
  
• Added an extra Elora hint in The Capital directing to the Oil Town commodity quest
  
• Added product hint SFX to Elora in The Capital
  
• Reduced cost of furniture warehouse from 1000 to 300
  
• Fixed dog upgrade costing more than intended
  

[h3]Thanks for playing![/h3]
Please help spread the word about Final Profit by telling your friends about the game! It really helps a lot!
And consider leaving a Steam Review.

-Brent

Support future content updates on Patreon.
Join the community on Discord.
Also there's a website.

Steam has made it so that demos can have their own dedicated page that can receive reviews! If you've played and loved the demo it would be a great help if you left some kind words!

The Final Profit demo is always available! I feel that provides the best service to the players.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1958030/Final_Profit_A_Shop_RPG_Demo/