Let's Build a Dungeon News

[p]Hiiii from Springloaded,[/p][p]Hope you're having a great August! We've been working away on Let's Build a Dungeon and have quite a few updates to share with you, including an upcoming livestream and beta key giveaway. Keep reading for:[/p]

1. [p]Developer Livestream & Giveaway[/p]
2. [p]Game Mode Breakdown: 4 Ways to Play[/p]
3. [p]Exclusive Art Drop[/p]
4. [p]BitSummit, PGDX & Tacticon[/p]

[p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Let's Build a Dungeon now has more than 140,000 wishlists!!![/p][p]This is such a crazy amount for us to comprehend and we're really grateful for the support. [/p][p]We try not to look at the wishlist numbers too much, because our focus is on making the best game that we can regardless of the total. But... it feels really nice to know that we have 140,000 of you along for the ride, excited to create alongside us when the game releases. So thank you for making that happen [/p][p]To celebrate and say thank you properly, we're hosting a Developer Livestream on August 28th over on our Twitch channel. (You can use that link to receive a reminder on the day.)[/p][p]Join us at 9am EDT / 1pm UTC / 9pm SGT for: [/p]

• [p]Beta key giveaway[/p]
• [p]Let's Build a Zoo key giveaway[/p]
• [p]A behind the scenes look at the current build[/p]
• [p]Q&A with Game Director James Barnard[/p]

[p]



[/p][p]Please submit your questions for the Q&A using this form or the button above. Feel free to ask us anything about Let's Build a Dungeon, Springloaded, our summer plans or games we've been playing - (almost) anything goes and we can't wait to see you in Twitch chat.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]2. Game Mode Breakdown: 4 Ways to Play[/h2][p]Want to know more about the different ways you can play Let's Build a Dungeon? We've made a handy video explaining everything you need to know, which you can check out below:[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]There are 4 distinct game modes and each one offers a unique gameplay experience. Here's a very quick overview:[/p]

• [p]Campaign Mode - In-depth game dev sim with studio management and game making[/p]
• [p]Just Build Mode - Streamlined game dev sim focused on world building, solo or with friends[/p]
• [p]Creative Mode - Open sandbox ft. all game-making tools [/p]
• [p]Dungeoneering - Community game library[/p]

[h2]3. Exclusive Art Drop[/h2][p]We're constantly drawing and painting new in-game assets and thought it's probably about time we shared some previews of what we've been up to. There are hundreds of new items being added to Let's Build a Dungeon weekly, including countless buildings, dungeons and interiors. We picked out a couple of our favourites to share, starting with... the Swap and Sell shop interior and an introduction to GameLink.[/p][h3]Swap and Sell Shop[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Inspired by the old Exchange and Mart stores that used to be in the UK, (anyone remember those?!) the Swap and Sell shop is a nostalgic junk store selling every kind of item you could think of. From instruments to arcade machines, computers to books - the shop is small but full to the brim of treasures. This interior was especially fun to design, as it contains a real mix of items and themes, which is pretty different to a lot of the other pre-set buildings in Let's Build a Dungeon. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]GameLink Capsule Images[/h3][p]In Campaign Mode, you'll track the performance of any games your studio releases on GameLink: a virtual storefront that is definitely, 100% legally distinct from any other real world digital storefronts that sell video games.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]GameLink will show you how your own game is charting, alongside the performance of other games that have been released too. It also does a whole bunch of other stuff that we can't wait to share with you, but that's for another time.[/p][p]So for the past few weeks, we've been coming up with a host of inspired fake game titles that you may come across whilst browsing GameLink. You can see a couple of the titles below, each with unique key art created by our artist Ryan. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]4. BitSummit, PGDX & Tacticon[/h2][p]Last month we took our event demo back out on the road, setting up booths at both BitSummit in Kyoto and the Philippine Game Dev Expo in Manila. We always enjoy sharing the game in person and the feedback we've received so far has been invaluable. Thank you to anyone that stopped by to say hi! The Let's Build a Dungeon Steam demo is still live, so if you want a taster and missed our event showings, please check it out and consider leaving us a review - every one helps![/p][p]We were also invited to take part in our first ever Tacticon, which is a celebration of all things strategy games. James joined a panel to discuss the challenges of making games that are low stress but high strategy, so if that's your kind of thing you can watch it over on the official Tacticon YouTube channel.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And that's a wrap for now! We're continuing to make good progress and we're really seeing Let's Build a Dungeon coming to life piece by piece. If you'd like to see a behind the scenes look at the current build, make sure to join us on August 28th for the livestream, and don't forget to send in your questions for the Q&A. [/p][p]Thanks for continuing to support Let's Build a Dungeon. We'll see you again soon for more updates.[/p][p]Team Springloaded[/p][p][/p]

[p]Happy Summer Game Fest![/p][p][/p][p]We're excited to be back with a whole bunch of Let's Build a Dungeon news straight from Summer Game Fest earlier today. Keep reading for:[/p][p][/p][p]1. New Reveal: Just Build Mode[/p][p]2. Buddyland: Monster-catching parody WITH GUNS[/p][p]3. Developer Livestream on June 11th[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]This weekend we had a bucket list moment as we took part in Summer Game Fest for the very first time, with a feature in both the Wholesome Direct and Southeast Asian Games Showcase! [/p][p]We're huge fans of everything the Wholesome Games team are doing, so to be invited to be a part of the show was huge for us. And to see the Southeast Asian Games Showcase being brought to life by our friends across the SEA region was incredibly special. As a Singapore based studio, being in the inaugural showcase was an honour. [/p][p]As part of the shows we revealed two brand new trailers, a new game mode and a closer look at our monster-catching parody: Buddyland. Soooo let's get into it![/p][p][/p][h2]1. New Reveal: Just Build Mode[/h2][p]Introducing: Just Build Mode - a co-op enabled game mode focused on the joy of creation and world-building. This brand new mode compliments the existing Campaign Mode and Creative Mode, offering a more streamlined, relaxing experience. Check out the trailer below from the Wholesome Games Showcase for a closer look at what to expect.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]In Just Build Mode, you can play alone or as part of a team to build the perfect MMORPG, without the full responsibilities of running a game studio. Without the intricacies of the main simulation campaign, this new mode makes building a world together and seeing virtual player numbers rise easier than ever. [/p][p]As you progress, you'll make decisions about what sort of MMORPG you want to build, drawing from a deck of randomized cards to shape your path forwards. If playing online with friends, you'll vote to make group decisions about your shared fantasy world. Will you expand the world with exciting new content and asset packs, or line your pockets with ruthless monetization tactics and DLC horse armor? [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Just Build Mode feature overview:[/p]

• [p]Co-op enabled game mode focused on the joy of creation and world-building[/p]
• [p]Deck-building format that makes no two playthroughs the same[/p]
• [p]Online co-op supported for up to 4 players[/p]
• [p]Collaborative voting system with weighted votes, allowing all players to have their say[/p]
• [p]Multitude of game-changing cards to draw from, including asset packs to broaden building options, marketing cards to entice virtual players and randomly generated quest cards that each offer a unique experience[/p]
• [p]Choose from a variety of cursors to share your own personal style[/p]

[p]We're really excited to share more details about how we're bringing literal team-building to Let's Build a Dungeon, and hope to be able to share a closer look at the full game mode soon.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]2. Buddyland: Monster-catching parody WITH GUNS[/h2][p]At the Southeast Asian Games Showcase, we revealed an exclusive look at Buddyland - a playable, monster-catching, survival game that's coming to the Let's Build a Dungeon simulation campaign. [/p][p]This oddly familiar gameplay experience invites you to consider what it really takes to develop a successful indie game and you can check out the trailer below.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Buddyland feature overview:[/p]

• [p]Playable parody experience within Let’s Build a Dungeon[/p]
• [p]Build and explore a fantasy world alongside mysterious creatures called ‘Buddies’ [/p]
• [p]Survival gameplay featuring monster catching, farming and crafting[/p]
• [p]Gather resources to avoid running out of food[/p]
• [p]Morality choices impact the fate and success of your game studio[/p]

[p]The proposed development of Buddyland is just one example of Let’s Build a Dungeon’s branching narrative and features a fully-playable experience, heated discussions with external partners and an ongoing risk of falling into legal hot water. You can browse the ‘Younify Game Engine Asset Store’ and make decisions that could make or break your game studio, including the opportunity to develop your very own monster-catching survival game… WITH GUNS. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Running an indie studio and making games can be really crazy. We’re all too familiar with headlines about legal challenges being faced by game developers across the world, with disagreements dragging through the courts and communities choosing sides online.[/p][p]The accompanying online discussions often raise the question of what it means to make a successful game, and that’s something we want to explore in Let’s Build a Dungeon. There is no definitive answer, but it’s something that indie developers have to think about all the time. Every decision we make in game development has a consequence, and we want to share these experiences with you. Buddyland is one of the ways we’re providing an opportunity to make your own moral decisions in the shoes of a games industry CEO, with the chance to see exactly how things play out.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]3. Developer Livestream on June 11th[/h2][p]If you'd like even more updates on what we've been up to, we're heading back to Twitch to host another livestream. Join James, the Game Director of Let's Build a Dungeon, on Wednesday 11th June at 9pm SGT / 1pm UTC for a hands on look at the latest build.[/p][p][/p][p]We'll be sharing an exclusive look at the most recent updates to Creative Mode, so make sure to follow us on Twitch so you don't miss when we go live. Feel free to bring along any questions you have to the chat and James will do his best to answer as many as possible.[/p][p]And that's a wrap on everything we revealed today as part of Summer Game Fest! Please let us know if you have any questions, or you can head over to Discord and chat to us there. The Let's Build a Dungeon Steam demo is still live too, and if you do check it out, please consider leaving a review - every single one really helps.[/p][p]Thanks for continuing to support Let's Build a Dungeon. We'll see you again soon for more updates![/p][p]Team Springloaded[/p][p][/p]

Hello from Springloaded!

It's developer diary time again and we're excited to be back sharing the latest Let's Build a Dungeon update from our team here in Singapore. We took a little break to focus on development, so there's a lot to update you on.

[h2]1. What's New?[/h2]

It's been a few weeks since our last update, and things have been really coming along behind the scenes. From finalising Creative Mode features (more on that in the next segment), to developing story arcs for the Campaign Mode - we're seeing more and more of the game coming to life.

We've also been finishing up something... totally new 👀

We're gearing up to announce a brand new game mode and wanted you to be the first to know that it's coming!

On top of the existing Campaign Mode and Creative Mode, we've got something cool in the works to provide a chilled, sandbox experience with a twist.

We can't share too many details and probably already said too much... but you won't have to wait long for the full reveal. The new mode will be revealed as part of the upcoming Wholesome Direct on Saturday June 7, at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 6pm CET. We hope you can tune in for a real team building experience, we can't wait to see what you think.



[h2]2. Watch the Livestream and Q&A[/h2]

If you're interested in learning more about Creative Mode but missed our first developer stream, don't worry! We just uploaded the full recording to our YouTube channel and you can check it out by clicking the link below.



Tune in for a 90+ minute deep dive into Let's Build a Dungeon and the Creative Tools we're in the process of fine-tuning. Prepare for lots of work in progress stuff, but it's super fun for us to share our process with you. Game Director James Barnard walks through the steps to create your own custom game, whilst answering some of your most asked questions. (Thank you to everyone that submitted questions, let's do it all again soon!)

[h2]3. Design Inspiration - Plumose Village Introduction[/h2]

We've been really digging into the Campaign Mode of Let's Build a Dungeon recently, and thought it might be fun to share some of the world with you in a bit more detail. Starting by taking a look at one of the first locations you’ll come across: Plumose Village.



We've been powering through development of the Campaign Mode of Let's Build a Dungeon recently, and thought it might be fun to share more of the world with you in a bit more detail. Starting by taking a look at one of the first locations you’ll come across when it comes to building your MMORPG: Plumose Village.

If you played the demo (available here) you might already be a little familiar with Plumose. Uniquely situated, this mill town capitalises on the abundance of wind thistle seeds that blow over the island from a far off land. Driven by unique atmospheric patterns, nowhere else sees as many wind thistle seeds as Plumose does.

These seeds are used for multiple things, but the most popular use is making ‘thistle-bread’, a light, pale purple loaf that is enjoyed across the kingdom. While not as widely available as normal wheat based bread, thistle bread is an enjoyable alternative due to its unique nutty taste and light airy composition. Despite its comparative rarity, thistle bread is not seen as a luxury, meaning that Wind Farmers are not especially wealthy, and live humble lives.



The farmers of Plumose Village build large wind intakes to filter the air for seeds, which also provide the power needed to grind seeds into flour. Fan-like blades sit on top of the buildings, collecting seeds that drift through the air into the grindstone area at the base of the mill. Usually farmers live in these buildings, leading to super dense interiors with cramped sleeping quarters and tiny stoves.

Any attempts to grow the wind thistle have proved fruitless, and the appearance of the thistle plants remains a mystery.

As you progress through Let's Build a Dungeon, you'll learn more about the villagers who call Plumose home by designing multiple quests focused on their passion for Wind Farming!

[h2]4. You Built a Dungeon[/h2]

Did you know we have an official Discord server for talking about all things Let's Build a Dungeon? Come and join us over there!

We have a channel called #show-us-your-rpg and use it to see what everyone has been building in the demo. We're gonna close out this latest update with some of our favourite recent community builds from Discord.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2365790/Lets_Build_a_Dungeon/

Thank you for continuing to support Let's Build a Dungeon. The demo is still available to download, so please make sure to check it out if you didn't already, and leave us a review so we know what you think!

We'll see you again soon for more updates.

Team Springloaded



Credit: Alan 🖼️


Credit: Demonic_Emperor 🖼️


Credit: ZomB 🖼️

Hiiii,

Hope you're having a great week, we're back with a quick update from everyone here at Springloaded and it's a pretty wild one...



We're jumping right in with some crazy news: Let's Build a Dungeon has received over 100,000 wishlists on Steam. Our minds are well and truly blown.

That means more than 100,000 people have actively chosen to support our game and it doesn't feel real to see the number keep going up. If you're one of the people who added Let's Build a Dungeon to your wishlist, thank you so much. It might only seem like a small gesture, or just a convenient way to keep track of games you care about, but to our team it means more than that.



To be real for a minute, our wishlist count doesn't define anything about Let's Build a Dungeon. We care about this game so much that we'd likely still be making it even with only 1 wishlist. (That would be a bad idea we know haha)

But behind the scenes, the support here on Steam brings with it so much motivation to keep pushing for the best, and also logistically helps to open doors for us to attend events and take part in opportunities to share the game with even more people. So with that being said, we've got a reason to celebrate and have some fun plans to share with you.

[h2]Exclusive Livestream, Build Preview and Q&A[/h2]

To celebrate and say thank you, we're hosting our first official developer livestream over on Twitch. Save the date as we'd love for you to join us!

Thursday 13th March, 9am EDT / 1pm UTC / 9pm SGT / 10pm JST

Let's Build a Dungeon's Game Director James will be giving an exclusive look at the live development build, so things may go very, very wrong. But that's all part of the fun. (Right!?) Make sure to subscribe to our Twitch channel now to be the first to know when we go live. At the time of writing this we plan to show off some Creative Tools that we've never shown to anyone before... so we're equal parts excited and terrified.



We'll also be hosting a live Q&A, so please send us your best questions in advance using the form above and James will answer as many as possible. Ask us about Let's Build a Dungeon, where the silly helmet came from, indie dev life, Singapore hidden gems or whatever else you want to know.

See you on stream and thanks again for all the support, I don't think we'll get over this crazy milestone for a very long time!



https://store.steampowered.com/app/2365790/Lets_Build_a_Dungeon/

2025 is well under way and we're excited to be back working on Let's Build a Dungeon after a short break for the holidays. We're heading into the new year feeling great about what's to come and with some big plans on the horizon.

Our demo is available to download now, so make sure to check it out if you want to experience a taste of what's to come. It's been a lot of fun seeing everyone designing their own RPG worlds, so please keep sharing your creations!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3340480/Lets_Build_a_Dungeon_Demo/

Since the demo launched we've had thousands of responses to our feedback form, so thank you to everyone that took part so far. (It's linked in the demo but also available here.) Every submission helps us massively!

We had a dig through the feedback data and found some fun stats:

• Played in 10 languages, the top 3 being English, German and French
  
• 40% of responding players chose the Explorer hero class, whilst only 24% chose Mage
  
• 60% hadn't played our previous game Let's Build a Zoo (exciting to have so many new people joining our community)
  
• 94% of players that responded completed the demo to the end

The demo now has over 200 positive reviews (!!) and it's been great to see such an encouraging response. We've had quite a few questions about design inspiration, so without giving too much away for anyone that hasn't played it yet... we want to share some insight.

[h2]Demo Design Insights[/h2]

We're big MMORPG fans and Ultima is of course one of the most iconic titles in the genre, so finding a way to pay tribute was on our list to tackle at some point down the line. Our goal for Let's Build a Dungeon is to encompass everything that makes (and has made) the games industry what it is today - and that covers a whole crazy list of historic moments that shaped the games we play today.

One of those moments is the 'assassination of Lord British' in Ultima Online. As an in-game rebellion that went on to influence so many instalments of the series, it marked a real shift in dynamics between creators and players. These kind of moments don't happen often, and when they do they deserve to be remembered! Justin Olivetti at Massively Overpowered wrote a great article about the importance of what happened in the early days of Ultima Online and how things went down, so one to check out here if you want more details.

As we worked to finalise the end of the demo, we realised that this was the perfect opportunity to have some fun with the player/developer relationship in Let's Build a Dungeon. We're really happy with how it turned out, and hope you enjoy it too.



[h3]What's Next?[/h3]

We recently went to Taipei Game Show in Taiwan and had a great time showcasing the game there for the first time. We took part in IGN's livestream from the showfloor and got to meet so many amazing people. If you stopped by to say hi during the show, thank you! It's always fun to hang out in person.

Later in the year we'll be attending more events (it's a little early to confirm just now) and in the very near future, we'll be holding a livestream hosted by our Game Director James. We plan to play through some work-in-progress stuff that we probably shouldn't show yet... but it's fun to get feedback and hear what you think! Once we confirm the date and time, we'll post an update, or you can also stay in touch with us more frequently by joining our Discord server.

We also have a newsletter/beta mailing list that receives 1 email per month with a behind the scenes update, and is always the first place to hear about beta opportunities. Click the banner below to register.



Lastly, an update on game progress. It would take way too long to list everything we've been up to over the past few weeks, but here's a list of some things we've been focusing on:

• Building an early version of creative mode for beta testers (hopefully coming soon)
  
• Writing story arcs for the simulation campaign
  
• Many, MANY new art assets
  
• Online infrastructure and initial set-up
  
• Controller support testing and improvements (not available in the current demo)
  
• Removal of placeholder art
  
• Trading card implementation (we're currently tagged as 'profile features limited' but this will be removed once set up is complete, hooray!)
  
• Workaround for playing the demo on Steam Deck (read our guide to playing on Steam Deck)
  

We've got a lot of exciting plans and will be back with livestream updates and more soon. Thanks as always for your support!

Springloaded