Mindlock - The Apartment News

20% off during Spring Sale
Hey fans! We’re excited to share that Mindlock is now part of the Steam Spring Sale. Dive into its gripping narrative and eerie world of mystery. It’s your chance to experience a unique adventure—unravel secrets and uncover surprises that await at every turn. Don’t miss out; grab your copy today!

Successful Release – Thank You for Your Support!
The release of “Mindlock - The Apartment” was a huge success! It’s incredible to see how many Let’s Plays and streams have already been created. Prominent German YouTubers like Gnu and Gronkh have played the game enthusiastically and captivated their communities.

Your feedback is fantastic – we’ve already received over 200 very positive reviews on Steam! It feels amazing to know that Colin’s story touches so many people. Thank you for all the kind words coming from every direction!

Music Release on Steam
Chris Kohler composed the soundtrack for “Mindlock – The Apartment” and gave each unique character their own theme. Until now, you could listen to the music on all common streaming platforms, and as of this week, you can also download the soundtrack right here on Steam!

Interviews and Articles: Mindlock in the Media
The release has not only thrilled players but also caught the attention of the media. Various forums and blogs praise the story and the gripping atmosphere of Mindlock.
The Saarbrücker Zeitung publish an article for which I was recently interviewed. And we became game of the week in various german newspapers like Süddeutsche Zeitung.
I was also a guest on the horror podcast “Fürchten lehren,” discussing the game’s creation and the challenges we faced. The episode is available on Spotify.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay tuned – we’re far from done.

Of course, we’ve also received constructive criticism that helps us continue to improve Mindlock. Opinions on the puzzles differ: Some find the hints appear too quickly, while others would like even more guidance. What’s considered a hard or easy puzzle varies from player to player.



As a developer, I’ve always aimed to strike a balance that works for the majority. However, there were two frequently criticized puzzles that have now been revised and simplified:

• Repairing the Clock: You can now make fewer mistakes, and a single error no longer triggers a full restart of the minigame. This should reduce frustration.
  
• The Flamethrower: Handling has been simplified so you no longer need to open the inventory repeatedly. Additionally, there’s more time to deal with the grabber arms. After all, the battle shouldn’t be fought against the inventory system, but within the story itself.
  

The update is now available—we’re looking forward to your feedback on these changes!

[h3]Join the Horror at Steam Next Fest![/h3]

This week marks our exciting participation in Steam Next Fest! Dive into the early stages of our game through the demo, featuring the voices of Colin and Veloria in both German and English. Enjoy our stunning, original soundtrack and brace yourself for the chilling adventure ahead.

[h3]Routines - Official Music Video Out Now![/h3]

Have you caught the latest hit from our soundtrack? The official music video for "Routines" is not only catchy but also introduces you to the mysterious owl character. Check it out now!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Loved the demo? Connect with us on Discord or follow us on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes content and updates. We’re just getting started, and there's much more to come.

[h3]Happy Horror, Folks![/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2669150/Mindlock__The_Apartment/

[h2]Project Planning[/h2]

The development of Mindlock - The Apartment is divided into monthly milestones, delivered to my publisher, United Soft Media. These milestones form the chronological chapters of the game. Additional tasks include managing the Instagram channel, creating a demo, revisions, and promotional graphics. At the end of each month, I present the next month's concept and receive feedback. The previous milestone is reviewed with significant support from their QA department.

[h2]Pros and Cons of Working Solo[/h2]

A key topic is working hours. While I save time on meetings and don’t need a ticketing system, I can't multitask like a team. However, working solo allows direct insight into all areas of the project, easing bug-fixing and making daily work varied. The solitary nature might not suit everyone, but I've always had intrinsic motivation for solo projects since school.

Feedback and problem-solving can be challenging without multiple opinions, but my publisher acts as a valuable substitute for colleagues. Their regular feedback and support are invaluable.

[h2]Collaboration with United Soft Media[/h2]

Throughout development, United Soft Media advises me in weekly meetings, and I can seek feedback anytime. This contact fosters a team spirit. Our shared goal of creating a strong, successful product and potentially even a brand for the global market enhances enjoyment and motivation.

[h2]Next...[/h2]
For anyone interested in learning more about our development processes, I recommend our devlog "My Punk Past and the Musical Journey of "Mindlock" Here we provide insights into the thougs behind the music, fitting to our next devlog about the mindlock theme. Don't forget to add the game to your Steam wishlist and follow us on Instagram.

[h2]From Punk Band to Game Developer[/h2]

My personal journey has always been closely linked to punk. I spent years as the bassist and singer of the band PRANX. A little Easter egg in "Mindlock": An EP cover of my band adorns Colin's wall – a drawing by me that dates back seven years. My punk mindset not only flows into the music but also into questioning our societal system, an attitude that I find reflected in Colin, the main character of "Mindlock."
[h2]Colin: A Reflection of Social Critique[/h2]

Colin lives the punk mantra "Punk's not dead" with a corresponding poster and a dusty guitar. He questions the system, feels like a cog in the machine, and expresses his dissatisfaction. Over time, however, I have developed a more mature perspective, growth that I also allow Colin to experience. "Mindlock" declares: The world is not just black or white.
[h2]The Creation of the Soundtrack[/h2]

Currently, I am working on the soundtrack of "Mindlock," which deliberately has a punk influence but ultimately strikes a calmer tone that captures the game's atmosphere. Markus Zierhofer of AudioCreatures supports me in developing the lyrics and the professional production. My experiences in songwriting and sound design also flow into the background music, which weaves thematic motifs and thus enhances the mood of the game.

Although I still enjoy attending punk concerts and remain loyal to the music, surprisingly, I prefer jazz while working on "Mindlock – The Apartment." A development I did not expect. Interestingly, I now receive support from a film music composer and a game composer, both of whom help fine-tune the soundtrack. Their expertise in film music and game soundtracks adds an additional dimension to the game's musical design.
[h2]Behind the Scenes[/h2]
For anyone interested in learning more about our development processes, I recommend our devlog "Behind Closed Doors: Colin's origins" Here we provide insights into the creation of "Mindlock" and the conception of Colin. Don't forget to add the game to your Steam wishlist.