Algolemeth 2025 Year in Review

[p]Hello everyone![/p][p]I’m @gunzee2, the developer of Algolemeth.[/p][p]It’s already the end of the year. 2025 was a year where I truly felt the support of so many people. I’d like to reflect on this year’s activities and share my greetings with you all. (You can find the 2024 report here.)[/p][p]First, a quick introduction for those who are new! Algolemeth is an RPG where you build logic by connecting nodes to automate dungeon exploration and combat. The BGM and SE are being composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro! Please check out the video below to get a feel for the game.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]And here is the Steam store page. I would be honored if you could add it to your wishlist![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Now, let’s get into the 2025 activity report. As usual, it’s in chronological order.[/p][h2]February 2025[/h2][h3]New Main Visual Revealed! Exhibited at Tokyo Game Dungeon 7! Over 10,000 Wishlists![/h3][p][/p][p]2025 started with a major visual update. I completely overhauled the graphics, which I had previously handcrafted myself, by commissioning the illustrator Baron Sanaki![/p][p]Thank you so much for the wonderful artwork! In the final version, you’ll be able to create your Golem by choosing from multiple portraits designed by Baron Sanaki. (You can also import your favorite images to use!)[/p][p][/p][p](Previous key art. Thank you, Skeleton-kun...!)[/p][p]Thanks to the visual update, we finally surpassed 10,000 Steam wishlists![/p][p]When I first started development, I honestly thought, "This is a niche game, so it might not appeal to a wide audience, but I’ll focus on making it fun to build my track record." So, I’m both surprised and delighted that so many of you are interested.[/p][p]I also wrote an article on note regarding reaching 10,000 wishlists. If you're wondering how to navigate your own activities, feel free to use it as a reference.[/p][p]https://note.com/gunzee2/n/ne14836903786[/p][p]On Saturday, February 15, I exhibited at Tokyo Game Dungeon 7![/p][p]I debuted the updated graphics and a game system with expanded exploration elements. While the tutorials felt a bit heavy on explanation, seeing everyone play in person provided invaluable insights, and hearing people say it was "fun" really gave me strength. Thank you to everyone who stopped by![/p][h2]March 2025[/h2][h3]Exhibited at TIGS 2025![/h3][p]As part of the support from the "2nd GYAAR Studio Indie Games Contest" (GYAARCon), which I won last year, I exhibited at a corner of the GYAAR Studio booth. I showcased a fine-tuned version based on feedback from Game Dungeon 7, and many people enjoyed it![/p][h2]April 2025[/h2][h3]Announcing Legendary Composer Yuzo Koshiro for the Soundtrack![/h3][p]In April, I announced that the legendary Yuzo Koshiro would be handling the entire soundtrack for Algolemeth!! This was probably the biggest announcement of the year, and something I had been looking forward to telling everyone for a long time.[/p][p]Mr. Koshiro mentioned it on his X account, and it was picked up by Game Watch and several overseas media outlets. Thank you![/p][p]This wasn't just my achievement; it was a miraculous event made possible by the development support from GYAARCon. I’d like to share a bit of the background.[/p][p]At the end of last year, Algolemeth used royalty-free music assets. I wanted to work with a professional, but having no prior ties to the game industry, I didn't have any connections.[/p][p]When I mentioned this to the GYAARCon organizers, they suggested, "Let's first learn how to commission music from a professional!" They arranged a session with a sound creator from Bandai Namco Studios.[/p][p]During that talk about who would be a good fit, I expressed a strong desire for an FM synthesis sound. Naturally, the name Yuzo Koshiro—the master of FM synthesis—came up.[/p][p]I love game music, and naturally, I’ve always loved Mr. Koshiro's work. (The first game soundtrack I ever bought was his Streets of Rage 2 OST on the iTunes Store!)[/p][p]However, he felt so out of reach that I initially said, "That might be too difficult..." We considered other creators for a while.[/p][p]But after listening to many FM synthesis soundtracks, I couldn't suppress the feeling that I *really* wanted Mr. Koshiro’s music in Algolemeth. I told GYAARCon again, and they arranged an opportunity for me to speak with him, which led to this dream-like collaboration.[/p][p]This would never have happened if I were working entirely alone. I want to thank the GYAAR Studio team for making my dream as a developer come true, and Mr. Koshiro for graciously accepting the sudden request.[/p][p]There are still several unannounced tracks, all of which are shaping up to be absolutely fantastic. Please look forward to them![/p][h2]May 2025[/h2][h3]Exhibited at Tokyo Game Dungeon 8![/h3][p][/p][p]I hadn't originally planned to exhibit at Game Dungeon 8, but I wanted everyone to hear Mr. Koshiro’s music as soon as possible, so I made a last-minute decision to participate![/p][p]At the event, many people stopped in their tracks when they heard the new BGM coming from the speakers, reminding me of the sheer power of music. Some even guessed it was Mr. Koshiro’s work just by listening![/p][p]Since everything started for me at Game Dungeon 2, being able to announce the music at Game Dungeon made me very happy.[/p][h2]July 2025[/h2][h3]Exhibited at BitSummit the 13th![/h3][p][/p][p]I exhibited here as part of the GYAARCon support. This was my third time at BitSummit, and every time I go, the encouragement from passionate attendees warms my heart.[/p][p]Mr. Koshiro, who was participating for the Earthion exhibit and signing sessions, even visited the booth!　I was thrilled![/p][p]Also, we ran a campaign where people could get a novelty (Ramune candy) by following our X account, which helped us gain many followers! The GYAARCon staff were incredibly helpful, promoting the game loudly. I feel I am where I am today because of the support of so many people.[/p][p][/p][h2]September 2025[/h2][h3]Exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2025![/h3][p][/p][p]This was also supported by GYAARCon. This year, I was able to participate in four events (TIGS, BitSummit, TGS, and later Game Dungeon 10) through their support. For an indie developer, these opportunities are incredibly precious, and I am deeply grateful.[/p][h2]October 2025[/h2][h3]Leave of Absence from My Main Job; Starting Temporary Full-Time Development[/h3][p]Originally, I worked full-time as an engineer in a field unrelated to game development, working on Algolemeth on the side.[/p][p]I managed to balance both until 2024, but by mid-2025, my sleep became unstable. I was splitting my sleep into two segments between my job and dev work, which left me unable to focus on either.[/p][p]Fearing I was heading toward a point of no return, I explained the situation to my company and took a leave of absence to focus on game development for a set period.[/p][p]Despite it being an unusual request, my colleagues saw me off warmly. I am truly grateful.[/p][h3]Yuzo Koshiro to Handle Sound Effects (SE) as Well![/h3][p]Originally, I only planned to ask Mr. Koshiro for the BGM. But as the amazing tracks were delivered, I started worrying about the quality of the SE (which I had made myself).[/p][p]Since the BGM is MD-compliant FM synthesis (I'll let you guess what MD stands for!), I felt the SE should also be MD-compliant. And who better to create the best SE than Mr. Koshiro, who knows the MD inside out? I made another "love call," and he graciously accepted again.[/p][p]By the way, while the sound is authentically MD-compliant, the rest of the game uses modern technology. The FM sound is purely my personal preference, so please note that there likely won't be an MD cartridge version.[/p][h2]November 2025[/h2][h3]Exhibited at Tokyo Game Dungeon 10![/h3][p][/p][p]Since GYAAR Studio was exhibiting at the corporate booth section for the first time, I was honored to be selected as one of the titles.[/p][p]Despite the rain, many people visited. I fine-tune the build for every event to ensure the latest version is playable, and it felt like the clear rate was higher this time. Perhaps things are moving in a good direction?[/p][h3]Announcement of Release Delay to 2026...![/h3][p]I announced that the release would be pushed to next year. Honestly, I felt around September that I wouldn't make it this year. Due to various circumstances, the announcement was delayed, and I am truly sorry to those who were looking forward to it.[/p][p]I know better than anyone that further delays shouldn't happen. I will work desperately to ensure we release next year.[/p][h3]Surpassed 20,000 Steam Wishlists![/h3][p]Around the time of the delay announcement, we hit 20,000 wishlists. Thank you![/p][p]Wishlists are an important metric and a reflection of your expectations, which is very encouraging! While they look like simple numbers in statistics, I feel the responsibility of knowing there is a player behind every single one.[/p][p]It’s hard to make a game that resonates with everyone, but I will do my best to give shape to what I love and create something as many people as possible can enjoy.[/p][h2]December 2025[/h2][h3]And Now, Moving Forward[/h3][p]Looking back, while there were dream-like moments like the collaboration with Mr. Koshiro, it was also a year where I had to face my limits, leading to my leave of absence to restore my mental and physical balance.[/p][p]I’ve continued indie development to fulfill my dream of becoming a game developer, and thanks to the support of many people, I feel that dream has suddenly become a reality. However, a game only creates value once it is completed and enjoyed, so I will brace myself and keep running until the finish line.[/p][p]Since this is my first time making a full-scale game, I do have anxieties about whether I can meet everyone's expectations. But at the very least, I want to make something I won't regret. That’s what I focus on every day.[/p][p]I don’t always say thank you directly because I’m afraid a sudden reply might startle people, but I do see your messages of support for Algolemeth on X and elsewhere. They are a huge source of encouragement![/p][p]To everyone who has read this far, thank you so much. Your support is truly the fuel that keeps this development going. I will keep running at full speed so that next year, I can report to you all: "The game is now available!"[/p][p]Happy New Year, everyone![/p]