Dropsy, everyone's favorite weirdbutt clown game, is back!

Jay Tholen · Tue 05/11/2013 02:18:42

Hi guys! I just to use AGS wayyy back in the day. I was always back and forth between here and the Klik community, but never really contributed anything worthwhile. (Hey, I was like 14.) This game isn't an AGS title (my programmer is using Unity) - but it's definitely influenced in part by my time following the community here.

That said, the past 3 years of my life have been consumed by this project. My friend posted a thread about it a while back, but I figured it would be better to start a new one myself, with updated information and such. I ran a campaign over the summer, but it didn't really work out. So, I took two months off of work (read: got fired :'() did my research, and worked hard to finish a few little disjointed prototypes of the game to show off. Just relaunched and it's going really well. I'm amazed at the response this time. As I write this, we're at about $15,500. I'd love to get my friend Chris Schlarb on the project to compose, and we'll need to hit 19k for that to happen.

Here's more on the game, but read the KS for a more fleshed out description:

Click HERE to check out Dropsy on Kickstarter.

QuoteDropsy is an open world adventure game with an emphasis on surreal atmospheric elements and environmental storytelling. It extracts the humor and rich narratives from classic adventure games and places them into a unique exploration based framework. You guide Dropsy, a perpetually carefree clown (ex-clown to be precise) through a richly detailed world full of colorful characters and sinister secrets.

Dropsy subverts the traditional tendency of game protagonists to be destructive forces in the world. Instead of slaying enemies, Dropsy's innocence and kindness act as a catalyst for redemption. Dropsy doesn't recognize anyone as his enemy, and will lovingly embrace them whether they like it or not.

Though its roots are in the point-and-click titles of old, Dropsy is an almost entirely text-free experience. There are still colorful characters to communicate with, but the dialogue is handled visually rather than linguistically.

This helps emphasize another theme central to the game, a sense of not belonging. Players may not always understand what a character is trying to communicate, resulting in assumptions based on how they interpret the visual symbols. This came as a way to deal with the fact that Dropsy cannot speak, and has become one of its most unique aspects. It also gives the game a universal appeal as people who speak any language can enjoy it fully.

Click HERE to check out Dropsy on Kickstarter.

Thanks all! I'll be happy to answer any questions you guys may have.

Andail · Tue 05/11/2013 06:57:05

I think the game looks incredible, but man, this is the third kickstarter campaign for the same game... your very first backers must be getting impatient?
Anyhow, good luck!

Armageddon · Tue 05/11/2013 07:30:13

The last two ones weren't successfully funded Andail, IIRC so he never got money from either. This time it is successful so we'll actually get the game now.

Unity is an interesting choice of engine for a 2D adventure game. But it looks like it's working great. I especially love this old SNES-y heat warp effect.

Andail · Tue 05/11/2013 08:19:30

Well, you don't recall correctly then, because the first project got funded

Anyhow, people are still willing to give their moneys, so that's cool. And again, it looks fantastic.

Jay Tholen · Tue 05/11/2013 15:27:14

Quote from: Andail on Tue 05/11/2013 06:57:05
I think the game looks incredible, but man, this is the third kickstarter campaign for the same game... your very first backers must be getting impatient?
Anyhow, good luck!

Yeah, it looks pretty bad on me.

I appreciate your positive tone, as some people get the impression that I'm trying to run off with peoples' money. I don't blame them, since there are pleeenty of campaigns that end up crapping out, but that is definitely not the case here. I've lived and breathed this game for the last 2-3 years. My original backers are getting a pretty nice deal too, and it's been nice that most of them are still pretty enthusiastic about the game.

Only the first Kickstarter succeeded, and the money I made with that went towards software + a tower after my computer died. The goal was $225, and we ended up with $1,600. It was really naive of me to think that I could just get some software and poop out a game in two years. I tried for about five months to pick up programming, but it's just not for me. The funds for this campaign are going towards a programmer, and (if we hit a stretch goal) an additional animator/composer to help finish it.

While I do consider that first campaign a bit foolish, I haven't stopped working on it since then - and I won't stop until it's done. I'm really proud of the mythos/universe I've been detailing for the past two years and I can't wait for people to explore it.

EDIT: Also, The Samaritan Paradox looks super rad. I've been following since I came here during the last campaign.

Quote from: Armageddon on Tue 05/11/2013 07:30:13
Unity is an interesting choice of engine for a 2D adventure game. But it looks like it's working great. I especially love this old SNES-y heat warp effect.

Yes! I'd attribute that to the Earthbound influence. I loved those old crusty rudimentary effects, and wanted to keep the same vibe.

Here's a bunch of early music I put up a few days ago. It's free: http://dropsytheclown.bandcamp.com/album/dropsy-early-tracks

Ghost · Tue 05/11/2013 23:35:39

Quote from: Jay Tholen on Tue 05/11/2013 02:18:42

What the...

I'll get my brown pants now, yes? And make some coffee so I won't have to go to SLEEP.

This is (still) looking awesome. Creepy and cheerful at the same time. I really hope you get this game done, the premise is awesome.

Baron · Wed 06/11/2013 02:12:33

Yeah, that bouncing clown animation is wicked amazing! And it looks like he might actually attempt actions while bouncing around (it seems as if the player has control during this episode) -can it be?

Even more than the graphics, I've got to admire your won't-stop-till-it's-done attitude despite the long duration and many setbacks. Keep up the good fight, brother!

qptain Nemo · Wed 06/11/2013 04:21:02

Quote from: Baron on Wed 06/11/2013 02:12:33
Even more than the graphics, I've got to admire your won't-stop-till-it's-done attitude despite the long duration and many setbacks. Keep up the good fight, brother!

Fully agree. Even though I laughed heartily when the third kickstarter went up, I was and am really glad it did. I haven't lost a single bit of fondness for the game and I'm very happy it's finally happening. And I wish more developers had that perseverance. I think you're setting a good example here.

Jay Tholen · Thu 07/11/2013 03:24:51

Daw, thanks guys! I'm so crazy excited to make this game, ahh. I can't believe I get to spend the next whole year working on it. It's a freaking dream come true.

Also, big announcement coming soonish, hopefully.

Atelier · Thu 07/11/2013 05:00:26

Jay, the graphics are gorgeous

kaput · Fri 08/11/2013 18:59:31

Congrats on finally achieving your goal! A bit of perseverance can go a long way. Best of luck

kconan · Thu 21/11/2013 16:25:13

Dropsy news on RPS:

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/11/21/coulrophobia-begone-devolver-to-publish-dropsy/#more-177076

Armageddon · Thu 21/11/2013 20:39:06

That's great news. Devlover is really publishing some quality titles the last few years and this looks to be no different.

Pyke · Fri 22/11/2013 09:26:36

Congrats on the publishing deal!

And that 3D render of Dropsy is freaking terrifying man....

Trapezoid · Fri 11/09/2015 04:06:14

I'm bumping this thread to say that Dropsy is out!! I beta tested it and it was amazing. I was surprised by how much it reminded me of playing adventure games in my childhood, even though its gameplay style is fairly different from the classics. There's a wonderful sense of exploration, and apparently a lot of content has been added since I tested.
I think everyone will love it. Go, get it now!

Mandle · Fri 11/09/2015 23:36:04

Awesome to hear that the game made it out the door! Big congratz to the author/team!!! That must feel amazing! I'm balancing my writhing jealousy with respect and admiration...

Bavolis · Sat 12/09/2015 01:04:03

Dropsy is fantastic. Things I have learned so far:

1. Squeaky clown shoe toggles in the options menu are underused.
2. Word balloon symbols work really well for replacing dialog.
3. You can make a story about a horrible-looking mutant clown and somehow come out with one of the most uplifting games on the market. What.
4. Don't press the butt button if you have kids. You will be stuck spamming the butt button for 5 minutes while they laugh like little demonspawn.

Jay Tholen · Sat 12/09/2015 03:16:18

Thanks guys!

Quote from: Bavolis on Sat 12/09/2015 01:04:03
Dropsy is fantastic. Things I have learned so far:

1. Squeaky clown shoe toggles in the options menu are underused.
2. Word balloon symbols work really well for replacing dialog.
3. You can make a story about a horrible-looking mutant clown and somehow come out with one of the most uplifting games on the market. What.
4. Don't press the butt button if you have kids. You will be stuck spamming the butt button for 5 minutes while they laugh like little demonspawn.

I'm so relieved about the symbols. We tested them, but they went through way less iteration than I would've liked.

I'm happy that you're enjoying it.

Dualnames · Sat 12/09/2015 07:16:16

Hey Jay <3 Congrats on the release and reviews and stuff on Dropsy ^_^ marvelous game

Gurok · Sat 12/09/2015 08:11:51

I played this on CatPunter's recommendation. This is probably the best adventure I've played since Gray Matter. Wow. The story never once seemed hokey, the visuals were stunning and so appealing. The emotion was also really genuine. There were some touching moments, especially at the end. It's really obvious to me that there were no corners cut. The style chosen wasn't easy to do and yet the graphics are so consistent and wonderful. Amazing job. Also, CatPunter really likes it too and has been messaging me non-stop about it.