The Steamers

Interview with Louido and  Leo by Peter Ward

Shack Studio is an indie game development collaboration between three brothers. Our games are best described as a fusion of genres that lead the player into unusual experiences yet are familliar enough to be easily picked up.

The Steamers is set during the Renaissance Punk era of a steam rich world in a solar system far away.

Through a series of 3 to 4 hours long episodes, players will explore the world of Esporia and live  the many events that shaped its history.

Each scenario will focus on the story of specific characters as they wade through the coups, invasions and political intrigues that mar the Republic of Esporia. Those characters will have very different backgrounds and will allow for many different gameplay experiences. Expect to command large scale armies in open battles, manage a small band of thieves as a guild Master or navigate large airships in sky battles…

The game will allow players to command their troops from a bird’s eye view in typical real time strategy fashion; while also making it possible for them to jump right into the skin of their character and tip the scale during an enemy encouter.

Tactics and planning are of prime importance and commanders will have to learn how to use and support their squads through the use of cover and special abilities. Rushing headfirst and alone into combat will only result in disaster!

Strategic locations such as hospitals, villages or heavy weapon emplacements will also provide added strategic depth. Tactically minded players will use them to choke their opponents, access special units or upgrade their defences.

Vehicles will be available for commandeering  and players can expect to fly in Da Vinci’s inspired gliders and Airships, assault castles and forts in steam powered tanks or even ride ostrich as light cavalry support.

The Steamers is aiming to be a franchise that never stops to grow,  each episode will introduce fresh gameplay elements that will build upon each other and enrich the Esporian world and how the players interact with it.

First of all Welcome to Retrogamesmaster.

What is your first gaming experience?

What got you into programming games?

All: We all have always liked video games and always joked about making them. Then Leo graduated and we all said screw it, lets learn how to make games.

Louido: I realized we simply didnt have a choice, programmers are too expensive. So i learned how to code.

What development tools or coding did you use?

All: We code in C# and use the unity engine. We also use Adobe for textures and video editing, and the website. We use Blender for our models. We use Bryce and World Machine for our terrains and skyboxes. And Finally Garage Band as we record the music in house.

What hurdles did you have making your current game?

All: Our biggest struggle in making this game was that we knew absolutely nothing about making games, computers, or websites. We had to learn everything from scratch without inside advice, all while making the game. We had no contacts for marketing. Basically, we knew nothing when we started.

After the completion of the game what game will you make?

What other games have you made you made?

All: The first thing we made was a game called Jump. It was basically a learning project. The game itself will most probably never be published but we plan to integrate its mechanics into The Steamers one day. It was an endless runner set in a sky diving context. 

My favourite computer was my Amiga and console the Megadrive do you have a favourite?

What is your favourite retro game?

Leo: Time Crisis

Do you still game on the current consoles if so whats your favourite game?

Whats the worst game you have ever played?

Leo: I share Louido’s feelings about freemium games.

Finally what game or feature would you like to see on Retrogamesmaster in the future?

All: Check if you have “Ground Control” there. And “Beyond Good and Evil”. They are both games that never got the success they deserved.