Development Continues, but More Slowly
Development is still moving forward, although more slowly than I originally planned. Managing the entire project alone while also working full-time and taking care of everyday life can be quite challenging.
I’m still changing and improving many parts of the game. Some systems are being reworked because I know they can be better, and I’m gradually adding more content. I’m happier with the results, but it also means that some of my original deadlines have become difficult to meet.
The biggest limitation is simply time. After all, time is probably the most valuable thing we can invest into any project.
Crowdfunding as a Small Experiment
The development of Fish & Chill has already cost me some money, and there are still more expenses ahead. It is not only about creating the game itself, but also improving the artwork, producing a trailer, running marketing campaigns, promoting the game, and covering all the other things needed to actually get it in front of players.
Because of this, I have decided to prepare a small crowdfunding campaign for Fish & Chill. I’m not expecting anything huge, and I see it mostly as a personal experiment. The funding goal may be reached or it may not, but either way, I would like to find out whether crowdfunding can help a small independent project like this.
If the campaign succeeds, it would allow me to speed up development and invest more into the artwork, new content, marketing, a proper trailer, and other areas that I currently have to fund myself.
Since I cannot easily launch my own Kickstarter campaign as a creator from Slovakia, I have decided to try Gamefound instead. We will see how it goes and when I manage to finish preparing and launching the campaign.
Rewards for Supporters
Of course, I do not want this to be just a simple donation. I’m planning several rewards for people who decide to support the project, including:
- Steam keys for the game,
- special in-game skins available only to supporters,
- a custom image displayed on a flag inside the game,
- a place in the game’s credits,
- and a few other smaller rewards connected to Fish & Chill.
I’m still working out the details, and I will share more once the crowdfunding page is closer to being ready.
The Next Challenge: Steam Next Fest
The next few weeks are also going to be challenging for another reason. Fish & Chill is registered for Steam Next Fest: October 2026, and my goal is to prepare a playable demo for everyone.
I have never prepared my own game for an event like this before, so I’m very curious to see how it goes. There is still a lot of work, testing, and polishing ahead of me, but I truly believe I can make it in time.
I want players to finally experience Fish & Chill for themselves, see how far the game has already come, and give me the first real feedback that I can use to make it better.
There are some difficult days ahead, but I’m also very excited about what comes next.
Wish me luck!