Indeed, I forgot to introduce myself
... my name is Aleksandar Vidakovic (hope its spelled right), but you can call me Alex as its pronounced in the same way Aleks is. I'm from Serbia ... I know, its a crappy country and apart from some music festival known as "Exit" or something like that, its a pretty big BS, very abusive and oppressive, in short.
I started as a system engineer making information systems across the globe, from US, Canada to Australia and New Zealand. Then, I decided to start working as a freelance web developer, because it involved less work ... not really, but I needed something different.
I'm a great fan of arcade machines and games like Galaxian, Galaga, Space Invaders, Phoenix, Donkey Kong, etc. Warblade too. I'm also a great fan of Amiga and games like Qwak, Rick Dangerous and similar. Those games are immortal and for all ages. I'm all grown up and still play some of those
Anyway, while still being a freelance web developer, I needed something to make my life more interesting, hence the decision to start making games as an independent game developer. I'm not really interested in signing up contracts or whatever with, large or not so large, publishers as that will definitely stop me from making games that people like and want to play, games that I like and want to play.
My first game was a result of what my friends and I wanted to play, something cool, easy yet a bit challenging, relaxing and fun, something that could remind us of immortal shoot-'em-ups and shooters of our childhood. Later on I added few suggestions from people who I don't know personally. If you have a suggestion, don't be shy
Where was I ... ah yes. While being an independent game developer is not an easy task, it gave me an insight into some new areas I wasn't aware of. Monopolies are present in the indie game business as well. I wasn't aware of this until releasing my first game. You can't really get reviews, ratings or even get mentioned on the sites that are related to independent games, unless you get a push from someone who's already well-known ... and that sucks big time.
... I'm tempted to say few big and nasty words here ... phew, cool down man, cool down (talking to my inner-self).
So, while Mark Featherstone (Poo Bear) of
Moonpod said nothing, I suspect he told to Dave known as CaptainD, hopefully a few good words about me, as I was participating Moonpod's forum regularly, although I don't know either of them personally, and my game got mentioned here:
http://www.indiegamenews.com/2010/06/elemental-shooter-and-invader-attack.htmlNot much, but its a start. Whoopie friggin diddly doo, I got mentioned!
Anyway, I intend to make Windows games as a start, although my engine is already 95% cross-platform. The games will work on all Windows versions: XP, Vista, Windows 7 (Win7) and they'll be 64 bit compatible as well. Casual gamers are my targeted audience, although all gamers who like to play classic and a bit retro or console-like games will find them interesting.
My goal is to make all games as small in size as possible and downloadable with an option to try before buy. If you don't like the game you can make a suggestion on what should be done to improve it and, as I'm a very experienced developer, will see to implement your wishes, if not in current, then in the next game. You'll be able to post your hiscores online and see how good you really are. The protection is also one of goals, I made my own protection, making game and hiscore postings as safe as possible. Its working so far.
I love music, movies, games, programming, drawing, walking in nature, breathing fresh air, etc.
Hope you'll enjoy the site, forum is not really an important part of it and the most of all, I hope you'll enjoy games!
