New Year’s Eve: A Time for Change
2008 is coming to an end, and so is Bit-Blot in a sense. Derek and I have both embarked on separate projects - we don’t have any immediate plans to work on a new game together. I’ve formed a new development team called Infinite Ammo, and Derek has been developing an amazing freeware game called “Spelunky”.
“Spelunky” is a randomly generated game in which you play an Indiana Jones-esque explorer. The game has a ton of secrets, beautiful art and moments that make you go “woaah”. Derek did all the art and programming work himself.
The game can be a little difficult to get the hang of at first, but its totally worth it. There’s a ton of depth and gameplay value here, and you can’t beat the price.
Meanwhile, Infinite Ammo has been working on developing a few projects. Our main concept is “Marian”, which is in part a spiritual successor to “Aquaria”. Above is one of Katie de Sousa’s amazing concept pieces for the game. You can find more information about Marian here.
I update the Infinite Ammo site regularly with behind the scenes info, concept art, music, video blogs - the works. If you’re interested in following my game development exploits beyond the realm of Bit-Blot, IA’s blog is the place to go at it.
This doesn’t mean that Bit-Blot is kaput, however. Derek and I have more planned for Aquaria in the coming months. There’s the long-awaited soundtrack release, and we have another surprise up our sleeves. I’d love to be able to work with Derek on a new game as Bit-Blot again in the future, but only time will tell if that’s in the cards or not.
To all the folks at home, thanks for being part of the journey of developing Aquaria. This isn’t an ending, its just the beginning.
December 31st, 2008 at 5:06 am
How ironic - I was listening to the Aquaria Jukebox when I read this. I really am looking forward to the soundtrack release, but am disappointed that nothing will happen here for a while. I suppose a sequel to Aquaria is good - just so long as it lives up to the great work you guys have already done!
December 31st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
What is this about a surprise? Thanks guys! I second Na’s last point; however, anything new is great. Can’t wait.
December 31st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Spelunky looks very interesting - I love retro games in that format (as per Nitrome’s games). The new screenshot for Marian has increased my appetite for the game tenfold - keep up the good work Infinite Ammo!
December 31st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Hm, what do you mean by, “spiritual successor to ‘Aquaria’”? I’m happy as long as you both have the means and ability to create new and wonderful things.
December 31st, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Oh, and about spelunky.
Another great-looking game I’m unable to play… /macuser /sadface
January 1st, 2009 at 5:55 am
Best wishes and thanks for the awesome and memorable gaming experience you two delivered with Aquaria.
And a happy new year to everyone.
January 1st, 2009 at 6:10 am
[...] seems Aquaria creators Bit Blot has decided to call it quits for now and the two creators pursue their own projects. In the same breath, programmer and musician [...]
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 pm
…darn. Well, it was fun being along for the ride!
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 am
Sadly I can’t say I didn’t see it coming. But I still have faith that Aquaria 2 will happen some time. I mean, Derek and Alec don’t have to separate forever right?
At least this came with a good look at some new games.
January 4th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
I only just heard of Aquaria and Bit Blot today while reading the Wolfire.com blog… Too bad Aquaria is not for Linux because it looks amazing… I bought Lugaru and I will buy Overgrowth (when it has a Linux client) and Aquaria looks like a game I would enjoy trying out and eventually purchase if it also ran on Linux.
Oh well… Maybe one day Linux will have a wider selection of amazing games like this one.
January 5th, 2009 at 12:23 am
Hmm… I have read through some forum posts indicating that the game runs fine using WINE.
I will give it a try and if it does run well, I will put my money where my mouth is and register a copy.
January 5th, 2009 at 3:23 am
Surprise?! XBLA Please!!!!!! -Xbox Live Arcade.
Marina looks Amazing!
January 5th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Aside from loosely following Wolfire, Bit-Blot is the first indie developer I’ve shown such interest in. I can’t wait to see what that “surprise” is.
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:49 pm
It’s funny that Aquaria was described as the “spiritual successor” to Eternal Daughter, and now Marian is being described as a “spiritual successor” to Aquaria…
Does that make Marian the “grand spiritual successor” to ED?
January 24th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Oh awesome! I can’t wait to get the sound track, it’s so great!
This game Spelunky looks REALLY cool, like an old classic I could play and love instantly. I’m going to give it a try.
Kudos to the both of you for such hard work, you guys are so amazing! <3
May 23rd, 2009 at 6:43 am
Отличный пост. Хочу тоже поделиться прикольной ссылкой - скачать NFS Undercover