dev_me
- January 16, 2019
- MrMegawatts
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Dev\_me" is a simulation game where you play as an indie game developer, managing your time and resources to meet basic needs, create games, and build a following. With a unique game topic system and skill-based character development, you'll face the challenges of working alone and decide whether to prioritize high-quality games or audience engagement. Your choices in programming, design, and marketing will significantly impact your success.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a charming art style and a relaxing atmosphere, making it enjoyable for casual play.
- There is potential for the game to improve with future updates, and the gameplay loop can be addictive for fans of tycoon games.
- Despite its limitations, some players find it fun and appreciate the constant stream of updates from the developers.
- The game suffers from a lack of content and depth, making it feel repetitive and grindy, especially in the early stages.
- Many players feel that the game is poorly balanced, with unrealistic rent increases and insufficient rewards for effort.
- There are concerns about the developer's commitment to the game, with some players feeling it has been abandoned or that updates are unlikely.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it addictive and satisfying due to its compelling upgrade mechanics and charming pixel art. However, many users criticize the lack of depth and variety, noting that the current gameplay loop can feel repetitive and punishing, particularly regarding the energy management system. Suggestions for improvement include adding random events, more affordable development options, and enhancing the overall gameplay experience to make it more engaging.
“The thumbs up is for the game's potential, and honestly the music and art are right up my alley, and considering they update regularly, I'm sure all the gameplay hiccups will get ironed out.”
“Has a very addictive gameplay loop, and it feels satisfying to upgrade things.”
“The pixel art is charming and the main gameplay loop is compelling enough that I'll probably keep playing.”
“Maybe random events, more opportunities to improve your developer (other than super expensive books—really, the book was more than my rent for like an hour of the game and you have to buy multiple books at that price), and some type of gameplay variation would be nice since the progress bar thing was kind of grating.”
“Developing a game consists of choosing how much time to dedicate to gameplay/story/soundtrack/graphics, followed by clicking on work on game development and some more waiting.”
“Some indication of skill learning in the main gameplay loop would be nice.”
- music7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its relaxing quality and alignment with the game's art style. However, many reviewers note that the soundtrack is limited, consisting of only one or two looping tracks, which detracts from the overall experience. Expanding the variety of music could enhance the game's appeal and make it more enjoyable to play.
“The thumbs up is for the game's potential, and honestly the music and art are right up my alley. Considering they update regularly, I'm sure all the gameplay hiccups will get ironed out.”
“Good things: the art style, in my opinion, is pretty good, and so is the music.”
“There is, from what I hear, only 1 or 2 songs in the soundtrack that just loops. If there were more songs, I think this game would be very pleasing to play and it would be relaxing.”
“Developing a game consists of choosing how much time to dedicate to gameplay, story, soundtrack, and graphics, followed by clicking on work on game development and some more waiting.”
“There is, from what I hear, only 1 or 2 songs in the soundtrack that just loops. If there were more songs, I think this game would be very pleasing to play and it would be relaxing.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the beautiful art style and smooth animations, while others find the pixel art uninspiring and lacking originality. Overall, there is a consensus that while the graphics have potential, there is significant room for improvement.
“The graphics and animation are so smooth, and the music is relaxing; this game eases my OCD.”
“It's a very interesting game with a beautiful art style and a nice game loop.”
“The art style, in my opinion, is pretty good.”
“Graphics: 4/10 (the pixel art is not too inspiring; I've seen it done better)”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game excessively tedious and frustrating, with high in-game prices and rapid rent increases making it difficult to progress. Many feel that the time spent grinding for resources yields little reward, leading to a sense of imbalance and discouragement before even starting game development. Overall, the grind is seen as a major detractor from the gameplay experience.
“Very grindy without any reward.”
“The amount of sheer grinding to even get to the point where you can just make a game is ridiculous (over an hour for me).”
“Getting to the point where you can actually make a game is tedious and such a terrible grind that it's not worth it.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is perceived as a fundamental component that developers must balance with gameplay, sound, and graphics, suggesting that it is integral to the overall experience but may not be the primary focus in the development process.
“Developing a game consists of choosing how much time to dedicate to gameplay, story, soundtrack, and graphics, followed by clicking on work on game development and some more waiting.”
“You know, the gameplay, story, sound, and graphics one.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is reported to be highly unstable, with numerous bugs affecting the overall experience.
“Way too buggy.”
