We’ve been incredibly busy preparing for upcoming events in both the UK and the US, making sure our unique card battling game, Shadowhand, is packed with engaging features for visitors and the press to enjoy. Recently, a couple of Twitch streamers have taken a close look at the game, each bringing their perspective and insights that have been invaluable to our development process.
Back in February, our friend Ryan Clark spent some time playing the Shadowhand demo. Ryan, known for his wizardry with spreadsheets and predictions, applied his analytical skills to forecast how well the game might perform upon release. His deep dive into the numbers was fascinating, especially for the game development community, as he explored technical details and sales potential. The result? The game exceeded expectations so much that it broke his spreadsheet! Beyond the impressive numbers, Ryan provided us with thoughtful feedback that has already begun shaping improvements and refinements in Shadowhand.
Just yesterday, the indie game dev couple Robotloveskitty streamed both Regency Solitaire and the Shadowhand demo during their Indie Dev Supershow. In their half-hour session, they quickly recognized the strategic depth we are building into Shadowhand. Their fresh eyes helped highlight some of the gameplay elements that truly set our game apart.
What’s New in Shadowhand?
Shadowhand’s gameplay stands out because it blends turn-based duels with card strategy in a way that’s quite different from typical systems. Instead of relying on rolling dice to determine the outcome of each move, players aim to create strong runs of cards. Each card played charges the player’s weapons, which can only be unleashed once fully powered. Successfully building a long sequence of cards grants an attack bonus and triggers critical hits, adding an exciting layer of tactical decision-making to the battles.
Players duel against a variety of enemies, such as the highwayman Rich Turnpike, each encounter requiring thoughtful play. As you progress, you collect or purchase an array of weapons and clothing items. The inventory system allows you to deploy these strategically during fights. For example, different outfits provide defense against specific types of enemies or weapons, adding another strategic dimension.
Alongside weapons and armor, players find power-up cards throughout the game. These active and passive abilities can significantly influence battles. Passive powers might let you start your turn with more cards available, while active ones could remove troublesome cards from the board. These elements all work together to create a rich and unique card duel experience.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities to Play
We’re excited to announce that Shadowhand will be showcased at PC Gamer Weekender on March 5th and 6th in London. Visitors will get a chance to try the game firsthand and see the strategic gameplay in action.
Following that, our team member Jake will attend GDC in San Francisco from March 14th to 18th. He will be speaking about sustainable game development—a talk you won’t want to miss!
Then, from April 7th to 9th, we’ll be at Rezzed, once again dressed in our tricorn hats, ready to present Shadowhand and discuss what it’s like working together as a couple in the game industry.
Regency Solitaire Special Offer
On a related note, we are celebrating a fun piece of history with a special promotion. On February 29th, a day that only comes around every four years, tradition allowed women to propose marriage to men. To mark this leap week, we’re offering a romantic discount on Regency Solitaire via Steam. This game, steeped in British history much like Shadowhand, will be available at a special price starting at 10 AM PST / 6 PM GMT.
We’re thrilled to share these updates and invite everyone to experience the unique world and gameplay of Shadowhand. Stay tuned for more news and developments as we continue to bring this exciting card battle adventure to life.
Building a Richer Gameplay Experience
As we move forward in the development of Shadowhand, our focus remains on enriching the gameplay and creating an immersive experience that keeps players engaged. The unique card battling system is at the heart of everything we do. We are continually refining how the turn-based duels play out, balancing the challenge of making strategic decisions with the excitement of seeing your plans come to life.
One of the key aspects we are developing is the variety and depth of the weapons and clothing items players can collect and use. These are not just cosmetic additions but are critical to the strategic layer of the game. Each weapon has its stats and abilities that affect how you approach a duel. Choosing the right combination for a particular enemy or situation can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Similarly, clothing changes not only offer defensive bonuses but can also influence your attack options. This interplay encourages players to experiment with different gear sets to find the best strategies.
The inventory system has also been carefully designed to let players manage their collected items without interrupting the flow of gameplay. We want to ensure that players feel in control but never overwhelmed by choices. Quick access to gear and power-up cards during duels means players can adapt on the fly, responding to the enemy’s tactics and making every decision count.
Enhancing the Duel Mechanics
Our duel system uses card runs rather than traditional dice rolls to determine attack outcomes, and we have been exploring ways to make this mechanic even more dynamic. Players build their attack by creating sequences of cards, with longer runs increasing weapon charge and delivering stronger hits. We have added subtle variations to the card runs to keep battles fresh and unpredictable. For example, certain enemies can disrupt your runs or force you to rethink your approach mid-duel, adding tension and depth to the gameplay.
Power-up cards are another important feature. These can be collected and deployed during fights to give players an edge. We have introduced a range of abilities, from passive buffs that increase the number of cards available at the start of each turn to active powers that can remove difficult cards from the tableau. This variety allows players to tailor their playstyle and develop unique tactics for overcoming challenges.
We have also worked on balancing the enemy AI to provide a fair but challenging experience. Each opponent has its own behavior patterns and special moves, which require players to study and adapt. This makes every duel feel like a new puzzle, rewarding careful observation and strategic planning.
Narrative and Worldbuilding
Beyond the core gameplay, we are building a story and world that immerse players in the Regency-era setting of Shadowhand. The narrative unfolds through encounters, character interactions, and the unfolding mystery behind the protagonist’s quest. We want players to feel connected to the heroine’s journey, understanding her motivations and the stakes involved.
The historical backdrop is richly detailed, inspired by British history, and we have integrated cultural elements that add authenticity to the experience. Players will explore various locations, meet intriguing characters, and uncover secrets that deepen the story. This narrative layer enhances the card battling by giving meaning and context to the duels.
We have also incorporated humor and wit into the writing to capture the spirit of the era and keep the tone engaging. Our goal is to balance the serious challenges of the game with moments of lightheartedness, making the experience enjoyable and memorable.
Player Feedback and Iterative Development
Listening to players and streamers has been crucial throughout development. The feedback we received from Twitch streamers like Ryan Clark and the indie game couple Robotloveskitty has helped us identify areas for improvement and new ideas. For example, Ryan’s analysis pushed us to fine-tune the balance of the weapons and power-ups, ensuring the game remains challenging but fair. Robotloveskitty’s stream highlighted the need for clearer tutorials and more intuitive interfaces, which we have since implemented.
This iterative approach means that Shadowhand is evolving in response to real player experiences, which makes the game stronger and more enjoyable. We continue to invite streamers and testers to share their thoughts and reactions, using their insights to guide our ongoing work.
Upcoming Showcases and What to Expect
We are excited about the opportunities ahead to showcase Shadowhand to a wider audience. At the upcoming PC Gamer Weekender in London, visitors will have a chance to play a refined version of the demo, experiencing firsthand the depth of the card battles and the strategic gear system.
Jake’s presentation at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco will highlight sustainable game development practices, an important topic for our team. Sharing our approach and experiences with the wider industry is something we look forward to.
Later, at Rezzed, we will once again connect with players and developers, demonstrating how collaboration as a couple influences our creative process and brings a unique perspective to the game.
Continuing the Journey
As development progresses, our commitment to crafting a unique and engaging card-battling experience remains unwavering. Shadowhand is more than just a game; it’s a blend of strategy, story, and style set against an evocative historical backdrop. We are dedicated to delivering a polished, innovative title that offers both challenge and charm.
We appreciate the growing community of players and supporters who share our enthusiasm and encourage us along the way. There is still much to come, and we can’t wait to share future updates and milestones as Shadowhand moves closer to release.
Refining Combat and Player Strategy
As development continues, we are focusing heavily on polishing the core gameplay mechanics that make Shadowhand unique. The card-based combat system remains the centerpiece, and we are refining it to deliver a smooth and satisfying experience for players. The balance between tactical decision-making and the randomness inherent in card draws is something we are carefully tuning to ensure duels are both challenging and fair.
The idea of charging weapons through card runs continues to evolve. We have adjusted how card sequences affect attack strength and critical hits to reward skilled play. Players who can manage longer runs and build combos are rewarded with more powerful strikes, encouraging thoughtful planning over luck. This creates a rewarding flow where success feels earned through strategy rather than chance.
We have also expanded the variety of enemies and their behaviors. Each opponent requires a different approach, pushing players to adapt their tactics. Some enemies try to disrupt your card sequences, while others counter your weapon choices or force you to change your defense quickly. This diversity keeps the gameplay fresh and forces players to think on their feet.
Enhancing Equipment and Power-Ups
One of the standout features in Shadowhand is the deep equipment system. Players can collect a wide range of weapons and clothing items, each offering unique advantages in combat. We have been adding new gear options and refining their stats to create meaningful choices for players. Choosing the right combination of weapons and defensive clothing can turn the tide of a duel.
The power-up cards have also seen significant improvements. We have introduced new active and passive abilities that increase tactical options during battles. Some power-ups now allow players to manipulate the cards on the tableau in innovative ways, while others provide buffs that stack with equipment bonuses. This complexity adds layers of strategy without overwhelming players, keeping the gameplay engaging.
To help players manage these options, we improved the user interface for inventory and power-up selection. The goal was to make switching equipment and activating abilities quick and intuitive, so players can focus on the duel itself.
Story Development and World Expansion
Alongside gameplay improvements, the story of Shadowhand is becoming richer and more immersive. We have been expanding the narrative with new characters, side quests, and plot twists that deepen the Regency-era world. The heroine’s journey is layered with intrigue, danger, and personal growth, encouraging players to become invested in the story as well as the battles.
New locations have been added, each with unique visual styles and challenges. Exploring these areas reveals more about the world and the people who inhabit it. Historical details and cultural references enrich the setting, providing authenticity and atmosphere.
Dialogue and writing have been polished to better capture the tone and personality of the characters. We want players to enjoy witty exchanges and emotional moments alike, making the story feel alive and engaging.
Community Engagement and Feedback
We continue to rely on feedback from players and streamers to guide our development. Early reactions have helped us identify what works well and where improvements are needed. For instance, player input led to adjustments in difficulty pacing and clearer explanations of game mechanics.
We also appreciate how streamers showcase the game’s potential to a broader audience. Their playthroughs highlight strategies and creative approaches, inspiring both the team and the community. We encourage ongoing conversations with players, valuing their insights as the game moves closer to launch.
Preparing for Upcoming Events
With several events on the horizon, we are preparing Shadowhand for more public demos and presentations. PC Gamer Weekender in London remains a key opportunity for players to experience the game firsthand. We are fine-tuning the demo based on player feedback to present the best possible version.
Jake’s upcoming talk at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco will also focus on sustainable game development, sharing lessons learned and our approach to creating games responsibly. This reflects our commitment not only to crafting great games but also to supporting a healthy development environment.
Rezzed provides another chance to connect with the community and discuss the creative process behind Shadowhand, especially how collaboration within our team shapes the game’s direction.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to polish and expand Shadowhand, our goal is to deliver a unique card battling experience that blends strategy, story, and historical charm. Every update brings new features and refinements, and we are excited to share these developments with players.
The journey so far has been rewarding, and the support from the community motivates us to keep pushing forward. We look forward to revealing more about the game’s world, characters, and gameplay in the coming months, and we can’t wait for players to dive into Shadowhand’s duels and story when it launches.
Perfecting the Player Experience
As we enter the final stages of Shadowhand’s development, our attention turns toward perfecting every detail to ensure the game delivers an exceptional player experience. We have been refining gameplay mechanics, improving user interface design, and polishing narrative elements to create a cohesive and engaging title. This phase is crucial because it transforms all the hard work into a game that players will find intuitive, enjoyable, and memorable.
We have paid particular attention to balancing difficulty. Shadowhand’s card-based duels need to feel rewarding without frustrating players. Through extensive testing, we’ve adjusted enemy behavior, weapon stats, and power-up effectiveness to create a smooth difficulty curve that challenges both newcomers and experienced strategy gamers. We want every victory to feel well-earned and every defeat a learning opportunity.
User interface improvements have focused on clarity and accessibility. Managing equipment, power-ups, and card plays should never feel cumbersome, so we have streamlined menus and interactions. Tooltips and tutorial prompts now provide helpful guidance without interrupting the flow of play. Players can focus on making smart decisions and enjoying the duel without being bogged down by complicated controls.
Strengthening the Narrative and Atmosphere
The story remains a vital part of Shadowhand’s identity, and we have enhanced the narrative to give players a richer, more immersive journey. New side quests and character interactions deepen the protagonist’s motivations and the stakes of her quest. Every duel is tied to the unfolding story, giving players a sense of purpose beyond just winning battles.
Visual and audio elements have been polished to complement the game’s Regency-era setting. Artwork, animations, and sound effects create an atmospheric backdrop that brings the world to life. Music has been composed to reflect the tone of different locations and encounters, enhancing emotional impact and immersion.
We have also added subtle details to reinforce the historical context. These touches may be small, like period-appropriate dialogue or the design of weapons and clothing, but they contribute to a cohesive and believable world that invites players to explore and engage deeply.
Community and Launch Plans
Engaging with the community has been an important part of our development process. Feedback from early players, streamers, and testers has shaped many final design choices. We remain open to input as we approach launch, eager to hear from those who have experienced the game.
Our launch plans include targeted events and promotions to reach strategy game fans and those interested in unique card mechanics. Demonstrations at gaming conventions continue to be a priority, allowing players to try the game firsthand and meet the team behind it.
Post-launch, we plan to support the game with updates that include new challenges, gear, and story content. We want Shadowhand to have a lasting appeal, offering reasons for players to return and explore new strategies long after the initial release.
Bringing Everything Together for a Polished Experience
As we reach the later stages of development for Shadowhand, much of our work is focused on bringing together all the gameplay elements, visuals, and narrative components to create a polished and seamless experience. The process of fine-tuning has involved revisiting core systems like the card-based combat, equipment management, and power-up mechanics, ensuring they work in harmony and provide both challenge and enjoyment for players.
The card duel system remains the heart of the gameplay. We have refined the mechanics that determine how players build runs of cards and charge their weapons, focusing on making every turn feel strategic and impactful. Balancing the tension between luck and skill is crucial, so we continue adjusting probabilities and enemy behaviors to reward smart decisions while keeping the unpredictability of card draws exciting. This creates a satisfying cycle where players feel rewarded for planning and adapting their strategy throughout each duel.
We have also enhanced the variety and design of enemies. Each new foe requires different tactics, whether it’s interrupting card runs, exploiting weaknesses in the player’s defense, or forcing rapid changes in weapon deployment. This variety encourages players to experiment with different equipment loadouts and power-ups, deepening the tactical layer of the game.
Enhancing Equipment and Power-Up Systems
Equipment remains a defining feature of Shadowhand’s strategy. The diverse selection of weapons and clothing offers meaningful choices that impact both offense and defense. Over recent weeks, we have introduced new items that provide interesting trade-offs and synergies. For example, some clothing pieces give resistance against specific enemy attacks, while certain weapons offer unique effects when fully charged. This complexity allows players to tailor their approach to suit their preferred playstyle or counter specific enemies.
Power-ups continue to add depth and dynamism. We have expanded both active and passive abilities, giving players more tactical options during combat. Some power-ups enable manipulating the tableau, such as removing a troublesome card or drawing additional cards early in the turn. Others provide ongoing buffs that can shift the momentum in the player’s favor. The challenge is to present these options clearly and avoid overwhelming players, so we have improved the interface to make activating and managing power-ups intuitive and quick.
Finalizing User Interface and Accessibility
A significant focus has been on improving the user interface to ensure that managing cards, equipment, and abilities feels natural. We’ve streamlined menus and added contextual tooltips to help players understand the effects of their choices without breaking the flow of gameplay. Tutorial prompts guide new players through core mechanics, but can be skipped by those more familiar with card strategy games.
Accessibility considerations have also been integrated. We want Shadowhand to be approachable to a wide audience, including players who may be new to strategic card games. This means adjustable difficulty options, readable fonts, clear visual indicators for card statuses and weapon charges, and colorblind-friendly design elements. Ensuring the game is welcoming without compromising depth has been an important balancing act.
Expanding the Story and Worldbuilding
Alongside gameplay polish, the story and worldbuilding have received continued attention. We are adding more dialogue and character interactions that deepen the narrative and give context to each duel. The heroine’s journey through Regency-era England is woven with intrigue, mystery, and personal stakes, inviting players to become emotionally invested.
New side quests and optional challenges provide additional lore and rewards, encouraging exploration and replayability. Each location features unique art and sound design to enrich the atmosphere and reinforce the historical setting. Subtle historical details, from clothing styles to weapon design and language, contribute to the authenticity and immersion.
Testing, Feedback, and Iteration
The feedback loop with players and streamers remains vital as we approach launch. Recent testing sessions have provided valuable insights into difficulty balance, pacing, and user experience. For instance, we’ve adjusted how quickly enemies escalate their aggression and how often players receive key power-ups to keep tension high without feeling unfair.
Streamers’ reactions have highlighted the game’s strategic potential and identified areas for improvement. Their playstyles demonstrate the range of tactics possible, inspiring further tweaks to support diverse approaches. Community input continues to shape the final product in meaningful ways.
Preparing for Launch and Beyond
With the game nearing completion, preparations for launch are underway. We are polishing the demo for upcoming events, including major gaming conventions where players can experience Shadowhand firsthand. These events provide opportunities to showcase the game to the press, influencers, and the wider gaming community.
Marketing efforts are focused on highlighting Shadowhand’s unique blend of card strategy, equipment management, and historical narrative. We want to connect with players who enjoy thoughtful, challenging gameplay wrapped in a rich story.
Post-launch, we plan to support the game with updates that add new content, such as additional enemies, equipment, and story chapters. Our goal is to keep the experience fresh and engaging, encouraging players to return and explore new strategies.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
The journey of developing Shadowhand has been rewarding and challenging in equal measure. From early prototypes to the complex systems we now have, every step has been driven by a passion for creating a distinctive and compelling game. As we finalize details and prepare to share it with the world, we are confident that players will find the strategic depth and narrative richness that we have worked hard to achieve.
We appreciate the ongoing support from everyone who has followed the development, shared feedback, and helped shape the game. The final stretch is an exciting time, and we look forward to seeing how players engage with Shadowhand’s duels and story. The launch will mark a new chapter, but also the beginning of an ongoing journey to grow and evolve the game alongside its community.
Conclusion:
Shadowhand represents the culmination of our passion for crafting innovative gameplay and telling engaging stories within a historical setting. The blend of card-based duels, strategic equipment management, and narrative depth creates a unique experience that we hope resonates with players.
The development journey has been filled with challenges, discoveries, and invaluable feedback that have pushed the game to new heights. We are proud of what has been achieved and excited to soon share Shadowhand with a wider audience.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far — from testers to streamers and future players. We look forward to the next steps and can’t wait to see how players approach the duels and immerse themselves in the world we’ve created. The best is yet to come.