Blackthornprod's NEXT Steam Game (2 Weeks of Indie Game Dev)

Why It Matters

The update shows how indie teams can use audience input and fast iteration to pivot toward the most viable concept, accelerating development and reducing risk for their next Steam launch.

Key Takeaways

• Team narrowed nine prototypes to two potential full games.
• Medical game prototype uses pencil art and disease‑cure mechanics.
• Sun‑Soaked Market focuses on incremental gardening with symbiosis.
• Development paused on medical game to explore market concept first.
• Sketchbook tours show real‑world observation directly inspires game ideas.

Summary

Blackthornprod released a new devlog outlining the next steps for its upcoming Steam title after a burst of nine mini‑games. The brothers evaluated each prototype, narrowing the slate to two candidates: a grim, pencil‑styled medical‑cure game and a relaxed, sun‑soaked market simulator.

The medical concept places players in a plague‑ridden village, using a codex to diagnose ailments, bleed patients with leeches, and brew herbal potions. Early art experiments swung between detailed pencil sketches and a cleaner cartoon look before settling on a stylized pencil aesthetic, though the team ultimately paused the project to avoid over‑complexity.

Conversely, Sun‑Soaked Market adopts an incremental farming loop where pumpkins, aubergines, and basil gain growth bonuses from strategic placement. Simple painterly graphics and automated gardeners create a low‑stress experience, echoing the developers’ Nice, France surroundings. The devlog also features a sketchbook tour, illustrating how on‑location drawing fuels design ideas.

By leveraging community feedback and rapid prototyping, Blackthornprod demonstrates how indie studios can prioritize projects with the strongest narrative and gameplay hooks, potentially shaping their next commercial release on Steam.

Original Description

Sun Soaked Market's DISCORD: https://discord.gg/2s6pdnsYAu

Follow development on X: https://x.com/Blackthornprod

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0:00 - Intro

0:49 - Medical Horror Game

4:18 - Sun Soaked Market

7:28 - Drawings