The Indie Mine » Browser-based Games

Vergecore Interactive Launches

Brandon Schmidt — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:57:05 +0000

There are a number of indie game distribution services and sites out there. In fact, we covered a number of them in a feature around this time last year. I think you’d be hard-pressed, though, to find an indie developers that doesn’t think that they need all the help they can get. UK-based Vergecore Interactive has officially stepped in to help today with the launch of their website.

Vergecore is an online games publisher, licensor, and distributor handling mostly indie games, but a few AAA titles as well. The games include those found on browser, client, and mobile platforms. So not only do developer have an additional source through which to sell their games, Vergecore will also offer publishing opportunities for free-to-play and premium titles. In the true indie spirit, Vergecore assures us that they refrain from exerting any influence over the the development of the titles they publish. Marketing campaigns, community development, and even QA are additional services that are available.

To celebrate the Vergecore launch, we’ve partnered with their site to bring our readers some redeemable coupons exclusive to The Indie Mine:

Get a 50% discount during checkout in the store (valid until June 26th): INDIEMINE-HALFPRICE

Get 1,500 free Vergecoins which can be redeemed via the user’s Vergecoins Dashboard (valid until July 12th): INDIEMINE-1500

There will be other sites offering similar Vergecoins promotions out there. The great thing is that our Vergecoins coupon can be redeemed on top of theirs. Vergecoins are the virtual currency for users to purchase games from the store. They can be earned through playing their games and by participating in the community and forums. Eventually they will be integrated into a majority of their games as the virtual currency within each of those worlds.

More games will be steadily introduced onto the site over the next few months, but for now hop on over to the site, check out the games, and use those coupons before they expire!

Announcing the Indie Dev Grant

Brandon Schmidt — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 19:08:27 +0000

Here at The Indie Mine, we’re all about helping out independent developers in whatever way we can. So when we heard about a new fundraiser to help out new industry pioneers, we were excited to share the news with you. The 3rd Bundle in a Box promotion will help bring in money to aid one lucky studio in funding their future projects. As indicated in the press release below, any developer wishing to participate in the promotion has until tomorrow to get their submissions in. Stay tuned to The Indie Mine for future announcements including when the bundle will officially launch.

The Indie Dev Grant, the feature of Bundle In A Box we are most proud of, is, as you may already know, a grant designed to help indie game developers actually create the games they’ve always wanted to. For every 100 bundles sold, $10 will be added to the grant. One indie developer (be it a group or an individual), voted by the esteemed fans of Bundle in a Box will get the whole amount after the bundle ends.

No strings will be attached by either Bundle in a Box or Kyttaro Games.

The grant can be used in any way the developer that earns it sees fit and will in no way be obliged to co-operate with Kyttaro Games or Bundle in a Box. Developers that have already taken part in one of our bundles or are willing to do so in the future are also eligible for the grant. Actually, absolutely anyone is free to enter; yes, even people trying to buy some time in order to create their next freeware gem.

As gamers will start voting on the developer that will earn the grant from the moment the bundle launches, we do ask those interested in participating to contact us with their entries up to November 26.

To enter, applicants will have to e-mail us at info@bundle-in-a-box.com and provide us with the following:

-A title for the project they are going to be using the IDG for.

-One screenshot or piece of concept from their project.

-One link to their project’s or their personal site (if available).

-A description of the project (up to 200 words)

-Something about them or their team (up to 100 words)

All Indie Dev Grant entries will be presented on tumblr and on the Bundle In A Box blog.

-Konstantinos Dimopoulos, Kyttaro Games

Prolevel announces browser-based Armed Gangs

Brandon Schmidt — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:23:03 +0000

British development studio Prolevel has officially announced their upcoming browser-based game Armed Gangs. The title puts players into the role of an up-and-coming criminal with missions ranging all over the seedy underbelly of society. Players can choose to take a more physical route by getting into bloody gang fights, or use a more cerebral approach by closing deals. Take a more hands-on style as a pickpocket, or develop a career as a smuggler. As the title suggests, Armed Gangs promises a “gang atmosphere created by a multitude of guns, grenades, cars and casino” with groups battling and trades going down.

For more information on Armed Gangs, be sure to check out the game’s website. You can also follow development progress via the official Twitter account. No release date has been provided at this time.

BlazeJam raises money for Colorado Red Cross

Brandon Schmidt — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:57:03 +0000

BlazeJam 2012 has come and gone, and the 48-hour game jam and auction helped raise over $2000 to support the Colorado Red Cross in its aim to help victims of the recent fires. The indie event featured participants from every corner of the globe, and patrons donating more than $5 received all of the games in the BlazeJam bundle.

A big thanks to developer Marc Wilhelm of Fresh Aces who was kind enough to share this story with us, along with details on his game BlazeJam the Robot. Check out the official trailer below, and become acquainted with the local Indie Game Developers Association if you’re in the Colorado area.

BlazeJam the Robot from Marc Wilhelm on Vimeo.

Lunar Giant Releases Mega Ran in Language Arts: The Game

Brandon Schmidt — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:27:09 +0000

Lunar Giant Studios, of Delver Deeper fame, has announced the release of their latest title and boy is it an interesting one. The game in question is Mega Ran in Language Arts: The Game. It’s based off of an album by “nerdcore” rapper/middle school teacher Random who also goes by the eponymous Mega Ran. Mega Ran’s music has been featured in a number of television shows and other media, and this game is being released side-by-side with his latest album.

Mega Ran the game is a retro side-scroller reminiscent, not surprisingly, of the Mega Man series. The goal is to battle through four levels and themed bosses all while listening to jams from Raheem “Mega Ran” Jarbo and Melvin “DN3″ Raymond. Along the way, the player can boost four unique abilities which gives the game some personalization. Beat all four bosses and players will unlock a special bonus album track.

Mega Man fans take notice

Right now the game is browser-based and you can play it for free here. If you dig the music, the full album can be purchased through Mega Ran’s website. Future plans for the game include two DLC packs and an iOS version so stay tuned to The Indie Mine for further announcements.

Touchdown Wars Kickstarter Campaign

Brandon Schmidt — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:14:07 +0000

Over 32 million people actively play Fantasy Football every year. Over 8 million people play the social media game Mafia Wars. Rival Studios believes these numbers can translate into a successful massively multiplayer online Fantasy Football game. That’s why they’re creating Touchdown Wars, a Free-2-Play browser-based game that will allow you to create and customize everything football from entire leagues all the way down to the equipment.

Games are run on a daily basis and every simulated game factors in a variety of elements including team composition, coaching strategy, player development, and more. As GM and coach you can build up players or trade with friends and rivals in order to shape the best team. League awards are available just like in real football. For those who are really into the team-building aspects of series like Madden or NCAA Football, there’s a lot here for the micromanager in you.

Rival Studios can’t do it alone though and that’s where the Kickstarter campaign comes in. They’re trying to raise $17,500 in order to hire graphic designers, developers, and pay for other production costs. Backers will have a chance to earn early beta access, in-game money, a variety of Touchdown Wars-themed paraphernalia, and the ability to design in-game items including logos, stadiums, and more. There’s just a few weeks left, so if you’re a fan of the pigskin go check out the campaign now.

Pixel Rampage Announces Gridiron Heroes

Brandon Schmidt — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:16:11 +0000

Fans of Tecmo Super Bowl will be excited to hear about Pixel Rampage’s current project, Gridiron Heroes. Combining the classic Tecmo gameplay with GM-style management, Gridiron Heroes is headed to Facebook for all you pigskin fans out there. Pixel Rampage needs your help in finishing the game, though, so check out their Kickstarter trailer below and help out if you can.