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Show HN: A friend and I spent 6 years making a simulation game, finally released

1157 points by iliketrains · 1564 days ago · 279 comments on HN

Article summary

The authors of a simulation game spent 6 years developing it, eventually quitting their jobs to work on it full-time, and have now released it on Steam. The game's development involved overcoming many technical challenges, including writing complex algorithms and optimizing performance. The authors express happiness and fulfillment from working on a project they love, despite uncertainty about its financial success. The game has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam.

Main themes

  • game development
  • cross-platform support
  • Mac vs PC
  • Apple's M1 chips
  • industry trends
  • technical challenges

What commenters say

  • Mac support is desired by some users, but the developers consider it a low priority due to the small market share of Mac users.
  • Cross-platform development is often more complicated than expected, despite the presence of engines and frameworks that aim to simplify the process.
  • Some users criticize Apple's recent hardware and software decisions, while others see the company as a leader in innovation.
  • The performance and power usage of Apple's M1 chips are debated, with some considering them a significant improvement and others pointing out their limitations.
  • Developers face challenges when supporting multiple platforms, including issues with file systems, shaders, and native libraries.
  • The decision to support Mac is influenced by the potential user base and the effort required to ensure a smooth user experience.
  • Some users express loyalty to Unix-based operating systems and consider themselves part of a distinct group.
  • The industry is evolving, with new technologies and processors being released, and companies like Apple and Intel competing for market share.