Final Push
VVVVVV got leaked on 4chan 
I’m really, really shaken up about it and I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do. Nothing, I guess. There’s nothing I can do. I’m pretty upset.
I’m going to try to finally get the game out for the end of the week. With moving and everything I’m a bit behind schedule…
sorry, I don’t know what else to say right now…
[edit] I’m changing the donation conditions – beta access is no longer available, and the patron list is final. If you still wanna preorder though, that’s fine. I’m working as fast as I can to get this out.
 108 Comments |
VVVVVV
Red Sky
Radio Silence
Bridge
2009
2008
I am sorry to say that I was one of the people playing it from the link on 4chan (I hadn’t heard of it before seeing the thread), and from what I played of it, it seemed brilliant. I shall be purchasing it when it is finished, so this leak has gotten you at least one extra customer
As one of the 4channers that found the leaked game, I just want to say I love the game, as did all of us. The game has great style and humor, the gameplay is challenging, and the gigantic map is delightful to explore. The only gripe I heard was that any attempt to do fine movement with the arrow keys would, more often than not, end in at least one death.
Beyond that, the game was very solid and very fun. A lot of us hadn’t heard this was in production, but we are now very excited to hear any developments on it…except for the part where we have to pay for it. I may actually have to take off my eye patch and peg leg for a bit and buy this; the game was kicking my ass and I want more! And if I may speak for the video games board on 4chan, you have our full support and we can’t wait to see how this game turns out and wish you the best of luck with your future projects.
As an anonymous (and spanish language native) who just saw this on 4chan and couldn’t at least try it to know what the fuzz is all about, all i have to say is: do not get discouraged. It attracted attention, and to have a couple of people come here and congratulate you, from a site that usually gives crap to others, it’s quite an accomplishement. I would love to support you, and i will… as soon as i get what is the fuzz all about. I hope you find another way for us, the people who want to support you, try your work. Thanks.
It’s great that you guys intend to buy the game, it really is. But it doesn’t make the leak “okay” in any way. This isn’t the marketing strategy that Terry, the only guy who should be making this decision, wanted to use. And he definitely didn’t want the BETA to be public. Last I heard he was planning on releasing a free demo with the final version.
As a side note, I really hate the attitude “so-and-so didn’t protect well enough against hackers, therefore it’s their own fault they got hacked.” If you draw basically any analogy from that, it’s very obvious how stupid it is. This requires a moral system based on “if you can get away with it, it’s okay, regardless of who you hurt or what people want.” Ugh. I realize this is the internet, but I know for a fact that basic respect is still very possible.
“I may actually have to take off my eye patch and peg leg for a bit and buy this”
There is a huge difference between “may buy this” and “did buy this”.
As an anon that didn’t know this got leaked, I say to the rest of you who think this is OK to go fuck yourselves or pay up immediately.
Keep positive. Yes, some folks stole your game, but you already weren’t making money off of them, and maybe it will encourage some of them to either buy it or recommend it to their friends who will buy it. I know you must be feeling offended at the moment, but you haven’t really lost anything other than some people getting an unfinished build for free.
“[edit] I’m changing the donation conditions – beta access is no longer available, and the patron list is final. If you still wanna preorder though, that’s fine. I’m working as fast as I can to get this out.”
Ok, i’m game. How do i preorder? Or should i donate and that’s it?
Never mind. Found out. I’ve already gave my donation. So, yes, i’m supporting a guy whose game i’ve not tested out of pure faith, if you wish. I truly believe he deserves the praise he got from those few people that tried the game and obviously he must continue working, and if my humble donation helps, i hope we see more from him in the future. Thanks for your effort.
A day that will live in infamy. . .
@AFMG You know you could have just tried some of Terry’s wonderful earlier games like Don’t Look Back in case you didn’t want to buy a game “out of pure faith”.
Personally I didn’t preorder because I didn’t want to play an unfinished version. I look forward to the full release and will gladly hand you money then Terry
!
Sorry to hear the game got leaked bro, but try not to worry too much about it. /v/ is usually well-meaning when it comes to this kind of stuff, not as if that’s an excuse or anything. But if you get such a usually cynical community excited about your game it’s a mark that you’ve done well.
You can certainly count on a sale from me. Loved Don’t Look Back.
I still don’t understand what this is?
Okay, I found a gameplay video a couple pages back. Looks (and sounds) awesome. Will be looking for it on Steam.
Bookmarked in any event.
@Christoffer Actually i just tried Don’t Look Back and i’m on my way to Alice and i can honestly said he deserves every penny he can get. He’s very talented and imaginative. Hope to see the game soon. Keep up the amazing work!
Don’t worry Terry, no need to be upset. I know that it was not planned by you, but you (kind of) got lots of new attention and from what people write in the comments here it seems that many more people got exposed to VVVVVV, so there is at least this positive aspect to the whole shitty situation… Anyway don’t worry, you have support of tons of people! =)
To all guys unsure about paying for an unfinished game:
I like to think of the preorder as a donation, not as a payment for a game. It’s just like saying ‘thanks’ to Terry for his previous games.
You’re getting a lot of publicity out of this. What I would do if I were you is open up the beta access to donaters. As there are plenty of people who want to try your game out.
There’s no point in closing something that’s already leaked, let the donaters get a taste of your great game.
Hi there Terry! First of all, I’m deeply sorry to tell you that I, too, stumbled upon your game on 4chan. Curious as I am, I couldn’t hold myself but to see what’s it all about. The game looked quite interesting, but not as near until I started playing it. I owned a ZX Spectrum together with Jet Set Willy and after crossing through various other platforms such as Playstations, XBoxes and such, I never quite felt so deeply involved in a game such as JSW was. After spending a couple of minutes playing your game, I was incredibly overwhelmed with that strange and odd feeling like I’m playing the most fun game in my life, since the one mentioned before. But all that was nothing after I realised the game was HUGE. And I mean really HUGE. I didn’t made it to the end, to be frank, but those two hours I spent playing it, it wasn’t comparable with anything. The mechanics, the music, the pixels, it was the most awesome “Back to the future” feeling I ever experienced while in front of the screen. I’ll be sure to donate for the game, and also for being an awesome person to make a game like this.
Oh, and I do apologize for accessing the game in unauthorized ways, and a humble sorry. Good luck with the final polishing!
Regards.
Hi guys – I’m glad you enjoyed the game
I admit I’m probably feeling a bit more emotional than rational just right now… Here’s hoping things still turn out for the best!
I’m heading back to Dublin tomorrow to work in the library for a few days; I always get way more work done there. I’m really hoping that this will finally be launched really, really soon.
Don’t let this deter you Terry, these things happen with a bunch of commercial titles and the games still thrive at release. Hope you get through that final stretch and get that long-deserved break! If you can drop me an email when its released I’ll update the review to include the demo and write a little blurb on how the final version compares to the beta.
I’m sorry to hear this happened, I just wanted to offer my support and condolences.
A very similar thing happened to us early on with Gang Garrison, and it was quite traumatic and unnerving at first, but aside from a complete disregard for rules or protocal, 4channers will very easily develop into an incredibly devoted fanbase.
I am appalled at /v/’s lack of respect towards indie developers, but you can’t possibly let them slow you down or prevent you from continuing to press forward with your game.
Times may be tough at the moment, but what doesn’t kill you will certainly make you stronger, and the support of 4chan can be a powerful thing (with both positive and negative effects). I hope that this blows over quickly and doesn’t deter you from future development.
Best of luck!
Hello Terry,
I am yet another of the 4chan users who stumbled upon the game on /v/ today. I am sincerely amazed by your capacity and your ideas. I must admit I did not know about your project before the leak either, but now, after trying it, you can count on my donation for sure once the game is finished.
Everybody on the thread praised the game as well, so I invite you to consider that, out from that ‘evil’ action, there is always something good.
We’ve all seen how it has affected you and, obviously, the least thing we want is to get you down. On the contrary, we appreciate the fact that this unfortunate event has put you ‘on the map’ for many potential customers and future followers.
You have our wholeheartedly support and (I hope) the donations of many ‘extra testers’ who have been left wanting for more
We really hope to hear and see more from you soon.
Best.
Sorry to hear that’s happened dude, but don’t let it get you down, and don’t let it force you to release any sooner than you’re comfortable with. Better to have a good solid game than one rushed at the last minute.
Hopefully some positive will come of it all. Either way, it’s a little bit of publicity for you, which can’t be all bad.
Can’t wait for the release. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled.
Just try to look on the bright side; you’ve probably gotten tons of more people interested/aware now. If you didn’t expect this to happen, maybe that means you’ve underestimated your game?
I preordered a while ago and I’m really looking forward to VVVVVV. Good luck with everything.
All I have to say is stop letting it get to you. It’s bad enough as is, don’t cause anymore drama and turn this into some “epic trolling moment” of the internet and have articles on sites like ED written about you and even non trolling sites discussing how you failed miserbly to handle the situation.
Just so you know, there are people trying to get the .swf from the beta to work independently.
Personally, I hope they succeed. The fact that you would be “really shaken up” about a leak is downright hilarious. I didn’t think the game was all that fantastic, really–yet another flash platformer. Just didn’t appeal to me. I won’t partake of the people reverse engineering or whatever the .swf, but… well. Enjoy taking people’s curiousity personally. It’ll really get you far in life.
How would you feel if you spent many many hours on something and it was turned around and stolen behind your back? Would you not feel shaken up?
Funny how you say “another flash platformer” when I have yet to experience one like this.
I help build sets for local theaters for free. I also helped translate a play from German and adapt it to a modern setting for free.
I’m fine with my work just being appreciated. I refuse compensation for it on a regular basis.
Not everyone has the luxury to do that though.
As someone who has beta tested games in the past, and knows a large amount about the flash game industry, this is your own fault. Any pay for software, including most if not all adobe software is cracked on a regular basis. Flash is a pretty easy thing to break into and get around and doesn’t really provide much security at all. You could buy encryption software, but that would cost you a very large amount of money, and judging from what you have, you should of just found a sponsor. The only people who have been successful with paid content would be the people who bought fantastic contraption. They really turned it into something secure for them to make money with free versions to make people WANT to buy the paid version.
You should read through these.
http://lostgarden.com/labels/Flash Love Letter.html
http://lostgarden.com/2009/08/flash-love-letter-2009-part-2.html
These don’t really address security issues though, which is a big problem in all software. Only someone who specializes in such things would be able to truely tell you how to safeguard your flashes.
Generally you need to have webspace, have user accounts, tie user accounts to content, have paid content tied to only posting it to the webspace, etc.
The only person with anything like this in development would be, psuedolonewolf, who while i don’t get along with he had some great ideas. And he never sold mardek as an independant game, though at this point with that kind of reputation, he most likely could, if he released free stuff in conjunction to get a flow of people checking his site out. You really have to consider all these things when you make a game, it is in no way simple when you go beyond the current standards.
http://lostgarden.com/2009/07/flash-love-letter-2009-part-1.html
Sorry about that first link, replace with this. It is 4am here.
I laughed, I cried.
I screamed, I raged.
I swore, I cursed.
I smiled, I frowned.
And amongst it all, I had a blast.
You have my full support, and a grip on my wallet.
I await the full version patiently.
I liked this the first time when armor games called it Shift.
“I liked this the first time when armor games called it Shift.”
It’s not even remotely the same gameplay mechanic, and you know it. Don’t be an ass.
@JT the Ghost To say it’s his own fault is just preposterous in so many ways…
@Professor Zoom Are you serious? Have you ever toiled away at anything for a prolonged period of time just to have it stolen in some manner? Because this is Terrys first try at charging money for a game. A game which he’s worked on for a long time. He’s previously released several games free of charge so you can’t really accuse him of being cheap just because he won’t do all of his work for free. Do you do all of your work for free? Or just your hobbies?
Man, that sucks. I mean, yeah, they liked it, but it’s an excellent game – you don’t get a prize for liking it.
“OMF NOMF NOMF N- oh, was this cake yours? Don’t worry, it’s really good, I’m enjoying it!”
“Just so you know, there are people trying to get the .swf from the beta to work independently.” – Professor Zoom.
I’ve already done this myself, it isn’t very hard.
However I’ll never be releasing this, as this guy deserves support for this game. It is unfortunate it got leaked, and it is unfortunate that flash is so simple to crack.
I hope anyone with the knowledge to crack this will be smart enough to come to the same conclusion.
@Prof Zoom
“I’m fine with my work just being appreciated. I refuse compensation for it on a regular basis.”
Ahh, well I guess because you think that way everyone should right? Perhaps Ferrari should stop being so stingy and just give me a Scaglietti and be happy that someone appreciates their work? Right?
Or perhaps that building firm I saw that were working on a nice new house. I liked it so logically they should just give it to me for free and be happy with that. Or maybe I’ll just kick the door in, move my stuff in, and tell the guys that it’s their fault for not using a door I couldn’t kick down. Done any work in your home lately? If I appreciate it will you move out and give me your house?
——————————-
@ JT The Ghost
“this is your own fault”
When someone smashes a window in your house while your out of town and makes off with all your stuff.. don’t get upset. It’s your fault for being out of town.
——————————-
I never cease to be amazed at the mental gymnastics people will do to justify being a dick.
Without this leak, I would’nt have read about your project.
Will definately keep track this on my site, consider me as a donator, I will tag it with “spamvault.de”
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It’s incredible the amount of attention that the situation is getting. OK, so the game got leaked. It’s a fact. It’s done. But it is no use crying over spillt milk.
So, let’s all TRY to be positive. For Terry’s sake, at least. To begin with, we know that it is sensible to think that this is absolutely NOT Terry’s fault. So quit all this ‘you should have encrypted your flash, bla bla bla’.
The game has received media attention from a beta leaking, which has caused good feedback and enthusiasm, which will possibly entail further sales and donations once the final product is finished.
So, let’s all leave the drama apart and focus on the development of his project and wish him the best success (I already donated!).
Beta1′s been cracked and it’s posted on 4chan.
@Christoffer No, I don’t do everything for free. Just hobbies. You know, like this guy does flash. See, the thing about small-time operations like this: If you just ask for donations and offer nothing in return, you’ll probably actually get donations regardless if your work is any good. I doubt the guy actually needed to offer anything but his thanks for money. Just explain, “Hey, I want to submit games X and Y to contest, that is pricey, will you help me?” and suddenly, money. For your hobby. No need to actually charge for anything.
@Eckyman Don’t stretch my point out to an absurd conclusion. I was obviously talking about hobbies. Troll better, not harder.
Hey Terry, I’m sorry the game got leaked! Though I really want to try the game, and don’t have the money immediately to preorder, rest assured that at least this random person in the sea of the internet is going to buy the game rather than steal it, regardless of the delay to playing what looks like another incredible game.
This is not a hobby, but a full-time job. He is trying to make a living and get a tiny place into the market with his effort, and this is admirable because he really has talent.
Also, the result really deserves a donation.
@Professor Zoom
I just want you to read this post:
http://distractionware.com/blog/?p=1002
Terry is not someone who is just trying to squeeze some extra cash out of a hobby of his. He doesn’t want to sell the game, he has to if he wants to continue to pursue game development in the way he has been doing. Make sure you understand the situation before you start making statements about what he should be doing, and how he should be feeling about this leak.
Sorry to hear of the leak- hope the extra attention brings more reward after all. I know how hard you have worked on this, keep it up, you are almost there.
This is the best thing that could of happened to your game in my opinion. You just got major exposure to a huge community, several of which that are willing to pay for a final release, and only at the cost of a beta. Small price if you ask me.
I played the game, Im ashamed of myself. Where can I make a donation?
ok, I donated 10 bucks. Keep up the good shit bro
@Steve I read that. My interpretation of events is what I go off of. If my interpretation is different than your interpretation, then argument is pointless.
Not only is this on 4chan, but /f/ appears to be broken, so it has been frozen at the top of the board for a day now.
I’d never heard of this prior to playing it, and didn’t even realize that it was a commercial game until following the link at the end. Sorry that it was leaked. It really does have solid gameplay and a good nostalgia factor. While some people who may have bought this won’t now, I think that the attention that this brought should balance it out in revenue.
I loved the old-timeyness (I know that’s not a word). I thought the square spiral warps looked like they came from the Commodore 64 game “Zone Ranger”, but smiled when I saw the floating red numbers, a glitch from that game. I’m surprised that anyone remembers it. Or “v-hold”, back from the days where you had to manually set a television’s retrace rate. I nostalgia’d.
My biggest complaint is going through all of the effort of collecting trinkets, then being unable to go back and get the rest after triggering the end events. Hopefully the final game will have a New Game or something so the player doesn’t have to do challenges like “Doing things the hard way” again to see whatever happens when you collect them all.
Keep up the awesomeness.
Apparently this blog software filters out plus signs. It should say “New Game Plus” up there.
I love the argument from people ‘Don’t be surprised if someone steals your car when you’re out’. Its like common theft is Ok as long as its done in the anonymity of the internet.
I didn’t realize that it was leaked until I went to visit this site. I’ve played vvvvvv for a few hours, and I must say, I enjoy it. I’ll definitely buy it when it comes out (or pre-order, when i get the funds to do so).
Seconded from Samui. When I manage to get a job, I’ll definitely be buying this game.
Well, Terry – it appears that I’m not the only Channer who bought your game BECAUSE of the leak.
Looks like this bit of bad luck might be a blessing in disguise!
I eagerly await release! (That’s what she said)
F5F5F5
I find the leak hilarious because you, Mr. Terry Cavanagh, seem to think that pixelated bullshit like this should still be paid for just because you’re the almighty faggot that made it.
Your work speaks for itself. Playing it on 4chan was a treat and I will be buying it. You really earned every dollar you receive for your efforts. Thanks for a great game.
I played it on 4chan, too. And it’s FREAKIN’ AWESOME. Yeah, it’s been leaked, it’s a shocker and a bummer… but you can’t undo it. Look at this as an enormous burst of free publicity! When this goes on sale? I’m SO THERE. I want the whole actual complete thing.
When life gives you lemons, Terry, make lemonade. This has the potential to be a big boon to you, not a disadvantage.
Nice argument structure there, Lulz. I particularly liked the part where it didn’t make any sort of logical sense and was, in fact, not an argument but a string of loosely-connected, ignorant, insulting and generally ill-informed flecks of textual diarrhoea. That was a good bit.
You’re quite right: pixelated bullshit should certainly not be paid for. Fortunately, people who purchase VVVVV are paying, instead, for a finely-tuned, brilliantly accomplished and, by nearly every account, highly entertaining product which happens to be a game and, yes, happens to use pixelated graphics.
Similarly, I would imagine that Mr. Cavanagh thinks that people should pay for his product because he has been working diligently on it for over a year and because, he hopes (and you may remember this from above), it is highly entertaining. In other words, it is worth money. Even if that were not the case, he would have a right to specific that people pay for his game, because it is HIS creation, and the product of a year of HIS life. Have you ever invested as much as that in anything in your life, both monetarily and emotionally? I’d guess not. Even if you have, you are in no position to tell him that you are better-placed to judge whether or not his game should be paid for.
Also, nothing about Terry Cavanagh’s personality would ever justify your use of the word “almighty”. I know myself, and it’s clear in everything he writes on this blog, that he is a very humble, sincere, affable and generally profoundly nice guy.
Unintelligent prick.
I know it is a horrible thing that your game got leaked and there is nothing that anyone can really do to console you about that but, if it helps at all, I just beat the game and it’s awesome.
I literally died over 400 times on the final level and WILL be buying this game as soon as it’s released.
I love challenges and only getting 9 of the 20 medallion things is not cutting it for me.
=)
Another anonymous who played the game leaked to 4chan here – I’d never heard of you nor your site, but now that I’ve played that masterful bit of genius that is VVVVVV, I’m going to have to put money down on it. I gave up on the end level, but still had many areas that I’d not explored. Think of this as simply being extra exposure.
Hey Donald. You’re trying too hard, brah.
Do what you want cause a pirate is free!
This isn’t 4chan, gentlemen. Take it back to /b/.
Good game. The challenge was enjoyable.
I played this on 4chan and had no idea it was a leak. I’ll donate/buy it as soon as it’s released. Mark my words
Thanks for making such a great game!
Freaking hard game. o.o I couldn’t believe I made it under 2k deaths! some levels seem almost impossible. especially that cross section one right at the end, damn >.< that and 'Thats why I have to kill you' room. Freaking awesome game thought man! You did a fantastic job!
I played the first 5 minutes of it and I’m already convinced to order the full version once it comes out.
(And this is from a guy who pirated MW2 etc)
BTW, Terry, you are probably the most talented and imaginative indie game programmer I’ve come across. Hell, your game beats out most commercial games I’ve played recently on many fronts.
@Denis
Hi.
You can expect crime to happen in certain conditions. It doesn’t make the crime okay. Does the existence of law enforcement (police officers, judges, lawyers, etc) offend you because they assume and expect that crime is going to happen? If so, you are a raging idiot. Well, goodnight.
I’m incredibly sorry to admit that I played the leak. Like many others here, I didn’t even realize it was a leak until the end. I must say, you really outdid yourself here, and I will definitely make the purchase the moment the game comes out.
Bloody hell, shit on 4chan just spreads like herpes
Lots of comments. I wonder how many people has played the leak.
I made a spanking new fantabulastic piece of music that will be featured in the final game (it’s not in the beta). I won’t even put it up on my homesite until the game is released…
I’ll give you a taste though, it goes kinda like this:
*Beee-wiiiii-uhhhh, duu weeee-uh ooo eeee ooo, oohhh ehh, doo-weeee-oooh*
As anyone fluent in Textual Music (“TexMus”) can tell, this one is a kick-ass laid back song that you can loop for hours without getting tired of it.
So, there’s another reason to buy the game!
Great music in the Beta, SoulEye. Really brought me back. You got my money.
SoulEye, your comment made me lol. Keep making great music, dawg. (:
He’s telling the truth! The new song is amazing
I don’t even know where to start responding to all of this, so I’m not gonna get sidetracked with it
I’m in Dublin and getting lots of work done with the game. If I keep this pace up it’ll be finished soon…
It is nice to see that you are in a brighter mood Terry!
Just keep up the good work and don’t worry about deadlines: what matters the most is that you feel the product includes all that you wanted to include.
We are looking forward to your work!!
Hey, I played it on 4chan not having any idea what it was; I only found this website because I was wondering how to get the full version. Sorry it got leaked without your permission, but that game is freaking amazing — beat it 2 times already and have found 17 trinkets… I absolutely love the trinket you get by falling up like 6 screens of spikes, bouncing off the disappearing platform, and falling all the way back down. Just wanted to say it’s one of the funnest games I’ve played in a few years.
TITS OR GTFO
Played the beta, thought it was great, bought the game a couple days ago. Just wondering: will the soundtrack come with the game, or will it be available for download somewhere else after the release?
Also you might want to fix the character’s movement. Most people seem to agree he slides too much.
Ah blast, I FEEL SHAME FOR BEING A MAN OF THE INTERNET TODAY. I really wish you many sales despite this gross breach of moral conduct.
“If I keep this pace up it’ll be finished soon…”
The ETA has been “soon” since the game started. And now that the 4channers fored you to take down Beta One, I won’t be able to get my VVVVVV fix for what could be months!
This was leaked on Newgrounds, too. Shame I didn’t know it was stolen, otherwise I wouldn’t have given it a 10.
How exactly could a FLASH GAME get leaked? Did you post a prototype on some website and they hacked it?
I’d never heard about this before the 4chan leak. I loved the game, and I can assure you I’ll be purchasing a copy when the game is complete. Music’s fantastic as well. Looking forward to the final release, and I’m sorry I played the beta leak before it finally came out.
Try to keep it up! You’re one of my heroes of game development! 4chan == badchan
To Anon: The music will be easitly playable within the game but also purchaseable from my site.
That’s awesome you’re selling the VVVVVV music off your site. That music really is incredible. It’s about 6 tracks isn’t it?
Too bad about the leak, but it looks like it is only going to help sales. Glad to hear it. Can’t wait for the final release!! And I will be buying that soundtrack as soon as it becomes available. (Excellent work SoulEye.)
@allen: Yes – so far – there are 6 surefire songs that will be in the game, but there’s also some jingles and stuff that’ll be bundled for added fun value.
Played it and loved it, and intending to part with cash when it’s out – I loved Don’t Look Back and love your style of both visual and gameplay aesthetic.
SOMEONE call the WHAAAAAAMBULANCE.
I didn’t see the game on 4 chan, but you’re taking a poor route on your response. As you should see from the comments here that your game has now reached a lot of new people who are willing to buy. Instead of making the same reactionary mistakes that the RIAA and MPAA has taken in hurting the people who *want* to give you money, you should embrace the new audience.
CwF RtB
I saw this on 4chan about a week ago bro, and ive played it through to completion twice now. Im really looking forward to all the content thats not included in the leaked version and i will gladly pay for it, because not only is this an addictive game, but its very frustrating to me, and i like that in a adventure/puzzle game. Only managed to get 16 trinkets, and i really have to say i hate you with a passion for that one where you have to fly up 19 screens through spikes, rebound off a fading barrier, and go back through… but seriously, keep up the amazing work, you clearly share my vision of games that have little use for the modern eye candy and pack tons of content into them.
Ever thought about putting the musics into iTunes and Spotify and advertising those with this game?
really lame that it leaked on 4chan, but I guess you can only expect that much.
didn’t play it over there, waiting for full release, definitely going to buy it.
It’s a shame that this game was leaked, but that’s how I found out about it. I would love to buy a copy when it’s released, I’ve been captivated by the leaked copy that’s being sent around. I have to admit, you’ve done a great job on this. I’ve played platformer games for years and I’ve never been so impressed with such simple gameplay mechanics.
Sorry about the leak, that really sucks. I actually wanted to comment about the screenshot at the top of the post though – Is that … is that a Dizzy reference? even if I hadn’t loved Don’t Look Back as much as I did, that room caption and poor floating ghost egg would have sold VVVVV to me by itself.
David: Yes
I like you, you’re the Don’t Look Back guy. But dude, you’re an indie developer; you need as much press as you can get, hell, check out the comments. 4chan’s just about as big of internet bump you can get so count yourself lucky. Oh, and by saying it was them that leaked it a simple Google search can bring up a result with the working Beta. Derp much? :3
I’m still gonna pay for the full version when it’s out though. Cheer up petal.
VVVVVV is awesome, just finished playing through the leaked beta (found only 6 trinkets though). Absolutely love the gameplay, the story, the graphics and especially the music.
Will definitely be purchasing!
Hay, just thought I’d add my voice to the throng. I know it sucks, but I was blown away when I accidentally found this game on 4chan. I stayed up till 6am playing it when I had to be at work the next day at 10am. It’s a great game, and has really good music, and is super addicting. If I hadn’t found the beta and loved it so much, I probably would have never found you. I may buy the full version and I may not, but 4chan is a great source of geek word-of-mouth and while your initial sales might suffer (which is debatable since 4channers don’t buy much anyway), you get another kind of value in lieu of that.
And to further suck your dick a little, I fucking love games like this. PS3 can only hold my attention for maybe 30 minutes, but this was fun, addicting, energetic… it’s reminiscient of old school scrollers, but it still takes into account the play style of emulators, with the constant dying and reloading, and despite that it’s still challenging as hell. It’s the best game I’ve played in awhile. I particularly loved that every room has a name, my favorite was “You chose… poorly.” Indiana Jones reference, iirc.
I’m off to see what else you’ve done and to see if there’s purchase info yet. Keep up the amazing work.
Hello. I’m one of the people who got to know the game as a result of the beta getting leaked. Played for a few hours or so before stopping due to the game not being finished.
I found this site later when googling information about the game. I had never heard of it previously, and didn’t even know it was commercial. But learning this, I want you to know that the second you release the full version, I will buy it.
Of course this kind of retrospective decision does not exactly justify playing the leaked version, and I’m kind of sorry, and kind of am not. Anyway, I hope you realize that no matter what you do, there will still be piracy and the final game would be distributed as warez anyway. There is one penultimate countermeasure, which is to do good enough work, that people will want to buy the game in any case – out of respect, if nothing else.
I don’t even have a PayPal account yet, but this thing here is the final push that forces me to get one. VVVVVV is brilliant work, and you deserve my money.
Hello Terry,
I am one of the many who just stumbled upon the leaked version of your game. I actually followed a link I saw at irc, so I had no clue that this was a leaked version before playing the game through and following the address at the end here.
I too think, that this might not even been a bad thing to happen. I’m also thinking of buying this game when it is finished (and FYI guys commenting things like “thinking.. YOU’RE THINKING?! you gonna pay or else we have some knees to bust”, you are only discouraging people like me from buying this game – that is, harming Terry. So how about stfu?) You got a lot more publicity than would’ve been possible at any expo, and there are people who are going to buy this for sure. A lot of them.
As many have said, there’s nothing you can do, so take as long as you need to finish the game. You’ll see in time if this was good for the sales or not.
Anyway, this game was the most addictive and imaginary game I’ve seen in ages. Just great. So keep up the good work!
Was a pretty impressive Beta I played. I’m glad it was leaked, or I’d never have heard of such a thing. While you probably won’t listen to an Anon like me, leaks happen, and usually for the better. While you are selling the game, we aren’t making any profit for a leak of an unfinished game, and buying the game would be a perfectly logical option (assuming of course the game was fun for other Anon.) It wasn’t what you intended, but hey, if you want to keep on hanging onto this like a festering wound, you’ll be no better than Stephanie Meyer, and that’s no good. Regardless of what happens from here, I’ll be waiting for the awesome to arrive.
Till next time.
Er, to everyone posting about me not letting this go or whatever; you do realise that this post is almost two weeks old, right?
Terry: I just played the leaked beta. AMAZING game. I’d have never heard of it if it wasn’t for that jerk who leaked it. You can count on me for a sale when it’s released!
btw “doing things the hard way” is kicking my ass. right left middle right turn around FUCK repeat 200 times
I tried this through 4chan’s leak and damnit it’s sweet game. Don’t have patience to play it through as it’s not my kind of game, however I wouldn’t have heard of this if it wouldn’t be for 4chan. Also told about it to few friends. (Potential customers)
Another man who never heard of you until he found your game on 4chan. Let me just say that, while I can’t condone entirely what the leaker did, you’ve got one more fan and customer. Watching what you’ve done with what I had begun to fear was an outdated and oversaturated market is nothing short of inspirational. Good luck.