Dyestributor

Project Overview

Dyestributor is a grid-based puzzle game designed around block-specific mechanics and pattern logic. Developed over two years, published on Steam in February, 2023. Periodically updated through 2024.

My Project Contributions

Designed 10 Worlds, Each With Unique Mechanics
Created 80+ Levels With Increasing Puzzle Complexity
Implemented An In-Game Custom Level Editor With Steam Workshop Support
Refactored Code Multiple Times To Improve Maintainability And Performance
Composed A Full Original Soundtrack
Produced Promotional Trailer & Key Steam Store Art

Promotional art for Dyestributor 2.0

Visual Showcase

Navigating to the first level of the Tutorial World

Playing an introductory puzzle in World 1

Playing a mildly difficult level in World 5

Playing a World 9 level with the new 'Ghost' blocks

Playing an Extras world level with a "no vision" gimmick

Making a level in the Custom Level Editor

Planning document for the title screen UI of Dyestributor for its initial 2023 Steam release

Video showcase of Dyestributor main menu as planned in the above document

Planning document I made when redesigning the title screen UI for Dyestributor 2.0 in 2024

Video showcase of Dyestributor 2.0 main menu as planned in the above document

Lessons / Post-Mortem

Things That Worked

Much Needed Tutorials
- After adding interactive tutorials in Version 2.0, the new player experience improved dramatically. Structured walk-through tutorials reduced player frustration and improved player retention.
Robust Custom Level Editor
- Through constant iteration and updates, the custom level editor has become very easy to use and understand. In it's current version, simple user interface, improved clarity, and making everything accessible from one screen, has elevated the user experience.
Unique 'Extras' World
- The 'Extras' World was a 20-level bonus world with unique, one-off mechanics per level. This world gave me a place to express my creative freedom and turn ideas that didn't fit the main progression into an additional challenge for the player.

Things I'd Improve

Mechanic Pacing Issues
- The Tutorial World, World 1, and World 2 introduced too few unique and interesting mechanics, leading to repetitive early gameplay. This taught me a lesson in grabbing & keeping player attention with appropriate pacing & mechanic progression.
Unrealistic Trophy Requirements
- Gold trophy requirements were based on my own optimal solutions, making them unreasonably difficult and leading to many players getting stuck and quitting the game.
- I've learned since then, that the developer should never be used as baseline for player expectations. Instead, playtesting and player feedback should dictate these numbers.
More Polish Required
- Although the 2.0 update added many UI and gameplay improvements, the game still lacks subtle polish to improve player satisfaction.
- I've learned that polishing even the smallest player actions is extremely important, and should be treated as a significant part of the design instead of an afterthought.