LetterMiner 0.5 Released
Version 0.5 of LetterMiner is available to download for Macs running OS X 10.9 and above. Installation and gameplay instructions are available at the LetterMiner website.
Current Status of LetterMiner
I consider LetterMiner to be a playable prototype right now. I have a multiple level game mode. To advance to the next level, you must meet that level’s point quota by mining letters. The value of letters is affected by supply and demand. The more you mine a particular letter, the less valuable it becomes. Letters you don’t mine much become more valuable.
I have focused on the gameplay when developing LetterMiner. The game has programmer art and user interface elements, but I can improve the graphics later. The gameplay is the most important thing to get working right now.
The iOS version is being developed along with the Mac version. The iOS version is also at version 0.5. I wish I could put the iOS version up on my website and have you play it, but I can’t.
Features to Add
I want to add the following features to LetterMiner for a version 1.0 release:
- Save games.
- Add a single-level game mode where you try to get as many points as you can.
- Keep track of how many unique words you have created. Give awards for reaching milestones, such as 100, 250, 500, and 1000 unique words.
Improvements to Make
I need to make the following improvements to LetterMiner for a version 1.0 release:
- Improve the graphics.
- Add sound effects.
- Code-sign the Mac version so people don’t have to work around Apple’s Gatekeeper feature.
- Fix the bug where the bottom of the game board is cut off when zooming the window in the Mac version.