CraftWorld is now available on Windows Phone 7.

It has been in review for the past week, and we allowed it online today, about 16 hours ago.  We were interrupted for the last few months, and this interruption continues to this day.  Although we are simply working harder to deal with both it, and CraftWorld.

Why didn’t you guys say anything?

Because last time we said it would be out in April 2011. Then there was this interruption after the 2 week engine test was cut short. Instead of working on beating the P.R drum, we figured we’d just get more code out and the get the game to you guys sooner.

But why WP7 first?

It’s the lowest common denominator. It’s a lil’ bubby gaming device, just growing up out of it’s first generation. Imposing the restrictions of a mobile platform upon the game forced us to optimise, and get the game running lean and mean. We want to support Retro and HD modes, and Retro by it’s simple nature, is simply easier and faster to implement. Each platform has a very unique marketplace. On the WP7, a well maintained app that is small to begin with always does very well. A mid sized 90% complete game with the promise of improvement via updates is quickly discarded and forgotten, so it must release much later in development. The PC is still the great unknown for us.

What makes CraftWorld so special?

Well for starters, it’s got truly infinite 3D terrain. Overhanging cliffs, valleys, rivers, mountain ranges and oceans are all there. Even caves can be found. I’ve read some people think this impossible on an Xbox or a phone. *Blows raspberry* Our system manages memory better than our old finite world model.
Also, be sure to check out the books in CraftWorld. They serve as our tutorial system as well as an in game communications system to the player from the developers.
Blocks take persistent damage, so feel free to jump up and down smacking that last piece of wood out of a tree.
If you have a Mango handset (HTC Titan, Samsung focus S etc…) then you can dial up the quality to full resolution. Speaking of which, our 2 new mango phones (Titan and Focus S) should arrive today. Considering we live in Australia, and none of our stupid carriers can tell the difference between an android and a WP7, that’s pretty damned awesome. For now, we will be happy with our 3 Mozarts.

Are there any regrets?

Yes. The infinite terrain, while being pretty cool, did add a few months to the project. We needed to ensure save file compatitilbity from the start,  without spending time on patches and fixes during releases.
Also that we did not have enough time to complete the inventory. We want a nice Diablo II style inventory borrowing ideas from Oblivion, where items take space and weight. This current system is simpler and faster to implement and will do for now. At least many will find it familiar. That said, you can pick up, us stack, split, craft and drop items.

What can we expect now?

Well, Daniel is getting the first patch ready for submission. While it was in review, we were looking for problems, and we have worked our way through our own little list. Although feedback and reports are needed from the general public. We will be releasing chapter 1 on Xbox when it is near completion on WP7. Another engine test during the new year hopefully, and better high end handset requirements. And a lot more distinguishing features.

What is going on with the other platforms?

We are dying to run another engine test soon. But they require considerable man power or orchestrate and perform. Dozens of builds went out last time, and sped development 10 fold. Right now, we simply do not have a 2 week chunk of time to dedicate to such an effort. We are working on a less intense, longer running idea for an engine test. One more engine test, and we can set up a PC distribution more seriously than what we’ve had.
The Xbox will have to wait for now, CraftWorld needs to be better before we can be assured of it’s commercial success on that platform.

Will you be putting out videos and more screenshots soon?

A bit more, keep an eye on our twitter feed @CraftWorldGame. We have so much to do, so it’s best to just simply do it. That said, we will have the Camera in a nearby update. If you are a CraftWorld fan, feel free to make a little noise on our behalf. A number of our fans on the forums have done this in the past, and it really helped.  I’d rather write a line of code, then a line of text.

Blargh, that’s enough waffle. It’s 4:30am, and there is much to do.