I have a game called “Blast Wars”. It’s a build to survive type of game that I’ve been solo developing for a while. I’ve been constantly updating it to the point where it almost feels like its own genre now. My metrics have been consistently increasing with every update. I’ve managed to grow almost every metric except PCR (because I’m struggling to improve that without relying on heavy FOMO driven methods). My player base has been giving positive feedback, and my QPTR improves every time I experiment with a new thumbnail.
Yet the game is still stuck in the same situation: around 50 CCU during the day and about 10 - 20 CCU at night. It feels like the game is in a bottleneck that I just can’t figure out how to break through, and I’m genuinely looking for any feedback at this point.
Don’t get me wrong I’m very grateful that I even have organic CCU in the first place. I’m just confused as to why the game has stayed in the exact same state throughout its entire growth journey. I know growing metrics doesn’t necessarily guarantee exposure, but at what point does a rank up happen if almost all my metrics are in the 90th percentile?
Any feedback would be genuinely appreciated!
Heres some gameplay footage for anyone thats interested to see that :
First of all, good job on the game. It was pretty fun and unique and had a decent amount of players, yk 50 ccu isnt super easy. But i still think theres plenty of room for improvement
Gameplay
The gameplay WAS NOT boring, but it also felt a little slow and clunky. I feel like abilities, or a way to upgrade your speed or something would be useful, since especially as a bomb, i felt really limited in my movement capabilites. I would like to suggest that you also add maybe some more effects/make the fighting more satisfying. Also, the build time was a bit too long. After a while there was still a whole minute and a half left while everyone stood there, cause our base was already built.
No reason to come back
I feel like there really wasnt a huge reason to come back to this game. I mean, yes it was fun but there wasnt much to work toward and getting new weapons takes grinding so u can get a higher level. Maybe add quests in order to get more coins and exp, or even exclusive weapons if you complete really hard quests.
Some bugs
There was a bug that happened as a bomb where you dont die after exploding and just turn invsible. This really doesnt do anything cause you alsp cant explode while invisible. I had to reset my character to fix it.
Overall, i liked the game idea and the game itself wasnt bad at all. But those are improvements i would suggest to keep players coming back.
Thank you so much for your feedback! Like I said, I’m still grateful that I even have organic CCU. I’m mainly just confused about how the game has shown very consistent growth in metrics (going from mostly red to now mostly green), yet the CCU has stayed the same during both periods.
That said, I’ll definitely work on the things you mentioned. especially the bombs problem, since that one is already being worked on as we speak.
As for the build time being boring, I actually agree with you there, and I’ve been struggling to come up with a solution. Do you have any ideas on what I could do to improve that?
From what I see, there are 2 servers that combined have less than 30 players. You could change the server configuration.
The build time is boring; maybe add more types of blocks which players could buy (ex. reinforced steel) or interactive ones, like fire (which could activate the bombs).
Also, I don’t have any reason to come back. That doesn’t mean you should add any FOMO features. My idea is that you could add some gamemodes, like “Rage Mode” or “Frenzy Mode”.
The maps could benefit from just a little bit more of detail: slopes, hills, buildings…
your game is really fun and underrated try and get a YouTuber to play it and when that video releases make a sponsored ad for the game that should break that barrier and get you past 50 ccu.
For the build time u could rlly js shorten it if u wanted but some other ideas could be, like @lostresosostedyIII said, other blocks + interactive ones. Maybe add cannons or stuff like that (which ofc u can only place so many of) as well, or even certain structures you can place to get a more diverse base depending on what youve unlocked
Hi AscendArtist! I took a deep dive into Blast Wars during the stream and it was a cool ride! The build-then-survive loop is super engaging, especially with the layered base building phase and the challenge of facing off against bomb creatures. I love how each round lets you upgrade weapons and gear as you progress, and the unique balance between cooperation and competition really shines when the lobby’s full.
The interface feels modern, and advancement is motivating (big fan of unlockable gear). The only sticking point I felt was that matches can run a little long and some gun feedback can be confusing, but overall, fantastic updates and polish — you’re on the right path!
Scores: Gameplay 8 • Visuals 8 • Originality 8 • Polish 7 Now, its in the recommended section on Games Radar and in the top list
