Dev Log: Where Things Stand

Hey all — time for a proper update on what’s been happening behind the scenes.

The Prototype Graveyard

Before LEVER-1 found its footing, we went through a couple of earlier prototypes. Nothing dramatic — just the normal process of figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

Our first attempt was more experimental than we were ready for. We had big ambitions and not enough foundation under them. It taught us a lot about scope and about being honest with ourselves about what we can actually pull off with our current setup. We shelved it, took what worked, and moved on.

The second attempt was closer but still felt off. Something about the core loop wasn’t landing. You can tell when you’re forcing something versus when it flows — this one was being forced. We pulled the plug before sinking more time into it.

LEVER-1: Current State

LEVER-1 is where everything came together. We’re still early — systems are being built and rebuilt constantly, things break every day, and the scope of the game shifts a little with every new prototype session. But the direction feels right in a way the previous attempts never did.

Right now we’re focused on nailing the core feel. Movement, interaction, the basic moment-to-moment of being in this world. Getting that right before layering anything else on top. It’s slow, sometimes frustrating work, but it’s the kind of frustration that comes from caring about getting things right rather than from being lost.

What’s Next

We’re going to keep our heads down for a while longer. No release timeline, no big promises. Just work. When there’s something worth showing, you’ll see it here first.

Thanks for following along. It means more than you’d think.

— Power Lever