real question about asset

[DeadStreamer]

I don’t really mind the art style, but generally speaking, games that use this type of low-poly asset often tend to be asset flips, meaning the assets were purchased from a marketplace rather than created by the developers.

Is that the case here, or were the assets made in-house? I just want to avoid purchasing another asset-flip game.

[Javito]

I have the same doubts.
I don't really like low-poly graphics... they're very trendy lately...

If they created it, I might give it a try.

[MajorTom]

You clearly don't understand the basics of why the marketplace exists, and you also have a VERY loose understanding of the word "asset flip". Asset flip means they used free assets to make a game with ZERO substance behind it in an effort to just make money. Asset flip does NOT mean they used 3D assets (purchased or otherwise) from the marketplace. The marketplace literally exists for 3D artists to sell their work and make an income. And it allows people that are game developers and not 3D artists to make games that are fun while paying 3D artists for their work without them being full-time employees. I'm not defending the game, or how fun it is or isn't, as I haven't played it, yet. But you can't just label every game that pays outsourced artists for 3D models an "asset flip".

[Jennoula]

Originally posted by DeadStreamer:

I don’t really mind the art style, but generally speaking, games that use this type of low-poly asset often tend to be asset flips, meaning the assets were purchased from a marketplace rather than created by the developers.

Is that the case here, or were the assets made in-house? I just want to avoid purchasing another asset-flip game.

Hi, fair question.

The Ranchers uses a combination of licensed marketplace assets and original assets created specifically for the game. As a small indie studio, we use third-party assets and tools where they make sense, then adapt and customize them to fit the game’s visual direction and needs.

The gameplay systems, quests, co-op functionality, world design, progression, and overall experience have been developed and integrated by us over several years.

Thanks for asking.

[Nora]

For a game that has been in development for this long I'm a little disappointed about the assets, ngl..
But, I'm more concerned if the game contains a lot of AI made music and character/npc voices, not sure if I want to pay that much for an ea game without any personal touch.

[Knottypine]

Originally posted by Javito:

I have the same doubts.
I don't really like low-poly graphics... they're very trendy lately...

If they created it, I might give it a try.

Interesting thought pattern. You don't like low-poly graphics, but you might give it a try if they created it? What difference does it make?

So if they used all assets, it's a nope. Buuuut, if they say, Ohh, yeah we made all those low-poly graphics! Then you're saying, Yeah!!!

What? lol

[Neon Ninja]

I think it is fine obviously for devs to do this as long as they put a disclaimer on the steam page that the game uses some purchased assets.

As far as the starting price for this early access experience, I strongly believe it is going to really hurt the game and its future development quality. That is if the future development quality and length even partly depends on sales. It just depends on how many players want to invest in the potential of the game because otherwise players can get a higher quality experience elsewhere for less money at this point in development. The only way I am wrong is if the reviews start pouring in about how amazing this game is playing. I haven't seen a single English review yet although I know the game literally just released.

I think these dev and or studios who are releasing high quality foundations with a good amount of content into early access for $14.99 really have a smart plan as they often will do so many more sales that in the end, they make more total money even if the price per copy is lower. This is a super important decision when it comes to releasing any early access video game and I really think many devs and or publishers don't even think about it much.

Edit: I might have spoke too soon as it looks like the game is doing fairly well at least judging by the number of players at the time of release. Congrats to the devs and keep up the hard work.

[MajorTom]

Originally posted by Neon Ninja:

I think it is fine obviously for devs to do this as long as they put a disclaimer on the steam page that the game uses some purchased assets.

As far as the starting price for this early access experience, I strongly believe it is going to really hurt the game and its future development quality. That is if the future development quality and length even partly depends on sales. It just depends on how many players want to invest in the potential of the game because otherwise players can get a higher quality experience elsewhere for less money at this point in development. The only way I am wrong is if the reviews start pouring in about how amazing this game is playing. I haven't seen a single English review yet although I know the game literally just released.

I think these dev and or studios who are releasing high quality foundations with a good amount of content into early access for $14.99 really have a smart plan as they often will do so many more sales that in the end, they make more total money even if the price per copy is lower. This is a super important decision when it comes to releasing any early access video game and I really think many devs and or publishers don't even think about it much.

They don't have to disclose that. That's retarded. AI is one thing, but paid or outsourced assets? Who are you? Their mom? If this was my game, I'd rather people that scrutinize such stupid details didn't buy the game. You'll be a constant thorn and I'd rather not have you.

[MajorTom]

A looooooot of smooth brains in here pretending they understand game development because they live in reddit echo chambers.

[cx2325]

"I want every single asset to be hand-crafted and made in-house but I also want the game to cost peanuts"


I hate Steam forums so ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ much.

[Neon Ninja]

Originally posted by MajorTom:

Originally posted by Neon Ninja:

I think it is fine obviously for devs to do this as long as they put a disclaimer on the steam page that the game uses some purchased assets.

As far as the starting price for this early access experience, I strongly believe it is going to really hurt the game and its future development quality. That is if the future development quality and length even partly depends on sales. It just depends on how many players want to invest in the potential of the game because otherwise players can get a higher quality experience elsewhere for less money at this point in development. The only way I am wrong is if the reviews start pouring in about how amazing this game is playing. I haven't seen a single English review yet although I know the game literally just released.

I think these dev and or studios who are releasing high quality foundations with a good amount of content into early access for $14.99 really have a smart plan as they often will do so many more sales that in the end, they make more total money even if the price per copy is lower. This is a super important decision when it comes to releasing any early access video game and I really think many devs and or publishers don't even think about it much.

They don't have to disclose that. That's retarded. AI is one thing, but paid or outsourced assets? Who are you? Their mom? If this was my game, I'd rather people that scrutinize such stupid details didn't buy the game. You'll be a constant thorn and I'd rather not have you.

And what may I ask is wrong about wanting to know if assets and animations in a video game are hand created by the devs making the game? The dev already explained everything to the first person who brought it up! Who are you to decide what opinion I have about what things should be disclosed? And anyone who uses the word "retarded" to say something or someone is stupid or wrong isn't worth trying to have an intelligent conversation with.

"Scrutinize such stupid details" This says everything anyone reading this needs to know about your knowledge of video game development.

[cx2325]

By the way, it's funny that gamers will rubbish indie game devs for the silliest reasons and demand they practically give away games for peanuts but will simultaneously rush to pre-order and buy $70 games from AAA publishers that offer little to no value. And I'm not talking about generational games here, just any old AAA rubbish, stuffing the wallets of publishers and making them awash in cash.

The price of this game is the same price of a typical microtransaction in a AAA game nowadays. At the end of the day, gamers are to blame for the state of the gaming industry.

[Knottypine]

Originally posted by Neon Ninja:

"Scrutinize such stupid details" This says everything anyone reading this needs to know about your knowledge of video game development.

What knowledge of video game development does one require in order to know what details are stupid to scrutinize?

Being so concerned about whether a developer designed all their own assets and artwork or if they paid money from their pocket for assets that another human being is making a living off of, yeah that seems like something really silly to be concerened about.

Originally posted by Neon Ninja:

I think it is fine obviously for devs to do this as long as they put a disclaimer on the steam page that the game uses some purchased assets.

That is ridiculous. A disclaimer because they paid an outside designer/artist instead of one that is directly on their payroll?

[Neon Ninja]

Not so sure why you are so up in arms about someone's personal preference. Like I said already, the devs addressed it immediately so you are wasting your time.