General Thoughts:

1. This was my first XNA game, in which I was totally un-aware of the publishing process, testing process, and even the framework. I did alot of stupid mistakes, but I generally learned from them
2. Development time was 1 year because I had to get up to speed with the XNA framework 
3. I had fun making this project because it marked my return to game programming, which I almost gave up.

What went wrong:

1. I had a grand vision of what the game should be. I added so many different concepts in the game but most of them were cool on paper but not on the screen
2. It took me a while to figure out the review process and I was a bit hurried in getting the game out
3. I used farseer physics for physics and collision detection. It was an awesome library but it had inherent limitations that forced gameplay decisions to be based against tech versus actually what was fun
4. Feature creep, as I got deeper into making the game I was seduced to add more features that were cut anyways, not necessarily a bad thing, but it did extend the time 

What went right:

1. Using farseer physics to handle physics. It put me more on gameplay side without having to deal with implementing my own physics library 
2. Prototyping early on with a simple concept allowed me to get a quick idea of what I want the feel of the game to be
3. Feedback from GDC, I actually had alot of people from GDC try out the game. I got so many good ideas and feedback on the game that it helped me refine it

Recently I have been noticing that I tend to burn out on a single project. It can range from getting sick of the concept, programming fatigue, slower progress, waiting on external dependencies etc ... So I decided to do a multi project approach where I work a commonly shared framework/code across different brands. Currently I am working on sustained engineering/bug fixing for Gum Drop Celestial Frontier, waiting for asset integration for Gum Drop Neo Terra, as well as my new project Gum Drop Solo Smash.

Hopefully my decision to do a multi project approach does not shoot me in the foot. But it seems to have helped me so far because I have been implementing features on one game that improves the quality of the other 2 as well as I can apply those concepts to the other games which otherwise I would not have thought of if I did not do a multi project approach. Although I would only recommend this approach if there is a pre-existing framework that has been built and is well known as you would have the basics pat down, and having multiple projects would only impede your progress. Also good to note that if you are in a project where there is alot of downtime due to dependency then multiple projects will work out good.

I have also decided to invest more financially into the project by commisioning a artist to do the artwork for Gum Drop Risk. If this becomes a succesful venture then I will most likely consider a similar approach to future and current projects.

Anyways that is my current status with my projects. 

Here is the new video demonstrating Gum Drop Neo Terra's tutorial, level select menus, and some gameplay. Enjoy!

I've been working for around 2 months now on the next game in the Gum Drop Series. The game is called Gum Drop Neo Terra, and it is a arcade 4x strategy game. It will support up to 8 players in the game(4 human players, 4 AI) with a variety of game modes and map types. Maps are randomly generated and can be customized for a guaranteed different experience each time the game is played.

I made Gum Drop Celestial Frontier for the PC a free to download and play game. Yes, you don't have to go and buy the game on Game Communities on Xbox, you can play it for free on the PC :) If you really like the game and would like to support me as a indie, then go ahead and buy the game from Xbox Game Communities. (Uploaded new installer that creates the shortcut)

Enjoy!

Download Link

I pulled out Gum Drop from review to address more issues that have been plaguing the game. Mainly usability for people new to the game and performacne issues. This is very important because these impact the game the most.

 The game will probably be out on communities mid to late July depending on how many people are reviewing.

But the changes really give the game more polish that really will make it a hit :)

Finally after a year of toiling long days and nights, I have submitted Gum Drop to the Xbox Game Communities review process. It's been a long and ardous task but it's well worth it! Hopefully I have squashed all the bugs that will make the game fail peer review.

Exciting days indeed, but it will defnitely be a long wait to get the game approved :(

 Here's the box art for the game. booyah!