Only Up!’s solo developer, Indiesolodev, withdraws the hit indie game from Steam. Learn more about the reason for his actions, Only Up!'s journey as a hit platformer, and the developer's future in game development.
Only Up! Developer Removes Game From Steam Permanently
Cites Stress as Driving Factor
Indiesolodev, the creative mind behind the indie sensation Only Up!, has decided to permanently take the game off of Steam. Indiesolodev chose to part ways with his creation, citing tremendous stress as the main reason. This decision has surprised admirers and fans, leaving them wondering what will become of this breakout hit.
A Rollercoaster Journey for Only Up!
Only Up! is a challenging yet captivating third-person platformer that debuted in May 2023. Despite initial hurdles, thanks mainly to word-of-mouth recommendations and streaming exposure, the game's popularity skyrocketed. It wasn't until notable Twitch streamers like IShowSpeed, who are known for their passion for high-difficulty games, took notice of the game that it really took off.
By June, the game had built a strong fanbase, garnering 10,000 continuous players and over 90,000 Twitch watchers.
While Only Up! won praise for its rigorous challenge and captivating gameplay, it had problems. Critics cited physics flaws and what appeared to be hurried design decisions. The game's reputation has also been tarnished by claims of asset theft from other games.
The Shocking Announcement: Indiesolodev's Personal Struggles
In a message within the game's Steam page's patch notes on September 7, 2023, Indiesolodev candidly shared the toll that developing Only Up! had taken on him. He confessed that the stress had become overwhelming, prompting him to decide to permanently remove the game from the Steam store. Indiesolodev expressed his gratitude for the support and understanding of his community.
A Glimpse into the Future: 'Kith' Emerges
As Indiesolodev steps away from Only Up!, he looks ahead to a new chapter in his creative journey. With education in game design as his focus, Indiesolodev is channeling his energy towards his next project, Kith.
Promising a departure from the intensity of Only Up!, Kith will place a distinct emphasis on cinematography, offering gamers a fresh and innovative experience.
Despite its sudden exit from the Steam platform, Only Up! achieved remarkable commercial success. Priced at $6, the game's relatively short stint on the medium resulted in an astounding $2.6 million in gross revenue, solidifying its place as a standout title in the indie gaming landscape.
Source:
Only Up! Steam Page |now unavailable
