Squarelets is the debut title for Chaos Cookie and solo developer Beatka Wojciak. This cozy puzzle game recently made its debut on the App Store after being showcased at various indie dev meetups. It even won third place in The Very Big Indie Pitch at Pocket Gamer Connects London 2024.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Wojciak to dive into the development journey of Squarelets – from the initial idea to future plans for the game. We also delved into the experiences of being a solo developer, discussing the challenges and advantages that come with it.
PocketGamer.biz: Can you give us some insights into your background and how you ventured into game development as a solo developer?
Beatka Wojciak: With a background in computer science and years of experience as an iOS engineer at Google, I have always been drawn to mobile development. The hands-on nature of mobile apps and the unique design challenges they present captivate me.
My passion for arts and crafts from a young age blended seamlessly with my work in mobile development, allowing me to blend engineering with design. The desire to use software to enhance people’s lives has been a driving force in my career. Transitioning to game development felt like a natural progression, combining technology with artistic expression.
The journey of creating Squarelets began as a personal experiment, focusing on minimalist design elements and simplicity. Working solo granted me the freedom to explore different avenues without external pressures, but I soon realized the importance of external feedback and collaborative input. Engaging with the indie game dev community in London provided invaluable insights and guidance, shaping the direction of Squarelets.
While autonomy offers creative control, what challenges have you faced as a solo developer navigating the gaming industry, and what valuable lessons have you learned?
The transition from idea to execution in game development demands unwavering perseverance, especially when working independently. As someone without a gaming background, I encountered educational gaps in various aspects of game design and development. From mechanics introduction to data management and social media promotion, each challenge became a learning opportunity.
Despite the steep learning curve, the gratification of honing my skills and creating compelling gaming experiences has been immensely rewarding. Recognizing the limitations of a one-person team, I have begun expanding my core team, comprising talented individuals across different roles, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
Squarelets officially launched on the App Store on March 26th. Can you walk us through the game’s development journey and its inception?
The birth of Squarelets dates back to 2015 when a spark of creativity ignited during a hospital stay in Germany. A concept born out of boredom evolved over the years, taking a backseat during academic pursuits and corporate responsibilities. The upheaval of the pandemic reignited my passion for Squarelets, transforming it from a side project to a full-fledged endeavor.
Despite juggling the game’s development alongside a demanding job at Google, Squarelets became a labor of love. By mid-2021, the project gained momentum, culminating in my decision to leave my job and devote myself entirely to Squarelets in November 2023. The journey from a hospital room to full-time game development encapsulates the unpredictable yet thrilling odyssey of Squarelets.
How have you leveraged AI to enhance Squarelets, and what are your thoughts on AI’s expanding influence in gaming?
The integration of AI in gaming heralds a transformative landscape, marked by diverse applications and advancements. Squarelets harnesses AI algorithms to generate puzzle images, strategically manipulating their similarity to heighten gameplay complexity. The dynamic nature of AI ensures a seamless gaming experience, underscoring its potential in shaping future gaming innovations.
Following your impressive third-place win at The Very Big Indie Pitch during Pocket Gamer Connects London, how do you reflect on this achievement?
The acclaim garnered at The Very Big Indie Pitch underscored the unique appeal of Squarelets among a diverse array of games. The recognition reaffirmed the game’s distinctive charm and resonated with judges, extending beyond conventional expectations of game accolades. Securing a top position amidst formidable competition was a testament to Squarelets’ distinctiveness and allure.
Looking ahead, what can we anticipate from Squarelets in the future?
Our roadmap for Squarelets includes expanding to Android, with plans underway for an autumn release. Additionally, we are enhancing the gameplay experience with weekly challenges and collaborating with brands to introduce custom puzzle types, aligning with their brand ethos.
As we embark on an exciting journey, Squarelets’ evolution continues, promising a repertoire of engaging experiences for players. Stay tuned for more from Squarelets as we delve deeper into the realm of mobile puzzlers.
