Top Stories for CanaidanGameDevs: April 2019

Here are the top stories from the site this last month.

• Way of the Passive Fist was announced and then released for Switch.

• Block Droppin Blitz released on iOS.

• Terrorarium Hits Early Access.

• Google’s upcoming streaming service, Stadia has a Canadian connection.

• Blazing Bit Games Reveals New Retro Shooter Nightmare Reaper.

• Pitfall Planet is out on Switch.

• Amateurs by Sleepy Tom Released as a Retro-Style arcade skateboarding game.

• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s next DLC is out now.

• Multiplayer tower offense Radio Violence out on Steam.

• Rogue Star Rescue is also out now on Steam.

• Golf Bitz releases world-wide on iOS and Android.

• Crimson Moon DLC for Starlink: Batle for Atlas is out now

Jobs

We also had some job postings!

• 3D Environment Artist

• Technical Producer

• iOS Web and App Programmer

• Unreal Programmer

• Video Game Business Development Specialist

• UI/UX Designer

Way of the Passive Fist Coming To Nintendo Switch

Toronto developer Household Games is joining the Switch-port crew and releasing their 90’s brawler inspired Way of the Passive Fist to Nintendo Switch on April 11th. It looks like the game is listed at $18.99 CAD on the Nintendo eshop.

If you can’t wait until April 11th, you can pick up the game on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC where it launched this time last year. Check out the trailer and press release below.

Reverse Brawler Way Of The Passive Fist Comes to Nintendo Switch on April 11

Toronto, ON. March 28, 2019. Indie devs Household Games announced today that the genre-bending defensive brawler Way of the Passive Fist is coming to Nintendo Switch. At a glance the game is full of 90's beat-em-up aesthetics with sprites that dwarf Battletoads or Final Fight, but a closer look reveals the game's clever twist: the player parries, dodges, and reverses attacks to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where exhaustion equals death.

Instead of punching and kicking through hordes of nameless thugs, watch for openings, time your parries, and shoot for that high score. The game's addictive stage-by-stage gameplay is perfect for the pickup and play nature of the console, and brings all its pixel art glory in handheld or docked mode. The bombastic, pulse-pounding soundtrack is the icing on the sand-and-sweat covered cake, and if the feeling of knocking back waves of enemies on top of a speeding train to a wailing electric guitar doesn't scream "arcade experience," we don't know what does.

With a fully customizable difficulty setting (no easy, medium, or hard here!), and a refreshing take on classic beat-em-up gameplay, Way of the Passive Fist is a brand new experience for action-loving Nintendo Switch players. 

Features

- Customizable difficulty setting lets players decide how many enemies appear at a time, how hard they hit, how forgiving the combo counter is, and even how many checkpoints there are.

- Contains all the content from Way of The Passive Fist's NEW DAWN Edition, including a brand new training mode to let you practice and perfect your parries.

- Procedural roguelite survival mode "Passiverse" challenges the most calm masters to stay alive amidst an unpredictable set of challenges.

- Hours of content with Story, New Dawn Epilogue, and Passiverse, plus new difficulty settings that dictate new ways to play. Try for a playthrough of super-difficult enemies or minimal checkpoints.

About Household Games Inc.

Founded in 2016 by Jason Canam and based in Toronto, Canada, Household Games is an independent studio focused on creating high-quality and stylized original IP content for consoles and PC. The small team made up of DrinkBox Studios, Queasy Games, and Silicon Knights alumni are combining forces, and their passions, to develop video games that are fun and accessible for all ages and ability levels. Household Games launched their debut title, Way of the Passive Fist, in early March 2018.

New Dawn Update Out Now For Way of the Passive Fist

Way of the Passive Fist came out earlier this year, we even spoke to Jason Canam shortly after it released, and now the game has been updated with the "New Dawn" update.

The New Dawn update is a free download and includes a new Epilogue campaign "New Dawn" which has 5 stages, a new rogue-like Survival Mode, as well as some revamped story and difficult adjustments..

#WayOfThePassiveFist is BIGGER and BETTER than EVER with our greatest update yet: NEW DAWN!

NEW DAWN is live on Steam, and is coming soon to consoles!https://t.co/YOS063pNEw pic.twitter.com/MAn3FKLWIH

— Household Games (@HHGamesInc) June 21, 2018

If you own Way of the Passive Fist then you can download the free update now. If not, the game is currently on sale on Steam.

Way of the Passive Fist Patched

Way of the Passive Fist came out in March, and I think you should pick it up. Whether or not you have the game has been updated to version 1.1.0.3 with some improved UI and bug fixes. You can check out the patch notes here.

The first Title Update for #WayOfThePassiveFist is now live! We have a new site to track all updates, so check out the details of v1.1.0.3 here!https://t.co/PIQfXv4SO6 pic.twitter.com/xYdoMoWkp8

— Household Games (@HHGamesInc) May 1, 2018

V1.1.0.3 features many quality of life updates, like making the blast zone of mortar fire much more clear. No more guessing the blast radius, stay clear of the red zone! pic.twitter.com/SXFFemiD1q

— Household Games (@HHGamesInc) May 2, 2018

Way of the Passive Fist is out now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

March Recap - Interviews, Far Cry 5, Way of the Passive Fist, and More

Going to start recapping each month, so here we go! It was a busy month.

• Guacamelee! 2 is announced for Steam, while Jake interviewed the composer for the first game.
• Far Cry 5 came out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC's. You can also check out the trailer for the games season pass.
• Far Cry 5 wasn't the only release, Way of the Passive Fist from Household Games also came out for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
• In announcements, Star Renegades was announced for PC, Runbow is coming to PS4 and Switch this month, and Grip is coming to consoles and PC.
• We did two interviews this month! Jason Canam from Household Games talked about Way of the Passive Fist, as well as his time at Drinkbox Studios, and trophies.
• I also interviewed Twitch Streamer SteelRain27 about how he became a streamer, and his thoughts on the video game scene lately.

Until next month! Friendly reminder we just started a Discord server, so come join the fun.

Interview - Jason Canam From Household Games

Our first audio-interview! We've put the podcast on hold for he time being, and instead we'll be doing interview with local developers/people. Bret and I have a few ideas on hand as well.

First up is Jason Canam from Household Games who just recently released Way of the Passive Fist on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Jason and I chat about his time at Drinkbox Studios, starting Household Games, accessibility in games, trophies/achievements and more!

Check it out and remember to subscribe on iTunes.

Way of the Passive Fist Out Now On PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

Way of the Passive Fist, Household Games' debut game, is out now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam, Humble, Green Man Gaming). I played the first few levels of the game last night and really enjoyed my time so far - it's a fun experience that is a mix of 16-bit Beat em Up's, and Punchout. Check out the trailer below and check the game out on your prefered platform!

Way of the Passive Fist is NOW AVAILABLE on Steam, PS4, and Xbox One! Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/ Humble Store: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/way-of-the-passive-fist Green Man Gaming: https://www.greenmangaming.com/games/way-of-the-passive-fist-pc/ Play a new, original brawler that Rock, Paper, Shotgun calls "Parrylicious"! © Household Games 2018

Way Of The Passive Fist Coming March 6th

We've been following Way of the Passive Fist's development since it was first announced in 2016, and now it looks like Household Games are ready to launch their debut side scrolling game. 

"Parry, dodge, dash and unleash counter attacks to survive on the harsh world of Zircon V in this comic book sci-fi universe filled with raiders, mutants, fanatics and mad scientists. Master new skills in this unique take on the brawler and be the ultimate Passive Fist!"

ay of the Passive Fist will be hitting PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam on March 6th.

Way of the Passive Fist is launching March 6th 2018, coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam! Wishlist on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/ http://www.wayofthepassivefist.com Follow Household Games: Twitter: @HHGamesInc Facebook: facebook.com/householdgames/ Instagram: @HouseholdGames Parry, dodge, dash and unleash counter attacks to survive on the harsh world of Zircon V in this comic book sci-fi universe filled with raiders, mutants, fanatics and mad scientists.

WAY OF THE PASSIVE FIST, SET TO LAUNCH MARCH 6 FOR PS4, XBOX ONE AND PC

Household Games’ Debut Title, Way of the Passive Fist, is a

Love Letter to the Great Licensed Cartoon Arcade Brawlers of the 90s

Toronto, CANADA – February 20, 2018 – Way of the Passive Fist, the debut title from Household Games, is slated to release on March 6, 2018 on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system via the PlayStation®Store, Xbox One on the Xbox Games Store as part of the ID@Xbox program (available March 7), and Windows PC/Mac/Linux via Steam for $14.99 USD (€11.99). Fans on Steam can wishlist the title now: http://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/

In Way of the Passive Fist, a side-scrolling action arcade brawler, players take on the role of the mysterious Wanderer and master a rare defensive fighting style to outsmart and outlast their enemies. While utilizing parries, deflections, dashes, and dodges, the Wanderer’s foes exhaust themselves to the point that they can then be defeated and knocked out by a single finger “punch” or push.

During the development of Way of the Passive Fist - a love letter to the great licensed cartoon arcade brawlers of the 90s - the team applied a forward-thinking approach to accessibility, to shake up the traditional brawler game mechanics and give players a fresh take on the brawler genre. Players will be able to fully remap the control scheme to play one-handed, modify the game settings if they’re visually impaired or sensitive to sudden flashing lights, as well as customize gameplay difficulty settings to fit their play-style.

“We’re extremely excited to ‘unlock an indie studio achievement’ and to launch our first title, Way of the Passive Fist! It’s been such an awesome adventure and humbling experience for our small, yet ambitious, team,” says Jason Canam, Founder of Household Games. “We hope that players, especially fans of classic 90s arcade brawlers or fighting games, are quick to notice two distinctive characteristics in Way of the Passive Fist  - this isn’t your typical action arcade brawler since button mashing won’t get you far and it’s all about timing defensive moves, as well as the unique accessibility features .”

To learn more about Way of the Passive Fist, visit: www.wayofthepassivefist.com. Fans can follow the game and studio via social media: Twitter @HHGamesInc, Instagram @householdgames and Facebook www.facebook.com/householdgames.

Made Possible with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

About Household Games Inc.

Founded in 2016 by Jason Canam and based in Toronto, Canada, Household Games is an independent studio focused on creating high-quality and stylized original IP content for consoles and PC. The small team of DrinkBox Studios, Queasy Games & Silicon Knights alumni are combining forces, and their passions, to develop videogames that are fun and accessible for all ages and ability levels. Household Games is currently at work on their debut title, Way of the Passive Fist.

Way Of The Passive Fist Gets Steam Page - Aimed For Early 2018 Release

Here's something we missed, but Way of the Passive Fist now has a Steam page in which you can add the game to your wishlist. On the page as well, it says it will be available early 2018. The game is also expected to hit PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

A mysterious figure known only as the Wanderer travels across the distant planet of Zircon V, a once prosperous mining colony that is now on the brink of destruction in the face of its dying star. By using the Passive Fist technique, the Wanderer can outlast any foe by deflecting their attacks and draining their stamina. With colonists disappearing and maniacs running wild, the Wanderer must stand firm, stay calm and fight for answers in this unique modern brawler!

#WayOfThePassiveFist Steam page is now live! It's Coming soon, but you can wishlist the game and get updates! https://t.co/1rBUeHwQgE pic.twitter.com/lgm4kbUOYk

— Household Games (@HHGamesInc) August 14, 2017

Guest Blog Post - Thoughts on Bit Bazaar From Brian Yoon

Friend of the site Brian Yoon checked out this past weekends Bit Bazaar and was kind enough to give some thoughts on the games he played. You can check Brian's Soundcloud right here, and follow him on Twitter here.

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It was my first game event that I attended that was not a game jam. I was there to promote the game that I made music for called The Dungeon Crew by Clockwork Kraken (https://www.clockwork-kraken.com) and it was amazing! The hours are definitely gruesome, however it was fun and fulfilling.

The gaming garage inside CNE displayed array of games. Anywhere from boardgames to console games were there. Also there was a street fighter tournament happening as well. On the right side as soon as you enter, was game full of indie developers around Toronto. I was really surprised by all the different types of games that Toronto had to offer. There were games that are action driven to narrative games. I tried almost all the games that was there and I must say I was impressed and honoured to be part of such talented scene! Here are some of my favourite highlights. I will try my best to keep it nice and brief. Also they are in no particular order!

1) Quench by Axoninteractive

This is a story driven puzzle game where you play as a Shepard that controls the weather. With your weather controlling powers, you guide animals to safety. This game reminded me of Black & White except you are not a god. The game design was simple and yet had depth. Player is given a level of freedom to manipulate the weather however the player wants. I really like the concept and idea of involving something as simple as weather to project the game. 

2) Way Of The Passive Fist by Household Games

This game reminded me of the 80s game side scrolling fighting games as such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or any of the games you played that sucked all the quarters out of you in the arcade. However, this game takes it a step further. This game is about parrying and doing the enemy to charge up for your attack, hence the name Passive Fist. The art work reminded me of Mad Max mixed with some samurai. The concept of the game is what sold me. We often think of button mashing and "hack and slash" games when it comes to fighting and action packed games. This game has as much action as those types of games and it takes a step further by having players' full attention to mechanics and surroundings. Not only that, these guys brought a homemade arcade machine to really give the arcade feel. Amazing. 

3) Shift by Mega Power Games

Super casual game! If you liked 2048 on your phone, then you are going to love this. This game has similar game play without math. Who likes math anyway?

4) The Dungeon Crew by Clockwork Kraken

I know I made music for this and it could be self promotion type of thing. But I really think this game has potential. Easy mechanics and visuals to satisfy all age and gamers. Also very casual because it can be played on your mobile devices.The game features different class of heroes that you can control and manipulate as the game progresses. Don't let cute animation and characters fool you, this game is more challenging than you think! Release date is likely to be next year. 

Overall, I really enjoyed discovering and exploring all the different types of games at BitBaazar. I hope this event becomes a bigger platform for indie game companies to shine and display their product in the future. 

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Thanks to Brian for putting this all together, we'll have another person's take on Bit Bazaar soon!

Household Games Announces 'Way of the Passive Fist' - Coming 2017

Back in July Jason Canam, a vet from DrinkBox Studios, went his own way and created his own studio - Household Games. They promised an announcement soon for their new IP.  In an interview with me they talked about working on the new IP.

This week, the gang announced via the PlayStation Blog their new IP is titled Way of the Passive Fist, and will be an action beat-em up with a twist:

"In Way of the Passive Fist you play as The Wanderer, a mysterious figure of unknown origin who has mastered the art of the Passive Fist and fights enemies defensively to wear down even the mightiest of opponents. Unlike most arcade-style brawlers, The Wanderer doesn’t have a basic attack like a punch or a kick, instead you have an array of parries, deflections and dodges at your disposal."

Way of the Passive Fist is the licensed arcade brawler for the 90's cartoon you wish existed. http://www.wayofthepassivefist.com Fight defensively by using an array of parries, deflections and dodges to wear down even the mightiest of opponents. By mastering the Passive Fist technique, The Wanderer continues to endure in the face of desert raiders, mad scientists and fantaical sun worshippers.

From the very beginning, we set out to create a licensed game for the 90’s cartoon we wish existed. A lot of my favorite games are the licensed brawlers based on popular cartoons and comic books, and I wanted Way of the Passive Fist to have the same level of exuberance and flair. That feeling when you get to a boss fight and you come face-to-face with one of the villains from the show, that’s a feeling I’d like to create in the game. 

The game’s setting is Planet Eiectus, a world ruled by its volatile and overwhelming sun. Everything on this world is solar powered, but the harsh conditions also make survival extremely difficult. Exhausting oneself is a death sentence. By mastering the Passive Fist technique, The Wanderer continues to endure in the face of desert raiders, mad scientists and fanatical sun worshippers.

Make sure to check out the gang over on Twitter, something else important to Way of the Passive Fist accessible, and working with @halfcoordinated.

What I've been working on with @HHGamesInc as an accessibility and design consultant has been revealed! So excited! https://t.co/gWdfz4q4rt

— halfcoordinated (@halfcoordinated) November 28, 2016

The game is expected to hit the PlayStation 4 in 2017. If you're at PSX this weekend you'll be able to play the game.