The start of a new year seems like as good a time as any for some reflection on recent events and progress, and for looking forward to update and set new targets and goals. I’ve had a break from game development over the last week or two to recharge the batteries, and in the interests of not being anti-social. (Christmas and New Year are supposed to be about family and friends, right?).

I’ve had time to review the progress of Black Lab Games. Here’s a list of some of the highlights of the year:

• Started development of Star Hammer. Initially, Star Hammer was meant to be a relatively short project, but as I’ve worked more on the game, the possibilities have opened up, and the scope has grown significantly. Initially a simple mission-based shmup, it’s morphed into an episodic space opera with characters and a storyline. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, though I’d say that aiming high is better than aiming low.
• Contracted to Subversive Games for a serious games project. The project was completed late in the year, and was the first opportunity I’d had to work with gamejam luminary Simon Wittber. Although I’ve known Simon for years, it was the first chance I’ve had to work with him, and was a very positive experience. Simon has also since written some excellent music for Star Hammer.
• Approval to develop PSP Minis. It’s still early days for the Minis “program”, but it’s gratifying to apply and be approved early on.
• Co-Sponsored iParty. iParty was awesome. It was an end-of-year event arranged by Lets Make Games and the Perth IGDA Chapter. It was great to see such a huge turnout, and for the event to be so well supported by the Perth development community.
• Spoke at GCAP. I did a talk at Game Connect Asia Pacific 2009 on “Managed Code in Game Development”. Although the presentation wasn’t as good as I would have liked, presenting at a conference is something I’ve wanted to do for a long while. GCAP was an excellent conference too, btw.
• Announced Star Hammer Tactics. At the risk of over promising and under delivering, I quietly announced a new turn-based strategy game set in the same conflict as the Star Hammer action game. I’ll be saying more about this game in the coming weeks.

There are a few disappointments for the year also. I guess the main one would be not releasing anything. Note to self…beware of scope creep in 2010

Last year was in part of journey of discovery. I’ve worked out what I want Black Lab Games to be, and where I want it to go. This year will be about building on what I’ve done in 2009.

I’m hopeful that 2010 will be an exciting year for Black Lab Games. I hope it will be for you too.