Today, I want to share my experience creating and releasing my first 2D game on itch.io (Play in the browser no install required ). Carnival Escape is a passion project that allowed me to learn 2D game development while learning how to create my 2D art. In this post, I’ll dive into what the game is all about, the updates I’ve made since launch, and some key stats and lessons from this experience.
About Carnival Escape
Carnival Escape is a 2D top-down shooter featuring hand-drawn art in a creepy, horror-inspired carnival setting. You play as a former star performer fighting grotesque attractions and sinister bosses to escape the haunted fairground. This project has been my way of diving into 2D game development while learning to create my own game art.
Key Features:
- Unique hand-drawn art blending horror and cartoonish styles.
- Intense boss battles against carnival monsters like a creepy clown.
- Challenging gameplay with waves of twisted enemies and dynamic attractions.
Explore eerie carnival grounds, battle terrifying bosses, and survive chaotic encounters in this horror-themed action game.
Play the game for free on itch.io and leave your thoughts!
Devlog Highlights
Over the past few months, I’ve been documenting the progress of Carnival Escape through devlogs. Each update has brought new features, improvements, and challenges. Here’s a quick recap:
- Carnival Escape – Update – New Attraction Added
- Devlog 4: Carnival Escape update
- Devlog 3: Loot, Laughs, and a Dash of Chaos 🎪✨
- Devlog 2: Expanding the Carnival Chaos 🎪🦇🔥
- Devlog #1: Carnival Escape Begins! 🎡
Devlog #1: Carnival Escape Begins! 🎡
- Core Mechanics: Movement and shooting are functional, allowing you to explore and engage enemies.
- Zombie Doll AI: The first enemy—creepy dolls that chase and attack the player.
- Ferris Wheel Boss (Prototype): Players can destroy the Ferris Wheel seats, with more fight mechanics coming in later updates
Devlog #2: Expanding the Carnival Chaos 🎪🦇
- Added a main menu and loading screen for smoother transitions.
- Introduced the Fireball-Shooting Bat, a new ranged enemy.
Devlog #3: Loot, Laughs, and Chaos ✨
- Particle Effects: Enemies now trigger effects when defeated for better feedback.
- Pickups: Weapon and health pickups to enhance combat variety.
- Clown Updates: Animations and sound effects for the creepy clown boss.
Devlog #4: Gameplay Depth
- Improved Clown AI with ranged attacks and teleportation abilities.
- Weapon Enhancements: Added reload mechanics and multi-shot shotguns.
- New Systems: A scoring system and the beginnings of an XP system.
Final Update: The Roller Coaster Showdown 🎢
- Added a roller coaster attraction with another showdown against the creepy clown, featuring destructible roller coaster cars.
- Introduced a GameManager class to streamline the addition of new attractions.
While this might be the final update for Carnival Escape, I’m open to adding more content if there’s enough interest. Otherwise, I’ll move on to my next project.
Game Metrics (As of 1/23/2025)
Here’s a snapshot of how Carnival Escape has performed on itch.io since its launch:
- Views: 148
- Browser Plays: 71
- Ratings: 0
- Collections: 1
- Comments: 0
- Impressions (7 Days): 39
- CTR: 2.56%
The first release was November 29, 2024, with the most recent update on December 16, 2024. While the stats aren’t groundbreaking, I had fun creating my first 2d game using my own crappy game art and you have to start somewhere 🙂
Reflections and Lessons Learned
- Engagement is Key: While there’s room for improvement in driving ratings and comments, the consistent play count shows a steady interest in the game.
- Artistic Growth: This project has been a great way to improve my hand-drawn art skills (still not good), even if I jokingly refer to it as “crappy programmer game art.”
- Community Feedback Matters: Direct comments and suggestions from players could shape future updates or even new projects.
What’s Next?
As I wrap up Carnival Escape, I’m brainstorming ideas for my next game. I’m looking forward to applying the lessons I’ve learned here—both in art and gameplay design—while diving into new challenges.
If you haven’t already, check out Carnival Escape on itch.io, and feel free to share your feedback! Every bit of support counts and helps me grow as a developer.
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
Follow my updates on Twitter: @TMcDonaldGames.
