Yes, it’s the 1 year anniversary of the release of N+ for XBLA. It’s been a great year — reception has been very positive, sales exceeded our expectations, we’ve been nominated for awards (and even received one two- check out Brilliam’s review here!) and we’re just so thrilled that so many people gave it a try, even though the graphics are simple and we’re relative unknowns. Thank you so much, everyone.
We did a Postmortem for Game Developer Magazine, if you want to hear more about the storied history of N+, look for back issues. It’s a gripping read.
We’re still not able to enable full-on level sharing for N+, which is a disappointment, but we hope the three level packs eased that pain a little. Unfortunately those three will have to suffice, as we’ve run out of space in the player profile! We’ll take all of these things on to our next projects though — we’ve learned a lot, and will hopefully be able to employ that knowledge in future games.
To celebrate, we’re putting the last batch of t-shirts up in the Metanet Etsy shop and are having a huge sale — all cuffs and notebooks are buy one, get one free. The Etsy system isn’t set up for combo discounts (at least as far as we can tell), so we have to do this a little hackily (hey, it’s consistent with the way we program!): buy which ever ones you want and we’ll refund you the difference.
Also, we’re updating Metanet Software website and will be updating the blog skin to match the new site design, to keep things fresh. Enjoy! We’re also starting a newsletter. Hooray for newsletters!
And don’t forget, Contesque #3 is still open — if you’d like a taste of one of the various flavours of N+, we still have a few copies of each, so get those creative juices flowing and keep those entries comin’! Thanks to all those who have entered already.
Thanks again for all your support, everyone — we really appreciate it!
I’m apprehensive about the site change because I like the way it is now… Be sure to keep it awesome! =P
Ohh… it already looks different, I see.
But not too different.
I like it.
yay! don’t worry, we won’t go too crazy 🙂
You guys really should use that black and white arrow banner I made a while back. The one now is so dark an ominous. Such a stark contrast from your personalities.
we like a little mystery. We’re not all sunshine and rainbows you know… mwa-ha-ha-ha-haaa!
that’s true…seeing as after all this time we still have no idea what robotology will look like in action. I’m loosing my mind!
The best part of the new site is this:
“-Everybody’s doing it!”
8D
…Or maybe I just find that funny because I say that a lot in a satirical manner.
Ahahaha. Two comments in the span of a few minutes.
Love the new look of the front page! Especially the tiny metanet logos on the buttons. Congrats on N+ doing so well over its first year, too.
hang in there, maximo! 🙂
Thanks for the feedback, guys!
Only one award? Pshaw! Cleary you didn’t see that I named N+ my favourite game of the year on my blog! My epic reach of 30 readers, before you even count the people I badger to read via Twitter, mean that this award is as prestigious as a Hugo or a Latin Tony! Congratulations!
Sorry about that, Brilliam — haha thanks, it’s an honour! We’ll update the post 🙂
I like the new site. However, in the year it’s taken you to make this fancy pants new site, you’ve barely visited our new forums. 🙁
I made the thread “Top 10 films of 2008” just for you guys!
I think you guys should release a map to nmaps to celebrate…
@ Slappy: Woah, woah, we’re not great developers, true, but it certainly didn’t take a year to make this site! 🙂
Sorry about that. We addressed our lack of forum participation in this year’s Mare and Raigan award. We’re hoping to find much more time after Robotology is finished and will try to hang out there more often. Thanks for thinking of us!
@ maximo: we would love to, but unfortunately (or, fortunately), Robotology is a priority right now and it’s crunch time.
So now that N+ is no longer contractually exclusive to the Xbox, how long do we have to wait before you announce the Wii release of it? Hmmmmm?
New site design is 100% amazing. I Love it
Sweet, thanks! We’re so glad to hear it! 🙂
Site looks great. Everything is so clear and perfectly laid out. Four simple tabs at the top, nice big area for the text… just about perfect.
Nice new look! And I like LittleViking’s point up there!
@Echarin just about? Is there anything you would change?
Well the way I see it _nothing_ is ever 100% perfect. But there’s nothing that I personally can see that’s off or wrong about the current design.
aha, that makes sense. Well, if you see anything, let us know! 🙂
“Well, if you see anything, let us know”
That banner 😉
I’m with maximo. That banner is what Metanet would look like if they were directing a sequel to The Crow.
sorry guys, the banner stays for now. 🙂
Also about Wii, we have no firm plans at the moment. We’ll keep you posted!
Hey, love N+ which I played on mates xbox, just downloaded N… was wandering if there’s any plans for N+ to be released on mac/pc in near-ish future?
@ Jamie: Sorry to say we have no firm plans on that either. If that changes, we’ll let you know!
Congrats on the one-year anniversary! I’m still rocking the N+ gamerpic you receive when you complete all of the original single player episodes 🙂
Also – I purchased the XL shirt just now on your etsy store, mwa ha ha!
Here’s to continued success in 2009..
Your up for a couple awards guys:
http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/02/26/the-second-annual-xbox-live-arcade-awards.aspx
U need to make a n+ number 2 with online level editing newer objects for ur levels make it so u can change background colors new ninjas and better levels