Hermitworks Entertainment Blogs

Most browser games suck.

That’s a generalization. There are some really amazing browser games out there that go above and beyond what people expect from a Shockwave of Flash based application. If you’re reading this and my opening sentence offends you, pretend what I just said applied to you.

The majority of browser based games are very static and don’t seem to come alive in the same way that a traditional game that you download and install does. They tend to be very simple - puzzle games, little platformers, or pseudo-physics based games that are essentially throwbacks to the original Lunar Lander.

But why are they so simple? Because the very technology that they tend to be based on - Shockwave, Flash, home made Java applets - are not the type of technology that you want to build something large and impressive upon, unless you want daily visits from Aspiros, the Greek god of headaches. As I mentioned, there are exceptions. But isn’t there a saying of some sort that talks about exceptions proving rules?

So we want to change that. If browser games are shallow because the technology behind them necessitates it, why don’t we change the tech? Why not provide our own solution? We couldn’t answer the “Why not?” part, so we just went ahead and did it. We’re delivering a fully featured game, the kind you buy in a store, automatically via your browser.

The hassle of downloading an installer and configuring a game is gone. In it’s place, we’ve made it so within two clicks you’re playing the game. And because you no longer need to download and install something, you can play Space Trader wherever you are. Visiting Grandma? Load up some Space Trader and get a co-operative game going with her! Stuck late at the office? Have a few clandestine rounds of Space Trader to pass the time instead of plowing away at Solitaire.. And your character information follows you, so your high scores can always be tracked. Wicked Sick, as a youth might say.

Now, let me go ahead and answer some of your questions in a preemptive way.

I’m a real skeptic, and I don’t believe you can provide such a seamless experience!

Well, first of all - forget you, maaaan. Secondly, you’ll get to try it out for yourself very soon. We’ll be handing closed beta invites out in a fashion similar to candy, and if you head on over to the Space Trader website you can apply.

But I live in the deep jungle of Myanmar - can I access this amazing system?

Yes, most assuredly! The beta will be free for all, and the game will be available wherever the mighty internet can be found. As long as you’ve got broadband or patience, you can get your fill of Space Trader.

My computer is so old it’s powered by a combustion engine! Will I be able to experience your amazing graphics and fast gameplay?

Most likely! Space Trader runs on bottom of the barrel systems, and has enough optional pizazz to make top end gamers say “Ooh, shiny!”. We haven’t established our minimum requirements yet, but believe me when I say that they’re ridiculously low.

So now that your heart and mind has been won over by the incredible future you’ll soon experience, my next update will talk about the mechanics of Space Trader itself.