Hi, buds^^
Not every month is packed to the brim, and that’s part of the game.
October has been a slow-burner for us. It has been a quiet step forward, but a meaningful one nonetheless.
A New Application Period
The first two weeks of October were calm compared to the whirlwind that was September. With the core of our next application already prepared, through the NFI application material from last month, we finally had space to breathe while editing and submitting to Østnorsk Filmsenter on October 15th.
Of course, even a calmer period still means planning meetings, scheduling the next stretch of development, and polishing our internal documents. The game design document we originally created in two intense days has now grown into a more structured format, split across three documents (while somehow still landing at 20 pages!?). We also compacted our pitch deck, trimming it down to the essential core elements of Steps.
We submitted the application right on time, and we're quietly optimistic. Fingers crossed that Phase 2 will go through as it did with phase 1.
Our First Stumble
This month also brought something we knew would come eventually: our first decline. Our NFI application didn’t make it to the final round. There were 58 applications! And given that the Phase 2 at Østnorsk hasn't been granted yet, it didn’t come as a surprise.
Still, seeing just how competitive the national level is was an intimidating moment. After we complete Phase 2 at Østnorsk, this is the arena we'll be stepping into for real.
We haven’t received official feedback yet, but we're looking forward to seeing how we can grow and what we can improve.
Paperwork vs. Playtime
Who knew making games could spawn in so much paperwork?
October turned into an administrative month. In addition to building our 3-level test demo for SpillExpo, we spent nearly 20 days handling company formalities; finalizing our first funding phase, managing finances, organizing the travel to SpillExpo, and completing our first share issue.
Preparing for SpillExpo has also meant handling all kinds of practical details such as logistics, agreements, booth planning, power arrangements, merch and rollup orders, card printing, and searching for a place to sleep when we’re not in NOVA Spectrum. That last one turned into an adventure of its own, especially when the one affordable place we booked sprung a water leak and had to be cancelled a few days before arrival.
Thankfully, Østnorsk Filmsenter approved travel support! That’s a huge relief. Thank you again, Østnorsk Filmsenter^^
The Way Forward
With November arriving, a new chapter begins.
And in just one week, we’ll be at SpillExpo!
To be honest, we don’t know what we have signed up for, or if it’s too early in the process.
Are we nervous?
Yes.
Prepared?
As much as two introverted game devs can be for three days of talking to people.
Terrifyingly excited?
Absolutely!
This trip is mostly about experience. We expect to fail and learn as we go, so we can be better prepared for the events we know are coming in the future.
After SpillExpo, we hope to hear back about our Phase 2 application. Meanwhile, we're following the schedule toward the release of a playtest demo at the beginning of February.
The upside of all the application work is that it helped us get organized on a whole new level. Our upcoming development periods are now mapped out in greater detail, and we feel more confident and ready than ever to finish Steps.
The Workflow at Glueplant
With October being a little slower, we thought it could be nice to share how we keep things running here at Glueplant.
We plan together, but most of our daily work happens separately, with Discord as our main source of connection. With just the two of us, and with each of us working in different areas, this setup fits us perfectly.
Over the past 10 months, we’ve slowly shaped a workflow that really works for us. Before each development period, we spend a few days together planning out tasks and laying the groundwork for the months ahead. Then, at the start of every month, we sit down again to look at what’s coming up, adjust priorities, and make sure everything lines up in the right order.
Sometimes unexpected things pop up, and we have to take an emergency call. It may be uncertainty, shifted priorities, or new tasks we didn’t plan for. When that happens, we talk it through, and realign. It usually only takes a couple of hours, but it keeps us grounded and moving in the same direction.
We’re grateful that our workflow has become flexible and balanced, and that we can adjust the plan whenever one of us sees the need. It feels good to work this way.
Until Next Time
October wasn't flashy, but it was foundational.
Quiet doesn’t mean unproductive. Sometimes, slow months plant the roots for exciting ones.
See you in December, Buds! Thank you for sticking with us through highs and lows! Until then, wish us luck at SpillExpo! And if you're gonna be there, you should come say hi!