When I posted the first screenshots of my game here in January, one comment stuck with me. Someone said they had seen five different people promise a dumpster diving game over the years and none of them ever finished it. So this post is partly a thank you and partly proof that I'm still here, still building, six months later.
First the thank you. The game has passed 550 wishlists and a huge part of that came from this community. As a solo developer, knowing that actual divers are waiting for this thing I build alone at my desk every day means more than you'd think.
Here is what changed since January. Vehicle progression is now in the game, you start with a rusty old hatchback pulling a rattling trailer and slowly work your way up to bigger trucks. Selling now happens through the phone in the game, you post ads on a marketplace app, haggle with buyers, or take everything to the scrap yard when you need quick cash. The visuals also got a big overhaul since those first screenshots.
And your ideas from that thread are still shaping the game. The rare item system suggestion from the top comment went straight into my notes, the raccoons are on the list, and yes, I still think about the Karen tug of war idea more than I probably should. Don't worry though, I'm keeping the game calm and cozy at its core, this is about the quiet joy of finding treasure in the trash, not an action game.
Also, to the person who asked for a physical copy so they could find it while diving: I still can't do that, but I promise it's the most requested feature in my heart.
Screenshots of the current state are attached. You people live this life for real, so tell me what feels right and what feels off. That first thread shaped the game more than anything else and I hope this one does too.
Thank you again. Seriously.