BENEATH THE SURFACE: The Indie Journey of Tidal Shock

When we set out to create Tidal Shock, it wasn’t just about building a game—it was about chasing a dream. A big, audacious dream. We wanted to show that underwater environments don’t have to feel gloomy or oppressive. Instead, they can be vibrant, empowering, and exhilarating. After all, the ocean is as much a place of wonder as it is of mystery. That’s where our story begins.

We’d already explored the depths with Debris, a haunting co-op adventure that dove into both the sea and the human condition. But Tidal Shock was something entirely different. It was our attempt to combine the neon vibrance of a surreal ocean world with the excitement of a fast-paced, third-person PvP shooter. No blueprints, no guarantees—just a vision and the willingness to take creative risks.

The First Dive: Early Access

In 2020, Tidal Shock launched into Early Access. For those who discovered it, it was love at first dive. The zero-gravity arenas, the adrenaline-pumping matches, the sheer novelty of an underwater battlefield—it all just clicked. The reviews were glowing. For a moment, we believed we’d crafted something truly special.

But here’s the truth about indie game development: sometimes, making a great game isn’t enough. Without proper marketing and visibility, even the most innovative projects can go unnoticed. We faced challenges and, worse, silence. Lobbies emptied out, the buzz faded, and eventually Tidal Shock became a game players couldn’t even play.

It was heartbreaking.

Resilience and Reinvention

When faced with failure, you have two choices: give up or adapt. For us, giving up wasn’t an option. We took a hard look at what went wrong and started making changes. At first, we pivoted to new projects, ideas we thought might be easier—a co-op horde shooter called Unbreached, and an extraction shooter named Boilers. But none of them felt like “home.”

In the end, we came back to Tidal Shock. We couldn’t shake the conviction that this game deserved another shot. So we polished. We improved graphics, reworked modes, added progression systems, and built achievements. We poured every hard-earned lesson back into the game.

Most importantly, we decided to go free-to-play. It wasn’t just a strategy—it was a promise to ourselves and to our players. We wanted to remove every barrier so more people could experience the world we’d created.

Why Indie Dreams Matter

Indie development isn’t glamorous. It involves late nights, tight budgets, and constant uncertainty. But it’s also fueled by passion—by the courage to create something different, something that bigger studios might never attempt. It’s believing that games can be more than products; they can be art, joy, and a way to connect with others.

We’re not Ubisoft or Epic Games. We’re a small team with big ideas, determined to carve out a space where creativity and originality matter. Tidal Shock isn’t just a game; it’s proof that the little guys can still make something extraordinary.

The Final Push: Making Waves Together

Now, as we prepare to launch Tidal Shock in its full form, we’re asking for your help. This is more than a release—it’s a second chance. A chance to show that indie developers can deliver games that are unique, bold, and unforgettable.

Here’s how you can help:

Play the game. Dive into zero-gravity combat and experience a fresh underwater gaming adventure.

Join the community. Hop on our Discord, share feedback, and help us grow.

Spread the word. Tell your friends, share clips, and let people know Tidal Shock is back and better than ever.

Every person who dives in, every match that fills up, every shared laugh or shout of victory—you’re not just playing a game. You’re keeping a dream alive.

Together, We Rise

The ocean humbles you. It’s vast, unpredictable, and powerful. But it’s also a place of incredible beauty. For us, Tidal Shock is that ocean—a neon world of potential, fierce battles, and uncharted waters. With your support, we’re ready to make waves again.

Let’s show the gaming world what indie developers can do. Let’s prove that dreams, no matter how big, are worth fighting for.

Suit up, dive in, and help us shock the system. Together.

PLAY NOW ON STEAM

As a dyslexic designer, I use tools like ChatGPT to help refine my thoughts and communicate more clearly. What I share comes from my experiences and passion—AI is just a tool, not a replacement for authenticity. Thank you for supporting indie creators like me.