I made a VERY similar project recently, but I took a different approach to it. I made a game about mining, instead of road tripping.
I turned it into a desktop widget. It sits as a semi-transparent window that lets you see and interact with text behind it. Instead of taking a whole screen, it’s a small floating window that you work around, but can always see.
My next steps are adding session notes, for when you launch the app, and iteration notes, to say what you did for each 25 minute sessions.
I planned on gamifing it with reward every time you “complete” an iteration that lets you do “number go up” style idle game unlocks.
I haven’t published any of this, but I’m curious what you think.
BTW, you have to be careful using “pomodoro” or “tomato” timer in productivity. It is trademarked. And the owner is kinda litigious.
As a developing concept, I absolutely love this style of game as it has a very readable theme while it also encourages productivity. I find the art style to be seemingly engaging, as most other time managers are typically bland and lack any interesting appeal. It feels as though the players time will not taken in vain when they set a timer, especially as you mention features that include customization and different landscaped that will be explored. I found the leveling system appealing as it also contributes to the idea that I am meeting my goals, making good choices with my time, and ultimately "arriving to my destination!" I'd be ready to buy this product in an instant.
Likes:
The game style, theme, and location are all cohesive and really allows the player to feel as though they are embarking on their journeys/meeting their goal and tasks.
Functionality is simple and effective as a timer.
Animations add flavor and make for visual appeal.
Needs more of:
Soft background music, sound effects, and ques as to when the player starts, is in motion, and stops. I lost track of time and completely forgot I had a timer running in the background. (My oopsies but sound definitely helps)
More particle effects! I'm so obsessed with little details, maybe you could also add flying birds in the background, an owl sleeping on a branch, or a squirrel scaling up a tree out of fear of the incoming car. Dipping into puddles, tires colliding with rocks and leaves, the possibilities are endless!
Day, Noon, Evening, and Night cycles would definitely help with maintaining a sense of time while also adding more ambience.
Side Tangents:
This could be a BIG leap, but integrated group work sessions could expand your audience while also helping multiple people be productive at once. I mean, they could do it individually on their own browsers or applications, but having multiple cars follow each other makes the experience more enjoyable.
Potentially adding a road map to different places on the road; I say this because players could be given the option to incorporate their work schedule/routine into a visual map of their day. (Start of day, intervals between work times/breaks, and then the end of their day) This could also potentially lead to an automated timing system (a.k.a setting a million timers at different times like on iPhone) that could help with these intervals.
Adding a timelapse of time spent in a day, week, or overall time within the game.
I see so much potential in this game, keep up the amazing work you do!
I really love the project and already use it basically everyday, one thing that i really miss though is a counter which shows how many cycles i have already made, that day.
If this window is not active the timer stops, is there a way to keep it running? Or do I need a second device to do so (like a phone or tablet)? I really like this idea and would like to implement it into my working sessions. Also notification pop ups would be nice to know when a break is to start.
I'd definitely throw five bucks your way for the full version of this! I'm a novelist and this seems like it'd be a nice little way to encourage a few more sessions per week.
The idea and execution of this is so so good, and I can’t express how much I love what you’ve made here.
I really hope you find the time and motivation to continue the development of Range, eapecially a time cycle with evenings and nights, and the vehicle / module customization would be so cool!
The option for running it natively on Windows would also be great.
Also, if you do decide this is a project you want to continue working on I and likely a lot of other people would not mind paying for this:)
I really love this great work. Who knew just having something moving on the other screen with a timer and the idea of exp at the end would make me so productive! Can't wait to see what the feature has instore for this project!
One thing I will say if it hasn't been mentioned already is if there could be a pause button somewhere while the focus timers is rolling. Maybe some where in the bottom of the screen so it doesn't block the gorgeous artwork.
I really want to use it, but it is just... very laggy. Maybe an executable could fix this? Also I'd love for it to connect to my spotify so I can see what songs are playing - this is because I want it to have music but also want to be able to play my playlist.
Very relaxing and helpful! I will be waiting for the customizations update. I would gladly help you to add Turkish localisation if you want. Here is my Discord: elysioon
Absolutely phenomenal! This has proven incredibly useful for me. I find it a great daily escape, allowing me to focus better on my work and the pixel artwork is beautiful.
Since your list for future functionality includes localization, I would be happy to translate the app to German. So if you need help, just DM me on Discord or Twitter (@gaker19).
If you cover up your left eye using a pair of sunglasses, the parallax effect will become 3D and the mountains feel further away. Just a cool thing I found out.
Great concept! I can't wait to see the finished project. I'm currently working on integrating a Pomodoro-type system into my routine to balance university and hobbies. Keep it up!🐬
For those who want to run the html version on macOS, make sure you go to "chrome://flags" and select "Metal" as a "Choose ANGLE graphics backend" option, then restart the browser, the game should run just fine. This fix is only for chromium based browsers, i use it on Brave and it works fine, not sure if Safari or Firefox have flags
← Return to game
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
Can you make a Linux and Windows build. I have a Linux and Windows workstations and No Mac ATM
I loved!
I made a VERY similar project recently, but I took a different approach to it. I made a game about mining, instead of road tripping.
I turned it into a desktop widget. It sits as a semi-transparent window that lets you see and interact with text behind it. Instead of taking a whole screen, it’s a small floating window that you work around, but can always see.
My next steps are adding session notes, for when you launch the app, and iteration notes, to say what you did for each 25 minute sessions.
I planned on gamifing it with reward every time you “complete” an iteration that lets you do “number go up” style idle game unlocks.
I haven’t published any of this, but I’m curious what you think.
BTW, you have to be careful using “pomodoro” or “tomato” timer in productivity. It is trademarked. And the owner is kinda litigious.
[Play tested in Browser]
Note: For summarizing, read bold text.
Initial Thoughts:
As a developing concept, I absolutely love this style of game as it has a very readable theme while it also encourages productivity. I find the art style to be seemingly engaging, as most other time managers are typically bland and lack any interesting appeal. It feels as though the players time will not taken in vain when they set a timer, especially as you mention features that include customization and different landscaped that will be explored. I found the leveling system appealing as it also contributes to the idea that I am meeting my goals, making good choices with my time, and ultimately "arriving to my destination!" I'd be ready to buy this product in an instant.
Likes:
Needs more of:
Side Tangents:
I see so much potential in this game, keep up the amazing work you do!
I really love the project and already use it basically everyday, one thing that i really miss though is a counter which shows how many cycles i have already made, that day.
If this window is not active the timer stops, is there a way to keep it running? Or do I need a second device to do so (like a phone or tablet)? I really like this idea and would like to implement it into my working sessions. Also notification pop ups would be nice to know when a break is to start.
I'd definitely throw five bucks your way for the full version of this! I'm a novelist and this seems like it'd be a nice little way to encourage a few more sessions per week.
The idea and execution of this is so so good, and I can’t express how much I love what you’ve made here.
I really hope you find the time and motivation to continue the development of Range, eapecially a time cycle with evenings and nights, and the vehicle / module customization would be so cool!
The option for running it natively on Windows would also be great.
Also, if you do decide this is a project you want to continue working on I and likely a lot of other people would not mind paying for this:)
I really love this great work. Who knew just having something moving on the other screen with a timer and the idea of exp at the end would make me so productive! Can't wait to see what the feature has instore for this project!
One thing I will say if it hasn't been mentioned already is if there could be a pause button somewhere while the focus timers is rolling. Maybe some where in the bottom of the screen so it doesn't block the gorgeous artwork.
But again I just great work on this project!
Would you ever consider making the project open source? I'd like to add stuff, and/or customize it.
I second this. I love this idea and would love to customize it to my needs/ contribute
can you please make it downloadable for windows users. thank you
i like it, but it only has minutes and hours it would be GREAT if it has seconds.
Hi,
looks like it app is not starting on an M1 Mac :/
But the web version works fine .
Regarding sounds, some sound when the timer ends would be great, I mostly miss the timer.
PS. great tool, love the idea, I normaly use some other pomodoro timer, but having this cozy one, related to game dev is great!
I love this. Looking forward to future updates!
I really want to use it, but it is just... very laggy. Maybe an executable could fix this? Also I'd love for it to connect to my spotify so I can see what songs are playing - this is because I want it to have music but also want to be able to play my playlist.
I've been using this today, and if I may suggest one feature - an optional sound when the timer is done (for both the work session and the "camping")
You wrote sound, but just making sure this part is also considered.
Could you please make an exe thank you
This looks really good!
I hope you'll find an opportunity to add those features.
Also, this looks like a perfect fit for mobile.
Very relaxing and helpful! I will be waiting for the customizations update. I would gladly help you to add Turkish localisation if you want. Here is my Discord: elysioon
Absolutely phenomenal! This has proven incredibly useful for me. I find it a great daily escape, allowing me to focus better on my work and the pixel artwork is beautiful.
Waiting for the next update👍.
Since your list for future functionality includes localization, I would be happy to translate the app to German. So if you need help, just DM me on Discord or Twitter (@gaker19).
If you cover up your left eye using a pair of sunglasses, the parallax effect will become 3D and the mountains feel further away. Just a cool thing I found out.
Love the idea! Very relaxing, I’ll keep an eye on this, but I think the idea is a really good one!
Great concept! I can't wait to see the finished project. I'm currently working on integrating a Pomodoro-type system into my routine to balance university and hobbies. Keep it up!🐬
For those who want to run the html version on macOS, make sure you go to "chrome://flags" and select "Metal" as a "Choose ANGLE graphics backend" option, then restart the browser, the game should run just fine. This fix is only for chromium based browsers, i use it on Brave and it works fine, not sure if Safari or Firefox have flags
Thanks for this klim!