Stymied

Our team evolved a poorly developed game into a successful, professional one within a few months.

Client
Warwick Blent
Services
Game Design and Development
Delivered
2021
Platforms
IOS and Android

Stymied was originally developed by another developer, unfortunately, the quality of the game provided to the client was poor.

When we were able to develop this game for a mathematician and puzzle maker in the UK. In no way his own fault (and this is an all too common occurrence), he failed his first attempt to make a dream game. Warwick knew he would give it another go.

From the very beginning, the client knew Mode was different from the other game developers he had worked with before, and he has never looked back. Unlike his previous experience with developing a game, which resulted in a substandard product. Our client loved working with Mode on the redevelopment of his game. Here is what our client Warwick had to say about working with Mode on his game:

“Stymied puzzles are extremely happy with everything that Mode games have to offer. From day one we knew we had made the right choice. Even though they are on the other side of the world, they are always available to offer advice and guidance on every aspect of the game's production. It’s the attention to detail that makes them stand out, from every little sound to the game play and the awesome creative graphics. They truly have made what was once my dream become a success.”

Puzzle Maker & Mathematician - Warwick Blent

The app contains the following:

  • 18 fun blocks set within four distinct themed worlds
  • Challenge and multiplayer match modes
  • Player profiles; choose a name and fun badge icon
  • Leaderboard with incentive mechanics

We provided the following services:

  • Game design and development
  • Art direction; we gave an old game a brand new look and feel
  • Concept direction and production of art for distinct environments
  • Multiplayer and leaderboard services with Google Firebase
  • Dynamic links; allowing players to share and download the app
  • UI/UX development
  • Data analytics
  • Music and sound design

There are 18 fun and quirky blocks in the game, and they are embarking on a puzzle-solving journey within four distinct themed worlds. 

Designed by mathematician and puzzle maker Warwick Blent, Stymied is a challenging puzzle game. It is perfect for players who love to play tough puzzle games that make you think. In the original game (that we released first), players were challenged to test their intelligence to beat the 200th level. In the game, there are four block-ified worlds that are used to decorate the space around the puzzles.

In each of the following worlds there was a different level of difficulty, these included:

  • Forest (Easy)
  • Desert
  • Cave
  • Space (Hard)

Placing blocks within the grid area is done by dragging and dropping them. Players solve a level by placing all the provided blocks in the grid area.

Stymied is a simple game to play, but as players progress through the initial levels, it becomes very challenging very fast, and thats by design.

Mode has continued to work with Warwick to add great new features to Stymied since its initial release. Most recently, multiplayer modes were added. Players can now play online or against friends. A player who wins a multiplayer match earns XP (Experience Points) and scores points. These points increase a player's ranking in various leaderboards. The experience level of each player is also taken into account when matching players. Additionally, players are encouraged to challenge more experienced players to earn higher match completion rewards.

Our game relied on Google Firebase to handle real-time database interactions between players. We could have used many off-the-shelf solutions to implement this feature. We had all the tools we needed to develop multiplayer features for Stymied using Google Firebase. With Firebase, we were able to design the backend and data to suit the game instead of being locked into a system that didn't meet our needs, be that now or in the future. We provided a very low-cost, no-hassle option with rock-solid performance for multiplayer gaming that can scale to meet traffic demands. In addition to anonymous authentication, Firebase provides dynamic links; to invite friends to play matches and cloud storage for sharing levels.

Our updated game mode has resulted in a significant increase in players and an increase in average play time.

With a small budget and a short timeframe, we repackaged and released the same game design to a professional standard. Using our creative direction, we delivered a successful game release for our client that exceeded their expectations.

Stymied is currently maintained by us. To improve the overall experience, we provide our services for app updates and expanding features of the game. Our aim is to increase engagement in multiplayer, to retain and attract new players to Stymied. We are working with our client to help him realise his dreams and goals.

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Testimonials

Hear what our amazing customers have to say

"Mode have a level of polish and attention to detail to their work that is impressive and rare. I'd recommend that you talk to them about your next game project."

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Gavin Brown
Digital Product Director, Scholastic Inc.

"Thank you Mode for believing in the kids we work with and throwing everything that you and the team had at this project. And finally – thanks for delivering a super cool and engaging game. Hip hop meets maths and science – got me hooked!"

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Jack Manning Bancroft
CEO, AIME
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