We're Building a First Draft. Then We’re Letting You Corrupt It
Our last post stirred up a mix of reactions. Some of you were cautiously optimistic. Others? Not thrilled. Especially around the idea of juggling SU with a new project. And we get it — when people support something, they want to know they’re still getting that thing.
So let’s talk clearly about what Project Powerslave is, isn’t, and how you fit into it.
It’s a First Draft — On Purpose
This first release isn't meant to be finalized— it’s a prototype we’re building with you. A rough-but-playable cut of something bigger, where feedback isn’t just welcome — it’s part of the dev cycle.
We're taking the lean startup approach:
Build → Measure → Learn → Improve.
You’ll get early builds. You’ll see where we’re going. And you’ll help shape how far we go.
What's Actually in the Game?
In this first chapter, Rogue and Kitty will be the only fully corruptible characters. You’ll still encounter other familiar faces around Xavier’s, but they won’t have major content roles — at least, not yet.
Our goal is to create focused, finishable game. This isn’t meant to become another massive, ongoing build. It’s designed to be small, self-contained, and complete.
SU Is Still Moving — Powerslave Is Just... Different
Don’t worry: SU development continues as normal. That process is well established. .
Powerslave is our experiment in fast iteration. We’re using a Kanban system (nerdy dev speak for "only fix 3 things at a time until they’re good"). If something — say, Kitty’s scene — doesn’t land? It loops back for refinement. More content, better pacing, stronger writing. Then we validate and move forward.
No bloat. Just better.
Your Role as a Patron (It’s Changing)
This project gives each tier a direct role in development:
$20 Tier – IDENTIFY
Help us figure out what needs work. We’ll show you our notes — you help shape priorities.$10 Tier – ITERATE
Get early builds, A/B scenes, test changes, and give feedback before it hits the next level.$5 Tier – VALIDATE
You get a build with the current 3 changes, and new planned content. Is it good? Does it work? Your answer decides what happens next.
This loop repeats — until the chapter is complete, polished, and released (free).
More Previews, Less Spoiler Worry
SU lives behind a spoiler curtain. Powerslave doesn’t. That means you’ll see more WIP, more previews, and more in-development visuals — like this early collage of backgrounds already completed.
This isn’t about building the next giant thing.
It’s about building something new, lean, and actually finishable.
If you're into shaping games — not just waiting for them — you're in the right place.
More soon.
—Gunsmoke Games
Comments (34)
I am just now seeing some of your posted at and characters for the game so far. Deffinitly hitting the mark and should continue on this path. I am highly optomistic about this game and the popularity it should recieve. I don't pay for any tiers as of now, nut if this game continues with this level of quality so far, then I may eventually join a tier to make sure it stays on a good path. For the time being, I am excited with what I see so far, and I am very glad that it is not only different fomr SU, but the overall style and asthetic are really great. You are hitting the mark that we would want to see for this series and I have high hopes about how the game turns out. I don't know how long you will build and grow this game, but I am hoping it is very popular and manages to recieve alot of content. I don't know how your selecting characters, as I am only here for a brief time to see about this new game. But I do hope for the eventual inclusion of Laura Kinney and a young and slim Emma frost with the smooth glassy type of her Dimond form. ^_^
Yall ever gonna revisit the Avatar series you made?
Yes, we are working on developing a pipeline for small games like this one.
Very excited for this
Excited to see X-women focus story. Also, intrigued to see unique features that can only be applied with this story’s scenario.
Damn it's like u made a dream come true with just how well u seem to be organized. Hope y'all deliver on your word!!
Can't wait
I am actually very intrigued for this.
cant wait to see what yall can do with this, sounds lit
Good.
I'm down for what you guys have in mind. When it comes time for feedback, i'll be happy to give it. So long as we're getting things of quality and it's not just titties and ass slop, then I won't be hostile.
Remember the initial releases are to show you our ideas. From there we go through the loop and you help refine, and or validate what we're doing. Our job is to use our experience and creativity to improve what your feedback is saying. From there you tell us if it sucks or not. So in the end you're going to get what you want 100%, but it won't be on the first try, and that is on purpose.
ok, i think I will be an optimistic eceptic for now.
I will make it my personal goal of making Jose scream for Cocaine once again!
I've always wanted to see some Marvel in SU, so this is the next best thing!
I thought marvel characters were more ‘risky’ to do things like this with for some reason.
People get grumpy, but just produce quality and most everyone will be pleased. Can't please everyone. Keep doing what you're doing.
Just remember in regards to it being sleek and finish able both dc and marvel have a really bad habit of bring things (people plot points existential dread ) back from the dead. I would gather that if it ends up with a strong enough following it continues so it may be better to envision it as the first in a potential series of sagas you can take on their own or collectively
The art look good, I hope the game is just as well, with a 4+ month cycle, I'll see y'all by December when(if) SU is out, I just hope SU is not going the way of the dodo or in this case BoB2.
We will only be doing 4 month cycles for build outs like this. Any new additional content will come in shorter time frames.
Looking forward to it, and seeing how much of a different experience this becomes compared to Rogue-Like, another X-Men Evolution game I like playing.
Nice art direction!
However I want to be clear when I say it's valid if this is not what people signed up for. I personally signed up for BoB:2 and have been patiently waiting for a few years now. Is a third title going to prolong that even more? Or have I missed a post saying Bob:2 was dead?
Thanks Biscuits, and we're aware. Our decision to not do BoB2 was due to there already being some work done. We wanted to test our concept on a fresh slate. Develop this playbook in a clean environment, and then use it for other small games. BoB2 isn't dead. Were just building the playbook to make it great, with you.
I love the concept and am massively looking forward to it.
Like the thought, might change to $20 since it sounds like fun, glad you're sticking just to X-men and that the player isn't an already established character like with SU.
Exactly, and thanks for considering the $20 tier. I would wait until after the release to support as that is when most of the work will start.
Where can I download this to help?
They just announced it, but usually they post links upon release here.
Any idea on when you think first builds will be available? I understand you previously posted 4 months but is that an estimate or a working timetable? I'm looking forward to this.
We're aiming for the end of the month for the initial release. It will be available for the $5.00 tier initially.
Honestly, hell yeah. I love the style of SU and I think everyone has been hoping for it to branch out into other "universes". Marvel is always right there as well but just getting more SU like content is exciting!
I see were this is going i like were this is going. Only xmen or marvel in generell?
Just X-men, light, lean, and finishable.