Project Moon Roadmap | Redshift Labs

Month 1: Core Survival Loop + Replayability Foundation 4 weeks

Goal: Playable game with infinite replay potential

Week 1-2: Complete Core Mechanics

Done Movement & Selection
Done Building Placement
Done Resource UI
In Progress FINISH: Resource Collection to Silo
In Progress Complete Unit Carrying System

Week 3: Essential Survival Buildings

Done Solar Panel (power generation)
Done Silo (resource storage)
To Do Oxygen Generator (power → oxygen)
To Do Food Fabricator (regolith + power → food)
To Do Battery Bank (power storage for night)

Week 4: Procedural Map Generation Replayability

Random resource deposit placement
Variable terrain layouts (3-5 templates)
Randomized starting positions
ROI: Infinite content variation from 1 week investment

Month 2: Challenge Systems + Difficulty Scaling 4 weeks

Goal: Balanced challenge with multiple difficulty modes

Week 1-2: Parameter-Based Difficulty System

3-Tier Structure:
Beginner: 150% resources, 50% threat frequency, equipment doesn't fail
Standard: Intended balanced experience
Advanced: 75% resources, 150% threat frequency, faster equipment degradation
Mode selection UI and balancing

Week 3: Scheduled Threat System

Predictable timing with 25% random variation
3 threat types: Equipment failures, resource shortages, environmental events
Escalating intensity based on colony progress
Simple but effective tension without complex AI

Week 4: Multiple Victory Conditions

Survival Victory: Survive 10 days (was 7, extends base gameplay)
Communication Victory: Build communications array + survive 7 days
Expansion Victory: Build 3 outposts + collect 1000 regolith
ROI: 3x replay motivation from same content

Month 3: Replayability Multipliers + Steam Polish 4 weeks

Goal: Premium Steam-ready experience with high replay value

Week 1: Faction/Colony Variations

Pioneer: Standard start, balanced resources
Emergency Landing: Low resources, damaged equipment, immediate pressure
Research Mission: Extra buildings unlocked, higher difficulty
Parameter-driven variety, not new content

Week 2: Meta-Progression & Achievements

Unlock system based on successful runs
8-10 Steam achievements tied to different victory paths
Colony naming and basic statistics tracking
Drives "just one more run" mentality

Week 3-4: Steam Essentials

Tutorial system (essential for $19.99 pricing)
Save/Load system with multiple slots
Settings menu (graphics, audio, controls)
Main menu with professional presentation
Steam-quality polish justifies premium pricing

Month 4: Launch Preparation + Commercial Success 4 weeks

Goal: Successful Steam launch at $19.99 price point

Week 1-2: Steam Integration & Marketing

Steam store page with professional screenshots
Achievement integration and Steam Cloud saves
Trailer emphasizing replayability ("Hundreds of possible colonies")
Steam Next Fest demo preparation

Week 3: Audio & Final Polish

Essential ambient audio and SFX
Performance optimization for Steam Deck compatibility
Final balance pass across all difficulty modes
Bug fixing and stability testing

Week 4: Launch Strategy

Press kit with GIFs showing procedural variety
Launch at $24.99 with 20% launch discount → $19.99
Post-launch support planning
Analytics integration for player behavior data

Replayability Features - Maximum ROI Priority

Included - High Impact Systems

Procedural maps (infinite variety, 1 week dev)
3-tier difficulty (3x audience reach, 1 week dev)
Multiple victory paths (3x replay motivation, 1 week dev)
Scenario variations (strategic variety, 1 week dev)
Achievement progression (motivation system, 0.5 week dev)

Excluded - Diminishing Returns

Complex research trees (6+ weeks, limited replay impact)
Multiple unit types (4+ weeks, scope creep risk)
Combat systems (8+ weeks, fundamental scope change)
Story campaign (10+ weeks, linear content)

Key Insight: Focus on systems that create infinite variety rather than finite content. Successful indie RTS games sell replayability, not just initial playtime.

Commercial Strategy Based on Research

Pricing Strategy

Launch Price: $19.99 (premium indie positioning)
Target: €1 per hour value perception
Expected Playtime: 20+ hours through replayability
Regional Pricing: Steam's suggested scaling

Market Positioning

Primary Tags: Colony Sim, Survival, Strategy, Indie
Secondary Tags: Sandbox, Replay Value, Challenging
Audience: Hardcore strategy fans willing to pay premium for quality

Success Metrics

Week 4: Core loop playable with basic procedural variety
Week 8: All difficulty modes balanced and tested
Week 12: Steam-quality polish with 20+ hour replay potential
Week 16: Commercial launch with professional presentation

Risk Mitigation

Development Risks

No new features after Month 2 (polish only)
Parameter-based systems over content creation
Weekly playtesting starting Week 4
Steam Next Fest participation for early feedback

Commercial Risks

Premium pricing justified by replayability focus
Multiple difficulty modes reduce refund risk
Professional presentation essential for $19.99
Post-launch content roadmap for sustained sales

Roadmap

4-Month Development Roadmap