Overview
Guncaster is a fast-paced “boomer shooter” where magic and firepower collide. Players take on the role of a spell-slinging gunslinger navigating endless dungeon realms to regain their lost memories and unleash arcane devastation. The game emphasizes fluid movement, high enemy density, and an evolving arsenal of spells and weapons.
Iteration 1
Guncaster began as a 4-person team project in early 2024. The original concept followed a whimsical roguelite premise: a wizard armed with a gun exploring dungeons to reclaim his lost tower. The player would upgrade their abilities in a quirky mini-mall turned home base. After four months of exploration and prototyping, the team decided to continue development and refine the vision.
Iteration 2
Following a brief break, the team regrouped with a clearer focus and began building a stronger foundation. This phase saw the introduction of entirely new systems, including a modular level snapping tool, a custom spellcasting framework, and a complete rewrite of the enemy AI. Although progress was steady and productive, user feedback revealed that key gameplay elements still needed improvement.
Iteration 3
After a leadership shift and serious evaluation of external feedback, the team entered a final four-month stretch dedicated to refinement. Broken systems were rebuilt, rough mechanics were polished, and the game’s tone shifted to better align with player expectations. While the end product evolved far from the original concept, the result was a tighter, more engaging experience that resonated more strongly with its intended audience.
Meet the Team
-
Sean Ismert
LEVEL DESIGN & AI PROGRAMMING LEAD
-
Kay Blake
SPELL SYSTEM & LEAD ARTIST & MANAGEMENT
-
Lauren Sterling
MODULE SNAPPING & PROGRAMMING LEAD
-
XANDER HACKING
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT & TUTORIAL LEVEL DESIGN
contributors