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The game ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, developed by Pixel Maniacs and published by PM Studios, Inc., was one of the highlights of gamescom 2024. This sequel to ChromaGun, released eight years ago, retains the innovative mechanics of solving puzzles through paint shooting and color mixing. With its release slated for 2025, the game's presence at the convention served to capture initial player feedback on the available demo.

Benjamin Lochmann, CEO of Pixel Maniacs, explained that the main goal of showcasing the game at the event was to "get feedback from first players about the current demo of the game." He highlighted that gamescom is an excellent opportunity to generate public interest and increase wishlists on Steam, reflecting the event's importance for promoting new releases.

During gamescom, the team had the chance to observe real-time public reception. "The feedback was very positive, and it was great for the team to see how it resonated with the audience," Lochmann commented. However, he also acknowledged areas for improvement, such as the demo's playtime, which was considered excessive, and the initial learning curve. "The learning curve was not steep enough at the beginning," he added. The team made quick and frequent adjustments to refine the game's experience during the event.

Lochmann also spoke about the importance of gamescom for the gaming industry, especially for independent studios. "Gamescom is still one of the major events of the year for us," he stated. As a German studio, the proximity to the event provides significant advantages, and the Indie Arena Booth offered excellent return on investment. "Many influencers and politicians visited our booth, which was a great benefit for us and the industry," he said. Lochmann emphasized the enjoyment and value of connecting with other industry professionals and enthusiasts.

In addition to the commercial aspects, participation in gamescom also allowed for interaction with a global audience and the building of important networks. The presence of figures such as the Vice-Chancellor of Germany at the event underscores the significant impact of the convention.

In summary, participating in gamescom 2024 provided Pixel Maniacs with a valuable platform to showcase ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard and gain valuable insights for ongoing game development. The event reaffirms its crucial role in the gaming industry, offering opportunities for feedback and engagement for both established studios and new releases.