Dev Log #2 — Rod of Asclepius — Milestone (Demo Release)
29-Oct-2025
From idea (Nov-2024) to a playable Demo in 11 months.
Snapshot: €48,200 in-kind time + €540 cash = €48,740 project value (to date).
In-kind = 2,000 h × €22 + 150 h × €28; all figures rounded for public sharing.
Why I’m Sharing This
I want a transparent, practical snapshot of what it took to reach a playable demo of Rod of Asclepius, a historically grounded RPG set in 4th-century Pannonia Secunda. If you’re an indie dev, a supporter, or simply curious, I hope this helps you benchmark scope and effort.
Funding (rounded)
Sources
Personal funds (Albert Gregl): €410
Community donations: €130
Spent so far (cash)
Art commissions: €175
Advertising / promo: €188
Steam Direct fee: €92
Tools / hosting / licenses: €85
Cash total spent: €540
I keep donor names private unless I have explicit consent to list/credit.
Time Invested
Solo development (Albert Gregl): ~2,000 h (design, code, art, research)
Volunteers (archaeology research, Latin, history, JP localization, voice actors): ~150 h
Commissioned artists: ~50 h
Total time: ~2,200 h
In-kind value (baseline estimate)
Solo time: 2,000 h × €22 = €44,000
Volunteers: 150 h × €28 = €4,200
In-kind total: €48,200
In-kind = non-cash value of donated/own time (hours × rate). It’s here for transparency — not payroll, invoices, or tax documentation.
What’s in the Demo
A vertical slice + Prologue chapter that showcases the core game loop: explore → diagnose → treat (turn-based, card-driven care).
A historically grounded setting in 4th-century.
What’s Next
Iterate on demo feedback.
Begin Chapter I pre-production.
Continue art pass, performance, and UX polish.
How You Can Help
Share your thoughts: What worked? What felt confusing? What would you love to see next?
Transparency Notes
Money figures are rounded for public sharing.
In-kind = hours × baseline rates (a benchmarking estimate).
I only tag or name contributors with their consent.
This post is not payroll, an invoice, or a tax document.