Greetings, SK Forum.

My name is Mayoshark. You can call me Mayo.
Like everyone here, I believe we share a common purpose. This space exists for discussion. To exchange ideas, raise concerns, acknowledge progress, and voice criticism when it is warranted. Some of us disagree with the current direction of this IP. Others are appreciative of it. Both perspectives are valid, and both deserve to be heard. That dialogue is why this forum exists.

I will be honest. I have tried not to care.
From my perspective, video games are products. They are created by passionate people operating within the constraints of a company. Working in the creative industry myself has made it difficult to view games purely as escapism. Once you understand how they are built, much of the illusion disappears.

That said, this is not the full picture.
For many people, games remain a place to relax, to connect, and to feel something meaningful. For me, this particular game played a larger role than I would like to admit. Without it, I would not be the artist I am today. I would not be working in this industry. I would not have met people who genuinely mattered to me and later became close friends. Lorame, Streetdragon, Kavsta, Mangochick. Exceptional people.
Because of that, I cannot honestly dismiss this game as just another title I once played. It deserves a degree of respect. And with that respect comes the responsibility, or at least the desire, to offer thoughtful feedback in the hope that it contributes to something better.

Which brings me to the present.
It is genuinely encouraging to see GH taking steps to improve the game. Quality of life updates, new boxes, and especially the inclusion of community contributed level designs are all positive developments. Allowing the community to participate directly in the product is one of the clearest ways to show that their voices matter. That decision was both smart and appreciated.

I want to be clear about one thing. This game has potential. Many people have said this before, and I agree.
Despite the lack of substantial content such as missions or consistent meaningful updates, the foundation of the game remains strong. The art direction in particular gives it long-term viability. It is simple, effective, and instantly recognizable. Cherub did an excellent job bringing this world to life, and the overall aesthetic aligns well with current trends in the gaming space.

Where I believe the game falls short is marketing.
I understand the hesitation. This is a title from the early 2010s, and from a practical standpoint, additional promotion may not appear necessary. However, there are strong examples that suggest otherwise. Games like RuneScape and the Guild Wars series are also old, yet they continue to receive updates, maintain active communities, and attract new players. Even modest, well-placed marketing efforts can make a meaningful difference.

This leads directly to the community.
What I find particularly noteworthy is how strong and cohesive this community has remained despite long periods of limited updates. At first glance, this is surprising. It could be nostalgia. It could be long-standing friendships formed through the game or its guild systems. It could simply be habit. More likely, it is genuine affection for the game itself.

Over time, this becomes clear. This is a niche but healthy community. Spaces such as Kozma Backpack and Arcade are strong examples. They are consistently active and well managed. The moderators and administrators behind them do an exceptional job maintaining these spaces, often without compensation. That level of dedication is rare and should not be overlooked.

I hesitate to sound overly corporate, but a community like this is an asset.
Within it are talented artists, both 2D and 3D, as well as game developers. I am certain GH is already aware of this, and I am glad to see steps being taken to allow community members to contribute, even if it currently begins with level design. However, many of these individuals are capable of far more, given the opportunity.

There are artists who have supported this game for years. I myself may be new to the community, I drew some silly fanarts once in a while largely because of my friend Streetdragon’s love for the game. For me, that was occasional and moreso a recent thing. BUT For others, it has been consistent and ongoing for a very long time.

Giving these creators a chance to collaborate, or even opening a clear path for engagement, matters. Something as simple as reaching out and saying, “We like what you made. Would you be interested in seeing this idea in the game?” can go a long way.

This type of interaction benefits everyone involved. It strengthens trust, makes creators feel valued, and fosters long-term goodwill. There are successful examples of this approach across the industry. Arrowhead has incorporated community inspired enemy designs ( they came from reddit from all places ) Warframe has featured fan-made posters directly in game spaces. These efforts are well received because they are genuine. When done right, both sides benefit.

In the long run, this kind of relationship between developer and community is not just healthy. It is sustainable.
im excited to see what GH is cooking or planning with this, so best of luck to you guys