I launched a mobile game where you go blind when you run — here's what I learned in the first 48 hours
I'm a solo developer. I just shipped Wade Runner on iOS — an endless runner where the core mechanic is blindness. You can only see when you stand still. The moment you run, everything goes dark.
The interesting challenge: this mechanic is impossible to explain in text. You have to see it. So my entire go-to-market strategy became "get people to watch 5 seconds of gameplay."
What I've done so far:
Posted on 4 Reddit communities
Submitted to r/playmygame
Working on TikTok content
Would love feedback from other indie makers — especially on monetization ($0.99 premium, no paywalled levels) and early retention strategies.
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wade-runner/id6761253033
Building a game where you go blind the moment you move is such a bold and brilliant move because it subverts everything we know about endless runners and forces players to rely on pure memory and instinct. It is one of those high stakes mechanics that either makes you feel like a genius or leaves you totally on edge, and if you are into that kind of transparent and straightforward risk where there are no hidden surprises, I definitely suggest looking into no wagering casino bonuses nz because these offers are all about clear terms and letting you keep what you win without any of those annoying playthrough hurdles. Having that kind of honesty in a system really resonates with gamers who just want to see results immediately without jumping through hoops to prove their progress. It is a great way to experience the thrill of the win with the same directness your game offers its players. Your strategy of showing rather than telling is spot on for something this unique. I can totally see this going viral on TikTok if you nail the timing of the darkness.
That’s a really interesting mechanic especially how it affects player decision-making. I’m an app tester and I focus on early-stage products, including mobile games, where I test usability, player experience, and edge cases. I’d be interested in trying it out and sharing structured feedback if you’re open to it.