Hello everyone,

We want to inform you that SpHero will be removed from the Steam store in the near future. This decision was not made lightly, and we truly appreciate all the support you’ve given us since launch.

What This Means

• If you already own the game, you will still be able to download and play it even after removal.
• New purchases will no longer be possible once it is removed.

Why Is This Happening?
SpHero was developed with a clear vision: the ultimate physics-based ball-rolling adventure with RPG superpowers. We’re proud of what we created and grateful that it reached an audience.

As independent developers, we followed the necessary steps—forming a corporation, setting up a website, paying fees, and doing our best to stay afloat. However, recent changes in the Canadian tax system have made it financially unfeasible to continue.

Previously, filing corporate taxes cost us around $4 in paper and mailing fees. Now, paper filing is banned and non-compliance is punishable by fines of up to $10,000. The new mandatory electronic submission system starts at $2,500—far beyond what we’ve earned from the game.

Due to this, we have no choice but to close our corporation, which also means shutting down the Steam account that hosts SpHero.

What’s Next?
Despite this setback, we’re still working on other projects. In fact, we recently released a bug fix update thanks to player feedback! While we will no longer operate under a corporate entity, we’ll continue creating games in other ways.
For those who have purchased SpHero and require a bug fix, we plan to keep a channel open on our website: https://flaskgames.ca/about-us/. Simply contact us and we will get back to you.

Thank you for being part of this journey. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

— Flask Games Inc.

Edit: It came to our attention that new installs are buggy.

Here's how to fix:

1. Download this .sav file folder

2. Unzip the contents

3. Go to C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local   <<< Replace <User> with your username

4. Drop it in there

5. Launch the game normally

The game somehow is missing a crucial step in creating a save data file and it fails to load the next level. If you had a save file, all is fine!

Few terms in game development are as contentious as "asset flipping." Once a straightforward concept, its meaning has been diluted and warped over time, thanks to the flood of low-effort games plaguing digital storefronts. This shift has not only confused the discourse but also unfairly stigmatized legitimate developers who use pre-made assets responsibly.

Asset Flipping: The Original Definition

In its original sense, asset flipping referred to a specific practice: taking an existing game, swapping out its assets (textures, models, etc.) with minor changes, and repackaging it as a "new" product. The mechanics and functionality remained untouched; only the visuals were different.

For example, a slot machine game featuring cats could be re-skinned to feature dogs, unicorns, or anything else the creator thought might sell. The result? A dozen nearly identical games flooding the market, each with nothing more than a cosmetic facelift. The intent was purely to churn out low-effort clones for maximum profit with minimal work.

The Modern Misuse

Today, the term "asset flipping" has taken on a broader—and arguably unfair—meaning. It’s now used to describe any game that incorporates pre-made assets, regardless of how they’re used. This shift conflates two very different practices:

1. Traditional asset flipping (lazy, exploitative reskins).

2. Using purchased assets to aid development, which is a common, legitimate practice.

Modern asset flipping accusations often target developers who buy assets from marketplaces like the Unity Asset Store or Unreal Engine Marketplace. These marketplaces exist to help smaller teams or solo developers save time and resources, allowing them to focus on gameplay, story, or other aspects of their games. Simply using pre-made assets isn’t inherently lazy or deceitful; it’s a practical tool in an industry where time and funding are limited.

The Problem With the New Definition

The bastardization of "asset flipping" damages the perception of indie developers. Many small studios rely on asset packs to build their games because they lack the budget to hire dedicated artists or designers. By labeling any use of pre-made assets as "flipping," critics unfairly lump genuine efforts into the same category as shameless cash grabs.

What’s worse, this diluted definition diverts attention from the real offenders. True asset flippers—those who slap together a hodgepodge of unaltered assets, call it a game, and list it on Steam for $5—continue to thrive in the noise. By targeting legitimate developers, the conversation around quality control becomes muddied and ineffective.

Drawing the Line

It’s crucial to distinguish between the responsible use of assets and true asset flipping. The key lies in intent and execution:

• True asset flipping involves zero effort to innovate or create a cohesive product. It’s about exploiting the system for quick cash.

• Legitimate use of assets involves integrating pre-made resources thoughtfully, adding originality through gameplay, story, and design.

Games like Firewatch and Hollow Knight demonstrate how pre-made assets can be part of an incredible final product. Developers shouldn’t be shamed for using tools available to them—they should be judged on the final experience they deliver.

Reclaiming the Term

It’s time to reclaim the term "asset flipping" and reserve it for those who truly deserve the criticism. Let’s stop vilifying developers who use pre-made assets responsibly and refocus on calling out the real bad actors. By doing so, we can foster a healthier, more productive discussion about quality and integrity in game development.

The indie market thrives on innovation and creativity. Let’s not let lazy definitions undermine the hard work of developers who are pushing boundaries, even with limited resources.

After a whole month of crunching, getting around all the bugs reported and giving more and more gamepad support, SpHero is finally good to go and launched!

Link here! For the first 2 weeks, there will be a 40% discount!

Try the password window also to get freebies! "Credits" and "Square" will give unlock 222 coins/red coins and your secondary ability slot respectively!