# 🎮 OTHER CASUAL GAME IDEAS - BACKLOG FOR FUTURE EXPLORATION

**Created:** February 13, 2026  
**Session:** The Catalyst (Brainstorm Line)  
**Status:** Parked for future brainstorming sessions

These were explored briefly but set aside when Among Us emerged as the primary focus. Each has potential and deserves dedicated exploration time.

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## TERRARIA (Michael flagged interest)

**Why it caught his eye:**
- 2D removes "can't build in 3D" barrier
- Boss progression gives clear goals
- Combat-focused (attracts action gamers)
- Easier entry than Minecraft for some players

**Branding potential:**
- Custom texture packs
- Server-specific mods/items
- Class-based events (melee tournament, mage duels)
- Firefrost-themed bosses (Fire Titan vs Frost Leviathan?)

**What to explore next:**
- TShock server capabilities
- Modding ecosystem depth
- Subscriber perk ideas (custom items, early access to new worlds)
- Cross-promotion with Minecraft (bridge builders)

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## OPENTDD (Transport Tycoon Deluxe)

**Casual appeal:** Niche but loyal fanbase

**Why it works:**
- Completely free and open source
- Relaxing logistics puzzle
- Nostalgia factor (90s PC gamers)
- Cooperative OR competitive play
- Runs on anything

**Branding potential:**
- Custom Firefrost company livery
- Themed scenarios (deliver goods across Fire/Frost territories)
- Collaborative company building
- Leaderboards for most profitable routes

**What to explore next:**
- Dedicated server setup on Pterodactyl
- Scenario creation tools
- Community interest polling
- Monthly "Transport Challenge" events

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## VELOREN (Open Source RPG)

**Casual appeal:** Medium (easier than Minecraft, still requires learning)

**Why it works:**
- FREE (community funded development)
- Adventure-focused (quests, exploration, combat)
- Beautiful voxel aesthetic (Minecraft-adjacent)
- Less "what do I build" paralysis
- Pulls Zelda/Skyrim fans

**Branding potential:**
- Custom quests telling Firefrost lore
- Firefrost guild system
- Subscriber-exclusive dungeons/raids
- Community events (dragon hunts, treasure quests)

**Caveats:**
- Still in alpha (active development, breaking changes)
- Smaller player base (community building opportunity?)
- Ongoing maintenance as game updates

**What to explore next:**
- Server stability assessment
- Plugin/modding capabilities
- Story/quest creation tools
- Integration with Discord (quest notifications, etc.)

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## MINDUSTRY (Tower Defense Factory)

**Casual appeal:** Medium-low (still strategy-focused)

**Why it works:**
- Free on itch.io, $10 on Steam (same game)
- Tower defense + Factorio-lite = unique niche
- PvP OR co-op modes
- Sessions scale (20 mins or 2 hours)
- Java-based (familiar territory for Michael)

**Branding potential:**
- Custom maps (Fire base vs Frost base defense)
- Firefrost unit skins
- Competitive leagues
- Cooperative campaign events

**What to explore next:**
- Dedicated server resource requirements
- Map editor capabilities
- Mod integration options
- Community scenarios/challenges

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## NOTES FOR FUTURE SESSIONS

**When revisiting these ideas:**

1. **Start with community polling** - Which games do current Firefrost members already play?
2. **Consider effort vs impact** - Among Us won because low barrier + high social appeal
3. **Think gateway strategy** - How does each game bring NEW people to Firefrost?
4. **Operational overhead** - Michael is solo operator; set-and-forget matters
5. **Subscriber value** - What unique perks make sense for each game?

**Questions to answer for each:**
- Pterodactyl egg availability/quality
- Modding/customization depth
- Community size/activity level
- Licensing/legal considerations
- Maintenance burden (updates, patches, support)

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**DO NOT FORGET:** These weren't rejected, just deprioritized. Each has merit. Among Us just had the strongest "gateway drug" potential for expanding beyond Minecraft players.

🔥❄️💡
