Bring these capabilities to your project
Commission a prototype, a specific system or the continuation of an existing game. Scope and deliverables are agreed before work begins.
- Branching narrative and persistent game state
- Combat systems and desktop integration
- Production planning for a commercial release
Problem solved
Branching sci-fi RPGs are expensive to scope — narrative volume, combat feel, economy, and store parity rarely survive solo production. CONTRABAND needed a shippable paid PC title with replay systems (Rift branches) without a large studio headcount.
Product type
- Commercial game released on Steam (App 4901100)
- Real-time combat with weapon archetypes
- Rift branch system — revisit and fork timelines
- Crew, ships, factions, base building, multiple endings
Delivered scope (verified)
- Branching narrative and real-time ship combat
- 4 main endings + 1 secret outcome, as described on the official site
- Official website, wiki and press materials
Production approach
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Constraints
Bring narrative, combat and PC distribution together within solo development.
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Architecture
JavaScript, HTML5 and Web Audio, packaged with Electron and integrated with Steamworks.
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Execution
Dero directed and implemented the game, using coding and production tools under human review.
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Result
Commercial game released on Steam. The public store provides evidence of availability.
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Lessons for the next project
The next production, CONTRABAND 2, adopts Godot for a real-time 3D foundation. It is a separate project in development.
Stack
- JavaScript
- HTML5
- Web Audio
- Electron
- Steamworks
Status & links
Released on Steam on August 19, 2026. Developed solo by Dero Lavigne.
Martinez AI Studios is not the developer credit; Dero Lavigne is.
Official links
Want to learn how to build it?
Explore free lessons and resources at Martinez AI Studios Academy covering design, systems, AI-assisted development and publishing.
Learn free at the Academy ↗FAQ
Has it been released?
Yes. CONTRABAND: Edge of the Fold is available on Steam. CONTRABAND 2: Beyond the Fold is a separate project in development.
Can you replicate this scope for my IP?
Similar modules (branching narrative, combat loops, Steam prep) are scoped per project — not copy-pasted doorway content.
