Cycle of Pawmerce

Cycle of Pawmerce: A High-Stakes Trading Adventure

Cycle of Pawmerce is a fast-paced, competitive trading game where players race against time—and each other—to make quick, strategic trades across various ports. Originally developed for Ludum Dare 47 with the theme Stuck in a Loop, the game embraces an energetic cycle of buying low and selling high while outpacing a rival merchant on the high seas.

Gameplay Overview

• Sail and Trade

Players must navigate between ports, purchasing goods when prices are low and selling them when demand spikes. Every second counts, as efficiency is the key to maximizing profits before time runs out.

• Beat Your Rival

In the competitive two-player mode, traders battle head-to-head to see who can turn the biggest profit. The single-player mode challenges players to achieve the highest score possible, testing their trading instincts.

• Limited Time, High Pressure

The game’s core loop keeps players engaged with a race-against-the-clock mechanic. There's no time to hesitate—quick thinking and risk-taking are essential to victory.

Game Features

• Designed for two players, but includes a single-player high-score mode.
• Winnitron arcade machine-inspired, with an old-school competitive feel.
• Keyboard-only controls add to the challenge and arcade-style gameplay.
• Simple yet deep trading mechanics that reward strategy and adaptability.

Controls & Accessibility

The game operates with keyboard controls only, and while it provides an in-game tutorial for guidance, there are no current plans to update the control scheme due to its game jam origins. However, the developers acknowledge that this may limit accessibility and have expressed their apologies for any inconvenience.

Additional Controls:

• F11: Toggle Fullscreen
• Escape: Quit, Return to Title, or Skip Tutorial

A Classic Game Jam Experience

As a Ludum Dare 47 entry, Cycle of Pawmerce was built within a limited time frame, leading to its intense and focused gameplay loop. While the developers do not currently plan updates, the game remains a thrilling experience for those who love strategy, competition, and fast-paced decision-making.

Can you master the trade routes, outmaneuver your rival, and prove yourself as the ultimate merchant of the seas?