Welcome to Short Olive Games — a tiny indie studio built on late nights, big ideas, and a love for games that feel a little different.
We’re not a big team, and that’s kind of the point. Every detail, every mechanic, every weird little idea comes from a hands-on, personal place. We like experimenting, breaking things, rebuilding them, and seeing what sticks — because that’s where the most interesting games tend to come from.
Right now, we’re deep into development on our first project, Half Built Casino. It’s a game about taking chances in a place that isn’t finished yet — where things are unpredictable, systems are a bit rough around the edges, and every choice feels like a gamble. It’s messy, strange, and evolving… just like we are.
Games and Entertainment Experimental Branch - Update 3 is officially released! This is another huge update that adds the second official game world. The Beach! This fun beach side entertainment district is in need of a casino!
There are fewer casino seeking tourists in this area so you'll need to work a little harder to keep your building packed. Luckily there is a new type of tourist to help fill the gap. Families! Its time for some family friendly entertainment!
Families include children who will need their own games to keep them busy. Lukily there is now a new area and game type suited just for the kids. The Arcade area type will allow kids to play arcade games while their parents play in the casino.
Kids are restricted from the casino floor so make sure they have a way to get to the food services and washrooms. If any member of the family wants to leave then the whole family will leave with them, no matter how much fun they're having. The arcade has 3 games to choose from for now, but as always there is a lot more to come.
Over the next couple weeks I will be fixing any bugs I missed, then on to the next update. Another new world is in the works along with another new style of play.
Stay tuned for the next update! Thanks for playing!
HALF BUILT: CASINO - UPDATE 15.2
Update 15 - Games and Entertainment
08.16.2026 - Experimental Branch v.0.0.6.2
Experimental Branch ~ Update 15 version 2 ~
Games and Entertainment Update 2 is now live — and it’s packed with new ways to build and customize your casino!
This is one of the biggest updates yet and to celebrate theres a 10% discount on now, but be quick, its only going to last a few days. This update adds a ton of new content and officially opens up the world selection screen with the first full game world: City Strip. Inspired by the test world and Las Vegas, City Strip drops you onto a busy, high-traffic street filled with people ready to gamble, giving you a fresh new place to build your entertainment empire. The original test world will remain available for now, but it will be retired once a few more planned features are in place.
The new world comes with even more ways to tailor your experience from the moment you start. Set your starting cash, choose your world size, and adjust day/night settings to create the exact kind of game you want to play.
This update also marks a major milestone: there are now over 100 unique player-buildable objects in the game! Update 15.2 introduces three brand-new themed object packs: Retro, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Egypt. Each theme includes a new slot machine, multiple floor tiles for indoor and outdoor builds, walls, and décor pieces. During the experimental phase, all of these items are unlocked so you can jump in and try everything right away. When the full update releases, they’ll become part of the tech tree. This is only the first step for themes, with more content, more styles, and more features already on the way.
Also, three new entertainers!
And of course, this build also includes additional bug fixes and polish to keep the experience improving.
Stay tuned for Experimental Branch 15.3! The next update will shift toward a more family-friendly setting — and we’re heading to the beach!
Have fun, and thanks for playing!
... What could these be for? You'll have to wait and see!
HALF BUILT: CASINO - UPDATE 15.1
EXPERIMENTAL BRANCH 15.1 Update - Available Now!
Experimental Branch ~ Update 15 version 1 ~
The first experimental version of update 15 is now live!
This update focused on updating and refining the cash and chip based currency systems. Previously the cash type didn't affect the game much, but now is an essential mechanic to how you plan your casino. Game play rates are now sync'ed for everyone at a table, and based on the dealers level of skill or the type of slot. All games can use cash, but switch to chips to double the rate of play. Choose between cash or chips in the games information menu.
Watch out! If you have chip based games, and no cashiers, the visitors will leave angry and send the gaming commissioner after you. He'll claw back your winnings, and add a fine. Let it go on too long and he'll take away your gaming licence and its game over!
Guests will now exchange a larger amount of cash up front for chips when they sit at a chip based game, and can hold both types of currency simultaneously.
Each game has had its cash storage capacity increased to compensate for the larger exchanges. If the games cash hold is full, the money will drop on the floor, giving the player a chance to pick it up.
The overall cashbooth system received some updates as well to ensure visitors have an easier time switching their chips back to cash.
A final change of note is that each safe now adds to the total cash storage potential, instead of being part of the default $10,000.
Thanks for playing!
HALF BUILT: CASINO - UPDATE 14 - FULL RELEASE
15% SALE UNTIL JUNE 5th!!!
Mobsters and VIPs
Mobsters and VIPs is now available on the main branch! This update transforms your operation from a humble venue into a thriving casino empire intertwined with the mob underworld. The game’s interface has been polished and reshuffled, with a redesigned top bar and a completely overhauled main menu. The Mob Menu takes center stage of this update, replacing the old financial system with something far more… complex. New Mob Bosses are now in play, each with their own influence, demands, and opportunities. Build your reputation and unlock deeper features as you prove your worth in their world.
Menu Overhaul
This update started with a Menu overhaul, with a full breakdown of income, expenses, and guests over time. The top bar was cleaned up and the Heat score was added. This tracks how much risk you're taking and just how much the police want to poke around your operation.
The main menu received a lot of time and polish. Previously it was a single page with a few details on income and visitors. Now you can see multiple menu pages rich in details. Take a look at your current income and expenses with a full breakdown. Compare it to previous days to see how your changes are adding up. The new visitor menu page also has more details than ever. See who's coming and going and more. With the addition on VIP visitors, there is also more details on the types of people coming through your door.
Mob System Update
The biggest focus of this update was the Mob Boss system. Build reputation with Mob bosses and take high-risk loans or contracts with real consequences, or slip them a bribe to keep them happy.
Mob Loans
Two new Mob Bosses were added to the game to give more loan options. There is also a multiplier system to allow even larger loans to be taken based on your reputation with the Don. Keep them happy by paying off your loans on time, completing contracts and slipping them a bribe from time to time. Each Mob boss has their own page with details on your relationship.
Mob Events
Another feature of this update is Mob events. The Mob bosses will unleash an attack randomly if you have a low reputation or when you first unlock them. When an event occurs a popup will appear and give you the option to fight or pay a bribe. The choice is yours to fight them off or slip them the cash. [/p]
The Mob Bosses will now join in the attack!
Fighting the mob comes with the risk of getting attacked. Lose too much health and you may get sent to the hospital. You will also need to pay any medical expenses.
Mob Contracts
The biggest addition to the game is Mob Contracts. You can now run illegal contracts like backroom poker and storage operations to earn big... if you don’t get caught. Three have been added to the game, with many more to come!
New for this update, the 'Poison Guest' contract! Wait for the target to arrive and send them a… special drink. This task generally is the most risky, but comes with a nice reward.
Looks like the contract has been completed.
Police and EMTs
The contracts also brought emergency services to the game. Police will now randomly stop by to poke around. Keep your heat low and they won't stay too long, but too much heat and they may start looking in areas you don't want them to see. If they catch you at key times in your contract, you may fail and lose reputation with the mob.
There's also an EMT to swing by to collect anyone who's having a bad day.
VIP Tourist Types
The casino floor expands with special VIP tourist types. These are the High Rollers and Foodies. High Rollers will head to the new High Roller area complete with special slots and poker tables. These games allow bigger bets, but the payout can be substantial.
Foodies will head to the buffet. Make sure they're well fed and they'll stick around and spend every penny they have.
Finally, visual upgrades, new doors, and other bug fixes were all included throughout the Update 14 Experimental phase.
What's Next?
Over the next few weeks, I plan on working out any remaining bugs and releasing them straight to the main branch. Keep an eye out for patches.
After that work will begin on Update 15! This update will get back to the basics and focus on Games and Entertainment. New basic games, additional High Roller versions of the classics and automated favorites will come to the floor. Provide Shopping and Bar Options complete with Sports betting lounge to increase your prestige and betting options. Entertain your guests with the new stage and stage show areas. Host performances for your visitors and watch your prestige... and bank account grow! Stay tuned for more details and join the experimental branch to check it out early.
