Spirit Swap News

Two weeks have passed in the blink of an eye, and it’s time for our first update since the Backer Beta has gone live! Today will be a quicker update, showing off a succession of screenshots (ooo!) and gifs (aah!) of the polish and fixes we’ve done based on the feedback we’ve received.

[h2]Deepen Your Relationships: B Supports are IN![/h2]

In the first version of the Beta, we only included the initial round of main narrative events -- what we’ve been calling internally the “C Supports”. These events with each character helped you meet them and get to know them. A little sampling. A taste test, if you will. Now? You can deepen those relationships further because we’ve added each character's second tier of main events. Their B Supports! Here are screenshots of a few B support moments now implemented into the game ~







The B Supports are especially significant because at the end of each character’s B Support event, you get to pick whether or not you’d like to move forward platonically or romantically with each character (with one exception).



Next up for implementation? The A Supports, the final main tier for each character arc! Wahooo!

[h2]Who’s Who & Text Log[/h2]

It’s not implemented yet, but we’re working on a “Who’s Who” modal to help you keep track of your besties, as well as a “Log” so if you need to refresh yourself on the details of a convo, you’ve got it at your fingertips!



[h2]Quality of Life Updates and Fixes ✨[/h2]

There are a bunch of details that we’ve been fixing up and working on based on our own internal testing as well as bug reports and feedback from the beta backers. A few of the highlights?

Fixed the “Got Item” screen to include dynamic text input (here’s a stinky test example for you):


Added Stereo/Mono speaker configuration to Audio Settings


Added Visual Saturation settings to decrease the saturation of all visuals (to help with eye strain):


We’ll share another update in a few weeks -- between A Supports coming soon, as well as finishing out the Room Hub, we've got a lot going into the build through the rest of October. Talk soooon!

Love,

The Spirit Swap team

We wanted to make sure that everyone got a hefty update about what we’re up to, as it’s been a minute. Two or three minutes, really! We mentioned this in our recent Kickstarter Backer’s update, but want to reiterate it here more widely:

The year has been full of hard work as well as personal heartache and challenges for the team. We’re truly appreciative that you’ve all been patient and kind as we navigate this wonderful thing called ‘game development’ while maintaining our day jobs, and, well, everything.

One of the rewards for Kickstarter Backers who supported at the Witch’s Groove tier and beyond was exclusive access to a Spirit Swap Backer Beta, and we’re proud to say that we’ve reached that milestone! The Backer Beta is live today (we’re pushing it out and sending keys RIGHT NOW), and we’re officially coming out of heads-down mode to share what we’ve been working on over the last year, both in terms of development and regarding our launch plans. But first? Some enticing gifs for youuuu ~







Please note: if you are a Kickstarter Backer at the Witch's Groove tier (and above) and you haven't received your beta key by around 10 am PST today, check your spam folder (just in case) and then feel free to reach out to us at contact (at) softnotweak (dot) com.

[h2]Check, check, 1…2…3…[/h2]

The VO is finally totally implemented, and it’s incredible to see (hear?) each of our characters come to life. We had eight talented voice actors contribute their skills to this endeavor, and wanted to take the time to introduce each of them to you with one of their Versus lines in the game. To hear a victory bark, click on the character's name (linked below each image).

Want to see more about each voice actor? We've linked more info for each: just click on their name!

Samar - Jay Taylor

Mo - NJ Agwuma

Kedsi - Kadecia

Kanon, Pookie - Jalen K. Cassell

Leon, Citrine, Iolite - Fiona Rene

Dio, Variquoise - Mara Junot

Cleo, Larvikite - Kendall Byrd

Iskandar - Greyson Yousif

Theo, Lulu, Beryl - Anjali Kunapaneni

What’s that, you say? Some of these names don’t have links? And you don't know who those unlinked characters are?!

👀 We’re still keeping some snippets under wraps and saved for later ~

[h2]Make it shine[/h2]

Continued polish is the big focus now. During the backer beta (which is from September 17 - November 12), we’ll be taking feedback to continue to shine up every aspect of the game that we can, adding details to really make it feel great to play. Here are some of the bits of polish we’ve added (and are working to add):


A snazzy “Got Item” pop up so you can really celebrate the gifts your friends give you!


More expressions, like this panicked Lulu!


….and this INTENSE Lulu!


Exploring more ways to add more information to the world map so you can keep track of how you’re spending your time in Demashq.


And more!

[h2]Wait! What about Fashion and BHYG Mode?[/h2]

They’re still coming along! These two elements are still planned, but their complexity means they’ll likely be included in an update not too long after the main launch of the game.

[h2]A new trailer is in the works[/h2]

What’s that? A fresh trailer? YUP! We are in the process of getting ready to announce the release date, which means storyboarding and starting to prep the launch trailer. For funsies, here’s a sneak peek at a favorite early WIP storyboard frame…


Blurry, chaotic, and cute. Very relatable.

…and the turnaround of Samar that Sam has been working on:


[h2]So, when is the full game coming out? [/h2]

When deciding when to release the game, we’re not only take into account when the game is done -- we’re also tracking other game releases and event opportunities that can help us reach the most folks with the news.

Because of a few opportunities we’re aiming for (and for a bit of a full circle moment for ourselves), we’ve decided to release in early 2025. We’re tossing around a couple of specific dates, and depending on what additional support we can garner, that may impact which one we go with. (hee hee hee ho ho ho, marketing witchcraft and secrets)

As soon as we can share an official date, we will let you know! But for now, we sincerely hope that you’ve enjoyed this update. We’ll be aiming to post monthly again now that we’re in the midst of the Backer Beta.

Have fun in Demashq!

💜 The Spirit Swap team



PS: SPEEEEENING

[h2]Hi Spirit Swappers,[/h2]

We have emerged! Crisp leaves, rainy days, and cool weather (finally) is also bringing in a wave of updates and news. Ready? Ready!



[h2]Spirit Swap is coming in 2024 ✨[/h2]

2023 has been a year of incredible progress for our team. We’ve made substantial headway on the game, and are incredibly proud of how far it’s come along. I mean, just look at this early work compared to now:



Attending our first-ever physical event EVER this year (more on PAX West below) meant it was the first time we got to experience the joy of watching people play Spirit Swap in-person. It was immensely inspiring to our whole team, and a huge validation of the work we’ve put in thus far.

Our number one priority has been about creating the best game we can - inspired by the people and communities we love - while always considering the well-being of our team. While we’ve made strides in the progress of the game and towards a full launch, these spirits need a little more time before they can be swapped by the general public, and we don’t believe in crunching to do so.

As a result, we’d like to share that we've decided to push Spirit Swap’s launch to 2024.

We truly appreciate the patience and kindness you’ve all shown throughout this whole process thus far, and we can’t wait for y’all to be able to fully dive into the game once it’s ready.



[h2]PAX West Recap 🥳[/h2]

Because PAX West takes place in Seattle, we knew we wanted to be sure and attend! This year, we had the pleasure of being a part of the PAX Rising booth, a celebration of indie games (particularly those who don’t have a publisher/are self-publishing).



In addition to a rare instance where the entire team was in one place (YAY!) we also got to watch and learn as visitors played two different available demos for Spirit Swap. The narrative demo…and local Versus!



In addition to the many kind words from folks who came by, we came away from the event with some memorable press coverage. From notable outlets like IGN - who classified us as one of the top games to see at PAX West - and Gayming Magazine, to getting highlighted by local journalists, like in GeekWire. The word on the street is that Spirit Swap is full of style and heart, and we’re SO happy to hear it (and hope to keep delivering!)

[h2]More Narrative Work 📝[/h2]

Another picture of a word doc? You got it! The major element we have left is narrative and filling the game with delicious, delectable ~content~. The “Golden Path” (the narrative backbone) of the game is done, so all of the work right now is making sure we have the events and chat logs to really make these characters come to life.

Actually, wait. Instead of a word doc…. How about the first glimpse at one of the CGs you could potentially unlock as you play? 👀 PRETTYYYYYY



[h2]We Heard Your Feedback! ✅[/h2]

One of the major recurring pieces of feedback we’ve gotten through our various demo forms is the request to have more character expressions to fully convey the emotions Samar and their friends are going through. We totally agreed! Here are a few of the expressions Sam’s been working on. Our favorite detail? The flowers that tie in with her emotional state! AHHHH!



See you next month,

The home stretch is always the longest, at least, it can feel that way, but we’re happy to be sharing this journey with you all. Thanks again!

Until next time, find us on Twitter, our Discord, or here in the comments if you have any questions. Stay hydrated and safe!


[h3]Love,

The Spirit Swap Team[/h3]

Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats To Match-3 To has been on our radar for a while now, and with its appearance at this year's Wholesome Direct during Summer Game Fest, I knew I had to go and check out the new demo.

It's different to the endless demo that Alice wrote about in February, which isn't available here. Instead, you get a taster of the game's story and versus modes. And with that, an introduction to some of the characters you'll meet (and maybe even date).

Read more

[h2]BIG NEWS AND BRAND NEW KEY ART![/h2]

Not only are we part of this year’s Wholesome Direct, but we have a brand-new demo out NOW for you to enjoy along with a page refresh!



In this demo, you’ll get to know some of Samar’s friends a bit more in the Story Mode and even try your hand in Versus Mode. 👀



As with all demos, it’s a work in progress, but what we’re most excited about is getting more feedback from you to continue to improve your time in Demashq.



At the end of the Story Mode, you can access our Feedback Survey, or just click here if you want to share your thoughts after playing. This limited-time demo will stay live until June 30th, so enjoy it while it’s out! Thank you so much, and we hope you enjoy playing!

Love,

The Spirit Swap Team