Devlog #9 | NPC relationships!
[h2]Hello Researchers![/h2]
Before diving into the devlog, I wanted to share that this devlog marks an important juncture for Research Story. Weāve built the foundations and core pillars of the game - research, farming, building, creature taming, fishing, and NPC relationships. From this point on, Iāll be implementing the full storyline (main quests), adding content and progression, and deepening existing mechanics.
Itās been so exciting, and as always, Iām so thankful that all of you have been with us along the way - be it through playing the demo, or supporting us on Twitter, Steam, Discord, IG, Youtube or by sending us emails. I truly appreciate every single kind message and encouragement weāve received, and Iām looking forward to bringing so much more to the game. Let's do this!
We added a few exciting systems this month, all relating to building relationships with the townsfolk.
[h2]Calendar āØ[/h2]
A calendar has been added to the main UI, which players can access at any time. It tracks the townfolksā birthdays (those you have talked to will have their icons revealed), upcoming Hangout Events, and other Festivals (Festival content to be added in the future).
[h2]Hangout Events š[/h2]
You can schedule Hangout Events once you reach āBlue Heartsā with an eligible NPC. These events are friendly dates - you can walk around with the townsfolk and try out different activities depending on the date location! Hangout Events are completely optional, but you can learn more about the NPCs through them. You also earn more Relationship Points with them from a good date.
The first hangout location Iāve added is the Tavern: activities include listening to the jukebox, having a meal, and playing darts.
[h2]Heart Events š[/h2]
I absolutely love Heart Events in farming sims. Itās a portion of the game I want to put a lot of care into, to share NPCsā stories and bring a smile to playersā faces. Iām glad to say that the foundations for the Heart Events and cutscenes are done. I donāt want to spoil anything - but Iāve started to add more Heart Events into the game, which you can unlock by reaching certain relationship levels with NPCs.
[h2]Zuri, the Magic Researcher! š®[/h2]
Another NPC-update, another NPC reveal! Meet Zuri, our lovely magic researcher from the Violet Archive. Iāve had her design sketched for a long time, and Iām thrilled to finally add her to the game. I kind of love that she looks a little like a magical girl. On the topic of magic, some might wonder if players can cast spells in the game. I have no plans for that, and magic will be explored in other ways - youāll find out when you play the game in the future! :)
[h3]QOL changes based on demo feedback[/h3]
Iāve also started working through the some of your feedback!
See you next month!
- Miki
An important juncture! š¾
Before diving into the devlog, I wanted to share that this devlog marks an important juncture for Research Story. Weāve built the foundations and core pillars of the game - research, farming, building, creature taming, fishing, and NPC relationships. From this point on, Iāll be implementing the full storyline (main quests), adding content and progression, and deepening existing mechanics.
Itās been so exciting, and as always, Iām so thankful that all of you have been with us along the way - be it through playing the demo, or supporting us on Twitter, Steam, Discord, IG, Youtube or by sending us emails. I truly appreciate every single kind message and encouragement weāve received, and Iām looking forward to bringing so much more to the game. Let's do this!
Back to the devlog - hereās a rundown:
We added a few exciting systems this month, all relating to building relationships with the townsfolk.
[h2]Calendar āØ[/h2]
A calendar has been added to the main UI, which players can access at any time. It tracks the townfolksā birthdays (those you have talked to will have their icons revealed), upcoming Hangout Events, and other Festivals (Festival content to be added in the future).
[h2]Hangout Events š[/h2]
You can schedule Hangout Events once you reach āBlue Heartsā with an eligible NPC. These events are friendly dates - you can walk around with the townsfolk and try out different activities depending on the date location! Hangout Events are completely optional, but you can learn more about the NPCs through them. You also earn more Relationship Points with them from a good date.
The first hangout location Iāve added is the Tavern: activities include listening to the jukebox, having a meal, and playing darts.
[h2]Heart Events š[/h2]
I absolutely love Heart Events in farming sims. Itās a portion of the game I want to put a lot of care into, to share NPCsā stories and bring a smile to playersā faces. Iām glad to say that the foundations for the Heart Events and cutscenes are done. I donāt want to spoil anything - but Iāve started to add more Heart Events into the game, which you can unlock by reaching certain relationship levels with NPCs.
[h2]Zuri, the Magic Researcher! š®[/h2]
Another NPC-update, another NPC reveal! Meet Zuri, our lovely magic researcher from the Violet Archive. Iāve had her design sketched for a long time, and Iām thrilled to finally add her to the game. I kind of love that she looks a little like a magical girl. On the topic of magic, some might wonder if players can cast spells in the game. I have no plans for that, and magic will be explored in other ways - youāll find out when you play the game in the future! :)
[h3]QOL changes based on demo feedback[/h3]
Iāve also started working through the some of your feedback!
- Trees become transparent when players walk behind them
- Consuming food is easier: Players no longer have to press TAB to hold one more food after each bite. The food stays in hand until the slot is empty!
- Creatures that were following you when entering a building will follow you again automatically when you leave.
See you next month!
- Miki