Methods: The Canada Files News

I've finished File 04's sprites!



Here's what I worked on since the last devlog.

• Finished the sprites for File 04
  
• Website updates
  

I'm happy to report that I've finished the sprites for File 04! I'm trying something new for the next phase of development — instead of waiting to implement everything until I have the backgrounds, I'm going to try coding the entire File using placeholder backgrounds first. This means I'll end up testing the game more, since I will actually be able to play through it much earlier. Large adjustments are harder to make once the backgrounds are all rendered, so my theory is that this will speed up development, at least a little. Maybe my theory will end up being refuted, but it's worth a try. ;)

Until next time!

— LockedOn.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2063530/Methods_The_Canada_Files/

View the backlog of devlogs here on my website!

Support the game's development on Patreon!

I've finished writing File 04!



Here's what I worked on since the last devlog.

• Finished Chapter 19
  
• Finished Chapter 20
  
• Two more music tracks
  

I'm pleased to say that I've finally finished writing File 04: New Brunswick! Certainly a challenging mystery to write, and hopefully to solve as well. As always, I'll make the beta available on Patreon and Afdian as soon as I can. Now I'll begin creating the sprites, backgrounds, music, and coding everything. It's going to be a ton of work, but I'm looking forward to it.

Writing is definitely the hardest part of the process. I downloaded this app called Highland 2 that can keep track of how many words you write, and lets you set 30 minute timers, and word count goals to reach. I don't want this post to turn into an unintentional advertisement, but I really did find it helpful and less glitch-y than other writing software I've tried.

Another unexpected issue was that I hurt my back, largely due to switching the desk I was working at. My back has since recovered, fortunately.

I also contributed two music tracks to another Spooktober game jam entry — BABELOMANIA. I hope I'll have time to do a Spooktober entry myself someday. :)

Until next time!

— LockedOn.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2063530/Methods_The_Canada_Files/

View the backlog of devlogs here on my website!

Support the game's development on Patreon!

Writing continues on File 04.



Here's what I worked on since the last devlog.

• Finished Chapter 17
  
• Finished Chapter 18
  
• Started writing Chapter 19
  

I'm still hard at work writing File 04! I always assume it will be easier than it is — but it's started to go more smoothly, and I'm having more fun the more I write it. I wanted to be able to release it this year, however, it's just too late for that I think. The Steam holiday sales that happen around the end of the year are just a really bad time to release something. However, I am doing my best to ensure that the final three files take less time to complete overall.

Until next time!

— LockedOn.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2063530/Methods_The_Canada_Files/

View the backlog of devlogs here on my website!

Support the game's development on Patreon!

File 04 is now being written.



Here's what I worked on since the last devlog.

• Outlined the mystery
  
• Finished Chapter 16
  
• Started writing Chapter 17
  
• Completed two music tracks
  

It took a long time to complete a mystery outline I was happy enough with to begin the writing process, but I'm pleased to say that it is finally finished. I've started writing File 04, and so far it's been going smoothly. I have a secret plan in place to try to make the game's development go a bit faster — but what I have to be the most careful about is making sure the writing is at the same level of quality as the other Files, so I can't rush that part. I'm being secretive about it because I'm not sure if it will work yet — but if it does, it may lay out a path for my future development workflow.

When I've gotten stuck on writing, I tackle the music tracks instead. That way I am always doing something productive.

Until next time!

— LockedOn.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2063530/Methods_The_Canada_Files/

View the backlog of devlogs here on my website!

Support the game's development on Patreon!

Good news for everyone: the demo for Methods: The Canada Files is now LIVE on Steam!



Time to meet distinctive detectives and storm through the thrilling competition!

TRY MTCF for FREE!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2297480/Methods_The_Canada_Files_Demo/

— Erabit & LockedOn