DevLog #7: I'm still here. The game is still alive!
Hello everyone!
The project is still alive and being worked on behind the scenes. I was waiting to post a devlog with something visual I could show off, as I’ve been focusing on the programming and admin side of things since the last update. Though… I suppose I could share a screenshot of some interesting code in the future.
[h2]Launched one year ago[/h2]
I cannot believe it has been a year since I’d published this game on Steam. While I had hoped to have all three chapters out by this time, the journey has taken a few unexpected turns, which I feel have been for the better. With art and music being made specifically for the game, and some talented programmers to help incorporate more accessibility settings, all thanks to the support from Screenwest.
It’s amazing to see how this little side project has received such amazing support from the community who have taken their time to play the game and let me know their thoughts and experiences. I have loved reading both the good and the not so good feedback as it helps me to understand what it is you are all wanting to see more of within the game to make it stronger.
There were three reasons I took this game into Early Access.
[h2]Impact of your feedback![/h2]
Here’s an example of how some simple feedback has impacted the overall game: Originally, the ghost in the game was going to be a different character in each case; just popping in to mess with Lachie. However, now, thanks to positive reviews of the ghost in chapter one, I’ve made this character a regular and a strong part of the story. I’m liking this new direction, and I hope you do too.
So please, keep that feedback coming, no matter how big or small.
[h2]Discord[/h2]
I am a profound and proud lurker of Discord channels myself, so please know, if you’re like me, and enjoy lurking, this is definitely a safe space for that. It is the best way to receive updates on the game, with me posting a few progress shots when I have something cool to show off, with potential spoilers blacked out. While the official Devlogs come out every 1-2 months, the discord channel receives the most love from me by posting when I get a new mechanic working or something visual to show, like art of environmental design. And those who love socialising are also most welcome.
I’m not a huge social media person, and while I aim to cater to other platforms, I’m noticing those platforms are becoming less and less friendly to small game dev studios, so Discord is my go-to.
[h2]Some Customisation and Accessibility options are coming[/h2]
There have been a lot of requests here. And I 100% agree with this and I’ll do my best to cater for as many as I possibly can. I do greatly apologise for the delay with this. While working solo, I was learning a bunch of new skills to help achieve this. Thanks to the funding support from Screenwest, I am now able to bring on a skilled programmer who'll be able to incorporate much-needed options. This will mean a slight delay while they get comfortable with the project in its current state.
[h2]Delays[/h2]
Once again, I need to greatly apologise for the production delays. I pushed myself a little too hard at the end of last year and I’ve needed more downtown than originally expected to bounce back. At the moment, outside of resting, I’ve been working to make sure I reach a deadline for the production fund I received as well as bringing contractors on board, and all the other (not so fun) admin that comes with running a studio. Making that jump from solo indie to starting a small studio with contractors was a little more involved than I originally thought.
Now that things have settled, I’ve jumped back into the game engine full-time for the next two weeks, and once I hit Screenwests first milestone, I’ll polish chapter two a little more and release it into public beta.
[h2]Sneak Peeks[/h2]
You have a chance to win a teddy in Chapter two.
The Lore notes will have additional content for Chapter Two.
Lachie goes camping in Chapter Three
The project is still alive and being worked on behind the scenes. I was waiting to post a devlog with something visual I could show off, as I’ve been focusing on the programming and admin side of things since the last update. Though… I suppose I could share a screenshot of some interesting code in the future.
[h2]Launched one year ago[/h2]
I cannot believe it has been a year since I’d published this game on Steam. While I had hoped to have all three chapters out by this time, the journey has taken a few unexpected turns, which I feel have been for the better. With art and music being made specifically for the game, and some talented programmers to help incorporate more accessibility settings, all thanks to the support from Screenwest.
It’s amazing to see how this little side project has received such amazing support from the community who have taken their time to play the game and let me know their thoughts and experiences. I have loved reading both the good and the not so good feedback as it helps me to understand what it is you are all wanting to see more of within the game to make it stronger.
There were three reasons I took this game into Early Access.
- To give myself goals and deadlines. Which may seem a bit odd because I’ve missed the few deadlines I’ve had, so I’ve given this an entire subheading below.
- I wanted to show people who are not programmers that it’s still possible to make games without extensive programming skills - don’t get me wrong, you still need a little understanding but playing to your strengths allows you to create something you can share.
- I wanted to build this game alongside a great community. I wanted to hear people’s liked and disliked areas and improve on the game. And, can I say, I have been loving reading the feedback. I have loved reading every single one of them, so thank you to those who have reached out.
[h2]Impact of your feedback![/h2]
Here’s an example of how some simple feedback has impacted the overall game: Originally, the ghost in the game was going to be a different character in each case; just popping in to mess with Lachie. However, now, thanks to positive reviews of the ghost in chapter one, I’ve made this character a regular and a strong part of the story. I’m liking this new direction, and I hope you do too.
So please, keep that feedback coming, no matter how big or small.
[h2]Discord[/h2]
I am a profound and proud lurker of Discord channels myself, so please know, if you’re like me, and enjoy lurking, this is definitely a safe space for that. It is the best way to receive updates on the game, with me posting a few progress shots when I have something cool to show off, with potential spoilers blacked out. While the official Devlogs come out every 1-2 months, the discord channel receives the most love from me by posting when I get a new mechanic working or something visual to show, like art of environmental design. And those who love socialising are also most welcome.
I’m not a huge social media person, and while I aim to cater to other platforms, I’m noticing those platforms are becoming less and less friendly to small game dev studios, so Discord is my go-to.
[h2]Some Customisation and Accessibility options are coming[/h2]
There have been a lot of requests here. And I 100% agree with this and I’ll do my best to cater for as many as I possibly can. I do greatly apologise for the delay with this. While working solo, I was learning a bunch of new skills to help achieve this. Thanks to the funding support from Screenwest, I am now able to bring on a skilled programmer who'll be able to incorporate much-needed options. This will mean a slight delay while they get comfortable with the project in its current state.
[h2]Delays[/h2]
Once again, I need to greatly apologise for the production delays. I pushed myself a little too hard at the end of last year and I’ve needed more downtown than originally expected to bounce back. At the moment, outside of resting, I’ve been working to make sure I reach a deadline for the production fund I received as well as bringing contractors on board, and all the other (not so fun) admin that comes with running a studio. Making that jump from solo indie to starting a small studio with contractors was a little more involved than I originally thought.
Now that things have settled, I’ve jumped back into the game engine full-time for the next two weeks, and once I hit Screenwests first milestone, I’ll polish chapter two a little more and release it into public beta.
[h2]Sneak Peeks[/h2]
You have a chance to win a teddy in Chapter two.
The Lore notes will have additional content for Chapter Two.
Lachie goes camping in Chapter Three