Dev Blog #1: Explore paradise in our Ride Islands

[h3]Sneak a peak behind the scenes[/h3][p]Since we launched into Early Access, the entire team has had their heads down working as fast as we can to tackle our roadmaps and act on your suggestions. We’ve also seen how players want a better understanding of our development process. Our new dev blog series will take you behind the scenes to learn a little more about the hard work that goes into developing some of our game’s specific features.
[/p][p]Our first article dives into our Ride Islands: how we make them, what our inspirations are, and the team in charge of bringing them to life. Is there part of the development process you’d like to learn more about in our next dev blog? Let us know! ✨
[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Take a breathtaking trip to somewhere new[/h3][p]Alderwood Island is just one of many isles nestled into an archipelago full of wondrous sights. What better way to spend the dwindling sunny days than going island hopping with friends? [/p][p][/p][p]Explore beautiful nature, cozy camping spots, and new riding trails! Swing by the downtown docks next to the High Bar to catch a ferry and begin your breathtaking trip to a Ride Island.[/p][p][/p][h3]Explore a paradise that’s all yours [/h3][p]The archipelago is vast and as you hop from island to island, you’ll discover that each isle has its own unique vibe. Drawing inspiration from around the world, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, each location offers a completely different experience from Alderwood Island.
[/p][p][/p][p]“Our riding islands are very different from the Main Island. We’re not tied to the same location on Earth, and that means we’ve been able to do more things that were not possible before.” -Michiel Werring, Lead Level Designer[/p][p][/p][p]Want to wind your way down a mountain as you admire the coast with your horse? Or is picking your way through the valley forests and galloping through a mountain pass more your speed? Each island offers a secluded paradise for you and your friends to explore in peace and solitude. Only the people in your group are invited to your trip![/p][p][/p][p]“We try not to force you to do anything other than reach the end so it’s all yours to make your own.” -Michiel Werring, Lead Level Designer[/p][p][/p][p]Each island has a spot for your group to hang out and enjoy: whether it’s a charming teahouse, a cozy ring of cabins, or a shady shelter with a pretty lakeview. Think of these areas as invitations to make your own fun or as tools for roleplaying! [/p][p][/p][h3]Meet the team that builds wonders for you[/h3][p]A small but mighty team is in charge of building these breathtaking vistas and creating cozy corners you can play with...[/p][p][/p][p]Ellie and Michiel are our level designers who focus on making sure every step of the vista and every part of the landscape is filled with wonder and awe.[/p][p][/p][p]Faranak and Evelina are the artists in charge of polishing our “set pieces.” Think of all the comfy locations that you’d want to relax at in our game: the intimate campfires, pretty picnic tables, and idyllic summer cabins… that’s thanks to them![/p][p][/p][p]Lastly and perhaps most essential, our Tech Artist Tobias ensures everything come together. He makes these areas come to life by managing lighting, water simulation, and other overarching systems.[/p][p][/p][p]Together these folks build all of the beautiful levels and locations that y'all discover and explore! [/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]