The Cooking Club Chapter Two Dev-Log: Release Date + Dev Update & Rival Reveal

[p]Hello everyone,[/p][p]First of all — I was supposed to be on break while writing this.[/p][p][/p][p]But with Chapter Two approaching fast, and with so many people asking for updates, it felt like the right time to sit down and give a proper look at where development stands, what you can expect from the upcoming chapter, and what lies ahead for The Cooking Club. This is going to be a longer update, so grab a drink, get comfortable, and let’s talk about everything that’s coming next.[/p][p][/p][h2]Chapter Two — Script Completion & Development Progress[/h2][p]The biggest milestone we’re happy to share is that the full script for Chapter Two is now officially complete. This marks a huge step forward for development, as we move fully into voice recording, implementation, polish, and final preparations for release.[/p][p][/p][p]Where Chapter One focused on introducing players to Ashridge Academy, the Cooking Club members, and the cozy-yet-chaotic atmosphere of the story, Chapter Two shifts the tone toward higher stakes, deeper character dynamics, and the beginning of larger conflicts that will shape the remainder of the narrative.[/p][p][/p][p]Without diving into heavy spoilers, Chapter Two begins shortly after Akemi delivers a shocking moment to the group — suggesting that the Cooking Club might not survive.[/p][p][/p][p]What once felt like a safe and welcoming space suddenly becomes uncertain.[/p][p][/p][p]The club is forced to confront pressure from outside forces, internal doubts, and the reality that passion alone may not be enough to keep everything together. Things escalate quickly when Evelyn enters the group into a competitive cooking event — a decision that initially sparks excitement, but soon reveals serious challenges.[/p][p][/p][p]The Cooking Club will be competing against Blackthorn, the prestigious Institute of Excellence and direct rival to Ashridge Academy.[/p][p][/p][p]For those who remember Chapter One, Blackthorn may already feel familiar — it’s the academy where the bullies you encountered (and got scared from when Evelyn yelped in the park scene!) originated from. This rivalry adds a new layer of tension and competition, turning what should have been a fun challenge into something much more personal.[/p][p][/p][p]Adding to the pressure, a vandalism incident shakes the club and raises difficult questions about trust, motivation, and hidden agendas. Your choices and relationships will matter more than ever as you navigate emotional conflicts, support the girls, and attempt to keep the club alive.[/p][p][/p][p]And as always with The Cooking Club…[/p][p][/p][p]Not everything is as it seems.[/p][p][/p][h2]Introducing the Rival Girl[/h2][p]Many of you may have noticed hints or heard speculation about a new character appearing in Chapter Two. We can now officially confirm that the “rival girl” is the leader of the bullies introduced in Chapter One — and a competitive sports player representing Blackthorn.[/p][p][/p][p]Her presence marks a major shift in tone and introduces a strong opposing force within the narrative.[/p][p][/p][p]Confident, competitive, and deeply tied to the rivalry between Ashridge and Blackthorn, she brings new challenges for both the Cooking Club and the player.. and.. Evelyn? [/p][p][/p][p]Her inclusion is also tied to the success of our Kickstarter goals, which allowed us to expand content and introduce additional narrative elements and characters that deepen the story experience.[/p][p][/p][p]We don't have any early art to show yet - so we're going to show off her chibi design below so you can get a small taste for her![/p][p][/p][h2]Chapter Length & Structure[/h2][p]We also want to set clear expectations regarding the scope of Chapter Two.[/p][p][/p][p]For the average player, Chapter Two is expected to provide roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of gameplay. While this may be shorter than some players expect, this is a very intentional design choice.[/p][p][/p][p]Chapter Two serves as a bridge between the introductory phase of the story and the larger narrative climax. Our goal is to focus on tight pacing, meaningful character development, and building momentum toward what comes next.[/p][p][/p][p]Because…[/p][p][/p][p]Chapter Three — the planned finale — is designed to be the largest and most ambitious chapter of the game.[/p][p][/p][p]We are currently planning for Chapter Three to contain approximately four hours or more of gameplay, with significantly higher stakes, deeper emotional arcs, and the major narrative payoffs that bring the story to its conclusion.[/p][p][/p][h2]Future Storytelling & Free DLC Plans[/h2][p]Another important reason for Chapter Two’s structure is our long-term storytelling plan. A significant portion of the wider story, character endings, and expanded narrative content will continue through free DLC updates planned for release after the main chapters.[/p][p][/p][p]These DLCs will allow us to explore additional perspectives, deepen lore, and expand the world of The Cooking Club beyond the core storyline. We believe this approach allows the main story to remain focused and impactful while still giving players more content and exploration opportunities over time — without additional cost.[/p][p][/p][h2]Release Dates & Important Events[/h2][p]Here are the key dates you’ll want to keep in mind:[/p][p][/p][p]📖 March 17th — New Tales From The Cooking Club lore booklets release, offering additional worldbuilding and character insights.[/p][p][/p][p]🍳 March 27th — Official release date for Chapter Two.[/p][p][/p][p]🔥 Steam Spring Sale (March 19th — March 26th)
During this time, The Cooking Club will be discounted by 75% for a limited period.[/p][p][/p][p]If you’ve been thinking about picking up the game — or want to introduce a friend to the experience — this is the perfect opportunity.[/p][p][/p][h2]Thank You[/h2][p]Development has been an incredible journey so far, and none of this would be possible without the support, feedback, and enthusiasm from the community. Chapter Two represents a turning point for the story, and we’re excited — and honestly a little nervous — for you to experience everything that’s coming.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for supporting Studio Z and The Cooking Club.[/p][p][/p][p]Oh! I also got asked.. the best three ways to sum up this chapter?

[/p][h3]Emotional. Romance. Duality.[/h3][p][/p][p]We’ll see you on March 27th.[/p][p]— Zander & Studio Z[/p][p][/p]