NINA'S LEAP: Internal Update. NOVA

tools, and tools.

I've taken on the ambitious challenge of building a visual novel engine from scratch, a project that's now nearing completion. This custom-built engine, named NOVA, was developed to specifically cater to the unique demands and creative ambitions

1. Big Plans Ahead:
We're putting a temporary pause on promoting Nina's Leap in TWITTER until we have more significant updates to share. We're currently working on enhancing the perks for our supporters. Depending on your contribution level, you can look forward to custom-designed NPCs and other exciting features. Your support is shaping the game, and we can't wait to reveal what's next!

2. My Situation
The past few months have been a whirlwind. I've dedicated numerous weekends to the game, with a particularly intense focus in July to ensure job security. Thankfully, my efforts paid off, and my contract has been extended by two months, with promising discussions about future projects for next year.

3. Introducing NOVA:
I'm excited to unveil NOVA, my in-house visual novel editor designed specifically for Nina's Leap. This robust tool allows us to manage all possible in-game events seamlessly. Check out some screenshots below to see NOVA in action!

NOVA, short for Nexus Optima Visual Adventure, represents the pinnacle of our engine's design philosophy. "Nexus" highlights its role as a central hub that unites storytelling, graphics, and interaction, while "Optima" emphasizes the engine's peak efficiency and performance. Designed for web, PC, Mac, and mobile, NOVA ensures optimal development across multiple platforms, facilitating the creation of immersive visual adventures seamlessly.

NOVA IS:

• The Visual Novel Editor and Visualizer Systems: It functions as the core system for designing and visualizing the narrative and gameplay elements.

• Event and Sidequest Manager: Handles all in-game events and side quests, ensuring smooth transitions and interactions.

• Character and Facial Expression Organizer: Manages character details and expressions, enhancing the storytelling with visual depth.

NOVA CREATES:

• CSV Files: Generates Excel-like files for easy data management and manipulation.

• Variables and Events: Constructs and maintains all game variables and event triggers.

• Save and Load Systems: Manages save files and load functions, providing a seamless player experience.

NOVA READS:

• Translated CSV Files: Integrates translations from CSV files, allowing for easy localization and making the game accessible to a global audience.

NOVA ISN'T:

• The STORY: It provides the tools to put in a story

• The CHARACTERS: It provides the tools to put in all characters dynamically
  
  Nova is a complete tool.

4. Localization and Community Involvement:
NOVA isn't just for us – it's for you too. The tool supports localization by generating .csv files that any backer can translate into their language. This open approach means that more people worldwide can enjoy the game, thanks to your contributions and translations.

We're deeply grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm. Your involvement is not just helping us grow; it's helping us create a game that reaches across cultures and communities.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions!

CSV FILES WILL BE GIVEN TO EVERYONE AND WILL HAVE THEIR OWN REPO

Why not Twine?
Opting for the proprietary solution NOVA over Twine for "Nina's Leap" was primarily driven by the need for efficiency and tailored functionality. NOVA allows for direct customization to match the specific needs of our game, ensuring we're not limited by the more generic features of platforms like Twine. This customization speeds up both development and content integration, as every aspect of NOVA is designed to streamline processes specifically for "Nina's Leap." Additionally, having control over our tool means we can quickly adapt and update features as needed without waiting on external updates or support, significantly reducing downtime and accelerating development cycles. This approach not only saves time but also enhances our game's performance and scalability, directly impacting our delivery timelines. 

TL;DR Twine was absolutely terrible and took longer to integrate, it becomes a bottle neck.