House on Fire
Added 2018-07-02 07:22:44 +0000 UTCDear Insane Children,
WHEW! It's been a hectic couple of weeks! Ten days in Texas, a week of packing, moving house, a week of unpacking... the unpacking continues... but finally getting caught up and settled down.
I REALLY appreciate your patience and support during this phase. With your encouragement this move puts me in a better place to expand our efforts on Asylum, Mysterious, Out of the Woods, Pirate Jam, and future projects.
In case you missed it here's a link to the LIVE STREAM we did last week - this was the first stream from the new "Rabbit Hole" studio. In this stream we looked at a ton of new art (some featured below), answered your Patron comments, and discussed plans for Asylum going forward. We'll improve the studio setup and creative presentation going forward - lots we can do with all the additional space. Feedback? Post it below!
Another live stream coming this week and I'll post details for that soon.
Here's what's going on...
PATCHES - These are arriving with Patrons all over the world. Lots of details on patch delivery to be found in THIS POST <-- Read that first before commenting or messaging on the topic of patches. And if you still have an issue or question, send that to us via PM as requested in THIS POST. Missed your chance to get patches? They are for sale at Mysterious.
CHAOS COINS - Are being manufactured and should be delivered to our shipping partner in Shenzhen in a week or two. Thing is, we cannot send these to Patrons until we hit our 2000 Patron Goal. We were hovering above 1500 Patrons until the last 48 hours - at which point a ton of Patrons jumped ship completely (to avoid any end of month charge) but I suspect they'll be back soon.
With the start of new month it's my hope we can attract the required ~500 Patrons and get the coins sent out at start of August. You can help with this effort by spreading word of our Patreon Goal via your social media channels.
I'm also doing a large marketing push this week via our social media channels, mailing list, and Fb advertising.
To help sell the concept of the coin Alex put together some sample in-game UI for the Chaos Coin collection and inspection mechanic...
WIKI
Want to learn more about how this mechanic might work? Well, there's a wiki for that! Check out the ASYLUM WIKI where you'll find there's exactly ONE page describing anything in the game (at least as I write this Patreon post). The Chaos Coin! Expect lots of content (design, art, narrative) to be added to this over the coming weeks.
Going forward... I'd like to invite community involvement with the creation of the wiki but I'm still uncertain about how we determine who gets access, how to define community editing rules, etc. Once myself and the Mysterious Team have built it out a bit more we can decide on these things - but please leave your suggestions and feedback in the comments below.
I've always tried to design / write as a "democratic dictatorship" - meaning the design team (masses) get to come up with ideas, hash them out, debate fine points, and record design documentation - but the final decision (perceived to be fair or not) is always mine (the dictator). Everyone has to go into this process understanding that the goal is to avoid "too many chefs" - a creative nightmare I've witnessed and been involved with in the past.
This method can result in hurt feelings (someone comes up with an idea they feel is the best the world's ever seen - only to have it killed). So team members must understand and embrace the idea of "kill your darlings" and "never miss a good chance to shut up" - otherwise it's best they stay off the team. I hate to open this topic with what might look like a lot of negativity but I've been down this road enough times with enough teams to know what works and what doesn't...
Then again, this whole "design a game with your community" is uncharted territory... so what the heck do I know?!
Again, thoughts and feedback below!
TAROT
New art from Joey this week presenting our characters in Tarot Card format. I am REALLY loving this stuff...
The idea forming here is that we present characters and locations in the game world based on elements taken (partly or entirely?) from tarot. Planets, elements, significant days, "houses," and tons of symbolism from the collective unconscious / mono-myth...
Expect more in this theme in upcoming posts. And let us know in the comments below your thoughts on these elements. Who wants an Alice themed Tarot Deck???
LOOT CRATES
Pretty sure we said something along the lines of "no loot crates"... but I think we were referring to in-game loot, not real world stuff.
Omri put together this sample of physical merch we might offer as a collection. Certainly this sort of thing makes sense for a crowdfunding campaign.
BACK TO THE START
The image which started off this post. Another beautiful illustration from Omri. Of this image he says, "hey! so this image is about the fire dress.
in the original game we had RAGE and the second we had Hysteria, i thought that on the third we can have "Guilt" which in my mind i imagined the scene that she picks up in game a small house on fire and that's how the power up occurs. For me, her guilt is what drives her insane and that triggers her power."
What do you think of a Guilt inspired power-up mode? And who wants to cos-play that dress?
I've suggested to Omri that we might hook him up with a prominent cosplayer and / or makeup artist so they can co-design the final version of this dress.
PICK YOUR ART
Lastly, Martin asks that you all help select the print image for this month. So, which will it be? A, B, or C?
Back again later this week with our next YouTube Livestream link, more design, art, and story.
From Shanghai,
-American
Comments
Democratic dictatorship. :D I'm late, but B was the best. Alex has a really good taste.
sumblinker
2018-08-30 11:59:02 +0000 UTCI would absolutely positively go for a tarot deck
Legion Ratfell
2018-08-16 00:57:01 +0000 UTCTotally yes for a tarot deck!
2018-07-13 05:35:53 +0000 UTCLootcrate and Tarot look amazing! B for art
2018-07-11 14:56:17 +0000 UTCTarot deck and loot crate YES
2018-07-10 13:52:59 +0000 UTCYes to Tarot deck!
2018-07-09 20:38:55 +0000 UTCTarot deck? I'll take it! :D
2018-07-07 20:06:48 +0000 UTCAlso a big yes please for the tarot deck!
2018-07-07 05:47:18 +0000 UTCi’m loving B as an art print. the loot crate is a great idea but i would love to see figurines in the same style as the first game.
2018-07-07 05:46:28 +0000 UTCLove the LOOT CRATE! Would 100% buy to add to my collection!
2018-07-05 13:40:42 +0000 UTCFeedback for livestream: A personal camera for Lulu. As for getting more people to come on board on Patreon, we the fans need to help promote all of this, not just American and Martin doing all of the promoting. As for the Wiki, American (and maybe Martin) will personally select a few of us as the main editors and moderators for the wiki. We few will start off populating the wiki. Everyone else can edit, but they must have a verified account that is 24 hours old after verifying it. EDIT: Maybe lets not have more people with ability to edit, as that is prone to vandalism. So just a select few by American should be good enough. Unless American thinks otherwise. Tarot cards looks good. A lot of people seems to really want it. Lootcrate, yes. Lootboxes in-game, no. Art B looks good for a print.
2018-07-05 01:02:56 +0000 UTCThe artwork is amazing! I really love A and B but can't decide between them. Would absolutely adore the tarot cards! Maybe a limited edition tarot card for a patreon reward?
2018-07-04 23:12:13 +0000 UTCAbsolutely must have that tarot card set. I'd be first in line!!
2018-07-04 12:31:20 +0000 UTCFor the art print, can I pick option D? The Alice guilt image is fucking amazing. If we can't have it for this months, perhaps next month? If not, I'd pick B from the 3 presented. Additionally, I had a though that the Tarot idea. Perhaps you could have Tarot in the game, or certain cards linked to certain short term abilities, like Rage mode, etc. Where you discover a card in the game and it provides you w/ an appropriate temporary power. Or they are like one time use abilities that enable one to puzzle solve certain things in the game. ie: one enables extended floatation, one enables astral projection, things along those lines.
truth_decay
2018-07-04 04:11:36 +0000 UTCThe Alice loot crate looks nice I would definitely get me one. For the art prints I think they are all good, but I would have to go with B.
2018-07-03 21:32:14 +0000 UTCA lot of stuff to go through... Firstly, its nice hear that your all settled in to the new place. If the wiki page is going to be involving the community for editing then it will need to be monitored to some extent because of weirdos writing weird stuff that isn't accurate The tarot cards sound like an awesome idea and fits the alchemy theme nicely. Personally I don't know how to use tarot cards but I'll probably still buy them cause the designs are cool. Physical loot crates sound awesome, I'm not much of a collecter but I do tend to buy little things to show my love for games and stuff. The guilt art is fantastic (as always) I'm not sure his it could be used as an attack though. Guilt is more self inflicted pain. Maybe the tiny house reminds Alice why she's there and drops healing items. I'm not at the right patreon level to be able to get the prints but if I had to pick I'd say B Hope this was helpful See you at stream
2018-07-03 14:34:31 +0000 UTCIN LOVE WITH THE POP!! I have pic A currently as my screensaver at work and at home. It is my favorite artwork so far. Got my patches in late last week and have been somewhat slowly sewing them onto my computer bag for work since its attached at the hip anyways. Pics to come :)
2018-07-03 14:07:35 +0000 UTCAbout the art prints,I really love picture A. Everything which belongs to the Asylum-scenario is mentoined in this picture : the fire , the shadows of her burned family(i suggest) ,the Jabberwocky and all of the chaos-coins which will represent us as the gamers. I really love this picture because it shows that everything is connected and everything belongs to the world of Alice.No matter if it is good or eveil,it´´s a part of the whole puzzle. Furthermore I like the in-game idea of the chaos coins with the short intrudroduction of ourselves.Hopefull we will reach the next goal imm ,cannot wait to have my own coin :3 Already shared it at all of my social media channels (: I like the idea of the loot chest also the POP Alice avatar (:
2018-07-03 13:39:21 +0000 UTCI like your idea, but who will decide who will become a moderator? there should be some criteria for people who want to be involved in this process, I guess.
2018-07-03 07:05:57 +0000 UTCRegarding the coin.. I had this idea that maybe you can pick some active Patreons to be moderators of the coin text so you guys can focus on what's important and leave the tedious job to us lol Regarding print - A <3
2018-07-03 06:25:39 +0000 UTCI would love to see B
2018-07-03 05:26:44 +0000 UTCto summarize my thoughts on this post: 1. I am really glad you are enjoying the new place. However, I am concerned about Martin. Hopefully, this weekly journey doesn't cause him much trouble 2. don't think ASYLUM WIKI requires any community involvement, unless it helps you and Martin to save time for other things to do 3. don't care much about the Tarot Cards, however the art is amazing as always 4. don't care much about physical loot-crates, don't like collecting stuff. 5. the "Guilt Theme" is exactly what I am looking for at the new Alice game. I find this topic more interesting to explore than Rage or Hysteria and I am pretty sure the guilt could be as powerfull as love or hate, so Guilt for the power-up, yay! 6. It is hard to choose the print image. I will go with "A". sorry for the long comment
2018-07-03 02:38:42 +0000 UTCDefinitely B!
2018-07-03 02:29:21 +0000 UTCI would buy the tarot card pack in a heartbeat! The art for it looks fantastic so far. I love A and B out of the art print nominations, I think both of them would make great art prints but B would be my favorite out of the two.
2018-07-03 02:24:12 +0000 UTCSoooo much yes for the tarot deck!!! And I prefer B of the prints, and A second.
2018-07-03 01:40:11 +0000 UTCI would kill for an Alice tarot deck
Markus
2018-07-03 01:01:21 +0000 UTCMy vote is for B.
2018-07-03 00:13:12 +0000 UTCI assume the ability for us to make accounts for the wiki will be made public at a later date? I haven't been able to figure out how to make an account for or log in to the Asylum wiki despite having an existing wiki account already.
INeedANameForThisHuh
2018-07-03 00:08:43 +0000 UTCAlso I forgot to add B print.
2018-07-03 00:07:49 +0000 UTCThis post is so great. Much excitement. The tarot deck idea is lovely. I saw the loot crate mock up and literally squealed like a baby piggy. That would be amazing I want it all especially the Hatter bust. The dress is nice as well ..definitely can't wait to see full body. My heart hurt when I saw the count go from 1500+ to 1400+.
2018-07-03 00:05:53 +0000 UTCDamn that guilt dress is lit! It would be a nice challenge to cosplay it, maybe after I'm done with the Ash one! I also LOVE the tarot idea.
2018-07-02 22:05:31 +0000 UTCI would absolutely LOVE to get my hands on an Alice themed tarot deck! Print B is beyond amazing. I feel as if it showcases her dive into utter chaos.
2018-07-02 19:53:12 +0000 UTCLove the tarot idea! Would definitely get a deck if it happens, and I think the visual could be used in the game as well, such as in character collections (where you look through all the characters you encounter) or as chapter openings etc (reminds me of the short paper story clips in madness). Interested in the loot crate but if you guys make a collectors edition with the alice heads that I think you intended for, it would be better to not have them in the loot crate for exclusivity (I know the image is not the end product but I would be unwilling to buy duplicates of merchandise).
nopedia
2018-07-02 19:42:52 +0000 UTCI love the concept for the UI for collecting the Chaos Coins throughout the game. I really like the idea of showing how many you collect for each area and then how many overall. Also, it could be just me, but did Alex use a screenshot from Queensland to use for the example? I understand that wasn't the point of showing off the UI, but I couldn't help but notice! I love the idea of having a physical Lootcrate for Alice merch, and would back that without hesitation. I also like the Tarot cards. I love the design so far, as it really reminds me of the animation for the cinematics in A:MR. As for the art print, I would prefer either A or B. I really like the one of the Tweedles, but the other two catch my eye more.
2018-07-02 19:30:26 +0000 UTCI definately want an Alice themed Tarot deck! And the loot crate looks AMAZING! I'll buy that for sure if you release it, especially with the Funko Pop! 😍 As for the print, B for sure! As much as I love A, B wins for having Alice and the Cheshire cat. 😉
Destiny Jenson
2018-07-02 18:09:28 +0000 UTCB for the print! I love the idea of a ‘guilt’ mode. I’m envisioning it as a dark dress and black substance dripping from it. Speaking of dress, will there be different dresses for each stage like in Madness Returns? That was one of my favorite aspects of AMR!
2018-07-02 17:36:42 +0000 UTCYour request for potential cosplayers links with an idea I've been toying with. Why not ask Ellen Sheidlin to create an Alice photoshoot? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheidlina/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/sheidlina/</a> She has 4 million followers on instagram and around 2 million on YouTube and I think she'd grasp the Alice theme well. Potential problems: she's Russian (may be a language barrier) and she may not rise to darker Alice themes. She's in Japan for a while (see her instagram page for email)
2018-07-02 17:26:47 +0000 UTCI got the patches today, yay! They look sooo cool! I like the "democratic dictatorship" style of this. I love that everyone is involved and can give their input, but in the end, I want "American McGee's Alice: Asylum", not "Steven Jensen's Alice: Asylum". It is your vision we/I fell in love with in the previous games. The style of the tarot cards is looks really great! Loved it in AMR too. I really like Omris' guilt idea. It makes sense and fits with the general story and theme of Asylum. I'm not a print tier Patron, but I would say B. That image is awesome.
2018-07-02 17:16:37 +0000 UTCB for the print. Omg I love it
willowflame13
2018-07-02 17:03:15 +0000 UTCI meant prints, not shirts... it was late
2018-07-02 16:53:10 +0000 UTCAlso B for the print!
Julia Desdemona
2018-07-02 16:17:38 +0000 UTCTarot cards and loot crates - YES PLEASE!
Julia Desdemona
2018-07-02 16:16:50 +0000 UTCI also really need to say that "House On Fire" pic would make an excellent pick for next month. I can't stress enough how cool that one looks!
2018-07-02 16:06:18 +0000 UTCI love A So much, the Jabberwock is looking too killer. (pun intended)
2018-07-02 16:01:57 +0000 UTCB! it's so perfect! B ALL THE WAY
2018-07-02 15:59:48 +0000 UTCB
2018-07-02 15:56:23 +0000 UTCB seems like a for sure winner.
Tori
2018-07-02 15:50:54 +0000 UTCB really catches my attention
2018-07-02 15:35:08 +0000 UTCB please!! I really love everything I'm seeing so far! The Loot crate idea, the art, and the Tarot cards! I would totally cosplay that outfit! I've done Blue dress, Siren, and Steam from Madness Returns already! ;)
2018-07-02 15:18:43 +0000 UTCI think A makes the best poster, but i'd be happy with B, its great too. Maybe stay away from the term loot box ? they are negatively associated with games, and EA (rightly or wrongly). How about 'Fluffy Cheshire's box of Wonder' .... yeah my posts really are not getting any more helpful are they.
2018-07-02 15:17:13 +0000 UTCPicture B. I've already choose a spot in my home for it. I'm gonna update my pledge this month because I CANNOT MISS THE COIN and I intend to keep it so I can get this poster. Loot crate sounds awesome, I'd love one, I wanna get my hands on as much merch as possible for this game. Hope you intend to make funko pop of the other characters as well. Also love the concept of guilt as a power up.
Priscila Nosoma
2018-07-02 15:13:35 +0000 UTCDeffinately A
2018-07-02 14:40:30 +0000 UTCA!!! It looks so amazing!
2018-07-02 14:37:05 +0000 UTCThe tarot cards showing the characters and the guilt power are awesome ideas!!! From Guilt to Rage to Hysteria makes sense for each game. And I think B looks amazing.
2018-07-02 14:24:26 +0000 UTCI like the idea of the guilt power. This art pick is tough. A would be a great landscape poster, but b is a great poster also.
2018-07-02 14:10:43 +0000 UTCI think picture B! Also I love the idea of tarot cards, and the Guilt function in game.
2018-07-02 13:57:21 +0000 UTCDefantly picture B!
2018-07-02 13:23:57 +0000 UTCLove the idea of the guilt dress. Feels like it leaves a lot of room for the cosplayer's creativity. Also my favorite image is number B!
Chaussette
2018-07-02 13:23:38 +0000 UTCB! & please let there be merch!! 😍🤩😍
2018-07-02 13:11:14 +0000 UTCTarot cards sound awesome and definitely picture B
2018-07-02 13:04:20 +0000 UTCI am a big fan of the design for her in the rage fire Ash dress mode etc design. When the design was originally revealed I was pretty quick to do fanart of her in it. Tarot card idea is perfection, love the rabbit. Also, I would buy a loot crate for Alice without hesitation. I say between B and C for the images.
2018-07-02 12:40:31 +0000 UTCPicture B. <3
2018-07-02 12:40:15 +0000 UTCI really want to have this physical loot crate 😍
2018-07-02 12:40:02 +0000 UTCA or B, hard to choose. And loot? Merch? Merch! ALL THE MERCH! I am the Merch Hare! ... Wait, what?
Rosuav
2018-07-02 12:06:38 +0000 UTCI am by no means an expert in english, since french is my mother tongue, but I would rather translate the quote as: "If I am allowed to settle, I'll bring evil or be the root of it; But as long as I'm left to wander among men/people, I may/shall bring peace". Only the first part makes me feel icky all over, the rest sounds good enough to my ears. By the way nice choice on the quote.
Davinellulinvega
2018-07-02 12:00:57 +0000 UTCPicture B ❤️
2018-07-02 11:57:58 +0000 UTCPicture B.
2018-07-02 11:38:06 +0000 UTCI love picture B
2018-07-02 11:33:27 +0000 UTCPicture A! And as a cosplayer i am so keen to make her new dress! Im just finishing my cheshire cat outfit then i plan to make several of her dresses including her new one.
DeBri
2018-07-02 11:30:59 +0000 UTCI like picture b.
2018-07-02 10:56:50 +0000 UTCI love picture A.... I would also love an Alice loot crate series, it would definitely be awesome, now if only I had somewhere to store collectables XD.... PS if you read this out on stream the name is pronounced Eevee-Bulls just faster
Evibbles
2018-07-02 09:40:09 +0000 UTCI vote B! It's a start and dramatic image.
2018-07-02 09:05:26 +0000 UTCI love the concept of Guilt. RAGE and Hysteria were excellent representations of Alice's healing process (and progress) and Guilt is an excellent, logical in-between. I would love to see it introduced as an in-game mechanic.
2018-07-02 09:03:31 +0000 UTCA or B, i will have to buy the other either way as they are both stunning!
2018-07-02 08:34:38 +0000 UTCEverything looking great as usual, my vote is on B!
2018-07-02 08:27:18 +0000 UTCI'd vote for image B. Is the print for patrons who just got charged? or will I be able to up my pledge and get this print next month?
2018-07-02 08:26:57 +0000 UTCBy the way, what exactly is the status of Carrol’s/Dodgson’s existence in “Alice” canon? You say images of him in the first game were developer mistakes, thus retconning/dismissing them as non-canon. But, in the Oriental Grove in AMR, there’s a Memory where Lizzie mentions Dodgson (and how poor of a sailor he is) by name, referencing the famous boating trip the story of Wonderland was born on irl.
INeedANameForThisHuh
2018-07-02 08:19:27 +0000 UTCEverything looks amazing, Merch is always nice and I really hope that we can get to 2000 Patrons because I want that Coin! ^^ Also I would say image B is the best choice, it looks beautiful!
St. Thomas
2018-07-02 08:19:17 +0000 UTCI love love LOVE the idea of a community wiki! Hopefully there will be a decent amount of freedom for us to give suggestions and inspiration (I may or may not have already started writing a document full of research I was hoping to send to you sometime, once it’s cleaned up a bit).
INeedANameForThisHuh
2018-07-02 08:16:45 +0000 UTCB!
2018-07-02 08:14:34 +0000 UTCA physical loot crate I think is something that would definitely drive in fans and newcomers alike to get stuff! Regarding guilt, I think it’s a great idea. Guilt has made people do some crazy things. Lastly I’m a huge fan of shirts A and B!
2018-07-02 07:50:09 +0000 UTCImage B for sure! It's sick
2018-07-02 07:48:20 +0000 UTCI like the idea of ”Guilt” as a new Hysteria, in a good way it seems a bit different from the two. It fits well with Alice being younger and that the fire has just happened. And I vote for image B!
2018-07-02 07:46:53 +0000 UTCMy vote is B for art
Pailly
2018-07-02 07:46:26 +0000 UTC
