Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates, Beta Feedback

Welcome to my 79th newsletter! This month has been a struggle for me in my writing. I have still been productive and am close to my goal for both ZE:SH and Stronghold. However, my regular job has been so busy that I am more tired at night when I usually write. I've also had no days off from work (other than the normal weekend days). Unless I'm physically unable or in the hospital, I will meet my monthly writing quota. But if any of you are thinking of starting to write a novel or choice game, realize it can be an extremely grueling schedule. All that said, I'm venting more than complaining. I love writing and the opportunity it provides to release my creative energy.

In this newsletter, I'll discuss my current games in production and also discuss beta feedback.

Let's get started.

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4

Part 4 is 544,000 words, with over 20,000 words added this month! I'm targeting an additional 2,000-3,000 words by the end of the month.

I am almost finished writing and coding the mission to Central Colorado University. It has been an extended mission that will become its own chapter by the next beta update. After that, I intend to write several smaller missions and one more part that has been coming for a while — a trip to the River Dogs. I've been planning to write that scene for a long time and finally introduce one of the last groups of significance in the area.

On the topic of groups in the area, I recently ran a poll on Patreon that asks: Which group are you most interested in encountering again in Part 4? I was surprised at the results since the Graves family, first seen at the train yard in chapter 9, is the clear winner. I didn't anticipate that this team would be so popular, but that's why I want these polls. I was also surprised that several people wrote in the comments to vote for the Stokes family you met in a camping/convenience store in Part 2 on a scavenging mission with Jaime, Parker, and Jillian. As I mentioned in the comments, the Stokes family has moved on from Colorado. They may return later in the story but are not returning now. The good news is that you will meet many of these groups in Part 4. Some will be allies, some neutral, and some enemies. I have very specific reasons for you to approach each of these groups, which should be revealed in the coming months.

Beta Feedback

As you know, I post most of my games for public viewing while developing them. I do this for several reasons:

• To gain valuable feedback. What do you like and dislike about the game? Are there choices that you wish were included? Do you not see specific options that you wish were included?

• To market the games ahead of time. I see much more interest in my games when people are brought into the development process and have a chance to see drafts of the game.

• To troubleshoot. The more errors and bugs people point out during betas, the more polished the game becomes when released.

With many Works in Progress available on the Choice of Games forums, there's massive competition for beta testers. I have the advantage of longevity, but due to the long development times, many people move on to other games and will find games they enjoy more. We all have limited time to devote to our interests, so I can't expect the same number of people to provide feedback as when I first started writing.

However, please provide some feedback if you read my beta versions. I'm not asking for paragraphs and paragraphs of constructive criticism, but even one or two points would be helpful. I've noticed a steep decline in feedback over the past few years, and I attribute it to the things I mentioned above. The game continues to sell, and interest is not dying out. However, I need to hear from you if you want me to create an amazing game. Please message me on Patreon, Discord, or any other social media platform. Send me an email or a tweet. Let me know what you like or dislike about my games so I can improve and give you precisely what you want to see.

Zombie Exodus: Stronghold

Stronghold is up to 56,000 words converted so far. That means I have added 20,000 words this month. I finished chapter 3 and moved on to chapter 4. There are numerous paths in chapter 4, so it's taking me much longer than expected to finish this one.

Initially, my goal was to finish two chapters per month. That is starting to feel unrealistic since I am adding much more content than seen on the StoryLoom version. I want to make the game compelling for people who are used to my other games, so I need to add this level of content. That being said, with roughly 20 more chapters written for the StoryLoom version, I have a lot of work ahead of me. My goal is still to finish by the end of this year and publish next year. I will keep you updated on my progress.

If you are interested in beta-testing each new chapter, please check out the link below:

https://moody.ink/play/jimd/zombie-exodus-stronghold/mygame/

 If you want to provide feedback, the best way is to join my Discord, go to the Stronghold channel, or post on the Choice of Games thread.

https://forum.choiceofgames.com/t/zombie-exodus-stronghold-chapters-1-2-demo/151467

Deadbury Academy

As mentioned, Deadbury Academy is currently on hold as I work on the other two games.

That's all for this month.