Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates & StoryLoom Ending?

Welcome to my 75th newsletter!

Happy Holidays, everyone! I love this season, especially extra time off from my 9-to-5 job. Having not taken a vacation since May, this break is a welcome change. Rest assured, I'll continue working on all three games currently in development, though some changes are ahead in 2024. More on that below, but the gist is that I'll be ceasing my work with StoryLoom come the new year. This shift allows me to dedicate more time to ZE:SH and Deadbury Academy. This news might excite many of you, and I'm equally thrilled to focus exclusively on projects for Hosted Games.

Let's get started.

StoryLoom Ending

Late in 2022, I joined StoryLoom, a branch of Pixelberry known for Choices: Stories You Play. This year, they've brought on several writers to craft stories for their new app. My foray into various genres, from thrillers to modern fantasies, was rewarding, particularly with Zombie Exodus: Stronghold. It soared in popularity, becoming StoryLoom's most-read game, all thanks to you, my dedicated readers. I've enjoyed writing this tale, which will conclude with chapter 23 next week.

Regrettably, StoryLoom is pivoting its content strategy, and I won't be continuing with it. I had envisioned a new story where you'd play as a vampire surviving a zombie apocalypse. Though it seemed promising for their platform, I might explore this concept with Hosted Games later.

Only some people engaged with Stronghold. Some weren't drawn to its plot; others weren't fans of StoryLoom or its use of generative AI artwork. Moreover, my visually impaired audience found the app's integrated graphics a barrier. This change might be welcome news since most of you follow me for Safe Haven.

To those who supported Stronghold, I'm profoundly grateful. Your enthusiasm made it the top story on StoryLoom.

The experience of writing Stronghold, Your Trial, and Revenge Magic was enriching (and financially rewarding). But now, it's time for new ventures.

This transition frees me to focus on ZE:SH and Deadbury Academy, with no other projects in the pipeline. I aim for consistent monthly releases for both ZE:SH and DA.

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4

Part 4 stands at 453,000 words, with over 19,000 words added this month. I'm targeting an additional 3,000-4,000 words by month's end.

This month, I've added a pivotal new section in chapter 14, setting the stage for Part 4 and beyond. It introduces a central storyline (no spoilers!), which required significant time due to its importance.

Also, I've revised the aftermath with Tommy post-Makarovs in chapter 13, focusing on those romantically involved with Tommy. New scenes address Tommy's unresolved grief over his mother's death.

I'm also progressing with chapter 15, which begins with a scavenging mission with Rachel and, optionally, your nephew and pet.

This content will be available in the closed beta on Saturday evening.

Deadbury Academy

While Deadbury Academy has been a secondary focus this past month, the new year will bring more dedicated effort to it, especially with StoryLoom off my plate.

If you haven't tried the public demo, give it a go. It offers a more streamlined experience compared to Safe Haven's mechanics. Here's the link: Deadbury Academy Demo

Zombie Exodus: Stronghold

Stronghold has seen weekly updates with new chapters, a trend that will continue for two more weeks. Chapter 22 is set for release this Friday, with the finale (chapter 23) coming on December 29. At that point, Zombie Exodus: Stronghold will be complete. While an epilogue was on the cards, it's now unlikely unless significant demand for a wrap-up short story exists.

For those still interested in playing Stronghold or waiting for its completion, you can access it through your browser on PC or mobile at Zombie Exodus: Stronghold.

That's all for this month.