Games by JimD Newsletter – ZE:SH Part 4, True Faith, Deadbury

Welcome to my 57th newsletter! It’s already nearly July, and the summer is in full swing. I haven’t taken any vacations but am planning one for the end of August. My writing has been consistent, so I’ve made significant progress on Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4. I’ll talk about that below and also discuss VTM—Out for Blood and the new game I have in the planning stages, Deadbury Academy. There’s so much to discuss that I’m cutting my intro short.

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 3 & 4

Part 4 is currently at 110,000 words, around 22,000 words more this month. It is progressing nicely, but I hope to increase the word count to at least 25k words per month. Since I still need to devote time to Out for Blood and bug fixes for ZE:SH Part 3, I’m at my limit for writing Part 4. I predict those other two tasks will finish in July, and my time will be 90% on ZE:SH Part 4.

This leads me to the topic of bug fixes—I’m still working out bugs from Part 3. Though I’ve already released two patches, I expect more in the near future. Finding bugs, especially continuity errors, is both challenging and time-consuming. Most bug reports from readers provide little description of the issue and rarely text or screenshots that aid troubleshooting and fixing.

To aid my bug-fixing efforts, I have begun working with a fantastic new editor and playtester, who has considerable experience with choice games. This tester has been going through the ENTIRE game, even as far back as the prologue chapter, to suggest error fixes. The feedback from this tester is not only related to bugs but includes suggestions to improve the game. Once released, the new version of the game will consist of new options for certain choices, new dialogue choices, and additional content related to Challenges.

Using this tester, I have already fixed issues in the first half of Part 1. When I am finished fixing the issues from the first playtest of Parts 1-3, I will release an update to the apps. Expect to see this in July.

Vampire: The Masquerade — Out for Blood

The True Faith patch has undergone considerable revision this past month, but I still have no ETA on its release. Numerous editors are reviewing the new content, mainly checking the parts related to various religions. Since the new content adds faith to the game, I wanted to handle them respectfully and accurately in writing. If you wish to play a Jewish vampire hunter who employs her faith, I want you to feel the game treats your religion realistically.

Currently, I’m waiting for more feedback from my last tester and Paradox, the company that now publishes Vampire The Masquerade.

Also of note, I was notified by my publisher that the game would be getting a price increase. It will rise from USD 9.99 to USD 11.99 on July 1, 2022. If you have purchased the game before July 1, you will still receive the True Faith patch for free. This patch will not be a DLC or in-game purchase but will be part of the base game. If you do not own this game, please consider purchasing it before the price increases. You will also be supporting me.

Deadbury Academy

I am slowly making progress on Deadbury Academy, though it’s not my focus. As you may recall, this is a different style of game based in the zombie apocalypse, though it is not part of the ZE Universe. Another writer is writing it, but I am heavily involved in producing the game as well as coding it. We will use a ZE:SH style of skills and challenges, though there will be different ones used for this game to add some variety.

Right now, we are in the planning and writing stages. But I will keep you posted on the game’s development.

That’s all for this month. Until next time, stay safe, and thank you for your support!