Dev log - Dec 18, 2024

Hey everyone, it’s time for another dev log!

After the successful release of Chapter Six and the fun (albeit slightly late) Halloween special, I’m excited to dive back into the main storyline of The East Block. Working on the Halloween special was a refreshing change of pace, and it gave me the chance to try something different. Now, I feel recharged and ready to tackle the next chapter!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve made great progress on Chapter Seven. This update is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet! My rendering hardware is definitely being put to the test, especially with the beach scene. This scene will feature a large number of characters on screen simultaneously, which makes for some really detailed and immersive renders.

The beach scene is also going to offer a lot of replay ability. There will be plenty of activities for players to explore, so Luke will have his hands full! I’m hoping this variety means there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Because of all the options available, I’m also planning to implement a scene replay gallery in this update. This feature has been one of the most requested additions, so it’s about time I made it happen!

Another focus for this chapter is character development. I feel like we haven’t had enough opportunities to dive into the backstories and personalities of some of the main characters, but that’s going to change. Starting in Chapter Seven, players will have the choice to explore these deeper layers through optional dialogue menus. This way, you can decide how much you want to learn about the characters without the game feeling bogged down by too much dialogue or internal monologue.

On a personal note…

I recently came down with a nasty case of the flu, and let me tell you, it was brutal. A week of relentless coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat had me feeling pretty miserable. At one point, I slept for nearly two days straight! I haven’t been this sick in over a decade, so it really took me by surprise. Thankfully, I’m finally feeling better and back on track.

Looking ahead…

I’m considering recording another behind-the-scenes video while I work in DAZ Studio. I did one a while back, and a lot of you seemed to enjoy it. It won’t be anything fancy, just me screen recording while I work and talking about the game. If that’s something you’d like to see, let me know in the comments!

I also want to post more interactive content, like polls where you can give input on certain aspects of the game (e.g., character clothing). Of course, I’ll continue sharing renders and animations as I progress on this update. Let me know if there’s any other type of content you’d like to see on Patreon!

Thank you all for your support.

Your encouragement means the world to me and keeps this project going strong. We’re about halfway through The East Block, and the story is only going to get more intense and exciting from here. I hope you’ll stick with me for the journey ahead!

See you in the next update,
Bobby