sandlustgames

Where we're at

Added 2018-03-21 10:54:58 +0000 UTC

0.1 is finally out. Unfortunately, releasing it turned out to be a bit harder than we anticipated. We could find excuses like "it's a much more complicated and more ambitious project", but it doesn't make the waiting for it any easier. We're trying our best. We're working on fixing all bugs and adding new features.

What's already done:

Client-server side is already done. That's the most complicated part of the game so we're happy we don't have to worry about it anymore. And while it has some drawbacks (mostly for pirates), the pros outweigh the cons.

One of the best parts of it is automatic updates. Also, a lot of fixes on server won't even require for you to reload the client. We can fix some mistakes like typos in real time.

The game has some content: intro, which shows how events and dialogs work. We have 16 dialogs (you can't play through all of them yet, but we'll add them very soon). We added a couple of simple events in some locations. Julia has 10 outfits, Kate has 18. Current build has a lot of graphics, which you'll see before 0.2.

NPC's behavior. While this don't look very interesting with only one NPC, which doesn't yet have many available options, NPCs in the game won't be living in a strict schedule. Their mood will affect their behavior and you'll notice they behave differently in seemingly similar situations. Complicated NPCs were a big part of our previous Glamour game, so we have a lot of plans in this direction.

Graphical interface, stylization. Some elements of the interface (dialogs) have animation, we'll add more in the future.

Now, let's talk about our plans:

First and foremost, we're working on fixing the bugs. We already have a long list to go through, thanks to all your reports. By the way, you can report bugs in our discord channel.

Finishing and implementing events we originally planned for 0.1. We already have graphics for them, shouldn't take too much time.

Adding a wardrobe for Kate. We had a post about it if you want to read more about it.

Adding active zones on the screen so you can click on objects and NPCs directly on the screen instead of dedicated buttons in the bottom right corner if you want to.

Adding a progress bar for downloading updates in the client.

Android build (Progress bar is the reason we haven't done it yet. Plus we want to move to a better server so the players won't have potential problems). We're also planning OS X and Linux builds.

Adding settings interface, where you'll be able to choose whether new lines in dialogs shows after you press a button or automatically with a timer. By the way, you can already use space bar in dialogs to show next line and left ctrl to skip the entire dialog (soon, you will also be able to skip dialogs by pressing enter). You'll also be able to resize text, buttons, and more.

Cosmetic changes. For example, new text in events will have animation similar to how it already works in dialogs.

Once we're done with all that, we'll move on to 0.2. Just like with 0.1, we will be adding new content right after making it instead of waiting till we finish everything else. I'm not going to tell you about everything I've planned for 0.2, but I will tell you about some things:

City map. It's already done, we'll show it to you soon. Here are some hubs we'll add in 0.2:

College (about 15 locations. Locations are rooms like bathroom and backyard in Kate's and Julia's house). About half of the locations are already done, we'll start showing them too.

Fitness club. It won't have many locations in the beginning: receptions, two training rooms, showers and locker rooms. You'll be able to expand the club in the future. Julia and Kate can talk about it in 0.1.

Several stores with items to buy.

Inventory interface, store interface.

Ability to save progress while you sleep. Ability to load you progress too, of course :)

Some locations like backyard will look differently depending on the time of day.

And more.

As you can see, we have big plans and a lot of work ahead of us, and now not only you'll be able to track our progress through our posts, you'll be able to see updates right in the game.