Heads up! Taking a break

A lot of nice stuff has been going on with the game recently, but I'd like to clear my mind for a little while, just focusing on some other stuff for a few months.

Lately I've been feeling a bit tired, haven't done much generally speaking. But it's normal, university takes all of my time, and similarly to previous years, there's always less progress during these times. With the extra addition of the pretty harsh studying-at-home conditions, it hasn't been simple, and I end up drained out the evening. (Anyone who's struggling with these too, stay strong, we'll get through this!)

I feel like it would be nice to focus on other stuff for a little while, maybe till the end of the year.

I wouldn't have much time anyways sooo... But at least I'd like to take the small amount of free-time I have and redirect it into small other hobbies. That would be really nice!

So as a heads up, I just wanted you to know! It won't change much for you, maybe only that you won't hear much from me.

Recap

I've done a lot for the past few months with the amazing help of some friends. Here's a recap of the main accomplishments. I will try, as always, to keep most of the info and in-game content a secret, even if I'd love to show... Trust me it will be doper when you get to see the whole thing in one piece :)

• [February] Added a cutscene that you can unlock if you complete stuff

• [February] Started working on a "task" quest featuring Roxy, mostly focused on the coding of small snippets that will be reused when the whole scene will be put together.

  

• [April] New score based system added for competitive players to enjoy. And a great way to give accordingly access to tons of potentially unlockable content.

• [April] Updated a really old part of the game with improved code, better gameplay mechanics, doper sound design. Big success!

  

• [May] Added another cutscene

• [June] Created a complex menu, tons of cool graphics, GJ login implemented, with everything ready.

• [June] Worked on one of my personally most anticipated part of the game, created the models (areas props, animations, OST, ...)

  

• [August] The story got refined and I started planning a new gameplay element that will fill in some mysteries. It will give the most curious players a whole new view on the game with an alternative plot composition

• [August] New voice actors, a few older assets changed with the help of friends.

• [September] One segment of that specific part described above was successfully created and added to the game! Planning of the 2nd segment.

  

• [September] Added a really nice intro to the game!

• [September] Started working on a "task" quest featuring the crocodiles, and so far it's looking sick! I hope you'll like the mechanics of this one!

  

  (viewport demos)

Considering all the stuff I have to do in parallel, I take this as a huge amount progress done for the game.

I usually take a month or two to make a fully functioning game "scene". I don't hesitate to take my time to make the most out of it. If there's something to change, I'll do it. If there is a detail missing, I'll add it. I'm aiming for quality design + thrilling gameplay over quantity and boring stuff. It takes time, but it works pretty well from the feedback I get from testers

Plans

I really want to get that one sequence of the game I talked about (with the crocodiles) done before I take the break. So I will focus on that, and try to make the most out of my remaining weekends.

Then, I will hopefully put my hands on a guitar soon, so that I can jam and enjoy myself, learn some new pieces!

I'd also like to create a good portfolio site too for my stuff.

And finally art, art, and art again. Lots of it, I'd like to sit down and have the time to grab a pencil and do stuff lel

Take care!
- @ddemkoo