I think everyone who followed the game saw this coming a long time ago, but I think this should be announced here as well.
The game's release will be delayed for an unknown amount of time.
There is a longer text incoming that explains the current situation with the game - so if you don't want to read it, here's the short version first:
This game was not meant to become abandonware at any point but I just do not have the time to continue it properly as of now - but it will be released at some point, this much I can and will promise.
Here's the longer and detailed version:
When I put this game on greenlight, I wanted to see how people liked the idea of the story as I am a rather story inspired person myself.
As it got greenlit, it was a sign for me to try better with episode 2, which I ended up working on right as the game got greenlit.
In fact - there are working prototypes of both Episode 2 paths in a slightly improved quality of the greenlight demo.
Let's fast forward tho.
As I was working on those Episode 2 prototypes, I already had most of the characters written and the major ones even voiced.
Short: The majority of the Non-infected branch already have their voice.
We ended up back paddling to Episode 1 again tho as this one was not even close to what it could be ...
This means that the demo alone had three complete mechanic reworks from 2015 - 2017.
So where does it stand at the moment?
The Scripts of episode 2 are done, a good chunk of the art of episode 2 is done, the current build has actual puzzles and a more subtle story telling.
The notes are gone, the mechanics improved and every part will have 4 different endings with their own little twists.
However, the environment is not filled with furniture yet, several rooms are not aligned yet, triggers aren't set, sub titles not aligned etc - and I just can't find the time to fix this, let alone polish this.
How will it proceed from here
First of all: The game is not entirely on hold!
It's only on hold on my end.
But this doesn't mean that there's nothing happening.
Just like in EP1 / the demo, there will be unique art and music again.
Someone has to make this art, the music, the voice acting, the models and the environment.
I might not have time, but just like before, I am still sending commissions to artists I worked with before to work on the game - and this is still happening.
So my current plan is to use the time and energy I have to first get the art, the music and everything done - and once I have everything and finally find the time again to work on it properly, I will get to it and do my best with a proper come back - giving the project the time it deserves.
In addition:
Episode 1 will get a rework again as well, as the way the game progresses is far away from what I can do with the experience I gained over the years.
This only affects progress and story telling, as I do believe that it can do so much better.
So... when do you think will you release the game?
I have absolutely no idea to be honest.
My schedule is filled for at least another year, that I have to use to push myself forward.
So I don't see any release happening before summer 2019.
Another factor here might be that I might attempt to put Episode 2 and the plans of Episode 3 into one episode, doubling the play time (Meaning 4h in total) and going from there.
I have several ideas for the game that I can't wait to show off (That already worked well in the prototype) - some planned and written down already, some only outlined so far.
I hope you can bear with me and I am really sorry that his had to happen.
Best regards,
Ricky
