Dear Travellers,
Today we’re sharing some sketches and screenshots of Braided Shore’s chief urban hub and capital city, Kasa. With its deep waters, Kasa has been the launching and landing place for Travellers for time immemorial, and for most visitors it's their first impression of the region. But bustling as it is, they'd be deceived to think the whole of Braided Shore as dense and thronging; a Traveller need not wander far to find themselves in nature and tranquillity.
A hive of activity in a serene land
In both our game announcement and Kickstarter campaign we described Book of Travels as a serene game, a description that received a very positive response. Certainly players of the beta will have found the world very tranquil, so it might seem a little surprising that the region’s capital is as dense and demanding as any real world one - so much so that Travellers might feel disinclined to stay for long.
Trade, commerce and culture
But just like a real world city, Kasa will be the place for those wishing to acquire basic provisions and the odd item of exotic equipment, it’s also a key destination for Travellers interested in the variety of the region’s culture and customs. Being a harbour city means there will also be chances to encounter the immigrant cultures of the Malku and Selka people.
Design sketches from Kasa
These sketches show various buildings from Kasa which draw on 18th Century Turkish and Italian architecture. While they hint at an industrial society the intent is to keep a largely romantic feel.
Contrasting environments
Intense as it may be, we think Kasa will be a place to stimulate the senses, thronging with the kind of sights and sounds that can only be found in a highly populated area. However, its very existence is intended to contrast with the region’s peaceful hinterlands. We think there’s something more satisfying about solitude when the knowledge of human tumult is somewhere in the distance, and a visit to Kasa is sure to enhance the feeling of peace beyond it.
Thank you for reading about Kasa! What are your experiences of urban density in games - and in life? Do you enjoy tranquillity more when you know that bustle is close at hand or further away? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this and Kasa in the comments section.
Best Wishes,
Helen and the Dev Team x
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1152340/Book_of_Travels/
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