Greetings Inmates!
In this post, we would like to share with you how Back to the Dawn - an exciting RPG set in a maximum-security prison populated by animals of every shape and size - came about.
As long time gamers ourselves, we’ve always enjoyed games that will lead you on different paths based on how you play the game. When we hope onto the journey of game development, we wanted to create a game that is aligned with our interest and something we would be excited to play, and that's exactly what we've done with Back to the Dawn.
Back to the Dawn is set in a maximum-security prison environment
We loved the idea of creating a game with a small environment where players could explore and interact with different characters in a variety of ways. We also wanted to make this environment feel dangerous and unpredictable, where players would need to use their wits to survive. That’s when the idea of a maximum-security prison environment came to us.
We were inspired by prison themed shows like Prison Break (left), Prison On Fire (right)
Our interest in prison culture and gang triads goes back to our growing years. We've watched many TV shows and movies, read numerous books about prison stories and have always been fascinated by the dynamics of these groups and how they operate. We are heavily inspired by classic prison themed shows like Prison Break and Chow Yun-Fatt’s Prison on Fire which explore the harsh realities of life behind bars and the complex synergies that form between inmates. This fascination inspired us to create Back to the Dawn and to offer players a unique perspective on prison life.
The story of Back to the Dawn is about Thomas, a reporter who was framed and incarcerated by higher powers. You must navigate the harsh reality of prison life, where survival and escape become top priorities. Gather evidence to clear your name and expose the corruption that led to your imprisonment. We wanted to create a compelling story that would immerse players in an experience of what it feels like to be wrongly incarcerated and how that can impact a person's life.
From the moment you step into the game, you'll be thrust into a world of constant surveillance, wary alliances, and intense rivalries. You'll navigate a variety of areas within the prison, each with its own activities to engage in. By forming relationships with other inmates and working in areas like the kitchen, laundry room, or rooftop, you can gain access to private areas of the prison and earn privileges. Whether you're looking to explore every nook and cranny of the prison, form lasting relationships with your fellow inmates, or simply survive to see another day, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
Back to the Dawn is a game that offers players a lot of flexibility and choice. We wanted to offer players a variety of choices and paths to take, so that no two playthroughs would be the same. Every decision you make and every action you take will have consequences that will impact the rest of the game.
Meet the boss of Sharp Tooth Gang (left), Black Claw Gang (center) & Big Foot Gang (right)
For example, there are different gangs in the game, each with their own motivations and agendas. You can choose to join the ones that resonate best with your ideals. Depending on who you join, you will gain different allies or enemies and open up new opportunities or danger for yourself. The multiple endings that are available in the game reflect the variety of paths that players can take, and we hope that players will enjoy exploring all the possibilities that Back to the Dawn has to offer.
While it's every man for himself in prison, it's still possible to find true friendship and allies where you could build relationships with different inmates and learn about their unique stories. Each inmate has their own back story and reason for being incarcerated, and you will have the opportunity to learn about those stories as they play.
What choices will you make in prison?
Our goal is to provide players with a deeply immersive experience of day-to-day prison life. While we want players to have a great time playing Back to the Dawn, we also want them to think about the choices they make in the game. We believe that games can be a powerful medium for exploring different perspectives and ideas. Whether you choose to uphold justice, take revenge, or be plain selfish, we want you to feel like you've had a meaningful and thought-provoking experience.
We hope you're as excited about Back to the Dawn as we are, and we can't wait to share more about the game in the coming months. Be sure to wishlist the game to be notified of any new updates, and get ready to plot your escape out of prison and navigate your way to freedom!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735700/Back_to_the_Dawn/
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