Hi everyone! Just wanted to provide a quick update on how development is going. After getting the base framework of the updated project built, I realized that undertaking the original update, as planned, would be a massive commitment that I was unlikely to complete on time. As such I wanted to inform you all of the new plan:
Instead of 5 lower-quality levels, I have gone back to the drawing board to create one highly polished level with a whole new suite of mechanics. It's no longer backrooms-themed, however is still similar in principle. The actual gameplay stuff isn't too far along, since I just completed the redesign of the update, however U98X || (the sequel to U98X, the "operating system" in the game) is nearly complete and has some slick new features like:
- Resizable Windows
- A whole new suite of applications pertaining to the story and mechanics of the game
- Rebind-able controls and enhanced settings
- A terminal-style command console for both dev stuff + player tomfoolery (THE_ABYSS_HAS_GUNS?)
- Terrible 90s web design >:)
- I'm going to make people who buy the U98X license DLC actually type in a 20-character "license key" because I'm a jerk (but I'll make sure it's worth your while)
Even though it's less content than originally planned, I really think this will be better for the game as well as your experience as a player. Sometimes we game developers get ambitious in our plans; rather than scramble to get a bunch of "just okay" content out the door, I want to use the same timeframe to make a little 99 cent slice of excellence for you to experience.
The original timeframe is still in place (6 months to 1 year at time of announcement, so about 8 months at the longest at this point), however with a scaled-back update it *may* be possible that it'll drop before that. I'd like to keep everything a surprise, so it might be quiet around here leading up to the release of the update.
Thank you
-JAMES_MADSEN_DIGITAL_ENTERPRISES
P.S. I love all of the drawings you guys are doing with the markers. They aren't a central mechanic in the new version, but because you guys clearly enjoy them, they'll be staying in the game and might get some upgrades if time permits.