Hello Scribes!
Two weeks have flown by in the blink of an eye, and that means it's time for another Steam Update from Scriptorium development! Today we've got some exciting topics to cover including some more details of the demo version, your first-ever listen to Scriptorium's original soundtrack, and more details on a very special 𓆙 basement resident!
Demo Version Update
The highly anticipated demo is still in active development and the team is making great progress, we'll share more details in the next update. We wanted to answer some questions you've asked after our last post right away!
Here's what you can expect from the demo:
Both Story Mode and Sandbox Mode - We really want to show you the two main pillars Scriptorium is built on. We know some of you love a good story and that sense of progression that comes from improving your workshop and completing commissions - so there'll be a snippet of Story Mode where you'll create your character and get a taste of the campaign mode. And for those who just want to jump straight into creating without restrictions, Sandbox Mode will be there too and let you experiment with the selection of assets we carefully chose for the demo.
Export your artworks - Just like in the playtest, you'll be able to export your creations and share them on social media (once the demo is out remember to tag our social channels so we can admire and hype your work!)
Fresh start for launch - progress from the demo won't transfer to the full game, so whatever you create in the demo stays in the demo, and you'll start the full version with a clean slate!
And since some of you have asked - the demo will of course be free to download and play (we can't think of a different scenario, but since you’ve asked - we answer!)
Meet Scriptorium Composer - Jake Gaule!
Don't know about you, but we here at Yaza Games are huge fans of cozy creative sims and the music is absolutely crucial for feeling immersed in such a relaxing game. That's why we wanted the music to be tailored to such gameplay. The day has come when we can show you more, so we want to introduce you to the composer preparing the soundtrack for Scriptorium, meet Jake Gaule! Jake is also known under the name Submerged Tapes and is an incredibly talented game music composer, whose work you might know from the soundtracks of games like Bladesong, Automatoys and Little Corners.
You can expect us to do a deep dive into the topic of music in one of our future Steam Updates, but for now we have two short snippets for you - one is a fragment of the main musical theme in the game and the other you'll hear during... sleep!
The musical world of Scriptorium is special because the soundtrack consists of many layers that dynamically adjust to what you're currently doing and where you are in the game. We wanted it to be a subtle enough companion that it won't disturb your creative work, but also won't get boring when you're decorating your workshop or shopping for new stuff. You can expect us to explore the topic of music in Scriptorium in the next updates!
Gameplay deep dive - Challenge Screen!
Continuing the new tradition we started in our previous Steam Update, today we're introducing you to another screen in the game! Here's the Challenge Screen, also known as the Basilisk Grotto! Yes, your Scriptorium has a Basilisk living in the basement. Isn't that wonderful? Fortunately, this one doesn't turn you to stone because deep down it's just an oversized chicken.
(Work in progress)
The Challenge Screen is a place we recommend checking regularly. Here you'll find information about what's worth doing during your adventures in the world of Scriptorium to unlock unique items. As you can see in the mock-up above, if you complete enough challenges, the Basilisk will exchange them for this rather tasteful throne. Is it worth it for him? Probably not really, but he's a very generous basilisk.
What's next?
In the next update, we'll answer the question: what exactly are dreams in Scriptorium, and why should you make sure your scribe gets enough sleep? 👀
That's all for today, thank you for reading and see you in 2 weeks - stay safe & warm out there!
Your Yaza Games and Mythwright Teams
PS. We also want to continue using Steam Updates to show you cool, lesser known indie games created by wonderful, talented developers we've met along our journey! Here's Leafy Corner, a game created by a duo of Polish developers where you run a cozy shop with... potted plants. An absolute banger of a game concept, we recommend it for all lovers of houseplants and cozy sims!
Don't forget to add it to your wishlist and today they launched Leafy Corner playtest session, so you can check the game out for yourself!