Greetings, Governors!
From Portia to Sandrock, we cherish those days spent adventuring, accidenting upon some sort of happenstance, laughing alongside our friends and neighbors. It’s moments like this we hold dearest to us, and the ones we’re passionate to recreate in your next journey with us.
In My Time at Evershine, naturally we intend to build the same things that have worked for us before, but what can we do that’s… more? What can we do to make conversations more natural, more dynamic?
Throughout the town, by the quiet lakeside, among luscious flower fields, and in many of the hidden nooks and crannies you will find something familiar: the date spots. Invite your friends to sit down, chat, or simply pass the time away.
Something we’ve always challenged ourselves with is trying to make dating more than just spamming compliments and gifts.
A new system we’re implementing hopes to expand upon just “clicking all the options.” Your settlers will react to your dialogue choices; they’ll be turned on by your wit and thoughtfulness, and turned off if it seems like you’re misreading the room… They might even decide that they have better things to do and leave early.
In any case, each date will have a limited number of chances to win over your heart’s desire. Love has never been easy, has it?
As you get closer to the people in your settlement, topics will deepen as well. Hua, for example, in the beginning might only want to talk about surface level things, life on the frontier… but in time, she’ll begin sharing core beliefs that have shaped her as a person. How will you respond? Will you speak the truth? Or just tell her what she wants to hear… Dear reader, I implore you to follow your heart.
Of course, gifts are still a thing. One per date. But always, the right gesture at the right moment could make all the difference.
As things progress, you’ll find yourself discovering new ways to interact with your beloved. Leaning together quietly, warm embraces, a gentle kiss… everything we can get away with in a game rated T by the ESRB. 
One last thing to take into consideration: if you’re already married in Evershine - our dating system is not for you. If your partner finds out what you’re up to, there will be consequences. You might need more than just an “apology bear” this time…
Here’s a broad look at where we’re at on the dating system:
Completed:
Date locations built
Dynamic conversation + NPC mood meter implemented
Intimate interactions (leaning on each other) implemented
Conversation framework established
Currently in Progress/Planning:
Visual polish for date scenes, intimate interactions, and camera presentation.
Expanding conversation content and creating larger topic pools.
Designing jealousy events, including triggers and character reactions.
Weather Effects: changing date interactions based on weather
At the end of the day, our goal has always been the same. To build a date system that feels fresh, unique, meaningful. We don’t want our characters to just be quest givers, we want them to feel like companions, friends, real people. The new dynamic isn’t meant to present new challenges, but rather to enhance the experience of getting to know someone; and that isn’t easy.
What are your thoughts on Evershine’s dating design?
Let us know! And see you next time.