This started life as environment art and was just for the purpose of some static renders and cinematics.
To cut a long story short - I turned the environment into a interactive story/game. I am also giving this away for free. It is pretty short, but also my first game on steam.
I expected couple of hundred purchases and hopefully some positive reviews. To date it’s had nearly 25,000 (free) purchases, positive feedback, people messaging me etc… To be honest some of the updates I made (after release) should really have been there to start with. But responding to comments and requests. Listening to feedback did really connect well with the players.
Hope you’re well and having a wonderful week so far
I took a look over at the steam page and I have to say I adore the ambiance of the world you’ve created. Definitely eerie and creepy but also so warm and beautiful. The lighting and use of natural wood tones kept distracting me with beautiful-ness. Really beautifully done!
Is there any part of the game that you’re especially excited to watch people experience?
I guess one of the parts I really enjoy is creating immersive / atmospheric environments and stories. So any part where a player walks into an environment and is captivated or just enjoying the surroundings – this is something I enjoy and find rewarding to see.
A bit like being a kid (or adult!) and walking in a forest and for the first time finding an old deserted house to explore, or a hidden waterfall etc… Creating that feeling of mystery/excitement/fear is something I am looking to create.
Immersion is definitely the “test” of a good setting. If I can forget that I’m not actually a knight fighting a dragon, I count that as a good game Glad you’ve invested a ton of passion into that element. If you don’t mind me asking, do you have another project in the works or are you taking a bit of a break after this one?
I do have an idea for my next game - on a much larger scale. A supernatural horror / mystery that will be based in two or three different locations. But the primary location, where most the game will take place, will be in an old museum.
However! I actually got into 3D/CG in the first place to make animations. So I am presently making a short animation - of which I have the first rough cut done. I will finish this and then decide if I will make another animation or just focus on a game project.
In the past I have stretched myself too far - so I will focus on one creative project at a time
I will do - I’ve actually recently just set up a new UE project and pulled together a true first person character.
I want the game as immersive as possible. So I am using a TFPS set up and any interactions opening doors, cupboards etc… I will have animated interactions.
I will post the updates here - I’ll start a new thread, but just want to create a featured image/artwork that is recognisable.
Although - that’s about the most work I will do it for now, as aside from developing the story I will have a break and work on my finishing my animation.
This is such an interesting coincidence that I found your post today. My friend recently streamed your game to our group Discord and we all LOVED it. Everyone kept complimenting the environmental storytelling and the atmosphere you created.
Glad you’ve invested a ton of passion into that element. If you don’t mind me asking, do you have another project in the works or are you taking a bit of a break after this one? 