the development blog
Goals…
Jul 10th
I’ve been a bit vague…
Even the entry to this post is bloody vague…
As a game maker I would like to be seen as wind swept and interesting. At least I hope that I seem to be mildly interesting. The same goes for the game. From day one, I didn’t want to give away much about the story or how things develop. Some people have been frustrated by the lack of information at the start of the game. Thankfully many of you seem to like the way the game opens. It was imperative that this felt like a dream and that things don’t quite make much sense. The goal is to put the memories together. They are all related and tell a story over many years.
So far I have kept the development of the story a secret. The game tries to be more emotional than most, and your reaction to the events is key to the ending of the game. Sometimes I feel frustrated by the ending of many games I play. Some end abruptly, some feel unfinished, some left open for a sequel. My goal is to provide an ending to ‘Night Train’ that is satisfying and above all emotional.
Hopefully this wont destroy the enjoyment of the final game.
It’s good to have goal’s… innit?
Paul
Coma
Jul 10th
Coma Screenshot
People are already comparing this to ‘Nevermore’, but this is far more grown up. The graphics are loads better (even though Nevermore 3 is stunning to look at) and the ending feels more accomplished.
Pop over for a play. It’s a great way to spend your lunch hour.
Are you an indie developer in the UK?
Jun 27th
I am writing an article about the future of indie development in the UK. If you are an independent developer and would like to put forward your thoughts then now is your chance. I am trying to set up a network of developers so that we can support each other and find new ways of showcasing our work to the industry and the public. To do this, we need to show a real need and be counted. Fill out the form here – Don’t worry, no details will be passed on and this information will be used for research only.
Thanks for your support – Paul
Freeplay
Jun 24th
Another indie games festival has announced it’s search for submissions. ‘Freeplay’ is open to all indie developers whatever stage their project is at – Best of all it’s also free to enter!! Hosted at rather stunning State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, Freeplay is destined to become another date in the indie developers diary!
You can submit up until the 19th of July with winners announced the 15th of August. Head over to find out more at http://www.freeplay.net.au/
Good luck to everyone taking part!
I am soooo excited!
Jun 23rd
Some more treats have trickled out of Frictional Games mainly in the shape of a second teaser trailer for ‘Amnesia’. Now Penumbra made me do ‘ickle poo’s whilst screaming like something deranged (Sorry neighbours) but Amnesia looks even scarier! Have a good look see here… Can’t wait till September – I was number 2 on the pre-orders – yay 
IndieCade 2010
Jun 23rd
In a couple of hours the deadline will be up and all the entries for this years IndieCade will have been submitted, along with ‘Night Train’. Having seen some of the previous years entries, IndieCade seems to be the breeding ground for a vast array of talent. From the Sublime Moon Stories to the massively addictive Eliss for the iPhone.
Good luck to everyone taking part this year! Hope to see some of you at IndieCade Europe this year. Who know’s, maybe even in Culver City!?
Sapphire and Steel
Jun 22nd
Someone asked me what inspired me to make ‘Night Train’ and I think it goes back to the love of one particular programme. ‘Sapphire and Steel’ will be known to many of you who have played the ‘Dark Fall’ games (If you don’t get the reference then search youtube for assignment 2! Remind you of any train stations in particular???) but to me it was some of the best telly the UK has ever produced. So stand aside Doctor Who, Lost & Babylon 5 – All hail the greatest TV show ever made
Little Wheel
Jun 22nd
There sometimes comes an on-line game that makes you smile This is one of them. For years I honestly thought the only games worth playing on line were Submachine and Daymare Town, now we can add a third. Sadly this is not part of a series like the pastel story games, but it makes up for it in charm and good looks. A simple 3rd person point and click game. And one that reminds me that I don’t always hate 3rd person games.
If only…
Jun 22nd
Right… The demo has been updated and some of the features that have been requested have been added. If only I knew what I do now 3 months ago!..
This process has been such a huge learning curve. I went from never writing a line of code to now being able to do it without thinking. Looking back at some of the old code I cringe. It’s so untidy, but it works. Thing is, it could have worked better. Ah well, you live, you learn, as Alanis Morissette once told me.
So to mark the end of this stage of development I’m celebrating with a chip butty, a cup of coffee and an episode of ‘Ghost Hunters’. Yunge
Addressing the problems…
Jun 18th
A week ago I released my first ever attempt at a game on the world. Albeit a short introduction to the game, but a playable game none the less. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love the adventure community!
Subtitles!?
Many of you have kindly pointed out that the game is lacking in subtitles. After years of playing adventure games, you’d have thought I’d notice that. Turns out I didn’t 
but you’ll be glad to hear (or rather see) subtitles in the full version.
Is this a game?
Some players have wondered if this is a game… I can reassure you that there are puzzle elements throughout the story (and within the demo) that you can access. These puzzles will help you learn more about Anna, her parents and her fate. I promise!!
Manual?
The demo is currently without a manual. Again, my bad! A manual will be added to give you some idea of the journey that you are about to embark on. For those of you who want to explore for yourself you can play on spoiler free.
Demo Update?
Yes, there will be a demo update on the 22nd for those of you who want to see those all important subtitles! There won’t be any further game play, but hopefully it will address some of the issues you have pointed out
Release Date?
It’s now September/October. But I promise you a much better experience! Promise!!
Thankyou…
A big thanks to the forum users at dead-code, adventure gamers, just adventure and the people over at indiegames. A big thanks goes to Agustín Cordes for his fantastic support so far and to everyone who has given me there feedback! To anyone who is thinking about making their first game, GO DO IT! There is a fantastic community out there ready and willing to support you!
Paul