New Hire, Build Two - New Hire 0.1.2

Hi all! Happy to share the second build of New Hire, the first build available only to Patrons, build 0.1.2!

BUILD 0.1.2 LINK:

Build 0.1.2 (Mac) 

Build 0.1.2 (PC) 

It goes without saying but please don't share these links!

This is exclusive work for Patrons.

Change Log

Changes to Build 0.1.1 (Demo Build):

• Minor script changes (grammar, punctuation, small line changes)
• Minor timing changes (additions of pauses, changes in pacing)
• Minor audio changes (improvements in audio mixing/balancing, additional sound effects)

Changes to Build 0.1.2:

• Addition of Build 0.1.2, scenes 7 — 13
• Complete redesign of “Alex” character
• Partial redesign of “Patti” character
• Character updates reflected in GUI images
• Addition of non-consequential conversation choices
• Addition of “IT Employee” YCH

Dev Notes

Intro

I’d like to start these notes with a big THANK YOU to all of you for supporting me! I’ve been sick the past week finishing this build so I appreciate you sticking with me and supporting as I get this out.

When I plotted out my roadmap for game development, I initially planned for the game to launch September 1st, 2022. Instead, I needed to polish up my launch plans, fix bugs in the game, and polish some later-game planning — I ended up launching on the 22nd of September.

I REALLY didn’t want to adjust my roadmap and work schedule, however, so this meant trying to get build two complete and published before November 1st, meaning only a bit more than a month to get that all done. I’m happy to say I’ve completed build two to a very satisfactory level!

Character Redesigns

One of the first things you might notice playing build two is that Alex has had QUITE the update, and Patti partially as well! I decided that, based on the personality of this character and where I would like to take the Alex arc later in the game, I wanted to re-think his design entirely. This was a bit of an undertaking in an already crunched timeline but I feel its incredibly worth it, I feel a lot better about his design!

Similarly, I wanted to rethink Patti’s character design for the same reasons. This wasn’t a total re-design like Alex, but a subtler change in her outfit and demeanor.

These kinds of re-designs will most likely continue. I can see the same happening for Calvin and Roy, though for those two specifically, I imagine something like Patti’s re-design. We’ll see! I’d love to hear what you all think of Alex’s new look and if you have thoughts on how other characters look / how you feel about these kinds of early-stage character updates.

Our First YCH

YES It’s happening! Our first YCH! I’m a bit nervous but excited to start the addition of YCHs. I wanted to start with a side character whose presence in the story is comic relief. I imagine they’ll return to the story once or twice though!

I’ll go over how the YCH auction will work and more details about what to expect with getting your character in the game in a post soon. I’ll probably have two separate posts — a “YCH Info” posts, for all future YCHs, then a post specifically for auctioning this spot. Any questions you have, please, message me!

Unfinished Assets, More Build

Towards the end of this build, Calvin’s character variations and some backgrounds in that section are unfinished. I decided I would like to add more story to this build despite not having all these assets totally 100% polished. Going forward I’d like that to be my process — finish what seems most necessary, like the script, script editing, basic versions of all assets, and game functionality, then save final polish as development progresses.

I hope to continuously update backgrounds and especially character designs/variations with each successive build. Let me know your thoughts on this approach! If it’s jarring to see unfinished assets or if you don’t mind because it gives you more story, let me know.

Thanks again y’all, your support keeps this game going! <3