[h1]NextFest 2024 is dead and gone... [i]But we're not.[/i][/h1] Far from it, actually. The energy on the Lost Gate team is electric. We've had this demo/build prepared for a while now, but felt that it was necessary to receive public feedback before we could really proceed with confidence. Throughout NextFest, hundreds of you played and submitted your thoughts, hopes, and concerns regarding MINDFLUX and it's future... So what's next? Big changes, that's what. [h1]New [i]Horrifying[/i] Ideas[/h1] The tone of MINDFLUX has always been spooky. This world teeters on the precipice of utter madness as cataclysmic events loom at every corner of the island. Beyond this, Ambrose's past, present, and future is also shrouded in an aura of fear. Our first step is to lean further into this. For those who have seen the animated cinematic SKINWALKER, you've probably noticed that things aren't going very well for the denizens of this world OR Ambrose. I wonder if some new mechanics are going to be introduced based on what we've seen in the cinematic... hmm... [previewyoutube=qanynqRxu9c;full]here[/previewyoutube] More details to come on this, but for now, know that we are working to make MINDFLUX a more psychologically [i]interesting[/i] experience. [h1]Player Flow and Mechanical Adjustments[/h1] While the major pieces of our core game play loop are performing well in terms of expected behavior and stability, we feel the overall player experience needs adjustment. Based on observations from numerous play tests and community streams, we've laid out some goals we want to achieve in the second public version of our core game play loop. [olist] [*]Reconstruct the Tutorial section, focusing specifically on creating organic exposure to new game concepts. [*]Reduce the amount of tutorial pop up windows. [*]Retool fundamental design structures within current conversations. [*]Overhaul object investigations to be more engaging. [*]Incorporate new use-cases and adjust original use cases for hardware modifications. [*]Create new feedback methods that guide the player into critical thinking regarding dialogue choices. [/olist] We're hoping this next iteration creates a stronger environment for critical thinking, where the player's observations and notions regarding individuals they encounter will dramatically change the way they choose to engage with them, and ultimately how everything pans out. [h1]Bug Fixes and Gameplay Amplifications[/h1] We're also looking to continuously polish current elements: [olist] [*]Player controller and camera refinement. [*]Collision polish. [*]Bug fixing reported issues discovered during NextFest. [/olist] [h1]Art/Sound/Music Amplification[/h1] In addition to design alterations, we're also looking to amplify the art efficacy of existing and future areas. This is to further develop the world's character, creating richer environmental storytelling and assisting the player in their investigations. Our environmental art team will be doing continuous location analysis, pushing ideas further and judging whether a location fulfills all narrative and artistic requirements. [h1]Conclusion[/h1] With the feedback from NextFest and the creation of our new community (hello by the way!), we're looking to make MINDFLUX a more spooky, engaging experience where your understanding of each character, the world, and the situation at hand will dramatically shift where your investigation ends up. If you are interested in learning more about MINDFLUX or would like to assist us in developing the game, please join our Discord linked below. Our developers respond to questions and feedback whenever they can. In addition, if you are interested in assisting us financially, we are creating a Patreon. Benefits, such as first access to new builds, private channels to communicate with developers, and being featured as a supporter in the credits are just some of the rewards you can receive. While our Patreon is not currently live, we will announce its opening on our discord and all other social media platforms. Thanks again, and welcome to the [i]RUSTED FUTURE[/i]. We're just getting started. -Chan [Creative Director]