Aug 2024 Development Update

[h3]UPDATE[/h3] Crazy as it sounds, we've crossed over [i]1 YEAR[/i] since [b]Zenith[/b] was [url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/2393290/allnews/]originally slated[/url] to release... Nikki has been running monthly updates over on the [url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/982238101/they-speak-from-the-abyss]Kickstarter page[/url]. As those are limited to backers of the main game, we thought it was high time we ran a new update on the Steam page. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2393290/They_Speak_From_The_Abyss_Zenith/ [h3]WHAT HAPPENED?[/h3] There isn't really any one single thing that slowed down the production of Zenith. This projected was begun as a trial to iron out any kinks ahead of tackling the FULL release. Piece by piece, as Zenith was added to and improved upon, it would shine a spotlight on other areas that were no longer up to par. Often this sort of revisionist approach would be the death of a game. But this was done by design here! Even if our estimates on the timeline were significantly off... Through private playtests, attending events, and any other feedback that could be gathered - it became much more clear where work was needed, all while laying the groundwork for the final title! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44163707/68a87c9d501cb9d624bfc295fc19a5577eb88408.png[/img] [h3]WHAT'S CHANGED?[/h3] As a breakdown since you last heard from us: [list] [*] Nikki spent some time honing her 3D modeling, and was able to give the game a MAJOR update on visuals [*] The choice was made to drop the 4:3 ratio (which also meant redoing a bunch of UI and other art) as can be seen in the all new screenshots! [*] The combat was overhauled to be more interesting [*] The UI was completely redone [*] Cutscene revisions [*] Dialogue rewrites [*] Endless bug fixes and improvements to how the game renders and runs![/list] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44163707/6f9663d8979c614f6a1ab591fb05c1df0f26acb2.png[/img] [h3]RELEASE?[/h3] While we're still not quite ready to set a new launch date, the game is well underway, with a [b]brand new demo[/b] nearing completion! We also officially moved the main [b]THEY SPEAK[/b] game back to "2025". While a lot of the foundations will already be laid through Zenith, it is a MUCH larger title. So development will be notably faster, but is still anticipated to be a [i]lengthy[/i] process! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2075460/They_Speak_From_The_Abyss/ There is art on that page that is already over 2 years old!! When we're ready to launch Zenith, we'll be sure that page receives a revision to reflect the changes in style and gameplay. Thank you all for your patience! I'm confident it will be well worth the wait - especially for all you lovely Kickstarter backers who are now getting TWO games for the price of one ;) -Graeme (2 Left Thumbs)