[h3][b]Greetings, aspiring journalists and media moguls![/b][/h3]   [h3]As we’re approaching our Closed Beta, we’d like to share more info about one of the key game mechanics.[/h3] As an influential publisher navigating the bustling streets of 1930s NYC, you will unlock different areas of the city based on reader interest.   [i][b]Picture it:[/b][/i] you'll be expanding your readership one neighborhood at a time, aiming to claim the coveted title of New York's most influential publisher!    Now, let's talk about the map layout of the game, a design decision that posed quite the challenge...  [b]Originally, our vision was to connect all districts[/b], mirroring real-life urbanization. A simple street-crossing would usher you into a different area—simple, right?  However, reality hit, presenting us with [b]unique challenges[/b]:  [list] [*]How do we strategically position factions and quest givers early on, ensuring a continuous stream of challenges for you?  [*]How do we create a smooth progression system that seamlessly unlocks areas in sync with your evolving skills and mastery level?[/list] Enters the [b]reworked[/b] version:  [list] [*]We've created paths to expedite the unlocking of shops and encountering of quest givers.  [*]Challenges now align more closely with your skill level at any moment!  [*]You, as a player, will have greater control over your progression and can focus on elements that better fit with your playstyle. [/list] [h3]Now, let's take a deep dive into the inner workings of the map in News Tower.  [/h3] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/f17fb7887a81a54a9206921d60ff3d0e614a3f55.png[/img] [h1]NEW-YORK MAP[/h1] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/e9ac747f046c35f2457b9cd34e8e4e3ceb7a9d95.png[/img] [b]The map is made up of 48 DISTRICTS waiting to be unlocked.[/b] Each week, you get to decide which district to unlock.  To do so, you just need to align your content with the readers interest.  Upgrading your production line is key to meeting their increasingly difficult interest.  [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/54e75a46ad9b60813fe52e844405869b51a1c749.png[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/f17fb7887a81a54a9206921d60ff3d0e614a3f55.png[/img] [h3][b]CHOOSE WHICH SHOPS TO UNLOCK FIRST TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTION[/b][/h3] Once you’ve reached certain locations, you can unlock specific items with your hardly earned [i]influence points[/i]. The shops are tied to specific ‘Tags’ (Society, Economics, Sports, Entertainment, Crime and Politics) depending on their location – you will unlock the entertainment boost item at the Ritz Theatre of course! Unlocking these boosts is a game-changer, as it will help to enhance your reporters' skills and, in turn, your production line. [b]So, choose your path wisely for early unlocks! [/b] [i]Some shops will also unlock new technologies and upgrades for your newspaper. Getting security items to stop Mobsters coming, advertising production and copy-editing to make better articles will also be unlockable at some shops. [/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/3e41a358b7a67466aeaf5914eeff34bcb19862f8.png[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/f17fb7887a81a54a9206921d60ff3d0e614a3f55.png[/img] [h3][b]REACH THE FACTIONS[/b][/h3] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/25df2447abc7a0ed08e319d5a28be10b5a282d5d.png[/img] We wanted to give you the opportunity to encounter factions quite early in your journey, adding an extra weekly quest to your plate. Progressing with the different factions will give you both money and influence points- if you succeed in their weekly quest! So if you are [i][b]REALLY[/b][/i] good, you can unlock one district and one quest line per week but… It’s not an easy task and you’ll need to have a good combination of tags in the same week. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40684736/f17fb7887a81a54a9206921d60ff3d0e614a3f55.png[/img] [h3]Stay tuned as we will work on improving how factions are vying for influence in New-York City during Early Access! [/h3]