The journey to creating "Simpler Times" has been an intimate experience. I am both excited and humbled to announce that our game will be part of Steam Next Fest: October 2023 Edition. From October 9 to October 16, I invite you to dive into a chapter of Taina’s life, as she reflects on her past while preparing to leave her beloved childhood room. I moved a lot throughout my life, and every time it felt like I didn’t have enough time to process things. Packing usually goes quickly, with full excitement about the new place. I forget to take a moment and appreciate what I leave behind, all the memories, as Taina would say: [i]“Even though I’m excited for what will follow, how can I leave all this behind? All the memories and the good times I’ve had here?”[/i] The process of making this game mirrors those sentiments. At its core, 'Simpler Times' is about reminiscing, reflection, and moving on. We worked on it for over two years and put every bit of heart into it. Now, for the first time, you and hundreds of others will get to experience it. The demo of Simpler Times will let you enjoy some of the activities the game offers. As you explore Taina’s bedroom and pack some of her belongings, you discover small trinkets of her past. You can take photos, paint, or just sit and listen to original music. There is no time pressure; spend as much time as you want. And, when you feel like it, play the “Two Seconds of Being Weightless” record to trigger the end of the demo, hinting at what will follow in the full game when we will let you visit her childhood memories. The process of creating a game, especially one this personal, is much like life itself. It's messy, unpredictable, and sometimes a little frustrating. But it's also beautiful, fulfilling, and worth every second. That is why we are so happy to have a public demo. It's an invitation to share a part of our journey. I truly hope you'll find a piece of yourself in 'Simpler Times' as well. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44224897/17614b1e3c0c55ecda8c6409e6ddcad8637d0530.png[/img] If you want to learn more about the game, you can visit the Steam page and chat with us, watch our livestreams, and follow the game’s progress. Your thoughts & feedback will be invaluable as we approach the finish line. Thanks, Dragos