slamjax
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Making Stellar Incognita
🕑 Added 2023-10-14 23:49:24 +0000 UTC
STELLAR INCOGNITA is my first game and for a long time I was hesitant in trying to make a visual novel game, given how daunting it seemed to be, especially the coding part. But, I decided to give it a go on the understanding that it would be a learning experience for me - and have I learned a lot! As an added bonus, a game came into existence that scratched an itch I couldn't find in any other game out there!
Without writing an essay, I just wanted to describe the basic design process for STELLAR INCOGNITA:
1) First it's the development of the branching storylines. It starts with pencil and paper and I think of scenarios I would like to see and sketch that out in a decision tree. You can see that process expressed in the walkthroughs for every update.
2) Next it's selecting and developing the 3D characters, clothing, props and sets. It's all pre-made from various online marketplaces, but I do customize things to suit the story.
3) Next it is making the images based on the storyline. They are 3D rendered sequentially and then passed through a filter(s) to give it that distinct look. This becomes a kind of storyboard. The images are saved in either A, B or C folders, depending on the first choice you make in the game. Sometimes I create new image branches that weren't in the original storyline, because it just seems to fit. So some is pre-planned and some happens organically.
4) At this stage I still have no words. Using the game engine, I start writing the text and character dialog for every image in my storyboard. This is where I also add music, sound effects and decision menus. This is the most time-consuming of all the stages. This is also where I learn about how the coding works and how to best arrange the code so that the multiple story branches work and make sense.
5) Then I play through the work in the Ren'Py game engine and pick up on typos and add more music and sound effects in areas I think need a little more.
6) Finally the update is packaged up into playable files for PC, Linux, Mac and Android and it's ready for release. Ideally, I like to have about 2 releases in advance prepared just in case I need a buffer. I think it's important to release updates regularly - it's only fair to you, the player.
And that's about it in the most general sense.
Oh, and I do actually play my own game. As time passes, it actually feels like somebody else made it!
Comments
Shadowgallery
S.I. is different from all other games out there, I'd call it 'Advanced Visual Novel', it's like connecting hundreds of short stories, combining them into something large and rich. The world view and information come so naturally, hence super immersive. Besides, S.I is all-around good. Deviant fetishes, mature writing, good music... etc. The filter is perfect for my taste, raw and powerful.
Miraak
Best game 2023 for me
