Let's talk about the future of development!

Assuming you're all here because you're interested in the game and it's future direction, I thought I'd take a bit of time and talk about where the game will be going within the near future, as it's a rather big shakeup.

So let's get the first major point out of the way, the game is getting a complete visual overhaul, and by proxy, internal overhaul. With the game at the time of it's last update, Alpha 1.10, it had 5 whole months of development under it's belt, and I was extremely proud of how things were going! It's been my first game to truly come together on my own accord that wasn't a school project or a dumb little demo. However, the more I looked at it and comparing it to other games in it's category. It just seemed rather... uninteresting visually? I had always justified the visuals as being better than a prototype but certainly not the finished project, but the father along I've come it just hasn't sat well. I want this game to have personality! I want to be, well, 'The Ultimate Wacky Stock Trading Simulation'!

My first order of business was how to justify this silly market scene. I felt like it was designed well, it's got everything it needs. But they're just buttons in a void with a computer below it. I thought there needed to be some sort of in-game reasoning to be interacting with what you are, and the best source of inspiration was what I already had, a computer! So I got to concepting, and decided that most of the game will take place on your own desk, in front of your computer, complete with it's own little fictional operating system! Not only does this contextualize all the UI elements I wanted, but it gives way for so many opportunities to do interesting things with! Making different menus applications, computer games, desk buddies, and so much more!

Ok, what about an actual release?

Great question! I'll cut to the chase right now, the full game is still a ways away! The game has been sitting in the alpha state since it's original release Feburary 21st, and has proudly been a free taste of the main gameplay loop I desired. With the help of everyone here, I've been getting a general sense of the basic swings of gameplay and what needs to be done, leading to the next phase of development...

BETA!

With the basics down, it's time to refine things and start making it more of that delicious full meal! First stop regarding this? The revamp. After that? More meat on the bones! Things like extra game modes and those other fun little trinkets to play around with. But I bet you're also dying to know when you'll be able to experience the amazing revamp and the juicy beta release. Which I do at least have a date for a demo of a lovely little demo for you...

June 9th for the demo!

Why this date? For the specific reason that we'll be at the Steam Next Fest! So while you're playing a bunch of other cool games, you should play the cool game you've already played! But it'll be much cooler this time I promise.

On that note, we're on Steam! Here's a link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3589950/Take_Stock/

Anything else?

Nothing much I promise! Pricing is still up in the air as things are getting developed, at most it might be $5. Release passed the demo is also still wonky. Otherwise, I thank you all for your support and feedback throughout the project, it means the world to me!