Dev Log #7

Hi everyone, and welcome to my 7th Dev Log!

These last two weeks have been focused on refining the atmosphere and technical foundations. Privately, a few things have happened that made me also slow down development. Nothing serious thankfully! Nevertheless, I managed to push forward and continue.

I started making some tracks for the music in The Darkness Within, and although a bit simplistic, it feels awesome to listen to something done by myself! I will definitely have music that isn't done by me as well, since it would slow production too much, but I will do it myself for the important bits where I believe I can create better immersion.
I always have been a believer that sound design can make or break any sort of artistic project. Thus why I want to spend as much time as possible on it. For example, the game's menu track is done: very simple but sets the mood.

Also, I started to change UI elements of the Renpy code! It's pretty simple for the moment, but I like it like that. I believe simple can be great if done correctly!

Furthermore, I continued rendering, but found myself wanting to experiment with random renders as to continue practicing. Because of the importance I put on environment and the feel of it, I want to be able to manage to actually create what I envision. So I stress tested my own capabilites by going through complex scenes, both inspired and imagined. As an example, take following render:

I can't stress enough how much these practice renders help me further improve myself, hence why I continue doing them. They will continue to make The Darkness Within a better looking game. I will leave the render as downloadable for everyone who wants it as attachment.

Finally, I managed to get vacation next week. That means: time for me to work on the game! Very happy about it as I want to finish rendering the Prologue, finish coding, let the Prologue be play-tested, and start rendering for Chapter 1 (the first release).

In the meantime, enjoy Sasha creating a sparking orb made out of the energy around her. She is one of the very few humans that can do it. All connected to her past, as she always had a special connection to nature and the living things around her.
Thanks again for all your support!

—MisheruMaxis