Dev Log #10
Hi everyone! We’ve officially hit Milestone #10. It feels like just yesterday I was writing my first one, not sure what to write or not, and now the world of The Darkness Within is expanding faster than ever.
I’m finally back from my client trip, which means I'm back at rendering. While I was away, I didn't let the momentum stop: I dove deep into the script, and I’m thrilled to announce that Chapter 1 dialogue is now 50% complete.
I’ve had some massive inspiration bursts lately. One scene in particular has me incredibly excited: depending on a specific choice you make, you will face immediate and significant consequences. In The Darkness Within, I want your decisions to feel human, but also high-stakes. You aren’t just a passenger in Mike’s story; you are the one steering him through hiws own shadows.
In the meantime the feedback from the Prologue has been invaluable. The biggest complaint was the save system, so I’ve completely overhauled the UI. The Save Screen has now 12 slots per page instead of 4. Right-clicking now brings you directly to the Save Screen for a faster, smoother experience. Lastly, thanks to the observation of the alpha testers, I'm improving in the use of contractions, which was the second biggest critique.
What have I planned for the next 2 weeks? A lot!
Start rendering the first scene of Chapter 1.
Finalizing SFX and Music for the Prologue.
Push Chapter 1 dialogue to 75%.
Render the March Wallpapers and have them ready this weekend!
FYI: Dialogue doesn't mean story. The story is already been written as an outline, with all major occurences marked. I always write dialogue during the rendering process. Seeing the characters' expressions and the lighting of the scene helps me "hear" their voices more clearly. It ensures the emotion you see is the emotion you read.
To wrap this up, enjoy a render of Lena after taking a relaxing bath on a lonely day. She seems always so... tough. But at times, she can show her vulnerable side. But that protection, that defensiveness is what she needed for a long time, to be able to trust herself without the help of others.
Thank you for all the love and support. You make this journey possible!
— MisheruMaxis