Writing Updates
I can't believe it's almost Halloween and the summer is over. I've been working hard to keep producing new content, and I'm happy that I'm in the final stretch for Stronghold. It's hard to believe that I could actually release another game next year.
Zombie Exodus: Stronghold is still my priority, although I just posted a new poll asking how you all feel about my development schedule. As of this post, the game is up to 420,000 words. The free update for Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven is up to 76,000 words total. So far, the poll overwhelmingly favors focusing on Safe Haven again. I'm not surprised by this, but it may be related to two things:
Most people don't know enough about Stronghold.
Most people know me for Safe Haven.
Here is the current standing for the poll.
As I said in the poll, I'll consider the vote when I decide how to adjust my schedule.
Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven
I'm still working on the Teenager Storyline, but it's been slow because I've been focused on Stronghold, and it's a very dynamic scene. It may be the most complex single scene in the game. It's interesting that when I read forums or Reddit threads about games with choices that truly impact the game, Safe Haven isn't always mentioned. This scene alone will change that perception. You can be stealthy, direct, good, bad, or indifferent. You can talk, fight, or run. Your decisions have a big impact on your character and the game. I will be excited to show everyone when it's finished.
Zombie Exodus: Stronghold
I finished writing chapter 15, which is the first time you leave Stronghold. Your group encounters a pack of infected wolves. This is a pivotal scene not just in Stronghold, but in the entire Zombie Exodus universe. The scene reveals details about the infection that have never been revealed before. After dealing with the wolves, the infected are right behind them. It's an action-packed chapter and leads to the first meeting with survivors from outside the fortress.
If I keep this schedule, I will likely finish the game in four to five months. But the poll results may very well change that timeline.
New Game?
A friend of mine has been learning programming and asked if he could use Zombie Exodus as a game setting. He's been working on something like a tower defense game crossed with base management in a zombie apocalypse. It's actually more advanced than I expected. Right now, he's finishing the main game, and then he has to figure out the graphics. We are looking into hiring a graphic artist or buying art assets, but that will take time. When I have an update, I'll let you know.