Ask Me Anything (AMA) and Parapoll Round 2!

Parappa the rapper

parafolks is perfect!

The level of finish to the object textures is similar to that in Project Hospital which I find quite immersive enough. My personal preference are for a similar art style for the characters, with fairly passive faces, so that we can impose our own imagined story and feelings upon them. I find cartoony exaggerated expressions, like grins that reach the sides of the face, or eyes that become large triangles when surprised is actually very annoying and distracting when you are trying to project your own story onto the characters. For variety, perhaps we could be allowed to import our own drawn faces into the game and apply them to the heads of chosen Paras

When do you think paralives will come out because I cant even wait!

Can the charackters look a little bit anime or kawaii?

Parafolks it is. This is gonna be so fantastic!

It's official! In Paralives, a person will be called a Para and people will be called Parafolk! Parafolks with an "s" is also accepted as well as these short versions: Paras, Folk, and Folks! Thanks everyone!

What about Epic Games Store exclusivity deal? Will you agree for that or stick to the Steam? Community prefer Steam/GOG mostly. Oh no... it's too late = (

I just have a huge question and that’s are babies gonna be functional because i hate the babies being like objects and would you be able to take them places and like with a stroller and stuff and put actual clothes on them it would be so cute 😔

Lol Late getting to this, but I'm so happy from reading all your replies. Don't feel overwhelmed and take nice walks outside often. Looking forward to your next AMA! :)

I honestly hate these "english" names. I'm from Brazil and people here would never ever relate to Parafolks. It needs to be something global, something that means nothing so any language can relate to it (Para, for example is way better than Parafolks)

Thank you for answering it all Alex. It’s nice to have some more information of the game. Keep up the great work, we love you <3

The AMA is over! Thanks to everyone who participated! There will be more events like this in the future. Hope you have a good weekend!

continue: the option to lock doors for, fairy lights, bunk beds, hammocks, youtuber career, friendship bracelets, easier to make family photos, waterfalls, sand garden, sheer curtains, rooftop gazing, bean bags. Whatever ends up getting added, the game already looks amazing! Thanks for this AMA

Hey Alex, hope things are going well! I'm going to list some things that interest me and I wonder if you might implement them?: university, slumber parties, mopeds, favorite food, tattoos, carpooling, something akin to sims gallery (can DL others creations w easy cc setup), watch tv on bed, scoot over (double bed against wall), standalone shower heads+drain (no glass around it), beneath cabinet trash, vessel sinks, seamless windows,

I do not know if it's been asked yet or if you've directly mentioned it before, but will there ever be ghosts in the game?

Just one other question that popped into my head if there is still time. Will we be able to breed the animals our paras have?

I'd really like it if the genetics was more like the Sims 2 with dominant and recessive traits (and the ability for the player to set whether a given custom eye colour or whatever is dominant or recessive).

I hope I'm not too late! I see that a lot of Sims players that follow Paralives are hoping that this game is a better version of the Sims (I personally don't like relating the two). What are you doing to make this game "different" besides the features that the Sims don't have. What makes Paralives "Paralives" other than it being another life simulation game?

Sorry I'm not sure if this question is in time. Will there be sickness? I was also wondering if spontaneous events like burglaries and fires would happen. This game is looking incredible by the way!

One last thing to ask by the way, any plans or confirmation on adjustable heights in character creation? Thanks again <3

With how this game has blown up and all the high expectations weighing on your shoulders, how is your mental health? I’m sure someone with as much pressure as you don’t feel 100% and if things get too overwhelming remember, you can always take a break! We want to make sure that yes the game is great, but I want to make sure you are too!

I know time is running out so this will be my very last (very selfish xD) question: Will patrons get a sneak peak of the character design before the offical trailer? I totally get it if its a no but, I just had to ask haha. Best of luck, Alex! This game is going to be absolutely incredible <3

Me again with another question: will there be gradual gaining weight if they over eat or after giving birth? Also would be nice for hair and beard to grow over time.

Hi Alex! :) I don't have a lot of experience yet but I'm a game programmer/ÉTS student and I do live really close to Montreal. I think you're creating a really nice game. Congrats! If you ever need some help, I would be interested to help no matter how I can :)

Are there going to be expansion packs for the game?

Hello!! Will there be achievements? :D Keep up the great work! <3

Hello, it’s me again. Since there will be a color wheel. Will there be an option to favorite color swatches from the color wheel. It’d be easier for builders to pick from a set of favorited colors saved for different theme (girly, punk, etc), instead of going back to the color wheel for every single piece of furniture and try to match it to the rest.

How many different ages are there going to be?

Will the Trust bar feom Parabook 2 be implemented? I'd love to see that feature

On the question of jobs: if the job exists will we be able to select it for our para? Im excited for the vast differences this game has to sims but it always bothered me how in Ts4, jobs such as "maid" and "mail carrier" existed but no playable sim could perform them. So I was just hoping that if a job exists in paralives, our para can do it.

Will you make mod tools to make it easier to mod the game?

Horde, Alliance, both or the void?

Hey! I'm so excited to see what happens with this game! I would love to help with anything art related! Also, do you have music or videos what you have as background noise during your work?

Hi again, just want to ask another question. On top of having the ability to paint ceilings, are there any plans for more advanced customization for ceilings like crown molding and cove lighting? And thank you so much for taking your precious time to make this dream game possible for us!

I love being able to choose the names of the people! Such a fun idea and really makes the community feel listened to and cared for. I was also wondering how long you've been working on Paralives so far? Mostly in terms of coding/model creation, but also in terms of concepts, ideas, gameplay ideas, etc. :D

Hey Alex thanks so much for taking this on and giving us (what I’m sure will be) an amazing game! I’m not sure if this has been asked before and I apologize if it has, but I was wondering what kind of inclusivity Paralives will have. For example physical disabilities, or even characteristics where you could make your Para vegan, vegetarian, etc. Or will those things simply not exist in Paralives? Thanks a lot!

It's really cool how much you interact with us! I really respect that! If there is babies in the game, like from 'woohooing' , would it be possible to customise what clothes they wear/accessories? That'd be an awesome little feature to have and something I've kind of always wanted to see in a life simulation game!

Hello, will hair and clothes (skirts/dresses) have physics? Also, will there be a separate category for jackets that can be worn on top of any shirts. Instead of categorized as “tops” and can’t be mix and match because it’s stuck to a specific shirt. I hope that makes sense.

Hello, first thank you for making time for the game. I hope it's not getting too repetitive yet being compared to The Sims. My question is about the dog in your avatar. Inspired by a dog you know or simply like dogs?

I know it might be hard to add but will there be a fertility system in the game? Will all parafolk be able to reproduce or is it possible that some of them can be infertile?

Hi! I was wondering if there is going to be a system in which some objects are better for the needs of the parafolks than others. If so, could objects be improved? It would be a shame not to use, for example, a nice bed because it gives little energy.

Do you know if you are going to implement gradual aging? Also, would you be able to put something in the settings that will allow us to not have our paras taking an hour to eat like some other games *stares at my copy of sims 4*

Alex, if/when custom worlds are available, will they be shareable on the Steam Workshop too?

I am not sure if this was asked already. But what language will the para folk speak? Did you need voice actors?

Oof please take my phone - So once the time comes, do you plan on crafting the entire starting neighborhood (if there is one) yourself, or would you consider something like a week long demo of the game being released to the public, in which you could run a contest for community members to build houses and families that would occupy the base game? Also: would a feature similar to a neighborhood HOA be able to be implemented in which it could be turned off completely, left at default, or altered by the player to give the neighborhood some dynamic within itself? Say everyone has to have a shade of blue house, or you cant leave cars on the grass, everyone has to decorate for holidays etc. And if you or your neighbor doesnt follow the rules you get an angry HOA person at your door lol. It's just a silly idea though so no pressure as always :)

Hello! So I know this is a bit of a weird question, but will there be a wide selection of clothing for our characters? I just feel like clothing is a reflection of a characters personality and when designing a character I find myself always thinking "how would they dress? Are they preppy, punk, conservative or risque." So I always find myself slightly disappointed when clothing selection is shaved down to just a few polos and some jeans and one length skirts. I hope this all makes some sense. I love the game already, and HUGE props for taking it on all on your own at the moment! :)

I know the game is still in the early development stage, but do you have any idea as to how the parafolk (I'm just going with that one now) will have personalities? Will there be traits or goals to make each para feel individual?

And also I'm okay with handling designs. And if I can help you for free, let me know!

When it comes to family life, will there be a way to track generations (ex: family tree)? Also what about that "woohoo" interaction in terms of pregnancy? One of my favorite features is a mod in The Sims where we can manipulate a "risky woohoo" or control whether or not a Sim can get pregnant. Anything similar for the Parafolks?

What's the major focus of this game? Like build mode, story play or etc... :)

Hey again, will there be some sort of calendar like in Sims 4 Seasons where you can add holidays, plan parties, etc? That seems like a cool idea, especially if you’re adding Seasons as a base game feature. :)

Hello! How many floors will we be able to make buildings? What about apartments? How many parapals can we have per household? Will we be able to make custom patterns on pets? Will we be able to follow our child parapals to school? Ok, 5 questions is probably enough

Hey! I love this game so much I wish I had the skills to help. But, unfortunately, I don’t. Anyways, I know this is still in early stages but do you have an estimate on how long it will take you to release the game? Are we talking about years? Months? Decades? lol. Just curious. Thank you.

Would you consider releasing a stand-alone create-a-character demo, or house building demo before release? It could help promote the game as people share their creations. :)

I heard that every programmer carries a rubber duck to help them fix issues and sometimes to let out their anger on the poor ducks. Is this true, and if so, do you have one? 😂

Will there be a school system for children? If so, will it be optional meaning you can decide not to enroll a child in school.

Will the game have expansion packs or will it release fully featured?

Hey, Alex! I know that you’ve planned for gradual aging and such but, will there still be life states? Because for example if I start of Paralives, I’d want to start of with a young adult and not just age up (lol) so I was just wondering if we can still choose age states? I was thinking Infant, Toddler, (Possibly Preschooler), Kid, Pre-teen, Teen, young adult, Adult, (Mid life maybe?) And Elder. Whatever you do plan to do is fine with me anyways☺️ Hope you’re having a good day as well and that you aren’t overwhelmed or anything😅

Are you working on this project alone? If so, do you see yourself building a team to help?

Are you happy with the progress you’ve made to the game thus far?

Oh man, I hate to bother you again but this time its about boats: In that preview we have of the fab yacht, is the little boat heading towards it an item or also a buildable boat? Will boats that you have to paddle be a thing? And if paddling is a thing, would we be able to make super flat, narrow boats that would be more akin to a stand-up paddle board? And then one totally off the wall question but my brain has gotta know: If we can customize the color and stuff of furniture, would there be a "fabric" option that could make furniture look like a blow up couch or chair? Hard 90's vibes are hitting me this morning. OH! And last last thing, I promise (for now), is the cute puppy in the avatar a finished product or is it likely to change/be updated (same question for the kitty we've seen)

Hey Alex!! First of all I love how this game is coming along and just wanted to thank you for that! I was wondering if there will be adoption in the game? Would gay characters solely have adoption to have kids or will there be an alternative method? Thank you so much!

hey alex! wondering if build/buy items will have pre made swatches or if we’ll be able to pick the colors. the game looks great so far and can’t wait to see it develop over time!

Can we build attic rooms and color ceilings??

You're probably still knee deep in developing the personalities for the parafolk and whatnot. Are you considering concepts like learned behavior? Like they learn to wake up every day at 5am. They learn to do their homework every day after school. They learn to brush their teeth before going to bed, etc etc.

Will there be a similar skill building system as The Sims? Or have you thought of doing something different with this? I wonder if it makes more sense to have parafolk learn and master tasks individually. For example, I might have high cooking skill but if I have never made croissants before, it should take some practice before I can make decent ones. Or I might be handy but if it’s my first time fixing a certain item there might be a learning curve. Just a thought!

Will they have a favorite food? I dream of a simulation game where my character can only eat peanut butter and no one wants to be their friend because they smell like pb and they nearly die of a nutrient deficiency....jk hahah. The real q is do you think if the computer version goes well this could go on switch? (Although who knows what the popular platforms will be at that time)

Hey Alex! I have some questions :) 1) do you have any gifs or pics you can share about pool building in this game? It looks SO cool! And 2) Are there going to be ghosts? If so, is there any chance that when a Para dies, their ghost doesn't connect to the headstone but instead attaches to the house and randomly haunts it?

How will the characters’ lives play out? I know the game is in early development, but I’m really hoping for some elements of unpredictability to really change up the game and keep things interesting. Can I expect more vibrant gameplay like that?

Hey, Alex. I'm just curious about this as this is something I struggle with in other simulator games, that every character is the same, ability wise. Do you think you may add things like disabilities, ie wheelchairs, canes, prosthetics, etc? I know it's a sensitive topic for many, but I think it would be nice to have some representation in that aspect. Thanks for everything you're doing :D

Will a town dev kit be available in the future [after release] so we can make our own towns? And also will people need to go to stores directly to get food rather than being able to just get it magically out of your fridge

Hi Alex! Is there any chance we could get a sneak peak at the worlds layout and overall theme? The previews that you gave us look so amazing! And I've been wondering what the rest of the world looks like after the little video of the curved walls!!

I know you probably won’t see this and I’m pretty sure someone has already asked this, but will we be able to make our dogs/cats/horses pregnant? I know the game is still in early development and the animations aren’t that refined, but it would be cool to have a little horse or puppy or kitten running around. If you do see this and if this is the first time someone’s asked this, then please respond!

Would love to know what age tiers we will have? Infant, toddler, etc. And if aging will be gradual or instantaneous (like blowing out birthday candles and aging up in the blink of an eye)?

Hi Alex, it's nice to see Paralives' development going smoothly. I just want to confirm: 1. Are there any plans running a crowdfund on this game in the future, or are you relying solely on Patreon for this project? 2. Are you planning to release the roadmap of Paralives' development in the near future?

If there is one, what’s a non-buildmode feature that you’re adding to the game that we have not seen in any other simulation game before? (Sorry if this is too hard!)

Hi Alex, I was wondering if you’ve worked on personality yet? If so, have you decided on if you’re doing traits or some other method? And if traits, how many and how diverse/specific are the traits (for example, the heavy sleeper trait in the sims 3 is really specific)? Are you doing anything we have not seen before in a simulation game for their personality? If not, what are you planning on doing?

(Small question) will Windows be see through? Like clear to see what you’ve built outside?

Hi it’s me AGAIN. A lot of people (including me) would like to see a layering system for the creation of a para. By this we mean: - HAIR: choosing separate pieces to make a hairstyle (front - (side) - back) - CLOTHING: a jacket over a shirt for example. - Would that be something you would like to consider adding or rather not? Also would it be possible to add styles to the game. Like some people like their shirts tucked in, others like their pants to be rolled up and also oversized or fitting clothing. Are you planning on adding those varieties of clothing choices? Of course we can still download these things as cc so don’t feel obligated in a way.

(Me again) when it comes to decorative objects like posters will they be kinda detailed like with characters and will there be detailed objects like rugs and clutter in the game?

Wow, this is so cool that we get to ask you things directly! I want to know if there will be emotions/moodlets for parafolk, and if there will be something like that, would it be similar to the Sims 3 or the Sims 4? Personally, I found the emotion system in the Sims 4 to be very shallow and I could've done without it completely. But I liked the moodlets from the Sims 3 and the basic range of emotions the sims had (anger, sadness) without it jumping all over the place. This is kinda long, but tldr: will there be a mood/emotion system in Paralives?

I know you are mentioning that this game will have a lot of customization options (yay!) will that be preset customizations similar to The Sims 4 or will we be able to customize textures, patterns and have a full-color spectrum on items? Thanks for answering all our questions btw! :)

I remember you mentioning in a tweet I think that you might plan to have multiple world's to visit? If that's the case are things like long distance relationships going to be a thing? (Ex. Love letters, online dating website including other world's, sending gifts from "afar") love the mindset you have going for the game btw :)

We've seen some really cool modular things featured so far- do you plan for CAS and other details to be just as or more modular?

Will there be a large selection of clothes and hairstyles? Different outfits for like sleeping,work,etc?

I mostly wanted to say good job on making all of this ! Im a big fan of the sims and also i'm a 3D animation student in Montreal so when I saw youtubers talking about you and Paralives for the first time i was completely mind blown and happy !! So i guess my question for you will be : do you still remember to take care of your health and well being / do you sleep well and drink water and get up of your desk to stretch? (the game look amazing and everything and i can't imagine the amount of work you have already put in it ! so please remember to take care of yourself !!)

Or also, will there be a map preview to show the world and a taste to what it would offer to us ?

It's me again :D can we go to the doctor for example or even do ultrasound when the characters are pregnant?

Will there be a limit to the number of Parafolks in a household? I know there sometimes is due to performance so I'm just curious.

Will there be only one open world available for an household, or will it be available for them trop travel or even move out of their home town

Not a complete game related question, but how are you holding up with the developing so far Alex?

I have so many questions that I do not know which one to ask ahah But I wanted to know if for the babies there will be objects usable like cradle, changing table, strollers ...?

Would you be able to add L- and U-shaped stairs that you already put together?

Will it be possible to play several households at the same time or will you still have to limit yourself to one? Will there be many loading times or will it be an open world. I love it. Keep up the good work!

Are there any plans to add things like wheelchairs and crutches into Paralives?

Hello I would like to know if there will be firefighters, policemen or even prisons? :) Looking forward to learning more about the game !!!

Hello Alex! I don't know if someone has asked this but will the towns be open-world? Meaning if I want my Parafolk to go to a park from their home, can they just walk there or will there be a loading screen? Thanks again and super excited to see more!

Any word on when we might expect a sneak peek at the character design for parafolk? (Trying the names out to see how it feels haha)

Hey Alex! First of all, congrats on the amazing project you've been working on ;) I wonder if we'll be able to control pets and how will be their interactions with the parafolks. Also, will there be stray pets we can find and adopt?

Will there be set plots on a map or will we be able to build anywhere/place our own plots?

What is one thing you’re most excited to do in the game that has never been seen or done before with other simulators (like sims 4)?

Will we grow and/or buy ingredients to use in food and drinks? I would like the challenge of needing specific items for meals.

Will we be getting any type of interactive schooling? Like university? I’d love to be a university student living in a dorm!

Hello, in terms of graphics, are the images we see in the videos are representative of the game when it comes out or will the graphics change in the future?

Hey Alex! How are the life stages going to work will the age up on a specific day (like the sims) or will they gradually age?

What’s an estimate of how long this will take I’m not trying to be rude but want to know how long I’ll be investing? Like 5 years? I’m fine with it for a while I would just like to know an estimated guess?

Hello Alex! 😃 We're so excited for this game development! It's tough being patient but I know it will be worth it! Have you decided how advanced you'll make the controls to create people? Also have you casted voices for language or anything? :)

Is this game being made as a flex on "other" simulator a.k.a. I can do it better than you? :)

Hi, Alex! Are the parafolks' features going to be refined and look more realistic?

Have you decided what kinds of careers you want to put into the game and if so, which one are you the most excited about?

Will our characters be able to use private and public transport in the game? :) For example they can not only own and use cars or bikes, but also travel by (underground) trains and buses.

How in depth will the personalities be? It would be cool if there were sliders for how for example neat, positive, social, kind etc the character are. Kind of like in the sims 2 but maybe without limits so everything could be on max :) And maybe everything is at average automatically so you dont have to change it if you dont want to. And maybe have a randomize button as well. And will there be interests, pet peeves and stuff like that? And will these things affect the game play a lot? And can the interests be changed later if they are in the game? 🙈 I hope it's not too many questions 😅 Really looking forward to this game! 🤩 So excited to build in it!

What’s your favorite snack while programming? Also related to the game will characters be able to make snacks based on user input?

Do you plan to include some kind of paid content or something? Because I don't know how else would we keep getting updates if we can't support the game in any other way than buying it (or by patreon if course)

Will we be able to participate on characters jobs or it will be just a habit hole?

What's the general plan in terms of music? Are you planning on just using royalty-free music a la Kevin MacLeod or commissioning someone to make an OST?

Will there be pre-created characters in the town with backstories like in other life simulation games?

Alex, you mentioned interest in sexuality and identity options, which is wonderful, and I thank you for that. Will that include asexual paras who can still fall in love but not be interested in sex? And how about aromantic paras who wouldn't be interested in romance? This is very important to me because I write such characters in my fiction stories and would love to tell those stories in the game. :)

Will we have a fully customisable 3D creation screen to build and design our para people whilst keeping the essence of your art design? Thank you

What lead you to the idea to start this amazing project? 😍

Is there going to be careers? If so will they be rabbit holes or can we go with them?

Will the player be able to have more than 1 house or can we only have one residential lot?

How has making this game all by yourself been? It's a pretty huge project and to see it all done by only you is impressive. I've seen people comment on potential burnout and pray that you don't have to go through that. I don't know anything about developing but I hope that everything is going well!

Will the game have a bêta version ? If yes, when do you expect it ? Otherwise, when would you launch the game ? Of course I know that its not that easy but maybe you have some expectations about that project 😋

Will the ask me anything be a monthly thing? And I don't know if I am asking for much but maybe it would be cool if you could post some kind of "What we've been to this month" with short updates on the progress. It's just a suggestion though... I'm sure people would love it :) Also, do you think the parafolk will have a memory system similar to the sims 2?

Are you planning to release a roadmap so we could be more aware of what ur working or planning?

1.How many life stages will there be in the game? 2. Will the babies be playable? Are you thinking about adding preteens? 3. How will the skin tones work? Will there also be genetic system in place? 4. Will there be a lot of activities for each life stage or mainly focus on young adults?

Are you planning to add small pets to the game, like PARAkeets?(Sorry, couldn't help myself) :D

Hi, Are you aiming to include parapals being able to run their own businesses and restaurants in the initial game? I would love to be able to finally run my own family restaurant or buisness.

Para for singular Parafolk for more than one para When two parafolk have reached friend status with each other, they are Parapals. :) Alex, what is the biggest feature you want in the game that either you won’t be able to get added or just have decided to cut?

What led you to the path of game development / how did you become a game developer?

This is so exciting! Go Parafolk!

I've heard through mods on the discord that you want the game to be very inclusive, and you're working towards characters being able to have same-sex relationships. Do you think it would be possible to assign gender preferences (or just any kind of attraction system, really) to characters, whether it be in the character creator or during gameplay? For instance, if I want my character to be strictly gay or straight, can there be an option for that? I just wouldn't want to make a character that's meant to be only attracted to guys, and have a girl come along to flirt with them and have my character be into it and basically ruin the point of them only being attracted to guys. Also, would trans and non binary characters be possible, and maybe being able to pick a character's pronouns? Just a simple drop down box of "she/her', "he/him" and "they/them" could suffice. Sorry for such a lengthy question 😅 Keep up the good work on this game, I can't wait to see how it turns out!

What was July like for you, after the game exploded?

What is a feature you want to include that you’re most excited about?

First of all, thank you so much for doing this!! All of this. The game and everything. What are your expectations for the game?

How much control with the player have over the parafolks' facial features? Will there be a genetics system?

What other features will be made available in the game?

How long did it take you to put together the current build of the game?

I feel like parapals would be a great parafolk social media platform. So like your paragolk could get themselves some pals and then they could have like gatherings or something haha

What is your favourite feature so far?

Alex it seems like the general expectation is that this game is supposed to surpass the sims- although I think it’s generally unfair that there’s so much pressure on you I’m wondering if you have plans to seek out other developers and build a team in order to complete the game?

Can you give us an approximate date for the character reveal?

Aw yeah, Parafolk is obviously the best xD

Have you got any plans for expansions to Paralives? If so, what things do you think you will include?

I think that even if the official name would be parafolks, they would be called paras for short, inofficially. That sounds good to me! But that's why I only vote the "parafolks" alternative.

Have you found more Devs to help on this project? If so who and is there somewhere we can see their work?

Will there be early versions of the game (betas or demos) that we can try at some point before it’s final release?

Are you able to share a development roadmap/timeline yet so we can know where things are going?

Hi Alex 👋