Multimedia & Metropoli

So, the last time we spoke, I reflected upon the sheer amount of background information the game was requiring.  This past week, we branched out from that and started getting serious about assembling more of the various pieces of media and art that the game will require, going forward.

I particularly enjoyed designing the 1820-era "Free Island Republic" currency (don't worry- we'll be removing Bob Dole's signature, soon!) I've been personally fascinated with banknote design since I inherited a large collection of post-WW1 "Notgeld" after my father passed away.

There were literally hundreds of varieties of these notes- every city created their own, and each one was delightfully creative:

From these banknotes, to stamps, to book/magazine covers, to business cards and tourist posters, we're working to create a similarly immersive history and sense of place in the game world.  

The most entertaining job for me has been assembling content for WISL, the island's radio station.  Each day, more voices, advertisements, and music are pouring in.  We recently got the fully-orchestrated version of the Free Island Republic's anthem, and it sounds pretty amazing! We figure we will be getting the choral recording finished, sometime in the next week!

ON THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF THINGS, we plan on adding the first interiors to the game world over the next two weeks.  So, in the next alpha, you and your cats will be able to enter and exit certain buildings, for the first time!

We have also finished the spawner for the "Invasive Species," and will be adding what I hope will be the final insects within the next week or so.

OH- SPEAKING OF THE 0.9 ALPHA: WE HOPE TO RELEASE IT ON OR NEAR MARCH 21ST!

In this week's "Lore" post, we're covering the island's main settlement, Peace Island Landing...

Most visitors and tourists arrive via the modern ferry dock that anchors the largest settlement on the island, Peace Island Landing.  Within a short walk can be found galleries, shops, lodging, two museums, and no less than three restaurants (four, if you count the hot dog stand!)  

One might be forgiven for believing this to be the historical center of the island's development, but such is surprisingly not the case.

Until the past century, this area was an undeveloped woodland whose only visitors were those seeking the curative effects of the calm winds and clean, salty air unique to Maine islands.  These guests found hospitality at a secluded sanatorium that now, over 150 years later, serves as the Island's historical society and museum.

The most ancient non-indigenous settlement in Peace Island is  "Old Town" - a gaggle of buildings bound by Harris Avenue to the south, and the Dockman's house to the north.

This small triangle of land was home to a small fishing community for 200 years before the first tourist ever heard of Peace Island, and the Dockman remains the third-most-powerful person on the island, to this day - even though the customs house was converted into a condo decades ago, and the storehouse hasn't seen cargo since the end of WW2.

Being such a historic community, the residents feel a special sense of responsibility, maintaining and modernizing their neighborhood to the best of their collective abilities.  They also regard the upkeep of the municipal buildings along Harris Avenue - particularly the colonial-era one-room schoolhouse and church -  as a personal matter, often donating time and money to ensure proper upkeep.

The recent infestation of mice in the church basement has been of particular concern to locals - especially to the town's veterinarian, who has raised serious concerns about the spread of possible contagions.  

BUT MORE ON THAT LATER - SEE YA'LL IN 9 DAYS!

...Oh- One last thing...

The mailing of the print premiums has been delayed for a week - we want to get stronger backing boards, to ensure that these arrive at your door in perfect condition, rather than wadded into a tube by the bored person delivering it.

I will be sending out a members-only update on Friday, with more details!