Update on Seclusion and Secret Project
Seclusion - Updates on Development
When I first released the Seclusion demo in 2019, I had only just started working in Unreal Engine 4 (the game engine I'm using), but I've learned a lot since then and I'm still learning new ways to make Seclusion an even better game.
So without further ado, what has been happening with Seclusion? Well for a start, the demo has been downloaded over 1.5k times so far! I really appreciate all the love and support everyone has expressed towards the game, and also thank you for showing interest in this project, even if it was a while ago.
With that said, I don't want to rush the development, because I want to try and deliver the best game I possibly can. I'm a solo developer working on a zero budget, and my current machine isn't the best, so progress is slow... But there is progress!
First of all, I've slowly been adding a lot more detail to the game, which might not immediately be the most obvious change, but it definitely helps make the worlds feel a lot more real. Above you can see an image comparing the "Sanctuary" in the demo with the current version. Just small details like dirt can make a big difference!
I've also been updating a few low quality models I used for the demo, replacing them with my own models, such as this new vault I made:
In addition to that, I've been hard at work updating the old puzzles, as well as adding many more, which I'm quite excited about and cant wait for you to try them out! I want the puzzles to really feel like part of the world, as well as being challenging but enjoyable at the same time. After all, who doesn't love a good puzzle?
I don't want to spoil to much, but here's an early sneak peak of one:
I've also started fleshing out more of the story, as well as the multiple worlds you'll be able to visit. Again, I want the final version of Seclusion to be a great game, so I plan to make at least 3 different mystical worlds to travel to. I don't want to ruin the experience, and there isn't much to show yet, but here is an early concept of one of the worlds:
So what's next?
While I'm still slowly developing Seclusion, there are many challenges, such as my current laptop taking around 2 hours just to open the project file!
I would love to tell you when you will be able to play the final version of Seclusion, or even just a new demo, but I'm not going to lie to you. Instead I'll jump straight to the point and tell you that I truthfully don't know.
I'm definitely going to keep working on Seclusion, but I just don't currently have the recourses to make it into the game I want to be proud of, and the game I think you'll want to play.
But that's not where the news ends, in the meantime I have decided to work on a secret project, which is already a fair way into development as we speak...
I can't tell you too much about it yet, but it's a classic first person point and click mystery adventure puzzle game. I'm making it in the same prerendered "slideshow" style that the original Myst and Riven were so, I can work on it more quickly and release it before Seclusion. I'm hoping that with the revenue from this game I'll be able to afford the necessary recourses to develop the Seclusion I want to share with you, and with the world.
I want to thank you again for the interest you have shown in Seclusion and my projects, I and hope you have enjoyed seeing this development update.
So, if you would like to keep up to date on the development of Seclusion, as well as my other projects, keep an eye out for these emails, and if you'd like you can also follow me on social media.
Until next time!
Distant Dimensions