I decided to switch paths narratively today, meaning there was less for my current game to playtest during class. However, I did get valuable feedback from the people I discussed my plans with.
One person suggested that the stakes be established early on, so that the player has time to feel invested in the story and knows the weight of their actions. Similarly, the constraints of the game (namely, the fact that your time/questions are limited and you will have to make a decision at the end) should be communicated as well.
Another person said they were interested in how I planned to make the story compelling and well-paced, considering the fact it is primarily dialogue. This was a point I brought up in my premise and plan as well that I hope to face in future iterations.
For future versions of my game, I would like to:
- Create a more fully-formed prototype, potentially in some digital format (though not necessarily my final platform of Inform 7)
- Fully develop the first iteration of the characters and their personalities, along the notes we discussed in class today on character development.
- Create more concrete endings and the choices that lead to them