Introduction
I'm going to begin by saying I'm sorry. I originally stated in a now redacted news article I posted that I was going to wind down production on Eight Days in Convoke and shift focus more towards newer projects. I stated my intent to either finish up patches or to completely halt development. I'm now saying that’s not going to happen any more. That said, big update! So let's get to work!
Orient
Some of my more frequent visitors may be aware of the changes to the home profile of 8DIC on Desura. The certain shift to a more 'Eastern' feel, would to most people reveal that the long awaited (and ridiculously delayed) patch is in fact in production. I confirmed this a couple of days ago on my Twitter but now it's time for a more official announcement and more importantly, a date.
24th January 2013
Yes, the Orient update and DLC will be available to download through Desura on the 24th of this month. This will bring a bunch of new changes and fixes to a system long due a over-haul and add those 15 extra levels I've been meaning to add. See below for a feature list.
Changes
The most apparent change at first will be the new (and higher resolution) logo that will present it's self on loading. This will be coupled with the fact that systems such as the news feed downloader, file system checker and save system are being combined, both reducing file size and removing clutter from the install directory. Your save files and data will be converted to the new format on first launch.
Load times will be decreased as a result of the improvements and will complement the upcoming user interface changes. This will boast a sharper and more efficient system that will be reflected in other elements of the game.
Most of the coding was cut up and mashed around during the many iterations through alpha, beta and release and as such I am cleaning up all coding and replacing sections with much more efficient programming. This back end clean-up will pave the way for easier transition and update into new versions, as well as ease of production for the game development itself.
The games options will also include audio settings for in-game ambience, effects and music.
The updates and changes will be so different in terms of coding and structure to prior versions, that the auto-updater will not suffice. Because of this, the Orient version of Eight Days in Convoke will only be available to download through Desura but will be bundled with a much more powerful iteration of the updater.
New images and videos will be available both in the upcoming days and weeks which will show varying elements of the 'Orient' update.
Screenshots
Below are various screenshots of the current development build showing a captured still from a level and parts of the current UI that include new features but lack the upcoming UI over-haul. More coming soon!
Thanks, and I look forward to revealing more news soon!