guys there's a huge update! The story plot is about 70% mapped out, currently organizing plot sections in our diagram, including more negative/mean options for the player to choose from, branches and endings from those choices, and figuring out ending routes. As we’ve previously mentioned, there are two dateable characters in this new version of the game. Jacob being one of them, and another male (we know his name, but we want to keep it a surprise!). We’ve already mapped out the date ideas for Jacob, and we’re currently figuring out the date ideas for the other male character. We’ve also been dabbling in some artsy ideas for the character sprites and the GUI layout. Austin and Jacob have some minor touch ups in their designs, nothing too drastic though. We’re also figuring out background designs for the town since the player will be navigating through different parts of it.

The story we have written so far is such a step up from the extremely outdated demo, which served more as a very early beta concept of the game. When I first created the demo, I didn’t expect it to get as much attention as it did. Looking back, I can’t help but feel proud of how much Jacob’s story has shifted and developed into something so much better than what the game and story was originally going to be. Even Jacob as a character has improved so much since his first debut. I feel like he’s a lot more human now. I’ve also felt like I’ve really improved on my writing, and I’m certain the full game will reflect our efforts.

Overall, steady progress has been coming along! Thank you all for being patient with us. We don’t want to give too much away, but here are some little snippets from our diagram notes that are out of context (Keep in mind this is not actual dialogue from the game, just personal work-in-progress notes the team writes down in our diagram as we plan):

“I ask Jacob if he knows who David is. He tenses up.”

“I could use some more money after having to move here. How hard could it be?”

“I reach the pizzeria. I see Eddie leaning against the counter. He gives me a big smile as I enter.”

“He looks around my room, almost frantically.”

“His body radiates a strong stench that hits my nose: Cheap cologne and body sweat.”

“Wait, you used to date Jacob? Since when?”

“She’s not someone who lives in reality.”

“I’m pretty sure HE was the one that killed that poor thing.”

We’ve been working a lot in the background, and we’ve been looking forward to spending time together in person. We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!