November 2019 Update

Hello!

It’s already been two years since the last blog update! 😲

I’ve been posting a few GIFs now and then on Twitter, posting updates on /r/roguelikedev on Reddit, but nothing here.

Without further ado:

Is the game still in development? Why aren’t you updating this blog more often?

Yes, I’m still working on Divided Kingdoms! I have a full-time job, so I work on the game on weekday evenings and on weekends. On average, I get to work on the game 8-10 hours/week.

Since the scope of this project is ridiculously large for a single developer, I try to put all my time into developing the game rather than write blog updates.

I really admire game developers that take time to write detailed posts about their game. They explain how they created their game world, talk about their inspirations, how they prototype new ideas, etc.

Many game developers already do this really well. I feel like my contribution wouldn’t be that interesting if I don’t put a significant amount of time into writing, which would slow down game development.

Why don’t you release a gameplay video then?

A gameplay video will be posted on YouTube just before the release of the first Alpha version of the game.

Hopefully, the video will speak for itself. Nothing beats a good old gameplay video to show what a game is all about!

When will the Alpha version be released?

The obvious answer is when it’s done. 🤔

I would say that we’re still a few months away from the first Alpha.

What is included in the Alpha version?

3-5 hours of solid gameplay (Chapter 1)
4 playable classes (Warrior, Paladin, Warlock, Wizard)
All major systems in place (quests, crafting, combat, trading, leveling, professions, etc.)
A large city with 80+ NPCs, 15+ quests, 4 guilds, a multi-level dungeon, and more
Wilderness to explore, with animals and other inhabitants

I still remember the first time I played the demo of Diablo on my 486 DX2/66. There were only two levels in the demo, but I played it over and over again until I finally got my hands on the full game. The core game was just so much fun at the time!

I want to try to replicate the same feeling with the Alpha version. Short on content, but just a ton of fun to play.