So, what even is this?

This is something I've been playing pretty close to my chest for the last several years. After releasing Book of Eos in 2019, I think it's safe to say a LOT of things changed very rapidly, both in my life and the world at large. But my closest friends have known about this project since its original inception, and I am now bringing you into that private circle.

Winter of Discontent is a MUCH more ambitious game than Book of Eos. Eos was just an attempt to complete a short RPG using mostly premade assets. Winter of Discontent uses entirely original graphics. 

Every piece of art. Every character. Every building tile. Every enemy. Every frame of animation is made by me.

I knew it would take much longer than Eos, but I suppose I underestimated just HOW much longer it would take. And I'm sure most artists can relate to wanting to show your work off to people for feedback, both good and bad.  For the last 4 years, I've only been able to show off my preliminary work to my closest friends, mostly because it seemed very silly to share updates for a video game about Christmas any other time of the year.

So, what do you even have done?

In addition to 6 playable characters, each with their own unique animated battlers, Winter of Discontent currently has over 3 dozen unique and reused NPC map sprites, 11 combat backgrounds with more to be completed, 80+ boss and enemy sprites, and well over 300 different elements for map building and interactive puzzles, and that number will continue to grow as I complete more of the game. This is far and away the largest project I have ever worked on by myself. 

The story is complete. I know how the overall plot is going to work out, and how each scenario will lead one into the other. There are a few more side quests that still need to be fleshed out, as well as the specific dialogue that needs to be written. The game is separated into 6 chapters, and it is possible (albeit with many placeholders and temporary triggers) to navigate from the beginning of the game all the way to the final credits.

So, what is the plan?

Ideally, I will be able to release the game in early access free of charge as I complete each chapter, and players will be able to provide feedback along each step of the way as I finish what still needs to be done. If all goes well, Winter of Discontent: A Santa Claus RPG will launch on Steam and Itch.io in time for Christmas 2024.

Thank you for reading my ramblings. You have a wonderful holiday. I'll return to full development on Monday, January 1, 2024.