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Being overencumbered only slows down your activities, but doesn't affect travel.
Devupdates/2023
From Walkscape Walkthrough
In 2023, DevUpdates #7–11 outlined WalkScape’s development roadmap and preparations for Closed Beta, including tentative testing stages, gradual player access to manage server costs, and supporter funding. They also marked community growth, introduced a newsletter and gameplay overview video, and explored a humorous snail race and friendship concept for April Fools’ Day. The year concluded with Closed Beta applications opening through the Portal, alongside explanations of supporter access and selection based on testing needs.
Posted on December 21, 2023.
- Opened Closed Beta applications through the Portal account page, using the "APPLY FOR BETA ACCESS" button.
- Applications were intended for players who had not already received an invitation through supporter access or other means.
- The first Closed Beta wave was full, with a second wave planned a few weeks after release.
- Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee supporters were guaranteed access to the next wave and could link their supporter accounts through the same page.
- Application selection would depend on changing testing needs and the types of players required.
Posted on October 11, 2023.
- Released an introduction video featuring the developers, core gameplay mechanics, the motivation behind WalkScape, and gameplay footage.
- Further videos explaining complex mechanics and providing short tutorials were being considered, particularly after Closed Beta launched.
Closed Beta clarifications
- Submitter comments stated that Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee members who supported before November 1, 2023, would receive day-one access when Closed Beta launched.
- A free beta signup form was planned for the Portal shortly before launch, with applicants admitted periodically to increase player numbers gradually.
- Launch notifications were planned through email, the newsletter, Portal, and social channels.
- Development was described as well advanced after more than a year, with a few features, additional content, and polishing remaining.
Posted on April 1, 2023.
- An April Fools' post presented Snails as a playable race and proposed snail friendship and dating mechanics. These were joke announcements rather than confirmed additions.
Playable Snails
- Snails were described as gaining 50% fewer steps, having +100% melee defence, and producing slime in the inventory.
- Character art introduced Snailon Escar-Goon and The Real Slime Shady.
Friendship and dating concept
- Outlined NPC relationships built through gifts and real-life walks, with individual preferences and affection levels.
- Walking would gradually reveal dialogue and backstory, which could also be read afterwards to avoid interrupting exercise.
- Affection milestones could unlock quests, dialogue, items, and faction reputation, with fully befriended snails potentially moving onto the player's farm.
- Despite the humorous presentation, the post invited genuine feedback on whether a friendship mechanic would be appealing.
Posted on February 7, 2023.
- Celebrated reaching over 10,000 followers, with a video previewing NPC portraits in development.
- Patreon and Buy Me a Coffee support was already allowing more time to be spent developing the game.
- Launched a newsletter through the website and Substack for important updates and Closed Beta signup announcements.
- Shared an anonymous survey to better understand the game's audience.
- A submitter comment confirmed that long-time supporters would receive priority for Closed Beta access and could opt to be listed in the game's credits.
- The next DevBlog was scheduled for February 20, 2023, continuing the fortnightly Monday schedule.
Posted on January 16, 2023.
- Celebrated reaching over 1,000 followers and published a development roadmap.
- Opened an official WalkScape Twitter account for development updates.
Roadmap
- Alpha testing was planned for March–April 2023, covering basic gameplay, the main interface, and Android support.
- Closed Beta was targeted for June–August 2023, adding multiplayer features, a tutorial, character customisation, more content, and iOS support.
- Open Beta was targeted for September–November 2023, with all core features implemented, additional content, and support for more languages.
- These dates were tentative, with Closed Beta feedback potentially allowing wider access sooner.
Development and funding
- Closed Beta would limit initial player numbers to keep server costs manageable, with access expanding gradually.
- Donations or monetisation were needed to make full-time development possible and accelerate progress.
