What's next?

As I wrap up the proof of concept for The Village, it's time to look ahead and plan the next steps for this exciting project. But first, I’m taking a well-deserved break!

After months of hard work, I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest of the holidays and spending a month abroad. This time away will give me a chance to recharge and come back with fresh ideas and energy for the project.

Future Plans for The Village

1. Building an Asset List

To make the village feel alive and vibrant, I’ll need a comprehensive list of assets, including:

• Props: Decorations and interactive objects to enhance the environment.
• Environment: Expanding the world with more detailed and varied settings.
• Outfits: Unique clothing options for villagers to reflect their personalities and styles.
• Body types: Diverse body types are important to me, I want a village full of people of different sizes, shapes, abilities, etc.
• Animations: A wide range of animations for activities, interactions, and performances.
• Performances: Drag shows and other types of performances to bring the nightlife to life.
• Activities: More engaging activities to keep villagers entertained and dynamic.

2. Pixel Art Development

I’ll be dedicating time to improving my pixel art skills. Creating my own assets is key to achieving the aesthetic and atmosphere I envision for The Village. From props to character sprites, I want to craft everything needed to bring the world to life.

3. Code Overhaul

I plan to start fresh with a new project file, focusing on:

• Simplifying and Decoupling: Cleaning up the codebase to make it more modular and easier to expand.
• Optimizing Performance: Ensuring the game runs smoothly as more features are added.

4. Implementing Utility AI

To make the villagers feel truly alive, I’ll work on Utility AI systems. These will allow villagers to make choices based on their wants and needs, leading to more organic and believable behaviour.

5. Villager Relationships

I’ll track villager interactions to build relationships over time. They’ll form friendships, romances, rivalries, and more, adding depth to the social dynamics of the village.

6. Engaging the Player

While it’s fun to watch the villagers interact, I want to give players a more active role. Adding challenges and rewards will provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

7. Writing NPC Scenarios

A key focus will be on creating a diverse cast of romanceable NPCs. These characters will represent a wide range of sexualities and gender identities, ensuring the game is inclusive and not limited to one audience. Each NPC will have their own unique stories and relationships to explore.

8. Connecting NPCs to Village Progression

NPC interactions will tie into village growth. For example, developing relationships with certain NPCs could:

• Unlock new spaces in the village.
• Provide access to unique furniture and decor.
• Introduce new systems to enhance gameplay.

9. Seeking Funding and Collaboration

To take The Village to the next level, I’ll explore funding opportunities. If successful, I hope to:

• Hire queer musicians, artists, and writers to contribute to the project.
• Ensure the game is polished, professional, and fabulous.

The Road Ahead

I’m excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to dive into the next phase of development. With your continued support, The Village will grow into a vibrant, inclusive, and immersive experience. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being part of this journey!