We're still working hard on the gameplay for Chapter 2 and assets for coming attractions. I guess you could say we've entered crunch to get the second chapter feature complete.
The open BETA testing for chapter 1 is still running. If you'd like to participate, just go to http://www.thedreammachine.se/game.html and click the pink "Beta Sign-up" button. That'll give you full, instant access to the first chapter.
In the interest of full disclosure, we have a system running discreetly in the background, that registers statistics for how many players actually solve any given puzzle in the game. If we note that we have a significant drop anywhere, we can add clues or re-think the problem entirely. We want the game to be challenging, but if we lose 30% of our players on one puzzle, we have to do something about it.
We also note different interactions the player attempts, that we didn't think of. If enough people try to use, say, the baby oil with the apartment key, we go in and write a response for that. Our hope is that, in the end, every possible interaction will have a proper response, instead of the boring default "That doesn't seem to work".
So even if you don't take the time to send us detailed bug rapports, you are in fact helping us make the game better just by playing.
And we thank you for that.
Cheers,
- a
That's really awesome that you have a stat-collecting system. I felt a bit guilty that I'd played the Beta without doing a bug-report, but after reading that I'm glad to know I've done my bit to help :-)
ReplyDeletewhen playing through chapter one i didn't have many problems, the only one i ran into was it didn't save when i told it to. i think your game is the best game ever. seriously i love this game so much. its so cool how everything's all clay like that. you did a really good job building everything! i cant wait for chapter too and will be eagerly checking the blog for any updates. thank you for putting this radical game on the web for free!!!! keep up the good work!
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It's a beautiful, intriguing game - so inspiring. You guys are creating something truly wonderful. I love the game's nearly tangible visuals, and can't wait for the plot to unfold. Looking forward to Chapter 2!
ReplyDelete(it's funny, my domain is 'dream machine' in Finnish - I was positively surprised by the coincidence!)
Good luck with the game, och hälsningar från Finland!
Sounds like a really good instrumentation system you have built in there, I hope it gives you some useful data.
ReplyDelete"We also note different interactions the player attempts, that we didn't think of." - a
Now there's an excuse to go back and try everything on everything;-)
Fantastisk spille. Ser fram til fortsettelsen
ReplyDeleteYour game is fantastic. There aren't enough words to describe how perfect this game is, and as an avid gamer, that means a lot coming from me. I can't wait for the next installment and I sincerely hope it's soon.
ReplyDeleteExpect good things to happen to you guys for making such an awesome game.
When is the whole game coming out? I just finished Chapter 1, and I'm absolutely in love with it. Definitely one of the better games I've played in a while.
ReplyDeleteGreat. I really want to play chapter 2 and all the other chapters as well. The story is very very intriguing and interesting. Like the Gateway games (which were great) but way better!
ReplyDeleteIt's a true piece of art
Is there already a way to submit a bug report? Right now, a comment seems like my best option.
ReplyDeleteIn the breakfast scene, a few of Victor's lines are placed oddly, partly beyond the top edge of the screen, so they can't be read. And incidentally, one conversation with Edie mistakenly spells "apartment" with two P's.
Ahhhhh! I just finished Chapter 1 and I'm literally drooling over Chapter 2 - ugh!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome - I love the interactions between the players the responses are great.
Hi There!
ReplyDeleteA quick comment on the BETA I tried, everything seemed to go fabulous but now I'm stuck not able to order the lift! Wife's calling the polics, I've told everyone I'm going down - but the elevator just looks bright but doors won't open.
Restarting browser or logging in/out helps none. Too bad, was really looking forward to ending Chapter 1 - dont'think I have the patience to start fomr the beach again.
Otherwise, great, excellent and beautiful game!
I'll look into that as soon as possible. The game automatically saves an autosave everytime you leave a room, so you won't loose any progress.
ReplyDeleteCheers Andres for looking into it. Have another a tad huger issue though - my whole progress is lost! I managed to sign in again from a different computer but no help, everything is gone including autosave... *tear drop* Personally, I blame the new concept overhaul; you guys deleted everyoné sprogress didn't you?
ReplyDeleteThe server save isn't implemented yet. Right now the game only saves a cookie file on your computer.
ReplyDeleteAnd I wouldn't worry too much about the concept overhaul if I where you ;)
Hah, was not that worried about it but good to know. :) I'm still struggling with the fact that the elevator does not work and I've exhausted my possibilities in my floor. Will give it another try soon but am worried that if I start all over again something else might happen - and I'll get to start all over again... Indeed, Inception crew must have learned a lto from you guys! ;o)
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