😮 Paralives’ Build Mode is Almost Done and Live Mode is Next + Creating our Color Swatches (Patreon)

Hi! Alex here to share a few updates! As usual, this post is for Patrons only so please don’t share it, thank you 🔐

Last Touches to the Build Mode. On to Live Mode!

For the past 6 months, we’ve been heavily focused on the build mode to make sure it’s ready for the Early Access release next year.

What we did:

• ⭐ Missing features: We added important missing features like the fence tools, a grid for wall placement, roof tools, better terrain tools, a reworked build mode catalog, ambient sound systems, and more

• 🎵 Playtests: We organized 4 playtests with friends and went to Montreal Comiccon so that we can observe players build houses and take notes on what still needs work.

• 🏠Quality of life improvements:  Following the playtest, we made many usability improvements to make sure new players and expert players can enjoy a smooth experience while using the build mode interface and features

🐛 Bug fixes: The build mode is a really complex and technically challenging piece of software to develop. We found around 300 bugs and fixed as many!

 Friends came to our office again last week to try out the build mode and share feedback.

We did internal playtests too! Here’s a comfy house made by Richard.

Someone recreated their own apartment here!

Alice (top) and Léa (bottom) both challenged themselves to build a cottagecore home!

A cute living room by Chloé.

To make sure that we have enough time to finish the live mode, there are some build mode features that will only be added after the initial releases. This includes pools, basements and more advanced stairs and roof tools.

On to the Live Mode:

• 📆 October 1st: The date at which all programmers on the team will switch to working on the live mode for many months, until it is ready for release.

• 🎯 The goal: Focus exclusively on the live mode to finish all the live mode features and content needed for the Early Access

• 🎮 Features: We will be polishing the gameplay elements around needs, skills, jobs, social interactions as well as adding a lot of content for them. The pathfinding and autonomy systems will also be improved.

• 📝 Playtests: As we did for the build mode, friends will help monthly with feedback to make sure that our live move provides a fun and engaging gameplay experience!

Color Swatches

Alejandro recently worked on improving the systems around creating color swatches for the build mode and the Paramaker. It is now a lot easier for us developers (and for future players) to create new swatches.

Chloé took this opportunity and this week, she is focusing on creating ALL the swatches for the build mode! Up until now, most items only had one or two premade color swatches. Now, players will have a good selection of colors for every item in the game.

To create the swatches, we’re hand picking the colors that work well for a given item, based on its nature and style. Of course, players will always be able to create their own swatches for their own specific needs!

Have a great weekend everyone! 🛶

Alex

 The Paralives team went aquatic last week for a team building activity!