Devlog #1: Introducing Shifting of Light
2021-07-03 by Joel
Hello, and welcome. My name is Joel, and this is a devlog about a game I'm creating: Shifting of Light. I first started working on this idea shortly after Ludum Dare 48 (April 2021) with a desire to make something new. It started as a loose concept: an rpg survival game with building and wave defense. Over the months I would discuss and refine this idea with a friend, while building prototypes of game mechanics and systems. After several months of iteration the project has become clear in focus, and working on it has become a regular event in my life. This devlog will serve as a place to document progress and post updates.
Early on it became clear that I wanted this to be a cooperative game you can play with friends, as those are the gaming experiences I like best. This sidetracked the development as research and prototyping happened for networking and multiplayer. I'm glad this happened as it helped evolve and shape the game to where it is today.
So what is the game about? It's a question that I've been refining the answer to for a while. This is an early attempt at explaining it, I expect it to change and evolve.
Hundreds of years ago an event known as the shifting happened which completely changed the world for the worse. Spawn points started appearing from the ground and monsters regularly emerged. The areas around them quickly died off and became a wasteland. There was one thing that remained; an unknown civilization in the past created altars which house what is now known as heart crystals. The energy around them is so warm and positive it allowed life to thrive and fight off the spread of the shifting and monsters. For hundreds of years what is left of society has enjoyed refuge in the immediate surroundings of these crystals. Recently the monsters have figured out how to break through the protection and have been doing raids. They’ve gotten bigger in size and have overtaken your crystal. You and a small group manage to escape and start exploring the shifting to find a new outpost.
The game can be played solo or co-op and is a role playing survival game where the player creates a character and guides them through a procedurally generated world. They will build and upgrade their outpost while defending against waves of monster raids. Players will earn experience from fighting and taking actions in the world which can be used to upgrade their character, gear, outpost, and skill tree.
I have a lot more in store for the game, but we can save that for future updates. Thanks for reading and joining me on this journey.
