As a big fan of escape rooms and closed circle mysteries, this sounds right up my street! Looking forward to it. 
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I would say fantasy is definitely very popular but there is a lot of appetite for dark academia. You should be OK!
personally I like dark academia a lot and frankly getting to study game design in the Highlands with near-guaranteed future industry success would be a personal power fantasy⌠The idea for the game sounds very appealing is what Iâm saying 
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Thatâs great to hear! Iâve seen quite a few campus stories around (your own included - Creme de la Creme was my introduction to CoG 
) so had hoped that might appeal.
Hehehe, guaranteed successâŚat what cost? 
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Howdy, I got another idea Iâve been cooking for a while from way back. The title so far is âParent of the Prophecyâ.
Hereâs the synposis: In a world ravaged by conflict and steeped in ancient prophecies, you find yourself as a humble farmer, living peacefully away from a perilous past. But when fate brings the Chosen Child, a prodigious individual with unimaginable powers, into your care, your life takes an unexpected turn. Nurture and train this extraordinary child. Raise them amidst the trials and tribulations of a realm torn apart. As the two of you navigate a world filled with political intrigue, magic, and war, you must face your past and lead the Chosen Child towards their heroic destiny. Will you be able to unlock their true potential and shape the fate of a kingdom? The future of a realm lies in your hands as you raise the Chosen One!
Iâm drawing a lot of inspiration from âGod of War (2018)â, âElden Ringâ, and a bit of the âDarkest Dungeonâ games.
Here are some mechanic shenanigans. Youâll be able to choose from five different origin stories: Escaped Slave, Desperate Highwayman, Exiled Scholar, Disgraced Noble, and Wandering Survivor. Obviously not much joy here, but these different backgrounds also give various boosts to your childâs primary stats: Vigor, Dexterity, Wits, and Presence. There will also be various choices that shape your kidâs personality (stats)- Direct vs Elegant, Passionate vs Calm, Honorable vs Pragmatic.
There will be a basic elemental magic system- earth, water, air, fire- and a unique higher tier of magic that only your kid has access to- transmutation, blood magic, gravity magic, and light magic.
Hereâs the broad strokes of the overall story I have so far- subject to change, of course:
- Chapter 1 - Origin: Unveiling the MCâs (you) diverse origins, finding a home, and discovering the existence of the Chosen Child.
- Chapter 2 - Infancy: Witnessing the early stages of CCâs (Chosen Child) life, the manifestation of their magical abilities, and uncovering the prophecy surrounding their destiny.
- Chapter 3 - Childhood: CC forming a bond with their first friend, navigating the challenges of growing up, and experiencing a life-altering incident.
- Chapter 4 - Adolescence: Overcoming the aftermath of the incident, unveiling CCâs prodigious abilities, and receiving an invitation to the prestigious Zenith Academy.
- Chapter 5 - The Academy: CCâs Orientation into the academy, engaging in correspondence with the MC from afar, and CC making new friends.
- Chapter 6 - The Trials: CC progressing through the years, participating in the trials encompassing written tests, public festivals, and mock battles, culminating in a joyous celebration.
- Chapter 7 - Archknight: CC ascending to the esteemed rank of Archknight, unraveling shocking revelations, and shedding blood in their first significant conflict.
- Chapter 8 - War: CC confronting a web of conspiracies, the declaration of war, and bearing the weight of the impending conflict.
- Chapter 9 - Hero: Standing as champions, engaging in the final battle against the Demon King, and leaving a lasting legacy that echoes through the realm.
The POV will frequently shift between you as the parent and you as the Chosen Child, but youâll mostly be the parent.
As for the setting, well, flintlock pistols and muskets are usually overshadowed by the uncommon but not rare magic user. There are also elves, orcs, and âdemonsâ living in the Zenuran Kingdom. Archknights are the highest ranking warriors in the Zenuran Army.
Here is the prophecy to summarize:
Beware the demon kingâs wicked might,
A looming shadow, a festering blight.
But fear not, for a renegadeâs love holds fast,
Nurturing a child, overcoming the past.
From the union of forbidden love, they came,
A testament to a realm still in pain.
Elements within their grasp, bestowed by right,
Harnessing the forces, shining bright.
Born with eyes that pierce the veil,
A sight unseen, beyond mortal pale.
With arm of scars, a mark of fate,
Yet coursing with power, strong and great.
Five hands are bound by destinyâs thread,
Their paths will entwine where darkness will spread.
Earth, wind, water, fire, and more,
Embracing unity, their spirits will soar.
Through battles fought, and hardships endured,
The prodigy will rise, destiny secured.
Chosen child, with spirit untamed,
Let hope run wild to immortalize your name.
Let me know what yâallâs thoughts are.
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I just had a question, would CCâs adventures have impact on MC as a parent as the story progresses? It may just be me but it seems like MCâs story ends after chapter 4 and CCâs journey would be of the main focus. Would it not be better to expand upon the parent aspect?
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There will still be plenty of choices for the MC that affects CC (though not a lot of the other way around), like letters and advice and life on the farm. But yes, there will be more of a split POV between the two in the later chapters.
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Magici: Worldstar is a contemporary fantasy romantic drama IF
[DEMO TBA]
Follow me on Tumblr for more info!
Magici: Worldstar
In a world where magic is alive, youâre one of the few lucky ones who can say they have actual powers instead of the weak energy most people possess. Thatâs because youâve had your Awakening, the extraordinary event in which that fragile energy becomes magic.
Unfortunately, Magic Academies are expensive and hard to get into, so youâve never had the resources to truly hone your powers.
That changes when you find out that one of the most famous and respected magic academies in the world, Magici Academy, is letting anyone* apply.
How? By joining the famous magic talent show, Magici: Worldstar, you get a free education at the Academy. The catch? Every week, you risk being eliminated**, effectively shattering the dream of a lifetime.
Will you excel, or will you be eliminated, perhaps by the viewers or because you werenât on par with your fellow contestants?
*See full requirements at MagiciWorldstar.com
**Continued enrolment subject to Academy approval.
Features
- Fully design your MC: pick your magic affinity, tv persona, gender identity, pronouns, sexuality, name, fashion style, personal goals, body mods, and many more!
- Romance one of 6 ROs, or pursue casual flings
- Will you focus on honing your magic, getting your grades up, winning the talent show, or simply charming the viewers?
- Will you learn to control your powers, or succumb in this new and stressful environment?
- Affect how the viewers, teachers, teammates, judges, and fellow students perceive you.
- Affect how well your team does in the talent show, as well as the relationships between your teammates
- Possibly win a talent show and get crazy rich and famous
- Become the viewersâ sweetheart⌠or a pain in the ass ^^
- Play matchmaker with your class-/teammates ď¸
â¤ď¸ Romantic Options:
[RO appearances here] (not a rickroll this time I swear)
Martin: He comes from a long lineage of strong mages. Always the familyâs black sheep, he seeks to make his family proud and finally show them heâs worthy of his last name. A gentle but intimidating giant, he doesnât want to get too close to his fellow contestants, can you break down his walls?
Tropes: Stoic, Slow-Burn, Forced Proximity, Roommates, Afraid to Commit, Idiots in Love
Demetra: This one is a mystery. Your brotherâs best friend, whom youâve seen walking around your home since you were a teenager; however, she never made an effort to get to know you. When you see her at the Academy, you realise you know nothing about who she is. She says her only motivation to be on the show is knowledge, but will you show her she can find something other than that?
Tropes: Rivals to Lovers, Brotherâs Best Friend, Idiots in Love, Everyone Can See It
Evander: Evander is a gifted individual with a big talent for magic, but heâs lazy. The definition of âHeâs smart but he doesnât apply himselfâ, he could care less about being in the academy. Their family has managed to force convince them to be on the show, the fame and money a big incentive. What they secretly hope is that heâll come home as a new person and grow up. You wonât fix them, but you can sure seduce them. 
Tropes: First Love, Fish Out of Water, Oblivious to Love, Pining
Harley: A social butterfly, it seems somehow sheâs already friends with everyone at the Academy. Growing up around musicians made her love for music grow, as well as awaken her powers. She joined the show to make important connections and to get her name out there both as a talented musician and a powerful mage. Will you be just another friend for her or will you become her muse? đ
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Soft Love, Roommates, Idiots In love, Mutual Pining
Echo: Echo is extremely shy and often lost in her own thoughts. Her unique powers make her an intimidating rival and a strong teammate. However, she joined the show for a specific reason: she seeks to learn more about her unusual affinity. Other than that she hasnât really been interested in getting to know anyone. Maybe youâll be the exception and get to know the real Echo. ď¸
Tropes: Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Idiots In Love, Strangers to Lovers, Hesitant, Crush on MC
Dominic: He is one of the judges at Magici: Worldstar, as well as a professor at the Academy. He is just another judge, and youâre just another contestant. Nothing to see here.
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Fell In Love with The Wrong Person, Lovers in Denial
Other Contestants:
Bleon: They already have a reputation as a prankster around the Academy, having competed in Magici: Worldstarâs first season. Loved by the student body, hated by the professors, but youâll be sure to like this menace.
Bruno: A shy but friendly presence in your team, he looks forward to getting to know you. After a quick conversation, you already know he aspires to become a respected landscape engineer by perfecting his ability to build and shape landscapes.
Brynn: She aspires to become a Nature Guardian, and to preserve harmony between humans and nature. It is slightly interesting then, that she seems to dislike you the moment she sets her eyes on you.
Chianti: He holds a little secret. Well, not anymore, 'cause Iâm about to tell you. Heâs just had his Awakening, a mere few months before his admission to the show. Will you help him develop his affinities or turn the other way, until he gets eliminated?
Nora: After losing her father to a magic-related incident, she understands that even the strongest healers canât save themselves. She dreams of becoming a healer, but also a Guardian, thanks to her rare affinity combination.
Rahim: A disciplined and focused mage, no one in his family has had an Awakening. He hopes heâll be able to get far in the show or to at least stay long enough to develop his powers.
Magici: Worldstar - Where dreams become Magic.
A ⧠Spellbound ⧠EntertainmentŠ Production
[ DEMO COMING SOON⌠STAY TUNED ]
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HELLO FELLOW FORUMERS
For those who have replied to my post like @Leinco , @Nahim_Kerman, and @11110 Iâm back.
I had a post about what kind of mechanics you would like to see in a kingdom sim ,and I took your feedback into consideration.Thanks Guys.
I have another plea again,can you help me by
answering the Next Q?.
What kind of challenges you would like to see in a Kingdom Sim.
What I have been making is all gears and machins that run a Kingdom Sim and it is missing your answers of that Q?
Anything would be good , a threat ,fantasy ideas ,extinction level events.
I have ideas of my own and I would like to hear yours.
Thank you for reading Forumers, and also
most thanks to those whobwill take their time to reply to this Humble post to Thy Noblest Minds.
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I want a political challenge like factional conflict.
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Like @11110 , I think the best challenges would be political.
To go deeper into that, I think it would be nice if you could choose how democratic your kingdom is. Are you a dictator? Are you democratically elected? Or are you a monarch whose power is watched over by some grand councli?
To that end, i think balancing favor between different parties in your own kingdom would be a fun challenge. But the challenge doesnât have to be limited to your own nation.
Espionage, or diplomacy against other nations, would be a welcome challenge. Or, if you want to go that far, outright war.
But i think political challenges always shine the brightest when you combine them with moral ones.
One example is your nation is under attack by a much stronger country and has little hope of repelling the invasion. Another stronger country promises you an alliance, but the king demands your daughterâs hand in marriage.
Another example, because this is fun to think of: A massive vein of valuable ores has been discovered, and setting up a mining venture would make your nation rich. The problem is that it lies on land considered sacred by your nations main religion, and theu would be very unhappy were you to desecrate it.
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I like your idea, especially the idea of ââbeing able to decide the degree of democracy.
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I had this game idea while falling asleep last night: an IF about bodybuilding.
It would lean more on the gamey side than the narrative, designed with high replayability in mind. You start as a freshman in college and have three years to become a pro bodybuilder and compete on stage. You get to choose whether you start out fat or skinny and your gender.
The core game loop for working out will consist of picking your workout routine (what body parts you want to work out, how many times a week, the intensity of workouts, what kind of cardio you want to do, etc). Over time you will make progress by becoming bigger and or/leaner, but you will also develop imbalances that you will have to iron out (legs out of proportion with your arms, one arm bigger than the other, etc). At the end of the game, you will be judged on how big, symmetrical, proportional, and lean you are.
While working out is the main focus of the game, there are also other elements you must juggle in order to be successful, such as your grades, relationships with friends and family, your love life, nutrition, job, and sleep schedule. Neglecting your social life, for example, would lead you to isolate yourself and lurk in sketchy online communities. This, in turn, will make you post incel/nazi stuff online which has a chance of getting you banned from the competition (Iâll have to think of something equivalent for women because they donât become incel Nazis when they get lonely, lol).
There will also be benefits to focusing on other aspects of your journey. For example, if you have a good relationship with your mother, she will bake you her famous anabolic apple cobbler which will get you jacked faster. Doing your job well will get you more money which will obviously let you buy better food and supplements.
There will be a way to adjust the difficulty of the game, which is your roommate. On the easiest difficulty, he will be a well-adjusted member of society, doing his part of the chores, paying half rent and even helping you when you struggle. On the hardest difficulty, he will be a crypto bro who eats Doritos and plays video games all day. You will not be able to get rid of him because of your history together and will have to constantly do his part of the work and even lend him money without the possibility of ever seeing it back.
You will meet all kinds of people at the gym who will give you all kinds of advice, good or bad, solicited and unsolicited. You will be able to ask them to hang out outside the gym and even date. The people you will interact with will have different backgrounds in the gym culture spectrum: bodybuilders, powerlifters, climbers, calisthenics, athletes, and old people doing weird stuff.
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I beg to differ.
N-not that I had a phase like that or anythingâŚ
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Less code to write then, haha.
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Could be interesting narrative-wise potentially, but that core gameplay loop sounds hella boring. I think itâs one of the weakest parts about how many people write HG titles; they try and focus on replicating interactive gameplay elements in a text-based game, effectively turning it either into a number-crunching game or a excruciatingly boring list of things to click through.
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What I had planned ,was like there are 4 kingdoms on which you are the 4th.
K1.Would be like focused on making all other kingdoms kneel no matter the cost.
K2.Are like good guys only fight when they have to , a friend in deed really if you would consider it.
K3.They are like anti-heroes who donât have a side,only looks after their own,would compromise any deal to do that
K4.Well you can decide what you would be like.
So mostly K1 is the threat hear,since they are focused on conquering everything.
But all this miss some of the the things you mentioned in your reply,I will have to make a few tweaks.
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Id totally play this I am sucker for parent of the chosen esque games but tbh I just like having the chance to raise a kid
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It really depends on execution. Taking inspiration from existing works is common and reasonable in my opinion. The 19th century setting is very different to Wayhaven, which is a broadly contemporary setting in a nebulous location. Urban fantasy and paranormal romance are not unique to Wayhaven and detective protagonists are very common in urban fantasy too.
That said not everyone thinks the same way. Itâs very likely that there are sections of your potential audience who will compare your work to TWC for better or worse. Iâve observed games being compared to TWC (by TWC fans or detractors) which bear so little resemblance to TWC that the comparison is meaningless; this concept has more similarities than them. Itâs worth going into it with clear eyes.
Where I would suggest further consideration as you develop your concept is the characters. Iâm not totally sure what âthe classic ROs in IFsâ means really because characters vary so widely. Itâs fine to think of them in very broad-strokes/tropey terms at the beginning but one brooding/hostile character can be developed and refined to be wildly different to another. My advice would be to consider how you can make your characters their own individual people that feel real to you and the audience. That - and also the nature of their immortality - is a major way in which you will distinguish your game from existing ones
I guess Iâd also suggest considering: will you feel like your story is derivative? would it be more satisfying to feel it was more its own identity and fully âyoursâ? Will it be fun to write if youâre thinking of TWC and how itâs similar or different? For me personally, Iâm not sure Iâd find that very fun - on the contrary it could feel pretty stressful. You may feel differently and again, itâs all about execution - having Inspirations isnât the same as copying. But thatâs worth bearing in mind too.
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This reminds me if a choice game that i found on itch.io that does so.ething like this. For the life if me i cant remever the nane but i think it was brought up on a forum here a while ago.
Iâve started work on a new WIP, and I thought Iâd share it here now that most of the pre planning is out of the way.
My WIP is a retelling of the Greek myth âEros and Psyche!â Iâm changing it to fit in a second RO (Apollo), and to get rid of the chunk of time that Psych is alone (I may get rid of Persephone and give her part to Hades. I want to do her next, but I havenât decided if it will be in the same continuity). Besides those things, the story will be a pretty good adaptation of the original myth. Here is a fun video retelling the myth if anyone is unfamiliar
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