I’ve begun work on my new game, “The Empty Chairs”. In it, you play Violet Abrams, a “Memento-Mori” photographer who can see spirits as part of her everyday life in Victorian London. Matters become more complicated as a savage murderer begins assembling body parts as they terrorize slum-laden New Jerusalem. Violet and a host of Irregulars find themselves drawn into the gruesome (but YA friendly) nightmare.
Currently, it’s about (5% complete, 27 Chapters, 100K Words) done, and I plan on updating every week as I learn CS.
No statistics. No choice of character. Right now, it’s fairly linear as I branch out as I compile. Suggestions for possible pathways, info dump passages, and action/combat examples would be appreciated. I’ve designed the narrative as being YA suitable and would be happy to follow any advice or ideas.
I’ve just updated Chapter 3 - but for whatever reason, there seems to be an error linking to it - despite the code confirmed as working? Is this a common issue? Is it better to host WIP material on Itch.io or another site for playthroughs?
Hello, and welcome to the forum! Uploading on cogdemos or itchio should both be fine, but you may want to select “play in browser” on the itch page for your game which would make it much easier to play on mobile.
Thanks for the response. I found I was getting an error message on itch.io when posting as a play in browser. Should I activate some specific permissions or parameters? Much appreciated.
I’ve added Chapter 4 to the mix, and it’s all coming along nicely. I’ve also cleaned up the first three chapters. My goal is to get the draft down with simple branching and next passages listed as I experiment with a combat and risk system later on, and integrate a stats-based relationship meter to showcase Violet’s feelings about others and her attraction to various folks in the story.
I’ve only just started but this seems great. I like your dark humour and the premise, very creative. (I’m not so stoked about being forced into a character, but that’s okay, she does seem very interesting.) I also wish I could save, is there a reason you’ve turned saves off?
I’ll go back to reading now, just wanted to drop some encouragement. I’ll add more thoughts when I’m done.
Thanks for the feedback. I’m still learning CS and coding an open gender game/book is beyond my skills (right now). I know that forcing character is not popular - but I’m hoping that as I learn and interact, my work can get stronger.
I’ve updated the game so you can now save.
Thank you. I was hoping that using a mystery format and adding choice of suspect and/or motivation might add to the options. I know that gender-locked stories aren’t popular so I’m working on how to make it more interesting to COG readers/players.
I’ve added Chapter 5 here The Empty Chairs for those of you waiting for the next installment. I have our first false turn here with an easy retrace vs. a ‘game over’ moment. Q: How do you feel about insta-death? Would you prefer a ‘do-over’ or would a hard ending be more satisfying? Please let me know.
You can also download the game at Itch if you’d like.
I’m good with intsa death after all this is a choice based game some choice result of insta death is okay for me as long not too often because this game also still use stats check
As I start getting into the story and mechanics, I can see an opportunity for a Tarot Card mechanic here, perhaps? Or an emotional barometer to reflect in the Stats. How important are Stats, anyway? What do they have to do to be an engaging addition? Do I set an instant death or penalty for emotional states or decisions? Ideas would be welcome.
Chapter Seven is now uploaded. I’m looking forward to exploring the branches of statistics, action, and emotion in the upcoming chapter, which will be a first for me. Fingers crossed.
Hi Julian, I’ll check it out later tonight. As of stats, I recommend 4 to 5 general attributes but the sky is the limit. As of my latest work, most of the multiple choice decisions involve attribute bonuses or deductions, however there are some parts that are purely fluff (no changes with stats). There are a few online guides that outline how to setup relationship bars for each character the MC meets. In terms of death scenes, I would be careful about setting these too early in your campaign.
P.S Your website is quite impressive, especially your short stories. I’ve made a few stop motion short films back on my day.
Thanks for the advice and the kind words. I’m enjoying learning CS and how to map out my own pathways. I agree that instant death too early is discouraging and want to bind a relationship or magic/spirit statistic option perhaps to the gamebook.
Taking a short hiatus as I decide if ‘The Empty Chairs’ is really right as a CS project. Not enough agency as it was constructed as a linear narrative. If I shoehorn in a battle mechanic, it is still a gender-locked tale with limited ‘real’ choices. POV is also 1st Person - and this is also a concern. Thoughts? Feedback?
