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Effort is finally paying off! Times are tough...

[Nightmare Files] Stoned Demo · published 24 Jan 2026, 07:44 UTC

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Systems Approach is Paying Off Slowly

Since last update, I spent an insane amount of time working on systems... again. But it's finally starting to pay off! I am hoping the payoff will be exponential here on out.

My goal has always been to get the technical stuff out of the way so that I can focus on the creative part. It's the part I enjoy the most.

With these systems I built I should finally be able to focus on the art side of things more, which should speed up the development of the project, while maintaining the quality standard I want to be known for.

Some New Visuals

I can't really showcase the technical stuff, but here's a few visual stuff I added!

I'll start with what I am probably most proud of - the security gate on the ship level!:D (Spoilers)

Here's a new intro scene packed with backstory and lore! (Still work in progress, need to do a detailing pass on it - posters, papers, trash, cables etc...)

I've also been working on the ship sequence, added a ton of lore and detail to the level...

Funding

Ya boy is almost cooked when it comes to finances. So, I've signed up for a government grant a few months ago.

End of this month is when we will know if I was selected for the finals.

Then I will have to prepare a pitch deck and present in front a jury.

Then the winners will be announced in April I believe.

This also means that I am on a sort of deadline. I need to get the demo ready in the next few months.

Here's the rough plan:

Get the Gameplay Finalized (should be a piece of cake with these systems, I hope)
Closed Steam Playtest + bugfixing phase (10k people in queue)
Once satisfied, I will transition to the Open Steam Playtest + bugfixing phase
Then Release the Demo to the public + bugfixing

All that needs to happen before April, ideally! Hopefully by then I will get the government grant so that I can finish the rest of the game without stressing about finances.

But just to be clear, I will finish the game regardless of the outcome of the government grant.

I'd rather live under a bridge knowing I left nothing in the tank, than quit on my dreams halfway.

I promise the wait will be worth it!:)

Other announcements

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Community1 Oct 2025Some vibes from the game...I've been working hard on the environment art. So, I wanted to quickly share some vibes from the game! Let me know what you think! Shrine Ship Island Labyrinth I also used these to update the steam page to better reflect the current state and look of the game... But I am a bit unsure if that's a good idea, since I don't have a new trailer yet. In the next update I will probably showcase some ne…Community10 Sep 2025A Storm is Coming...Every time I sit down to write an update I conclude that the time spent on it would be better used working on the game itself. But I do realize that people need to know what's happening with the game. So here it is! In short: I am still alive, and the game is progressing really well, check out the screenshots and videos below!:D The Playtest The most important news is that there was a closed pl…Community14 Mar 2025Something stirs on this island...Hey everyone! Just a quick update to show what I’ve been working on. I realized that I should post something here from time to time, so people know that the game is actively being worked on!:) I have to be careful though, as not to spoil anything:) Not much to say—just some sights from the world. Make of them what you will;) 🏔️ An ominous mountain 🔥 The fire crackles, but no one is here 🚪 Wh…