Setting The Stage - Build Update #411

A long time ago, when we were first charting out the timelines we wanted to build for the game, it quickly became apparent that a number of players would have to play as Sam; a character that they might wholly despise. We pursued that path because of the unique gameplay opportunity we could present the player, giving them the chance to self-sabotage their rival from within their own skin.

One thing we're still trying to figure out is how to adequately communicate the type of control or freedom that's given to those certain ASM import players. We want our players to know that it's okay to hate the protagonist of this game, and to willingly destroy their life. It's actually quite a lot of fun to do!

We think that the new Continuity Updates outlined below are a good start for some of the cases.

Here's what's in the update:

• Stopped Ruth from turning into Hassan when she sat down in some places
• Added lottery tickets with ludicrously low odds and high payouts
• Gave voices back to the unique hobos near the funeral home in Slab Town
• Edited some typos in Alexa's book reading scene
• Prevented the bartender in the break room from over-serving you booze
• Fixed injury diagnosis from doctor after getting hit by a car
• Made the hospital receptionist in Gator Bay and Slab Town actually help you
• Fixed a glitch where players could get stuck in the chair during the finale scene
• Stopped your spouse from walking infinitely after you smoke cigarettes with them
• Added lettuce to the BLT recipe
• Updated recipe for Ball Park Franks
• Prevented DeMarcus from entering Easy Target anytime except during his mission
• Fixed a glitch where the table could start floating in the finale sequence
• Removed an inappropriate dead body from the player's chair in the finale sequence
• Increased quantity of toothpaste gained through purchase to 8 units

Continuity Updates:

• Applied sequence for ASM imports where Sam was killed by Mr. Parker in the casino
• Applied sequence for ASM imports where you kept the book, paid Sam's debt, and got married
• Improved sequence for ASM imports where you kept the book, but Sam got married

Each of these updated continuity sequences give earlier indication that your timeline is being read appropriately, and to give greater foreshadow for what's to come. Obviously this decreases some of the surprise we'd saved for the end-game, but it's worth the trade off, if they bring extra clarity.

If these scenes help clarify the storyline a little more, let us know. Since we started this process of bringing the deep cuts to the forefront, we've realized more opportunities to inject extra content like this at various parts of the game. If you all enjoy this kind of content, then we'll keep doing more of it.

Also, if you feel that we've got something wrong with them, let us know. We've both been putting in long hours for these updates, and fatigue makes mistakes. There's only two of us, and many more realities.

We really hope you like the pieces, and that they help you understand where the story is going much sooner. Also, that any major issues you've encountered have been resolved by now. Drop us a line in our Discord, on the Steam forums, or write / update your review for the game to let us know how we're doing.

- VD

A Small Addendum:

For the sequence where you kept the book, paid Sam's debt, and got married, there is still another update needed for the finale. We'll work to have that concluded as soon as the devs can get some rest.