Parallel Experiment - Devlog #0 - The Big Transformation

Dear Detectives,

Following our recent announcement of the name change from “Parallel Lab” to “Parallel Experiment”, we’re excited to let you delve deeper into the journey of our game’s development. That’s why we’re launching a series of devlogs to take you along on our adventure, showcasing our progress as we approach the release.In today’s entry, we’ll explore the reasons behind the title change, recall on how Parallel Experiment began, where it stands now, and our vision for its future. Stay tuned as we unveil the evolution of ideas that are shaping Parallel Experiment into an experience unlike any before.

Knock! Knock! A small sneak-peak into one of our new puzzles!

From Success to Evolution

The journey of Parallel Experiment began right after the success of our first full-blown Steam game, Unboxing the Cryptic Killer. Initially, the plan was to remake of our web game, Parallel Lab, just as we did with “Unboxing”. However, as we dug deeper into the project, we realized that our aspirations had grown. The more we learned about game development, the more we understood what players sought in games like ours. A simple remake felt like we stood in place, but we want every next of our games to be something more.

Walkie-Talkies are back!

This idea sparked a new ambition in us. We didn’t just want to make a game that would be “good”; we aimed to push the boundaries of our creativity and technical skills. Our vision expanded, and with it, the scope of what Parallel Experiment could be. It was no longer about remaking something old but bringing something new and extraordinary to the table – a game that could stand as evidence to our growth and passion as developersAnd that’s exactly why we decided to change the name. We wanted to stay close to our initial idea for the game, but we also needed to show that major change that was happening with the game itself, but also with our mindset.

Making Our Vision Real

As we stand today, Parallel Experiment is a vibrant, living project, pulsating with potential. The decision to create a demo for Steam Next Fest was pivotal. It’s not just about showcasing our game; it’s about testing our newly formed vision in practice. This demo process was revolutionary for us. It challenged us to integrate a more engaging narrative, design puzzles that were both fun and thought-provoking, and explore new avenues for player interaction. More than that, we aimed to make all these pieces fit together.To do that, we tried something new. We had our first get-together. As a remote team, meeting in person was an extraordinary experience, especially for discussing the major aspects of Parallel Experiment. We also playtested the existing puzzles to see if any changes were needed. This session helped us finalize the details of the demo puzzles and create an interesting and mysterious story outline.

Brainstorming hard! A photo from our get-together.

The result? We now have a prototype of a demo that’s more than just a slice of gameplay; it’s a fully realized segment of our larger vision, surpassing Unsolved Case in both scope and depth. This prototype is a proof of concept, showing us – and soon, the world – what “Parallel Experiment” is truly capable of. It’s a small part of a much larger picture, but one that we’re immensely proud of and excited to share.

Imagining the Future

Our vision for Parallel Experiment is crystal clear: to redefine what an escape room game can be. We’re not just creating a game; we’re crafting an experience. Our aim is to weave together a tapestry of intricate puzzles, a storyline that keeps players on the edge of their seats, and gameplay that encourages teamwork in new and innovative ways. We want “Parallel Experiment” to be a game that stays with players long after they’ve turned off their screens.We envision a world rich in detail and narrative depth, where every puzzle is a step deeper into the heart of a mystery. In Parallel Experiment we are bringing everything to the next level - adventure, suspense, and collaborative discovery. We’re not just aiming to meet the standards set by our previous games; we’re aiming to surpass them, providing an unforgettable experience that sets a new benchmark for escape room games!That’s all from us for today! Hop onto our Discord if you’d like to ask any questions, or simply let us know what you think about devlogs like this one. And make sure to wishlist Parallel Experiment on Steam!Thank you for all your support!Cheers!Eleven Puzzles Team