Whew! It’s been barely over a month since our previous update, but it feels like entire years passed by. At least it looks as if the entire world has changed (and indeed, it may be a very different world after this pandemic). Yet here we are, safe at home for the time being and enjoying good health. The team is accustomed to work from home, so we certainly can’t complain ourselves — others, however, are having a very rough moment these days.

That’s the first thing before we proceed with the quick report: if you need to talk, connect with other people, or any sort of assistance, feel free to ping us. Anytime. We’re ready to help in any way we can. We should all understand that people are coping with this pandemic in different ways, and being alone at home for an extended period of time can be distressing.

One particular measure we took, after we consulted with the community, is to set up a #covid-19-discussion channel in our Discord server. At first we couldn’t tell if it was a good idea or not, but turns out lots of folks wanted to talk about the situation, and the result was a lively channel with responsible information and contention.

As always, adventure game group plays are being constantly organized in the server and we’re preparing other interesting activities during this quarantine. We're also giving away Steam keys for Scratches during this period if you've never played the game or want to replay it.

It’s hard to tell how long the quarantine will last, and it will greatly depend on where you live, but the top recommendation right now is to stay at home as much as you can. If we can stick together virtually, it will be easier to endure.

AND NOW... THE LARCH. SORRY, THE STATUS REPORT.

As for us and the project, everything is more or less proceeding according to plan. I won’t lie to you, things are exceedingly more complicated now — two of us are locked up with children (even multiple children) and some of our days are truly, unbelievably chaotic. The streak of productivity we were having beginning this year has taken a noticeable hit.

That said, we’re luckily at a time when the project is solidly under control and we have a comfortable budget thanks to the Epic MegaGrant we received last year. We’re getting ready to wrap up a series of demos (for Kickstarter backers and journalists), and over one third of the game is playable in one go and in the bag!

All things considered, we’re very much working on the game even in this situation and still eyeing a release late this year. As I explained last time, the first 1/3 of the game was by far the most intricate and busiest moment of the game in terms of assets and design. But that’s done and it’s all progressing faster now. Currently, we’re putting the finishing touches to just a few rooms that needed work and more items: the Laboratory, featuring the mysterious Dr. Miller, and the Museum. I’ll be showing you more of the Museum next time, which had some outdated graphics and is enduring a decisive facelift — we’re including some truly sinister stuff in that place 😬

MORE INMATES IN THE ASYLUM!

And last but by no means least, we’d like to welcome Rocío to the Senscape team! She happens to be Tais’ sister 😄

Hi, you two! 👋🏼



Rocío is a terrific artist who specializes in 3D modelling and texturing. It’s her first foray in the game industry, and talk about a complicated project to begin with! Her first task was to design disturbing medical instruments and severed hands, among other repulsive things. I’m so sorry, Rocío 😅

It’s funny: after a strange turn of events, serendipity has brought two sisters working together on the game while quarantining during an unprecedented pandemic. What a weird year! So thank you Rocío for joining us and help us put finishing touches to this cyclopean beast of an adventure game 🙏🏼

That will be all for now, but I’ll be sure to keep you posted. It’s a difficult year to be sure, but know that we’re determined to make you happier in a few ways before it’s done. Lots of cool ideas are on the plate, as well as a game that’s getting closer to completion. Stay tuned!

—Agustín