So, I've been keeping at it for a while now and feel like I gotta say a couple of words about the whole deal. Here is small for you to understand what I'm talking about.
At first it started as a concentration camp adventure/survival kind of game. The player was supposed to struggle for existence in the Nazi death camp for a few weeks before the liberation took place. Puzzles, crafting and mini games were also a big part of that game. It was just called "Ashland" back then.
This is the title art:
Here is also some of the old alpha-footage:
However, upon getting some initial feedback I came to a conclusion that apart from the setting the game couldn't boast of anything else too unique. This is why after some good old brainstorming (still can hear this crackling sound of ideas popping up in my head) I decided to refresh the concept.
Now it's a Nazi hunter simulator. But since obviously I had some previous material regarding the camp, of course I thought about including it in the new game as well. Nazis we're going to be hunting down were once on staff of this dreadful camp. Each one of them was responsible for the particular line of work there. Hope, it's clear up to this moment.
Later, though, it came to my mind that maybe I should not confine myself strictly to the death camp's Nazis. Maybe I should expand on the subject and let player catch all kinds of them, different occupations: Einsatzgruppen, war criminals, deportations, appropriation of antiquities, etc. Even some occult stuff they were into might be kinda interesting too. Unfortunately, history knows too many examples of their crimes against humanity. So I won't be walking in the dark here.
And finally all this leads us to a question. What it should be? Just the camp staff or the diversity is better? I mean, I studied a lot of stuff on both subjects and can equally make a solid game about either. But looking from a player's perspective, which way should I go?
Also I want to ask if you guys feel this subject to be important and whether you would like to play such a game at all. I know, it's never been done before (not to my knowledge, at least), but still my best guess is that the audience might know better.
What I'm saying is that we all have seen Nazis being shot or blown up in videogames. But we never actually got a chance to bring them to the real justice. Especially, not at the time of the Cold war.
Another thing I want to specifically add is that I fully understand "Ashland Dossier" must be a gaming experience above all, and only after that should it be a statement. So, I'm predominantly focusing on the game mechanics, playability and the plot too. I mean, it's not a documentary (even if I'm aiming at the spotless historic accuracy), it's a game in the first place.
Hope this all makes sense.
With all that being said, in case you liked the concept and idea behind it, I'd like to invite you to the game's Steam page and wishlist it too. Each one of your wishlistings will tremendously help me while talking to the publishers as well as helping with the game featuring:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1174680/Ashland_Dossier
Just in case here is the alpha build I got now: https://psyrob.itch.io/ashland-dossier
Of course, it's not the final look and still needs some amendments, but you should get the basic idea.
Really do hope that this little presentation was somewhat clear and managed to spill some light on my concerns.
Anyways, I'd like to take a moment and wish you guys all the best in such harsh times. Please stay safe and healthy. Also please do not hesitate to ask any questions should you have any as I will certainly and gladly try to answer all of them.
P.S. If such posts are not allowed, please do not behead me. I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings. And hence wish to apologize in advance.
Log in to comment