rainspicestudios

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The Code of Crystals (Chapter 1) is now available on itch.io!

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[RELEASE DATE] The Code of Crystals

You heard it here first! Chapter one of The Code of Crystals, my game for Phantasia Game Jam 2024, is done and ready to be released!

The Code of Crystals is releasing on October 30th at 2 PM CET!

[You can access the itch.io page here!]

A few words for what should be a final devlog?

As the game was finished yesterday, there isn't much to say, but I hope you all are as excited as I am to show this project to the world!

I'm very proud of this project. I learned a lot of new techniques in three months and I would love to keep expanding this skill set and make each chapter better than the previous one.

I would love to make more content about my games' worlds online. I do have some character sheets planned, as well as bonus writing.

Would it be better if I made a website or if I kept tumblr as my main platform? I'm not sure yet.

I am planning on releasing a planned calendar for November and December.

Why am I called RainSpice Studios when I'm a one-person development team and therefore only has one location? I do not have a permanent apartment or house yet, so every place I work in is my studio.

That's all I had to say today. See you on the 30th for the release of chapter 1!

[rainspicestudios]

Love seeing game dev progress posts on Tumblr cause half the time it's 'I've got a pivotal piece of my game working' and the other half its 'hehe I made a character in a cutscene say fuck'.

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] The Code of Crystals (Phantasia Game Jam 2024)

Hello everyone! It’s Rain, and thank you for reading this second-to-last devlog for the first chapter of The Code of Crystals, made for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

A few words to open the devlog?

Only two weeks left before the end of the game jam! I hope you all are as excited as I am ☆

These two weeks will be busy, between trying to find another IRL job, this game jam, and more.

The price of this first chapter is 3€, as will be each chapter of TCOC, for a final game worth 15€ (VAT not included).

Asks are open, whether it’s for me or game characters!

Let’s start with this week’s in-progress... banner?

No in-progress screenshot this week, but the itch.io page is under construction and we now have a banner for it!

Game Art

Only two CGs to go and we're done! As well as a few character sprites to fix.

Audio

I only need to add in a couple of soundscapes and sound effects, as well as the main menu music.

UI & Menus

The menu art is done and the UI is on my list of priorities.

Final thoughts

October is almost over and I am very happy to soon be done with chapter 1 and have you guys experience it!

I'm aiming for a release on October 30th.

That is all I had to share! Thank you all for reading, have the loveliest of weeks, and be ready for the final update soon✨

The Code of Crystals is a is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives. According to the Phantasia Game Jam rules, chapter one will be released before October 31st and will be available for download on itch.io!

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] The Code of Crystals - Weeks 7/8/9 (Phantasia Game Jam 2024)

Hello everyone! It’s Rain, here again with another devlog for Project: Maselosia, my project for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

A few words to open the devlog?

We have a logo and an official title!!

Devlogs will be every two-weeks until the end of the game jam.

My arm wasn't hurt, in the end.

Asks are open, whether it’s for me or game characters!

Let’s start with this week’s in-progress screenshot!

Might as well show off the second protagonist

Game Art

We're reaching the end, guys! All we need are a few CGs and one character sprite (not counting the main menu and game menu art) and the first chapter of The Code of Crystals will be done!

Writing

Writing is entirely done! I know it has to be edited and proofread, but the main bulk is finished.

Audio

Finding music and implementing it in the game is also done! All that's left are a couple sound effects.

Puzzles

The last puzzle is done! As well as two extra choice-based scenes, one of which can lead to a game over.

UI & Menus

At this rate these will be the last things I focus on, as it's purely cosmetic.

Final thoughts

My work for this game has been very inconsistent due to health issues and me leaving my parents apartment to go back home.

It won't be consistent for the two next weeks either, as I am traveling again, but if I am able to follow my plans only details will be left to fine tune when I come back. That and game/main menus.

I'm happy with how the game looks and feels so far!

If possible I would like this first chapter to be done and ready to be released in two weeks. This is not a hard deadline, like October 31st, but a soft deadline.

That is all I had to share! Thank you all for reading, have the loveliest of weeks, and be ready for the next update ✨

The Code of Crystals is a is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives. According to the Phantasia Game Jam rules, chapter one will be released before October 31st and will be available for download on itch.io!

[rainspicestudios]

Looking for a new Lead Character Artist!

Foxglove Games is a tiny indie game studio dedicated to writing visual novels and romance games in a variety of genres. We released our debut visual novel, Trouble Comes Twice, back in 2023.

We are currently working on our second visual novel - BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL. A neon-noir crime romance packed with action, mystery, and a touch of horror.

Set in a fictionalized eighties England, where supernatural creatures and other horrors hide in plain sight, you will play as one of two protagonists: the seductive vampire detective Circe, on the hunt for an explanation to a series of bloody murders, or the unwilling cop Dante, a half-demon looking to put an end to a dangerous new drug before it claims more victims. Due to health reasons, our previous art lead unfortunately had to step back from the project. We are now looking for a new lead character artist to draw the sprites and CG illustrations!

Some basics:

🛰️ Remote, Part-time (available for work for the next two years) 💵 Paid role ($25-$40 USD/hour) 🎨 Portfolio showcasing character designs & illustrations a must

Read more and apply here

Reblogs/sharing the word with your friends is much appreciated!

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] Phantasia Game Jam 2024 - Week 6

(Placeholder name and logo.)

Hello everyone! It’s Rain, here again with another devlog for Project: Maselosia, my project for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

A few words to open the devlog?

I did so much work for Project: Maselosia this week that I might have injured my arm. That or I hurt it when I was on vacation and it hasn't healed. Either way, more on that in the "game art" section.

Asks are open, whether it’s for me or game characters!

Let’s start with this week’s in-progress screenshot!

Game Art

So many CGs and backgrounds were made this week. (11 CGs and 4 backgrounds!) Some still need to be coded into the game, but it will be done next week.

I either injured my arm on vacation or by drawing a lot this week, so I hope I will be able to meet the goal I set myself for this Game Jam.

Writing

Aside from the final point-and-click part from Teddy's POV, not a lot of writing has been done.

Audio

Nothing new on this front aside from a few new sound effects. However, the sound of a fire starting needs to either be replaced or be louder, but that is a detail that will be fixed later.

Puzzles

No puzzle has been worked on, but a point-and-click section was finished.

UI & Menus

With as many CGs to draw, I did not want to focus on UIs and menus this week.

Goals for next week

I don't know if this section will be implemented in every devlog but here is what I want to get done next week:

Finish the POV switch, complete with its point-and-click sections.

CG/Writing for a calm scene

Plan puzzles for the second POV character and tie them into the story

Start working on the itch.io page

Game logo (as I now have its official title 👀)

Main menu and game menu

One final CG for Teddy's POV

(Bonus) Character sprites for an NPC

Final thoughts

This has been a long and tiring week, fellas. I will try to slower my pace next week to rest (hence the shorter to-do list), as October will be a busy month, and RainSpice Studios is a one-person company, despite the plural form of "studio".

Please enjoy these tracks by Adrian Von Ziegler. These are the ones that Inspire me most for Project: Maselosia: Dreamwoods & Pride of the Scillin

That is all I had to share this week! Thank you all for reading, have the loveliest of weeks, and be ready for next week’s update ✨

Project: Maselosia is a is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives. According to the Phantasia Game Jam rules, chapter one will be released before October 31st and will be available for download on itch.io!

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] Phantasia Jam 2024 - Week 4 and 5

Hello everyone! It’s Rain, here again with another devlog for Project: Maselosia, my project for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

A few words to open the devlog?

I'm back from my vacation! I had a lovely time and I'm ready to start working on my game again.

Asks are open, whether it’s for me or game characters! Would you like to see character profiles?

Let’s start with this week’s in-progress screenshot!

UI & Menus

I did not make the game menus (aside from a few sketches), but, as you saw in this week's screenshot, we now have a nice textbox and matching choice boxes!

Game Art

I did not draw at all, but will focus on CGs this week.

Writing

I was able to write a little during my trip. I could finish up until an important POV change.

Audio & Puzzles

Not a lot of work has been done on this front. Audio is typically sorted out at the end of a scene, and I couldn't work on puzzles while I was away.

Final thoughts

I want to work on the game's itch.io page and finish it before the end of the month, which means that you will see the real logo and the game's official name very soon!

Unrelated to Project: Maselosia, but I want to update Stardust ★ Arcadis's demo as well.

That is all I had to share this week! Thank you all for reading, have the loveliest of weeks, and be ready for next week’s update ✨

Project: Maselosia is a is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives. According to the Phantasia Game Jam rules, chapter one will be released before October 31st and will be available for download on itch.io!

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] Phantasia Game Jam 2024 - Week 3

Hello everyone! It's Rain, here again with another devlog for Project: Maselosia, my project for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

A few words to open the devlog?

Asks are open, whether it's for me or game characters! Would you like to see character profiles?

Let's start with this week's in-progress screenshot!

Game Art

I had to backpedal on a creative decision, as animation takes too long, but what I did make were the missing CG for puzzle 2 and sketches for CGs for a long scene I have just finished writing.

Writing

As stated above, I finished writing a long scene, so writing will not be my priority until I finish the CGs.

Audio

Puzzle two now has sound effects added and I've found soundscapes for the next scenes, as well as a lot of music. All of it will be credited in-game, of course.

Puzzles

Puzzle one and two are done. I need to get working on puzzle 3, but that is not a priority until the plot gets to it.

UI & Menus

My goal is to make the game menus on Monday.

Final thoughts

I will not have access to the Internet as I'll be on vacation with some college friends. I will work on Project: Maselosia on Monday and Tuesday, but nothing after that until I get home next Friday.

That is all I had to share this week! Thank you all for reading, have the loveliest of weeks, and be ready for next week's update ✨

Project: Maselosia is a is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives. According to the Phantasia Game Jam rules, chapter one will be released before October 31st and will be available for download on itch.io!

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] Phantasia Game Jam 2024 - Week 2

Hello everyone! It's Rain, here again with another devlog for Project: Maselosia, my project for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

A few words to open the devlog?

Asks are open, whether it's for me or game characters! Would you like to see character profiles?

Expect development to be slow yet steady until September. More info in "final thoughts".

Let's start with this week's in-progress screenshot!

Game Art

Everything has been drawn for puzzle number two, except the flashback scenes and tiny imagery for the characters' inventory.

Writing

All good up to puzzle two. I have comments, descriptions, and dialogues left until I reach the first "real cutscene".

Audio

Nothing changed on that front. I'm also debating if Project: Maselosia needs voice acting?

Puzzles

Puzzle two is going well so far. However I'm having issues with the textbox, which I need to fix quickly. Nothing major or game-breaking, but it would be a great improvement to the game.

UI & Menus

Still no design in mind, but I'll get some menus done with the inventory. The main menu is not my priority right now, as I think I'll get it done when chapter 1 is being beta-tested.

Final thoughts

I will not be home in two weeks as I'll be on vacation, and I have an internship report to write before that. I will absolutely keep working on Project: Maselosia, but at a slower pace.

That is all I had to share this week! Thank you all for reading and be ready for next week's update ✨

Project: Maselosia is a is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives. According to the Phantasia Game Jam rules, chapter one will be released before October 31st and will be available for download on itch.io!

[rainspicestudios]

[DEVLOG] Phantasia Jam 2024 - Week 1

Hey everyone! A lot has happened since Phantasia Jam 2024 started a week (and four days) ago. I will try to update you guys every week!

I'm sure that the first question on your mind is:

What is Project Maselosia?

Project: Maselosia is a fantasy puzzle game where two shapeshifters try to escape a cult and go back to their normal lives.

The "Maselosia" part of this placeholder title is the name of the world/continent in which the story takes place. I'm not sure what the official title will be, just expect some variant of the word "gemstone" or "crystal" to be in it.

When can I play it?

According to the Jam rules, chapter one will be posted before October 31st. Like a lot of indie puzzle games, this story will be told in chapters that will be released one after the other as I finish them.

How much of it is done?

Let's break it down into categories:

Character Sprites- I'm done with the two main characters! I still need to draw their primary antagonist for chapter one, and an important NPC. These two will be drawn when I get to their scenes.

UI & Menus- I found fonts that fit well, but I haven't changed the textbox, quick menu, game menu, or main menu. I'm still trying to figure out a design for those, as I have a few concepts, but nothing matches my vision for the game.

Audio- I'm thrilled to report that I've found great music that can absolutely fit my vision! As well as good SFX. (I feel like I should also make a public playlist of all the music I'm listening to while writing the game. Would anyone be interested if I shared it?)

Puzzles and their assets- I've finished up to puzzle two, which is what at I am currently working on. (Chapter one will have three or four puzzles depending on the needs of the story.) I've found a shading style that isn't too complicated to draw, and looks okay for the game, so I will stick to it for this project.

Cutscenes- I'm still wondering if I should have animated cutscenes or not. That will be decided after I'm done with puzzle two.

Do you have any screenshots to show us?

Yes I do! How about one per devlog?

Yes I do! How about one per devlog?

Final Thoughts

I will end with a few bullet points:

My asks are always open, whether you want to ask me a question, or ask a question to any game character from any of my projects.

Next week will be slow as I'll be traveling to see friends and family on the other side of the country. (I'll be moving around a lot in August/early September.)

I'm done with my internship, which means that while I have more time to work on games, I also have an internship report to write. This will not impact any game's release date, but something to keep in mind if I do not add much in next weeks' devlogs.

I feel like I have said everything. I hope you will enjoy reading these devlogs and will enjoy Project: Maselosia when it comes out!

Thank you so, so much for reading up to here and have a lovely day or night ✨

[rainspicestudios]

RainSpice Studios project index

Start a new life in Arcadis and build relationships to learn about Erina's past.

[Click here to access the itch.io/download page!]

You are a morphling, kidnapped by a cult. You have a chance to escape. Do not waste it.

[Click here to access the itch.io/download page!]

The first chapter was a project for Phantasia Game Jam 2024.

In-production title. Not final logo.

"Project: Eternity" is a dating simulator in which Michi (name customizable) studies at the Matsubara Institute for a year and lives in a shared house. The problem is: every single one of your roommates is a magical girl (or boy, or person).

How will you survive abroad with magical girls? Will you be able to adapt to this new life and make friends? Better yet, will you end up dating one of them?

[rainspicestudios]

I'm so so serious when I say that indie visual novel devs are used to getting steam reviews where it literally goes

NOT RECOMMENDED pros:

gorgeous art

story made me cry (positive)

wonderful experience

every character felt realistic and believable

cons:

it's a visual novel

[rainspicestudios]

JULY 2024 UPDATE

Hello fellas! An update is long overdue. The good news is that I graduated! I now have a Master's degree in audiovisual translation and more free time to work on video games.

As you may have already seen, Stardust★ Arcadis is out! Making this game was a long journey with a lot of bumps along the road, but it's done.

Thank you to everyone who has already viewed the page, bought the game, left a review, or left a comment. It means a lot to me!

"But what about the future of RainSpice Studios?"

I have a lot of projects planned including two games in active development:

"Project Eternity" (dating sim) has no release date, even for a demo. I ave everything planned and some sprites and backgrounds drawn, and I have bought the music. I will reveal this project and its main characters some time in late 2024.

"Project Maselosia Morphlings" (puzzle game) is my game for Phantasia Jam. I have learned, since I've released St★Ar, how to make puzzle games and point-and-clicks, and right now I'm figuring out puzzle mechanics. The characters are designed and the world is built, but as it is for a game jam, I will not work on the actual game until it starts.

MY SCHEDULE/GOALS:

From now to AUG 1st: I'm taking a week off of active game development. Then I'm working on Project Eternity.

From AUG 1st to OCT 31st: Phantasia Jam / work on and release a part of Project Maselosia Morphlings.

NOV 1st and onwards: Active development for Project Eternity, secondary development for Project Maselosia Morphlings, background development for the rest of my game projects and more.

I also need to learn how itch.io works. I’m not too versed in forum-based social media/media sharing platforms.

On another note what would you like to see here ? Please use the poll to answer. If you want more than one, please pick one and tell me what else in the comments! I also accept suggestions and requests and asks.

Thank you for reading all of this and I hope you all have the loveliest of days. ★

[rainspicestudios]

PHANTASIA JAM 2024

Phantasia Jam is a fantasy themed game jam for visual novels, interactive fiction and story driven games. 

These games can be free or commercial, but must be produced entirely within the jam dates! 

This year we have a sub theme of "Hidden Magic" 

With a Halloween finish line our goal is to bring players fantastical experiences in spellbinding new games and give developers a challenge with breathing room. 

But don't get too comfortable! Those three months will be over before you know it.

Join us and @twoandahalfstudios as we host our third Phantasia Jam!

[rainspicestudios]

STARDUST★ARCADIS IS RELEASED!

[Click here to access the itch.io/download page!]

You heard me, Stardust★Arcadis is available for download on itch.io!

Stardust ★ Arcadis is a visual novel centered around life in this futuristic city called Arcadis.  In this game, you play as Erina Milani, a lounge hostess who just became a Backer – a person working in law enforcement to clear up their criminal record – while dealing with the demons of her past and the aftermath of being involved in a bank heist. Spend time working at the Shooting Star to get to know fellow citizens, deal with paperwork, and discover Erina’s story as she starts a new life in this city.

STARDUST★ARCADIS FEATURES:

Twenty in-game days.

12 hours of gameplay.

Four different main endings.

One unlockable ending per character.

Please read the CW list before playing!

Flashing lights

Parental neglect and abuse

Effects of long-term illnesses

Discrimination

Severe injuries

Drug use and trafficking

Panic attacks/depression stemming from PTSD

If you are prone to seizures, younger than fifteen,  or if you are not comfortable with any of these topics, even if just implied, then I thank you for your interest but this isn't the game for you. Take care of your physical and mental health.

If not, feel free to enjoy Stardust★Arcadis.

If you've read this post up to here, thank you. Have the loveliest of days and I hope to see you again as RainSpice Studios releases more projects in the near future! ★

[rainspicestudios]

January 2024 Update

Hello everyone! It's been a while and I apologize for the lack of updates. I've been busy with uni, as I'm finally taking classes I enjoy attending.

HOWEVER! I have some time off, so here is The Goal(TM) for Stardust★Arcadis before I have to go back and work on my dissertation:

I have to finish the written part of the game and update the demo before January 8th.

Then, between January and April, I will be able to focus on placing sprites and drawing CGs.

Which will give me two months to beta-test and fine-tune the entire game.

I'm aiming for a June 2024 release.

You will all be updated anytime I finish something for this game. (For example: if I finish writing every scene and ending, if I'm done placing every sprite, if the alpha version of the game is done, etc.)

However, all of this is speculative. I have no idea how life will turn out for me after finals and handing in my dissertation, but this is my current goal. No matter what, Stardust★Arcadis will come out in 2024.

Thank you for reading this update and I hope you all have the loveliest of days ★