Announcing that I’m no longer creating 3D models assets packs for Smile Game Builder.

Modular Market Packs

I made this decision following the release of the Modular Market Packs Volume 1 and Volume 2.

The original concept for these packs was to provide game developers with a means to mix and match various parts to create a kind of hybrid medieval market for their games. Combined, both packs contain 164 models and many variations.

However, as I mentioned, I decided that I will no longer continue to expanding them. This has nothing to do with Smile Game Builder but part of my desire to focus on other things. I also don’t have the time to properly invest in creating more add-ons to the packs.

Volumes 1 and 2 will remain available for purchase (priced at $6.99) on both the Gnome Treasure store and Itch.io.

Terrain Packs

I will continue to release various terrain packs for Smile Game Builder, including Stairs and Slopes versions, for awhile.

Some are already available and some are unreleased. However, over the next few months, these unreleased packs will become available for purchase (priced $4.99). Each will contain the same quality – as part of the Hi-Tex range, from ground to walls to floor terrains – that most of you have come to expect.

The Untitleds Assets

My current project is The Untitleds, originally submitted to AmalgamAsh’s RETURNERS 2022 Game Jam.

As development on it continues, most of the customized assets will be available at a later date only for monthly patrons on my SubscribeStar.

Furthermore, monthly SubscribeStar patrons receive exclusive preview builds and beta updates.

Many of you are no doubt aware of my Hi-Tex Market Pack assets. For those who aren’t, these are high-texture assets I created to implement a kind of hybrid medieval market in your games as part of my ongoing "Hi-Tex" range for Smile Game Builder (SGB).

Although first released in 2020, and updated in 2021, I decided to update them again in 2022. This means improved textures and meshes, as well as more varied content. And, as development continues, I plan on releasing several packs throughout the year to complete the set.

Deferred Release Dates

Previously planned releases of the Market Pack Volumes 1 and 2 (and its add-on packs) were deferred several times. The main reason for this may be due to the "perfectionist" in me. That’s a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective. I wanted to ensure that all packs are completely optimized and SGB-friendly.

The Market Pack Vol. 1, Market Pack Vol. 2 and Market Pack Signs Add-On are complete and are prizes for AmalgamAsh’s SGB Returners Game Jam 2022. That means their release dates right now are imminent, having satisfied my personal "quality control". Haha!

Various Changes

With expandability in mind, I also restructured the models’ naming conventions. In addition, each type will have its own category:

I know this’ll mess things up for those who already purchased the original pack and installed the models in SGB and I apologize! I decided to do it this way primarily to make it easier when it comes to add-ons and expansions. However, everything is now more organized and easier to pick and choose the models.

Notes on Market Terrains

The Market Pack Vol. 1 contains several terrains (including matching stairs and slopes) from the original pack. I’m rather dissatisfied with them, but included them in the pack nevertheless.

Future terrain packs tailored to the market theme will be sold separately.

Future Packs and Add-Ons

As far as future packs and add-ons, I’ll continue creating them for awhile until I move onto other things and other projects proper.

Market Pack Vol. 1 v1.2 — Release Date

Optimization on v1.2 of the Modular Market Pack Vol. 1 is nearing completion. I deferred its original November release because I’d like to make sure this pack is as optimized as possible, especially with expandability in mind (for future packs).

The purpose of this update – as mentioned in Log #1 – is to:

And with expandability in mind, I also restructured the models’ naming conventions. In addition, each type will have its own category:

I know this’ll mess things up for those who have already purchased the pack and installed the models in SGB and I apologize! I decided to do it this way primarily to make it easier when it comes to add-ons and expansions. Everything is more organized and easier to pick and choose the models.

Market Pack Vol. 1 — Add-On

The Market Pack Vol. 1 — Add-On is designed to expand the Market Pack Vol. 1 with additional models and variations on existing models. I have no set release date yet, as I’m still working on it.

I’d like to continue adding to the market until it’s as comprehensive as possible. This will continue well into 2022 before I retire from SGB and move onto other things.

Market Pack Vol. 1 – Update v1.2

The Market Pack Vol. 1 is receiving a major update. I decided to do this before expanding the series further.

The main goal of this update is to optimize the models and textures, especially with consistency and proper alignment in mind.

Update v1.2 Release Date

I have no set release date in mind, although I’d ideally like to finish this before the end of November.

Other Expansion Packs

For the following expansions, I’m aiming for a December/Xmas release:

Over time, I’ll also start creating some stall "clutter" for each type of merchant.

After the (re)release of my Market Pack Vol. 1 for SMILE GAME BUILDER, I’m no longer creating and producing assets or assets packs for the game engine. That said, I may still release some more occasionally in the future. My decision is based on a number of factors, including SGB’s current limitations.

My Assets Packs

These are the assets packs I currently have available:

Note: All assets are available on the Gnome Treasure Store and Itch.io (links go to Gnome Treasure).

AmalgamAsh‘s "progressive updates" review of Quietus v0.3 (which he’s conveniently cited as v0.3.7) is on YouTube.

Watch the Video

On the Points Made

Addressing some of Ash’s points, I overlooked the "missing" desk, but will resolve in the next version.

For now, I won’t create custom models, using the default models and others’ assets instead. I currently have an unresolved and unresolvable issue with Blender to SGB, which has me stumped!

A final point: Quietus IS my primary focus. Development on Quietus will supersede development on Enigma of the Wulf and Otherworld: Through the Veil. Incidentally, plans to migrate the latter to the Unreal Engine are underway.

Working on Quietus is actually a form of "bereavement creativity", a kind of catharsis, especially after my Dad’s and Grandfather’s deaths, as many elements in the game being actual events, incidents, emotions, and memories, etc. in my own life. It isn’t a life story, but rather a "psychoanalysis", defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as:

A method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating emotional disorders that involves treatment sessions during which the patient is encouraged to talk freely about personal experiences and especially about early childhood and dreams.

Version 0.4

I have no release date timeframe for v0.4, although the goal is within the next two weeks (at the time of this post).

Bearing in mind, I work 4 nights now, which means 3 days to work on Quietus’s development.

Regular visitors to the SGB Athenaeum will have noticed some significant changes to the site, noticeably its new layout. Over time, I’ll change its theme (once I’ve settled on something that works).

Menu Changes

While most of the main navigation menu will remain intact, the SGB Tutorials and SGB Assets pages will be tweaked.

Site Updates

Updates to the site have definitely been lacking.

I definitely aim to change that, especially with regular new Smile Game Builder content being produced by Amalgamash and others.

As an additional note: Many of the posts do not have thumbnails. That means that, with this new theme, they’ll appear as a gray box. If I find the time I’ll update them, but will create them for each post from now on.

I’ve been working on a SMILE GAME BUILDER game, Quietus, on and off for some time. I gave Amalgamash permission to do "progressive updates" videos.

Quietus v0.2 Update Video

This video focuses mainly on the menu for v0.2 (although he erroneously titled it as v0.3).

There Are Bugs!

I’m aware of the bug where the map/character moves in the background with the menu. That has since been fixed.

I’m excited to announce my presence on Odysee to host my videos.

What Is Odysee?

Odysee is a video hosting platform similar to YouTube and, perhaps, a viable alternative to YouTube.

In fact, it acts as a mirror for your YouTube account, but you can also upload your own videos. Additionally, you can create multiple channels more easily than YouTube instead of having one channel and several playlists.

That means that if anything happens to my YouTube Channel, there will be a backup available.

Plans for Odysee

I plan on still uploading to my YouTube account, which is syncronised with Odysee so new videos should also update there.

Additionally, I’m going to upload Odysee exclusive videos, including tutorials and game update videos, starting some time this month!

Some time ago, I conducted a poll on Facebook, on Twitter and in Discord on which game I should continue developing after the game jams they were created for.

What Were the Choices?

The choice was between:

The unanimous consensus across the board was "both". I had considered alternating development on the two games. However, it’s proving to be very time-consuming and difficult to achieve.

What Are the Plans Then?

I’m only going to focus on one, Otherworld: Through the Veil, therefore, because its entire storyline is already written and mapped out.

Both games will eventually also have their own official websites for updates.