Hey there! This is the introductory post where I’ll discuss the motivation behind creating this game, the gameplay, and the main mechanics.
Motivation#
First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew, and I’m a forty-year-old game developer with fourteen years of experience in the industry. I’ve worked on all sorts of projects, from casual mobile games to multiplayer arenas and turn-based strategy games for PC. (Here is my portfolio: https://merlinds.github.io)
At my last job, I took a deep dive into procedural generation algorithms—working on map generation, crafting diverse abilities through skill combinations, and more. One day, I watched a GDC talk by Inkle’s Jon Ingold on Coherent Storytelling in an Open World. It blew my mind! It gave me an idea for a game that combines procedural generation with a coherent narrative. But coming up with something feasible for a small team was hard. Some ideas felt uninspired, while others were too complex. After several months of fruitless attempts and nearing a creative dead end, I had a breakthrough! A series of short stories, tied together by characters or events, set within a procedurally generated city. Stories - something like Eldritch Horror encounter cards. And a map where all locations are hidden unless you find them.
With a clear vision of the game I wanted to create, I started this project with a working title “Project Khoryv”. (Khoryv, one of the legendary founders of Kyiv, is a nod to my beloved hometown)
Gameplay#
Investigation#
This game is all about putting your detective skills to the test. Each story in the game is a self-contained investigation. You’ll need to gather clues and information through interactive conversations and use this information to draw conclusions, which, along with the collected evidence, will help to crack the case. But here’s the catch – not every conclusion is going to be correct, so you’ll have to think carefully to avoid being misled. Simply brute-forcing through clues won’t work.
The non-playable characters (NPCs) in the game each have their unique attitude towards your character, and their responses will change based on your previous interactions and even character state, adding a whole new layer of depth to the investigation process.
On top of that, every playthrough is unique due to procedural generation, so even if you’ve cracked a case before, expect the unexpected!
Exploration#
The map in Project Khoryv is a city inspired by Eastern Europe that’s generated procedurally, meaning it’s different every time you play. There are no markers or guides, so you’ll have to discover every location yourself. You’ll gather info about places and their approximate locations through notes and conversations. For example, you might learn something like, “The suspect lives on Colorful Road, between Wellspring Street and Victory Avenue.” Then, you’ll need to travel there and find the exact address.
As you travel, time is a factor, and each investigation has a time limit (or reward for timely completion of the case?). So, you’ll need to plan your routes carefully to make the most of your time. But watch out for unexpected events like traffic jams, run-ins with the police, or accidents. While journeying, you might also stumble upon hidden gems like a secret bar or a trinket shop, keeping things exciting and encouraging you to think about your next move carefully.
What’s Next?#
Currently, I am developing a game prototype that will feature a single investigation and a small section of the city. My main focus is on developing core mechanics, including dialog systems, evidence collection, drawing conclusions, and procedurally generating the city map. I will provide updates on my progress in future posts, so be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated! Your support means a lot, and I can’t wait to share more with you!