Nintendo Switch Announcement + New Trailer
over 4 years ago
– Wed, Dec 15, 2021 at 11:57:14 PM
We’re thrilled to step out of the production submarine to finally confirm that Sea of Stars is coming to Nintendo Switch!
Here’s the brand new announcement trailer, which premiered during Indie World earlier today:
(If you want to help bring more eyeballs to Sea of Stars, please RT this post!)
Since the very beginning, the plan was to release Sea of Stars on Switch. Considering where the game's main inspirations were played, it naturally follows that it should live on a Nintendo console.
While we were waiting for the proper announcement timing, porting work has been going on for a long time. With quality and polish in mind, we have been proactively optimizing performance on all fronts, making sure the game runs smoothly everywhere. In fact, all footage from the trailer was captured directly on Switch!
Oh, by the way, Sea of Stars also now has a page on the eShop!
THE TRAILER IS MEANT TO BE SPOILER FREE
As always, deciding where to draw the line in how much to show is a challenge we take very seriously. If it was up to us, nothing would be shown to preserve the entirety of the experience. In reality, there has to be some give for people to be aware of the game, especially given the self-publishing indie studio need to build a community.
If you are mindful of spoilers, rest assured that only a small portion of the game was shown at this point, and that each shot was hand-picked to convey a mandatory portion of the promise without giving too much away.
HOLIDAY 2022 IS THE TARGET, BUT WE WON’T RUSH THE GAME.
To clear all the potential confusion that could arise from different interpretations of the Winter 2022 / Holiday 2022 messaging, the target is to launch Sea of Stars roughly a year from now.
The exact date will be announced sometime next year once we have a clear view of when the game will be as good as we can make it. As always, the only thing we will not compromise on is quality.
THE REMAINING PLATFORMS AND STOREFRONTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN SPRING 2022
The target is to announce the remaining platforms and storefronts during the Spring of 2022. Once the launch platforms are all confirmed, we will send the survey for the final phase of fulfillment (platform choices for physical and digital copies, civic address for shipping, name for the credits, etc.)
Once again, rest assured that we will be where the players are.
WE WILL BE WORKING WITH KAKEHASHI GAMES TO BRING SEA OF STARS IN JAPAN
The same partner that handled localization, certification and promotion for our first game The Messenger in Japan and South Korea, Kakehashi Games, is back for Sea of Stars!
The team over at Kakehashi earned our trust with The Messenger Japanese and Korean versions, which received much praise for capturing the spirit of the source material. They will also help with promotion as well as pursuing other opportunities to help Sea of Stars become as big in Japan as possible.
2021 was a big year of production for us, and we are happy to report that Sea of Stars is emerging as something that exceeds our expectations, mostly due to the overwhelmingly positive response and additional talent joining the team.
For 2022, production remains the top priority, but we will also be talking about the game a lot more as we get closer to release, with many more announcements and promotion activities already planned.
But for now, it is time for the team to rest. We want to thank you for the unbelievable support, and wish you all happy holidays. See you next year!
-SaboTeam
(On a side note, the studio will be closed from December 23rd to January 3rd. Any messages sent to us during that period will be answered on January 4th. The team will be spending time with loved ones and recharging for the year to come. )
Two Weeks Left for Crypt Submissions
over 4 years ago
– Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 10:52:02 PM
Last call: the Crypt Customizer closes on November 30th
The Crypt Customizer web page has been open for over a month and a half now. If you’re a Solstice Warrior, Hero to be Remembered or Hero to be Worshipped backer and are reading about this for the first time, please go back and consult our first update on the matter for more details.
As we're writing this, we’ve collected close to 60% of all stones & statues. If you have already submitted your memorial, we first want to thank you, but also ask you to please remind any backers you know who might not have done it yet.
Submit Your Memorial Now!
This will be our last reminder as we’re quickly closing in on the deadline. We encourage you not to wait any longer as we cannot guarantee your memorial makes it into the game if you miss the deadline.
The unique backer code needed to log in the customizer has been sent to you via email. Another way to get your code is by sending the "!mycode" command to the Kickstarter Assistant bot in our Discord server.
In case you can’t get your backer code, please contact SaboMath on Discord or write to [email protected].
Once logged in you will find straightforward guidelines, but there are still a few things to keep in mind.
Regardless of your pledge level, one thing is mandatory: your monument and/or memorial text can’t be interpreted as offensive in any language, or reference any copyrighted or trademarked material. Failure to comply with these rules could result in having your memorial not added to the game.
Additional notes for the 425 backers getting a hand-crafted monument:
Please make sure that your instructions are thorough and precise, as it is your only chance to get your vision across to our artists. Also, please check your name and message’s spelling twice before submitting as you won’t be able to edit them afterwards.
Support channels
Everything has been running smoothly so far, but we’ll stay widely available for answering any questions or doubts you might have while creating your memorial.
Here are the different support channels to prioritize for everything related to the Crypt:
1. Check out the FAQ at the top of the web page
2. Drop us a line in the #crypt-support channel on Discord
3. Send a DM to SaboMath on our Discord
4. Send an email to [email protected]
That's it for now!
Next up will be the last step of fulfillment: surveys to pick the platform for which you want your copy of the game. We aren't there yet as we still need to confirm and announce launch platforms, but we'll keep you posted, of course.
Once again, we thank you for your overwhelming support!
FOOTNOTES
As we’re going the self-publishing route, we really do need to grow awareness of the game throughout the whole production. If you want to help us even more than you already have, here are a few ways you can can do so in 30 seconds or less:
Invite a friend or internet traveler to do any of the above!
Thanks for everything.
-SaboTeam
Fulfillment Wave 2, The Crypt
over 4 years ago
– Tue, Oct 05, 2021 at 11:07:59 PM
THE CRYPT CUSTOMIZER IS NOW OPEN!
The moment a lot of you have been waiting for has arrived. If you backed Sea of Stars for the Solstice Warrior, Hero to be Remembered, or Hero to be Worshipped tier, the web page to create your unique memorial is now ready.
In order to get everything going smoothly, we ask that you please read through this update before jumping in, as we’ll be explaining the whole customization process and cover the available support channels.
You’ll find the link to the web page at the end of this post.
In case you’re not a high tier backer or are not entirely sure what we’re talking about, let’s rewind a bit to get everyone on the same page.
WHAT IS THE CRYPT?
Excerpt from the Kickstarter campaign:
”Found on a seemingly uncharted island, The Crypt is an underground area built to pay homage to our fantasy world’s founders, or to be more precise, top-tier backers. Keeping things as spoiler-free as possible, it is still worth mentioning that the place is not disconnected from the world’s lore, and will play some role in the overarching story.
Supporters of the campaign who commit to a pledge in relevant tiers will be immortalized in the game as a unique interactive object within the crypt. ”
The included tiers and rewards are as follows:
Solstice Warrior: a commemorative stone, displaying a name chosen by the backer.
A Hero to be Remembered: a custom statue, displaying a short memorial text chosen by backers. Customization is done by selecting parts in a “character creator style” menu.
A Hero to be Worshipped: a 100% unique monument hand-made by one of our artists, displaying a short body of fully custom text written by the backer. Each monument will be drawn by our artists following guidelines sent by the backer.
In all the erraticness that was the Kickstarter campaign, over 7,000 stones, 1000 statues, and 400 monuments were claimed. Let’s just say that the scope of this project took a turn we didn’t expect!
THE CRYPTWALKER
The Cryptwalker is an NPC who roams the halls of the Crypt, acting as a guide for visitors. A mysterious presence, devoted to honoring travelers and builders of old.
Since the Crypt is all about honoring our supporters, we thought the Cryptwalker should also come from a community-driven effort. Its design was based on a series of votes from the community on our Discord server.
Our concept artist Bryce Kho then took these guidelines and came up with three propositions for a final vote.
Here’s the official design that was chosen by our top-backers:
HOW DOES THE CRYPT CUSTOMIZER WORK?
First, you’ll need to log into the Crypt website using the email associated with your Kickstarter account and your unique backer code. If you backed for the relevant tiers, you should have received an email with your code (look for an email from [email protected], it might have landed in your spam folder.)
Another way to get your code is by sending the "!mycode" command to the Kickstarter Assistant bot in our Discord server.
In case you can’t get your backer code, please contact SaboMath on Discord or [email protected].
Once logged in, you’ll be automatically directed to the correct form according to your tier. While each tier has its own process, the steps are clearly defined and should only take you a few minutes to complete:
Stones and Statues are created through a simple customizer. Just play around with the interface and submit when you are happy with your creation.
If you are one of the 425 backers who pledged for a monument, you will be asked to fill a more intricate form to brief our artists. More details below.
Regardless of your pledge level, one thing is mandatory: your monument and/or memorial text can’t be interpreted as offensive in any language, or reference any copyrighted or trademarked material. Failure to comply with these rules could result in having your memorial not added to the game.
Once everything is submitted, a new retrieval code will be generated and sent via email to the same address used to log in. This code will allow you to find your unique memorial in the in-game Crypt effortlessly with the help of the Cryptwalker.
Additional notes for the 425 backers getting a hand-crafted monument:
Please make sure that your instructions are thorough and precise, as it is your only chance to get your vision across to our artists. Also, please check your name and message’s spelling twice before submitting as you won’t be able to edit them afterwards.
SUPPORT CHANNELS
We’ll do our best to be responsive during the whole process, but please keep in mind that we have thousands of backers to tend to. At this scale, little hiccups can will happen, but rest assured that we will be getting to everyone in need of support and ensure no backers are left hanging if the flow doesn't feel clear for them. We’re over the moon to finally be launching this project, and look forward to hearing from you!
Here are the different support channels to prioritize for everything related to the Crypt:
1. Check out the FAQ at the top of the web page
2. Drop us a line in the #crypt-support channel on Discord
The fun is ready to begin in the Crypt customizer, right here:
You have until November 30th to submit your memorial.
That's it for now! Next up will be the last step of fulfillment: surveys to pick the platform for which you want your copy of the game. We aren't there yet as we still need to confirm and announce launch platforms, but we'll keep you posted, of course.
Once again, we thank you for your overwhelming support!
FOOTNOTES
As we’re going the self-publishing route, we really do need to grow awareness of the game throughout the whole production. If you want to help us even more than you already have, here are a few ways you can can do so in 30 seconds or less:
Invite a friend or internet traveler to do any of the above!
Once again, thanks for everything.
SaboTeam
July 2021 Dev Update
almost 5 years ago
– Tue, Jul 27, 2021 at 03:33:42 AM
MUNDANE HYPE
It had been a while since we last streamed a dev update for Sea of Stars, so we did just that a few days ago to show more of the game's systems like inventory management, cooking, and shopping, along with our take on the sometimes-infamous-yet-always-mandatory fishing minigame!
Outside of the game, we unveiled a new compendium section for our website, and unveiled The Cryptwalker, the NPC who will greet adventurers visiting the area where the backers' stones, statues and monuments are displayed. We also officially announced that the forms for those who pledged for a presence in The Crypt will be sent out this September!
We know not all of you are keen on watching live streams, so we'll go through everything in detail here. If you'd rather catch up through video directly, the VOD is available here!
FISHING
Fishing minigames are notorious for consistently being unable to please everyone. In the end, the goal is for it to be in tune with the overall game's rhythm by offering simplicity, progression and immersion. Here are some of the notes the vision started with:
Most significant ref is BoF 3
Something where you can touch and feel the environment
Gameplay 100% without UI for a more immersive experience
No bait equipment to manage, going instead for simple linear upgrades that give you access to more locations and species that will bite or be easier to reel in
Overall, something simple and lite that is still more involved than "press action when it twitches"
We had been teasing this one for a while and after a lot of iteration was done, we were finally ready to show our take on this classic component. A gameplay video is available here, we hope you'll like it!.
Oh, and don't worry if fishing is not your jam, it is of course 100% optional!
HURL?
We also unveiled one of Garl's special moves in combat, which allows him to throw an enemy close to another one, opening up opportunities for splash damage on certain moves like Zale's sunball. You can see it in action in the VOD!
INVENTORY, EQUIPMENT AND SHOPPING FLOW
We put so much focus on the areas we felt were more interesting like combat and navigation, we caused some of you to be concerned about the apparent lack of inventory, equipment and shops. Rest assured that all of that is in there, probably in the fashion you would expect.
One quick note on money however, which will have a low cap (in the 3 figures) to create rhythm instead of hoarding and ending up with an economic balance in numbers that strip away meaning. It's all about keeping it lite while still offering the fun of selling valuables and buying equippable upgrades!
CAMPFIRE COOKING
Camping is always available for free anywhere on the world map, but is restricted to camping spots while exploring dungeons. Adventurers who like to be prepared will make a point to cook snacks and meals for the road, as they are the most efficient way to heal up in between battles when there are no camping spots in sight.
Snacks are for a single person, while meals will feed the whole party. You'll be free to fight, fish, forage and shop for cooking ingredients, or buy ready to eat snacks and meals directly from your favorite restaurant.
All snacks and meals come with their own custom illustration, description, and ingredients list.
THE CRYPTWALKER
Back in May, we started a community effort with super backers on Discord to define the creative direction of the Cryptwalker.
Through a series of votes on multiple-choice questions, the community helped specify the general vision for the character which was used in the first steps of our usual process, creative briefs and design!
Based on the brief, our concept artist Bryce Kho worked on multiple propositions. During the stream, we showcased the three designs that ended up being put up for community vote, and revealed the one that has been chosen.
Behold The Cryptwalker, a conscience in a lantern, carried by a spirit fox.
Thanks to all the backers and community members for participating in such high numbers in this wild process!
THE CRYPT
A Cryptwalker wouldn’t be much of anything without a crypt to walk in. The time is near for those who have pledged for a presence in The Crypt, whether in the form of a stone, a statue, or a monument.
Forms are coming this September, stay tuned!
THE COMPENDIUM
We’ve been putting a lot of efforts into growing our social media presence lately, to bring more eyeballs to Sea of Stars.
During the stream, we launched The Compendium, an evolving encyclopedia of Sea of Stars characters containing backstories, sprites, screenshots and behind-the-scenes drawings. The content will grow along with our follower base.
Every time we reach a new milestone on Twitter, a new character will be revealed, and we even have an achievement system for more special one-of reveals.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW
We hope you liked this update, feel free to check out the VOD for a more involved look, along with dev commentary.
Stay tuned for our next beat in September where we will start rolling out forms to backers who pledged for a presence in The Crypt!
FOOTNOTES
As we’re going the self-publishing route, we really do need to grow awareness of the game throughout the whole production. If you want to help us even more than you already have, here are a few ways you can can do so in 30 seconds or less:
Invite a friend or internet traveler to do any of the above!
Once again, thanks for everything.
SaboTeam
Indie Publishing Award + Q&A Stream
about 5 years ago
– Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 11:00:48 PM
SEA OF STARS WON BEST CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN OF 2020 AT THE INDIE PUBLISHING AWARDS!
The Indie Publishing Awards are part of a new online event called GI Live, organized by gamesindustry.biz. They celebrate excellence in all things pertaining more to the business side.
For the crowdfunding category, the international panel of judges analyzed each campaign using these criterias:
Results (Number of backers, average amount per backer)
Campaign quality (Graphic assets, video, written content, etc.)
Backers relations (Support, updates, community management)
Innovation
We are really excited to publish this update to let you know about the award, as none of this would have been possible without your support! A massive thank you to all of you who believed in us so early and paved the way for this incredible adventure. Your trust means the world to us and we will do our best to exceed your expectations.
Also, quick shout out to our friends over at Kowloon Nights who won Investor of the Year!
Q&A + NEW AREA REVEAL TODAY ON TWITCH AT 2PM EST
Production is going well, and we wanted to show some fresh pixels! Today's stream will also include the reveal of another important character!
The stream will also include a Q&A, so be sure to join us if you are curious about the behind the scenes, or have a question of your own!
You can tune in to our Twitch channel at 2PM EST, or watch the VOD which will be available later.
Again, we couldn't be more grateful for your support.
