Dev Blog for "A Cage for Girls"

Hi!  My name is Elle and this is my development blog for my point and click horror game, "A Cage For Girls".  I'll be updating this blog weekly with all of my progress.  Enjoy!

[acageforgirls]

4 / 9 / 18

Good morning everyone!  

I’ve finally cut back on my hours at my job, so I’m going to be taking these next few weeks to crank out as much progress as I can on my game.  What you can expect to see this week:

1) Forest Kin Study:  Gender

     I will be exploring the forest kin a little bit further and revealing how male and females differ from each other. 

2) Forest Kin Study:  Age

     I will also be exploring how the Forest Kin change with age.  They age much slower than humans do.  Every five years for a Forest Kin is about a year to a human.  I will also use this to explore different kinds of neck harnesses that the women might need to wear as their antlers grow larger and larger.  

3) Character Sheet for “The Swamp’s Belly”

     I’ve referenced him before, but I think it’s about time that everyone can see his face.  He will be one of the main antagonists in the first chapter of ACFG.  He will not pose a direct threat (yet) to Fawnilly, but he will do everything in his power to halt her forward progress.  

4)  Game Design Document

     I also have a GDD if anyone wants to read it.  It’s filled with really crappy artwork, but the level design is pretty solid.  The document does have all of the solutions to the puzzles though so if you want to avoid spoilers I wouldn’t read the document.  Or at least just skip over that section.   

     Above, I also have a few gifs I made of Fawnilly’s original design.  These won’t be used for the final game because they aren’t very good animations, but I think this is a decent first attempt.  Unfortunately, the site I used to make the gifs weren’t very good and cut a lot of the frames, which is why they seem so jittery.  They’re also VERY slow, they will be much quicker in game.    

[acageforgirls]

3 / 26 / 18

Good morning everyone!  I have a quick update for you all in regards to my teaser trailer.  

First, the style of animation!  Well, I want to try something a little different.  My normal art is usually very dependent on the line work and quality, with color being slapped on right at the end.  For this project, I really want to experiment with the style so I can help convey the emotions of the story a little bit better.  For this trailer, I am going to use a loose messy line with intense flat colors.  

Next, the animation itself.  While my animation skills are nothing to write home about, I am excited about working on this project.  My favorite part of watching teaser trailers is the stream of consciousness that I usually have.  They go along the lines of, “Is that the new...no it can’t be that doesn’t look right...no wait I think it is...OH MY GOD IT IS!” And I LOVE that!  I love the last two seconds right at the end where there’s a huge bombshell revealing what the game actually is.  I want to be able to convey that feeling with my trailer.  I want people to think, “Oh...Shit this is actually a real game that’s coming out soon.”On another note, I wanted to release the script for you all, but I don’t think I really need to do that.  The entire script is actually on this blog already, so I’m sure you know the basics.  I will, however, tell you the title of the piece, which is:  The Queen who Stood for Others, and for Herself.  Literally.  

Well, that’s it for now.  I might do a live-stream today or tomorrow showing my animation process and talking about my game world so stay tuned for that!    

See you next update!  

~~Elle  

[acageforgirls]

CALLING ALL VOICE ACTORS

Hello everyone!  Today is a very exciting day for me and my project A Cage For Girls.  I’ve decided to impliment voice acting into my game for all of the character rolls, and I need help finding the best of the best to bring my characters to life.  

The VA auditions will be held in 2 seperate parts.  The main cast will audition first from March 13th to April 1st.  The supporting cast will audition from April 2nd to April 14th.  REMINDER:  If all goes well with auditions and actors are found quickly, I might close auditions early, so make sure to get all of your audition info in quickly.  

The main cast for chapter 1:

Fawnilly

Fennway

Lenora

BaraBara

The Swamp’s Belly (There is no audition card for him yet, if you’re interested please email me!

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

1) Voice actors will be expected to complete the voice acting for in-game audio, as well as promotional material such as AMA’s, trailers, and “Meet the Cast” events.

2) As of right now, I will only be able to offer experience and credit since this is my first commercial project.

3) All applicants MUST be 18 or older.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  A Cage for Girls deals with adult themes, and uses adult language.  This means you must also be comfortable with acting out certain scenarios for the project, and saying certain things.  If you have any concerns or things you absolutely don’t feel comfortable saying or doing, please just email me and let me know and I would be more than happy to work through it with you.  

4) If you get the part for the character you want, I will send you all updates for the character, and the full updated character spreads that have yet to be seen by the public.  

5) One thing I cannot stress enough is you MUST be kind and respectful to your fellow actors and anyone working on the project.  This means discriminating against anyone based on their gender, race, sexuality, religion, etc.  If I find out you’re being unproffesional or unkind to anyone for these reasons, you will be removed from the project and replaced.  

6) With that being said, I want anyone to feel comfortable trying out for any role.  If it’s suggested that a female audition for a role and you’re a man that really wants to audition for that role.  Do it.  If you can bring my characters to life, you have a good chance at landing the roll.  

HOW TO APPLY

1) First things first, find a character that you want to audition for!  I will attach 4 character cards of the main cast the need voices.  (This game is 5 chapters long and will have a different main cast for each part)  Also, feel free to try out for multiple characters!

2) Once you find the character you want to auditon for you will be required to say 2 phrases. Look under the “Test Dialogue” box on the character sheet and say both of the phrases found there in the voice of the character you audtioning for, with a slight pause between the first and second one.  The first line is a simple introduction so I know who you are auditioning for.  This should be said as if the character were talking in a normal, relaxed manner.  The second phrase is a snippet from a scene, and should be spoken like the character reacting to that scene.  A scene description can be found above.  Please keep in mind, you do not have to say both phrases word for word.  Feel free to improvise a little bit if you think the dialogue sounds better for the character.  You can also add on more phrases that you think your character might say.  

3) Please make sure to record your audition with a DECENT MICROPHONE, especially if you do not live close enough to me to use my equipment.  

4) Send your recording to my email [email protected]  by the date listed to enter.

5) Make the subject line of your email “Character Audition”  In the body of the email please include:  Your name, the character you’re auditioning for, an email you would like to be contacted by, and a few words about yourself.

If you don’t want to audition, but know someone who might, please let them know!  It would also be super helpful if everyone could share this around.  I’ve been working on this project for a little under 2 years and I’m ready to get started making this a serious project, and I can’t do it without your help.  Thank you everyone!    

Please feel free to email me any questions or concerns that you have.  

[acageforgirls]

A Teaser Trailer?!?!

Good morning everyone!  I have a quick update for you all in regards to my teaser trailer.  

First, the style of animation!  Well, I want to try something a little different.  My normal art is usually very dependent on the line work and quality, with color being slapped on right at the end.  For this project, I really want to experiment with the style so I can help convey the emotions of the story a little bit better.  For this trailer, I am going to use a loose messy line with intense flat colors.  

Next, the animation itself.  While my animation skills are nothing to write home about, I am excited about working on this project.  My favorite part of watching teaser trailers is the stream of consciousness that I usually have.  They go along the lines of, “Is that the new...no it can’t be that doesn’t look right...no wait I think it is...OH MY GOD IT IS!” And I LOVE that!  I love the last two seconds right at the end where there’s a huge bombshell revealing what the game actually is.  I want to be able to convey that feeling with my trailer.  I want people to think, “Oh...Shit this is actually a real game that’s coming out soon.”

On another note, I wanted to release the script for you all, but I don’t think I really need to do that.  The entire script is actually on this blog already, so I’m sure you know the basics.  I will, however, tell you the title of the piece, which is:  The Queen who Stood for Others, and for Herself.  Literally.  

Well, that’s it for now.  I might do a live-stream today or tomorrow showing my animation process and talking about my game world so stay tuned for that!  Also remember that the trailer is set to come out THIS THURSDAY (but probably Friday morning).  Get Excited!!

See you next update!  

~~Elle  

[acageforgirls]

1 / 24 / 18

Good morning!  I got up bright and early this morning and started cranking out some possible creature designs for my world.  There are a few here that I will most likely develop further, and many more that will be forgotten the moment I close this window.  

See you next update!  

[acageforgirls]

1 / 18 / 18 

Meet the Cast!  Part 3 of 4

Finn (Name will be changed shortly, I’m Sure)

Finn is a smuggler who operates under the guise of an honest merchant.  The antlers of the forest kin are very profitable, you see, and he has his eyes set on the ultimate prize, Fawnilly, or Fawn, as he calls them.  Finn promises to smuggle Fawn out of their home to the safety of the human village at the base of the mountain, but in return, he wants their hand in marriage.  His plan is to marry her, playing a waiting game until her antlers are large enough to make him rich.  I’m not sure if Fawn knows about his plan, but I doubt that they would care.  They see Finn as one thing, and one thing only, a way out.  

Upon learning that Fawnilly is the equivalent of a 14 year old girl, he vows to return in 10 human years when she is of age, promising to help them escape.  

In Fawn’s eyes, he’s probably another protagonist, but I don’t think I trust him. 

(This is Finn”s original design, created almost two years ago.  There is a good chance that it will be revised in the coming weeks.)    

Stay tuned for more brief updates!

~~Elle Jay

[acageforgirls]

1 / 18 / 18

Meet the Cast!  Part 2 of 4 

The Chieftain 

Meet Fawnilly’s father, The Chieftain.  I actually still haven’t settled on a name for him, but I’m sure one will come to me eventually.  

     The Chieftain is one of the many antagonists in A Cage for Girls.  He is the father of Fawnilly, though he hardly shows any affection towards them.  The Chieftain is the most powerful man in his community, and the second most powerful person, right after his wife.  He cares about maintaining power through any means necessary, and in his case, all he has to do is ensure that his wife and daughter continue to grow the largest, most beautiful antlers in their community.  

     The Chieftain is incredibly strong, and is in charge of tending to the small group of warriors that help to protect their village.  While most males in their village grind their horns down to sharpened nubs, the Chieftain often saws them all the way down to his scull, believing that growing antlers is for the women, and that they get in the way of fighting.  Since his wife’s antlers are so large that they prevent her from moving, he pretty much raises Fawnilly on his own.  He rarely visits his wife, preferring the company of his other noblemen.  

(This is The Chieftain’s original design, created almost two years ago.  There is a good chance that it will be revised in the coming weeks.)    

Stay tuned for more brief updates!

~~Elle Jay

[acageforgirls]

1 / 18 / 18

Meet the Cast! Part 1 of 4 

I’m not really sure if the cast line up should come before or after the plot synopsis, but I guess I already uploaded the picture so this will come first!   

“My beautiful child, my sweet, my own blood and bones.  I can hear them cheering for you already...the Queen who Walks.  The Queen who Dances.  The Queen who stood, for her people, and for herself,” (Mother to Fawn)

Fawnilly

     The main protagonist throughout most of A Cage for Girls.  They’re shy and quiet, though they often find themselves having so much to say.  In a society that values young girls for the size of their antlers, she’s beginning to crumble under the weight of it all.  From a young age, noble girls are expected to grow their horns out to cement their families’ royal status, wearing gorld plated cages around their necks to help them support their own delicate heads.  Fawnilly is expected to have the largest antlers of them all, even larger than their mother’s, which means they’ll soon take up her throne, chained to the surrounding trees unable to stand or lift their head due to the crushing weight of their own horns.

It is generally accepted that Fawnilly will become the next Queen, to the delight of their power hungry father.  They have other plans on their mind though.  They’re going to escape from their oppressive society, no matter the cost.

(This is Fawnilly’s original design, created almost two years ago.  There is a good chance that it will be revised in the coming weeks.)    

Stay tuned for more brief updates!

~~Elle Jay 

[acageforgirls]

1 / 18 / 18

A Dev Blog you say!?!

Some of you might have some questions about what I’m trying to accomplish with this blog, so I’ll try to explain some things right off the bat.  

1) What’s the point of this blog?

     The whole point of this blog is to keep all of my assets in one place, as well as to update the public on the progress of my game.  By doing this, I hope to acquire some fans along the way who are genuinely interested in my work as an artist, and a game designer.  

2) What can i expect to see on this blog?

     Well...pretty much everything!  You’ll find more basic things such as conceptual designs and posters, to the more marketing based assets like trailers and what not.  I’ll only be adding my polished work here though for the most part, I might make all of my process work and sketches private (unless anyone wants to see them)  

3) How often should I check back for updates? 

     As often as you like!  I work on this game every. single. day.  So you can expect posts pretty much every day as well!  If you want a more definite answer, my deadline is to have at least 3 to 5 posts submitted every Thursday by 9pm ECT.  These posts could include more polished work that will be implemented into the game, OR things such as AMA or blog posts about how my development period is going. 

4)  Can I ask you questions?

     Sure!  My asks will always be open (as long as it isn’t abused)!  Feel free to asky me any questions about my game or artwork and I’ll answer back to the best of my abilities!  You can also ask me personal questions if you wish, but I’m so busy with work, class, and my game that I’m not sure when I’ll get around to answering these.    

5)  Do you need any help?  

     Technically, yes!  But as of right now I don’t have the funds to bring anyone else on board.  I’m the sole programmer/marketer/artist at this point, but I would love to have my own team some day.  My goal is to start a crowd funding campaign in about 4-5 months so I can hire some help (and maybe even quit my job haha).  So while I can hire anyone right now, If you’re really dying to work on this project, I would love to hear that!  Maybe one day I’ll be able to afford your services! 

6) Can you talk a little about yourself? 

     While I would love to talk about myself, I’m going to save that post for another time.  As of right now, I would like to spend all of my time working on my artwork and the beginning stages of development.  Maybe if people are really interested in learning about me later on, I can answer some questions.  But as of right now, My name is Elle and I’m about as generic game designer as it gets!  

See you next update!

~~Elle Jay    

[acageforgirls]

1  / 18 / 18

Welcome to my Game Development Blog for my upcoming point and click horror adventure game, “A Cage for Girls”.  The game explores the relationships between men and women in an oppressive society, and one girls desire for freedom.  Morals become foggy as the protagonist realizes what it will actually take to reclaim her life, but is her well-being really more important than that of those around her?  Please join me on this journey, and I’m sure we’ll figure that out together.   

Stay tuned for more updates!

~~Elle Jay