What started you on creating Adventure games?

I have always been interested in learning video game development. As a full-time freelance writer who also loves art, music, and film, it is a natural progression to bring all of these together in game format, since making games requires you to be good with all of these disciplines and more. When the pandemic came and I had some extra free time on my hands, I decided it was the perfect time to learn.  

Do you do a lot of background research for your games?

Since I like the games to evoke a specific location, I do a lot of background research on the local sights, culture, and history. I also do lots of research to create characters that are unique and authentic. 

You've released two games so far, how has that gone?

People have been sweet and enthusiastic about the games. I really appreciate that!

What have you learned from your first two games?

I continue to learn more as I go. As more things become second nature with each new game installment, I gain back more time to improve other parts of the games. From game to game, I've added production value through improved graphics and game mechanics.

The newest game will also include voice acting. The auditions are coming to a close and 227 people have auditioned so far.

What's the story for your new game?

In Marcella Moon: Curse of the Black Cat, you'll join Marcella in her hometown of Rosebrook, Oregon for a series prequel. Marcella is tasked with writing a story about a local theater company for the newspaper. She is soon lured into a mystery that revolves around a cursed black cat statue that's been terrorizing the theater's director.

What kind of puzzles will players have to face in the game?

The game includes logic puzzles and adventure-style, context-based puzzles. 

When and where will your new game be available?

It will be available on Steam and itch.io in October 2021. (The Steam page isn't up yet)

You're a one-woman team for these games - you must put a lot of time into them! Has there been a learning curve in learning the software tools needed?

Yes, definitely! I have been lucky to be able to take some time off work in order to kickstart the series. There has been a learning curve to the coding and marketing aspects of game development, since those are the parts I was less familiar with going in. 

How difficult has it been publicizing and distributing your games as opposed to writing them?

Writing is a breeze. Publicizing has been the opposite. Since I'm just one person, I can't be everywhere at once, and consistent marketing is often what falls through the cracks. I believe that if more people knew about these games, they would love them!

What advice would you give other people thinking of writing games?

Make the game you'd want to play, and don't try to please everyone. Take it one step at a time, and continue as long as you're having fun.