JSQ Dev Update
We entered a new phase of game development! It's been a long time since we've provided an update, but the scope of our game has greatly expanded and we are now working hard on the next wave of assets.
First: what is Japan Sidequest?
We wanted to create a gamified experience for travelers; an Augmented Reality Game that enhanced the travel experience instead of distracting from it.
Originally, our ideas were more analog. We had planned to have the "game" work more like a board game, using a customizable travel journal to track your travel goals. We still may someday release some version of that initial concept! But as we worked on it, it became clear that we needed something with more depth if we wanted it to stand apart from traditional travel guidebooks.
So, we're developing the game as a standalone product! The idea is that we want people to have a companion app for their trip; something that travelers can log in to while on the Shinkansen, keep track of their schedule and goals, and that encourages travel to undervisited regions of Japan.
Key features that we're currently building include the following:
The main gameplay loop is a fully-automated daily dungeon crawl, but with an option for user inputs throughout. You can gather in-game loot while focusing on your real-world trip!
Customizable characters, and an option to include your friends' characters as well, if you're traveling as a group!
The ability to use your IRL location to affect in-game events. This will play a role in how the player interacts with dungeons, which will all be based on real-life locations around Japan.
Character progression leads to new types of in-game equipment, some of which will be featured in an in-game room editor featuring cute pixel work and a mixed Western/Japanese aesthetic.
There's more features on the way, too! But I'm hoping we'll get finished with everything above before we move on. If you're interested in testing early versions of the app, join the Patreon (even free members will get access)! We're planning a public test later on this Spring, so hoping to share more details around that time.
https://patreon.com/JapanSidequest
For now, here's an early look at some concept art! We're using these rooms as a setting sample for the character creator, so it's pretty fun to think about every player walking through these rooms at some point or another.
The scene just inside the yet-unnamed tavern where you'll create your character.
This is another room inside the unnamed tavern. Note the wooden bear carving on the mantle!
