Emerald City Commentary (part 1)

Lately I've become quite interested in the "Let's Play" phenomenon, where people record themselves playing a game and give commentary on what they see and do. I've decided to do something similar, but with a twist. Rather than play any ole game, I'll be playing a game that I developed myself.

I chose this game because it's the one game that I probably I have the most to talk about. This game was published and funded by PlayFirst, a casual game developer. As for me, I come from a hard-core point-and-click adventure game tradition. Our goal was to make a point-and-click game for the casual audience. The process of merging these two mindsets was quite the experience.

In this first episode, we learn how to pick up and use a crowbar, why dialog options can be intimidating, and the story behind the quest gems.

Credits:
Written by Dave Gilbert
Background art by John Green
Character art by Wyatt Miles
Music by Thomas Regin
Programmed by Andrew Goulding
Engine by Dan Filner
Emerald Confidential is owned by Playfirst, inc.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Emerald
• City
• Confidential
• Let's
• Play
• Wadjet
• Eye
• PlayFirst

[bluishwolf]

I am a bit curious why you made the Emerald City green when you obviously read the books. It just looked green because everyone wore green-tinted glasses.

[davelgil]

@bluishwolf In the first book, yes! That detail kind of disappeared as the series wore on. Maybe Ozma did some urban renovation when she came into power? :)

[largopredator]

a-ama-zing anecdotes about the brains of the casual audience, very cool to hear. I read about them being baffled by the dialog options already when I was researching for my thesis, but the crowbar thing is just incredible. Thanks for doing these!

[davelgil]

@largopredator Thanks, Largo! It was definitely an interesting experience merging these two gameplay mindsets. Even if we weren't 100% successful in getting it "right", we both learned a heck of a lot from the process. I'm definitely doing more. Uploading another one right now, in fact!

[8DarkDude8]

This game and the comic series fables was the sole reason I actually got most of the Oz Books and man am I glad I did!

[ronackostolomac]

u are dave!!! hello dave.

[arglefumph]

This is really interesting.

[MrBroyden]

This a amazing Dave. Please keep doing these.

[Sakurameh]

This is great! I have great memories of playing this in one night when it first came out :) Playing the game you made definitely gives great insight since you know alot about it, and it definetly avoids potential legal trouble XD I love all of your games! Thanks for doing this. :)