1. Use RPG Maker MV
1.1. Too pixelated?
1.1.1. No, more nostalgic with RPG Maker elements
1.1.1.1. Make the game in RPG Maker MV
1.1.2. Yes, choose a realistic version
1.1.2.1. The game would be far too large in scope for my goal budget
2. Conflict
2.1. Internal
2.1.1. Rather than one or the other, use dungeons and memories to make both.
2.2. External
2.2.1. Can use bullies, family, etc. and fight using environmental resources.
3. Sound?
3.1. Atmospheric and emotion-based to aid in driving conflict.
3.2. Sound effects included but no voice-overs to maintain the illusion of immersion.
4. Inspirations
4.1. Night in the Woods
4.1.1. Discusses hometown politics and relations in an interesting way while still maintaining a unique style.
4.2. RPG Maker classics
4.2.1. Ib, Ao Oni, etc.
5. Scheduling?
5.1. Based around a year's cycle.
6. Assets?
6.1. I will use RPG Maker's preexisting assets and my own digital art.
7. Resources?
7.1. Friends/acquaintances in the game design, art, and animation communities for guidance.
8. Player Goals?
8.1. Attention and Involvement
8.2. Experiential Understanding
8.3. Interesting Decisions
9. Game about hometown
9.1. Too direct?
9.2. Too indirect?
10. Horror-based game
10.1. Incorporate hometown fears & suffocation
10.2. Create an element that can visually represent suffocation
10.2.1. Eyes?
10.2.1.1. Eyes are a bit on-the-nose
10.2.1.1.1. Too indirect without it.
10.2.1.2. Eyes are a great way to represent people "watching" you in a hometown.
10.2.1.2.1. Include eyes in a hallway.
10.3. No jumpscares to prevent alienating target audience.
11. Branching Dialogue?
11.1. Too complicated for scope
11.1.1. Create one large decision. This will make it more impactful.
11.2. Yes
12. Cost?
12.1. Under a thousand dollars.
12.1.1. Mostly advertising, distribution, etc.
12.1.1.1. Objective to sell around one hundred copies by the end of the release year.