Short form today, we wanted to release some updates on how WireWorks is coming along. While it’s a bit behind schedule, it is coming along nicely. All the basic gameplay mechanics have been coded, now it’s on to some of the trickier game logic. We have a great deal of code work ahead of us in the coming months, which is why we are looking around for another developer. Meanwhile, while we conduct our talent search, work goes on. Here are some updated shots of WireWorks:

Some more UI elements have been coded in...

And gel now flows through the circuits....

While programming is working on WireWorks, our art department is working on two things: drill downs of concepts into gamesprites, and paints of concept artwork. Every so often, we like to release a promo of a Sprite. Sprites are the Major NPC class in Emerald Kingdom; they are central to the theme of the world. They will be very interactive, and their impact on the game play will be significant. We do not release every bit of art we complete…but this Sprite is special.

Meet Pearly. She is, without a doubt, one of the more aloof ones...

Meet Pearly. She is one of our more aloof characters, both in design and in how we plan to structure her mannerisms. Pearly is based on someone we actually know and love. We wanted to do right by her, as she supplied me with a plethora of ideas from a player perspective. She also contributed heavily to my thinking in the way of NPC to Player interactions. See, it’s one thing to say you want to do things differently, but if you want to do things differently…well, that means talking to people who play and love games. Pearly is one of those people.

Pearly the Sprite will be a special Sprite, she will dole out a system mark: The Mark of Love. Emerald Kingdom will allow social play in the area of character marriage. When that happens, Pearly will arrive and mark the characters as such. In the real world, Pearly asked that her namesake be a bit of a vagabond of sorts. So one of the behavior models being put together for Pearly the sprite is right up that alley. You may find her ranting about needing a brush, or a day spa…or find her napping on a park bench. Hardly a moron however, she figures in some of the backstory being developed. She can be a powerful and insightful force.

As usual, when we release concept art, when we can we like to release some wallpaper. Pearly is no exception:

Pearly Promo 3

We have released these on our DeviantArt channel, and you can find them there for the taking.

We hope you enjoy them. We want to shout out to Pearly for letting us use her for the game. =)