One Arc Becomes Two....Again

[Volrath]

We hate to do this again, but the more we get done on Arc VI, the more we realize there is left to do. I'm sure you recall that some time ago we announced that Arcs VI and VII would be combined into one massive final chapter. The rationale for this at the time is that the standalone Arc VII was looking like it was going to be on the short side, not really suitable for the concluding chapter of a game this size.

However, now that we're about halfway through, we're confronting certain realities about the large-scale story we've set up over the last few years. There are many loose ends to tie up, questions to answer, plot points to address so that nobody feels like the game has ended prematurely. There were many who finished Arc V and wondered aloud questions like "How are they going to deal with all of this?" I don't think any of us knew how right you were.

When all the needed plot points are lined up, it amounts to a lot of extra content. Enough that will stretch Arc VII to a pretty respectable length.

So the bad news is that we've been going back and forth on this like clumsy politicians. But there is a lot of good news in this scenario. Wondering what that is? For one, Arc VII is now going to have an additional dungeon! It will utilize some puzzle ideas that ArtBane tried out for V but ultimately nixed. But the best bit of good news for you all is that because I said we were about "Halfway done" that means that returning to the two arc approach will make Arc VI ready for release as early as August.

So sorry to change things up on you again, but game design is a tricky thing. I can't imagine switching again, especially once we get another completed arc out there. Please look forward to it!

[ArtBane]

Everybody clap NOW!

[XODubleCrash]

Hurrah!
A hearty wholesome applause!

[FzGhouL]

Not disappointing in the least. Good luck wrapping up Arc VI, hopefully you guys can get it into beta in 4 weeks so we can get an August release. Probably means we get an August 2010 Arc VII with the current development cycle length. Each additional arc has taken just a little bit longer to release, hopefully we'll have a completed, polished MotW package by January 2011. When its all said and done I want to replay the whole deal and put it into the hands of many people who have been waiting for the finished product.

Good luck!

[ArtBane]

You'd probably be right normally but Volrath didn't mention that we already have a lot of the content done for arc VII so we'll be going into it with an impressive headstart. I wouldn't be surprised if we reach the finish line before Spring.

[HarryE]

You guys always impress me with your impressive rate of work. I just can't stay focused that long! Well done guys, looking forward to it!

[Fomar0153]

If we're getting the next section as early as August I'm not going to complain.

[Luminier]

geez you guys why don't you make up your mind >:(

in all seriousness i don't think anyone is anything but excited by this news. next arc coming out in a month or so and the final arc is being beefed up considerably; what more could a motw fan ask for? i await the release with baited breath

[Mimic]

Wow best news I've heard all day

[DarkValkyr]

*CLAPS!!!!*

Yay! August release? Hell yeah! =D

Will this be compatible with the save from the standalone Arc V or would it have to be from the Super-Duper Pack, though?

[ArtBane]

It will work with both.

[MOTWFAN]

And there was much rejoicing... YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Merk]

Hooray, august release! Hooray, extra arc! Hooray, extra dungeon! Hooray, more closure!

[zenla]

Huh? You mean we will have to go through again? Awesome It will refresh my memory about plot

[Officer Goodman]

This is interesting... seems like it could work!