Next Game: Some Details

[TroyHepfner]

As I revealed in my last blog entry, our next game will be the long-awaited, much-requested sequel to Dirk Dashing!

The game will probably be released near the end of this year, or early 2009. We want to make sure that the sequel not only lives up to the original but surpasses it in every way. Naturally, this will require time, so please be patient.

One big time saver is the fact that we're reusing the DynaPaint engine from the original game, as well as all of the code that is specific to Dirk Dashing. So the only code we need to write is for new characters and features that we would like to add to the game. Thankfully, given the modular nature of the DynaPaint engine, that kind of code is quick and easy to write.

If you want a general idea of how long it will take us to create Dirk Dashing 2, consider this: the original game took us 2-1/2 years to develop, and half of that time was spent developing the DynaPaint engine and writing code. That means we should be able to create Dirk Dashing 2 in roughly a year (more or less).

We've already been working diligently on the new game for the past couple of months. The story is written, and I've been working on art for the game. Many of the characters from the previous game will be returning for the new installment, but there are at least a dozen new characters we're developing for the game. I've already drawn some of them. I've also finished the artwork for the menu screens, and most of the menu system for the new game is operational with the new artwork in place - you can see the new title screen above. I still have lots of scenery to draw and paint. We will not be reusing much of the scenery from the first game, so the backgrounds and settings for Dirk Dashing 2 will be brand new. As I finish more of the artwork, I'll share some of my favorite pieces with you. Stay tuned!

[TroyHepfner]

Update: A lot of people have told us how much they enjoy the music in the original Dirk Dashing game. I have good news: I talked with Jordan this past Sunday, and he will be returning to do the soundtrack for Dirk Dashing 2!

[Thurmond]

That's great news! I really liked the music in the first game. I can't wait to hear what he does for the new one!

[Duchess]

Yes, DD 2! Can hardly wait for the new adventure! Also very pleased to hear that Jordan will be doing the sound track for DD 2...his music is exceptionally well done and nailed the secret agent theme in the first game.