Poll: Storyline for 0.7

Greetings! The public release of the February update will be out tomorrow, but in the meantime, let's talk about the poll.

Between the two platforms, the total results at this moment are:

• Something storyline-focused: 235

• School advancement: 194

• Crime and punishment and consequences: 167

• Background NPC simulation: 132

• Weather and seasons: 90

Poor weather and seasons... never a favorite. In any case, it's pretty apparent that something storyline-focused is winning by a wide margin.

In hindsight, the prospect of a new storyline drawing lots of votes is probably inevitable — especially when I allow multiple picks, because it's probably always going to be somebody's second or third choice at least. I'll keep that in mind in the future!

So, some sort of storyline it will be. But getting these systems done is still important, so there's a good chance that the winning system here will be a focus immediately after.

However, for now, we must determine which storyline!

• Greek houses: These and other cliques will become more of an overt presence in the game, and there will be a few choices of which to join. These will involve some wilder parties and challenges, and give some 6+ skill level content. Group content, strip games, and the like would be focuses here.

• Campus events: Campuses typically have a range of clubs and organized activities and a lot more going on besides just classes — this option would bring more of that into the game. Dining halls would be livelier at night, and club activities would bring secondary skills more into play.

• Delivery boy/girl: A new job with new events based around a delivery app. I would want to focus on getting the player into a lot of varied locations and situations around town — you never know where somebody's fast food order will end up taking you. Most of your money comes from tips, so you want to be fast, efficient, and keep the customer pleased.

• Strip club: Enjoying being a topless server at the River Rat? Maybe you want to see how far you can take it. This option adds a strip club to town, with all that entails — performing on stage, lapdances, cultivating regulars, and unexpectedly seeing your coworkers or professor in the audience. In addition to the club itself, higher ranked strippers could be sent out to private parties, adding some variety to events.

• Student tutor: A way for intellectual and studious characters to earn money — or the opportunity to get help from a smarter NPC, if schoolwork is not your focus. Maybe it'll require some unconventional methods to motivate a disinterested student... or maybe you'll be the student who needs motivating.

Those are our options! Each one would improve the game as a life sim, I think, while also bringing in some sexy new events. Some I can see taking more time than others, but they'll all involve a fair bit of writing. I have a funny feeling I know which one will win... but you've surprised me before, so we'll see what happens!

In any case, thank you as always for your input and your support!