Next Project: nemeSYSter

I've spent the last few weeks sketching up notes on what my next game project after Laugh Track will be, now that we're in postproduction on LT. I think I have a solid enough idea to present to you, and I've opened a Discord channel for it as well.

Keep in mind this is all subject to change. Shadow Over Cyberspace went through two reboots before it settled on what it was -- but Laugh Track only went through like half a reboot, so hey, who knows?

"You killed the world. And this is revenge." ...but what fun is her revenge if you can't even remember your crimes? Dig deep to recover memories of hope and betrayal in this cyberpunk mystery for one or two players -- and maybe you can convince her to spare you.

Yep, one or two players. It's a competitive multiplayer visual novel! Local couch multiplayer rather than networked, so you can play it over Discord or Twitch if you want.One player takes the role of the amnesiac alleged world-killer, and the other takes the role of the vengeful data ghost inside their head. Together you explore your memories to figure out what really led up to this moment in your life -- with both of you getting popup dialogue choices to make! -- and occasionally you do battle with an undead cyber-revenant stalking you through your empty mansion.

Because it's me and you know I don't like Game Overs, losing these fights will not stop your progress -- and your "score" of who wins each battle is mostly for funsies / bragging rights / achievements, with some narrative shifts. Think of it like FoD in New Challengers, core to the story but you proceed forward regardless of your skill, and cheats will be available. In addition, the multiplayer is optional; if you play solo it feels just like playing an ordinary visual novel, with the computer deciding what the nemesis will say and do.

Now, as noted, this is NOT set in stone. It's ambitious as hell! But I like being ambitious, you know? If it doesn't pan out, I can drop back to using the same story concept in a more straightforward visual novel. But if it DOES work... this could be fuuuun.

Here's a quick mockup I made -- the UI is coming together, even if I'm using placeholders from other games for now.

I'm going to get a test prototype together in the months ahead, so folks can get their hands on a working example of how this all comes together and provide feedback. You'll get first crack at it before I give it to others in the public Discord.

But that's for, like, 2027. For now, and for 2026, we've got Laugh Track to finish up and promote.