Newster
Will you spot the truth in the stream of fake news?
Or will you be TROLLed like a gullible dwarf?
Newster is the new exciting social media platform, taking the world of Eias by storm. Elves, dwarves, goblins, trolls or even humans: you are all welcome here. Newts to your heart's content!
Our most prominent users have navigated the platform expertly, sharing only credible, relevant content. To encourage this behaviour, we have included in the interface a simple score system that informs you of how credible you are. Now, you too can become a top newtser!
Lastest newts from our top users:
"I need to stop newtsing, I've been scrolling all day. My wife is pissed!"
- TomTheHappyTroll
"Dwarves, elves, goblins, trolls... It doesn't matter. Be kind to each other. #WeAreAllHumans"
- WeAreAllHumans
"Day: mine. Night: drink. Repeat. #ItsAWayOfLife"
- UrR3gularDw4rf
So what are you waiting for? Go out and share the best Newts to become one of the greats!
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This is a satirical demo for a social media simulator based in a fantasy world.
Features:
- Unique text-based experience displayed through a social media timeline interface.
- 4 inter-linked storylines spread across 165 posts from a wide variety of fictional users.
- Grow your credibility online: share content that is accurate and relevant to become the top influencer on the platform.
- Get immersed in a fully-fledged fantasy political landscape through the eyes of an aspiring social media influencer.
Ludum Dare 47 Results: https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/47/newster-a-fantasy-social-media-sim
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DevLog
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I made this game in 48h for the Ludum Dare 47 Compo game jam. The theme was "Stuck in a Loop." Whilst brainstorming, the idea kept coming back of interpreting the theme as "Stay in the loop" instead, and soon after came the idea for Newster, a social media simulator.
When the core mechanics were in place and it was time to write some content, my wife and I made a joke about how it would be funny to have social media but in a fantasy setting, whilst still using current news as "inspiration." Well, here you have it.
Enjoy!
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48h Timelapse
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Game Engine:
Unity 2020.1.7f1.
Fonts:
Key Virtue by SushiHueDesign - https://www.1001freefonts.com/key-virtue.font
Belligerent Madness by Font Monkey - https://www.1001freefonts.com/belligerent-madness.font
Typewriter Scribbled by Manfred Klein - https://www.1001freefonts.com/typewriter-scribbled.font
All art and sound assets my own.
Download
Development log
Comments
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That was an interesting game. The core concept is really interesting, and could be one of those experiences that would serve as "direct windows to a specific time in history". I would love to see the concept expanded (mainly by having some kind of branching narrative that made you REALLY ponder about the consequences of your Newster), but the overall experience with the game was really nice!
Thank you so much for your feedback, really appreciate it! I would love to add a branching narrative, I will surely consider it if I work further on the game!
This was a fun time, I'd love to see a longer form experience based on the concept.
Thank you for playing, glad you enjoyed it! I’ve got lots of ideas on how to expand, maybe I’ll pick it up after my other on-going projects! 👌
Hey. I recorded a video about the Ludum Dare jam and included your game in it. If you want to cut your game out of the video, let me know. However, if you like the video, I make similar videos every day. I will be happy if you subscribe. Anyway, I enjoyed playing your game.
Hi! Thank you so much for playing the game and posting your play through, really appreciate it! Best of luck with your channel! 👌
Thank you. I enjoyed it.