Hi Seedlings!

Welcome to the Big Build Update!

Your game should now have updated, if not check your library and you can do it manually from there.

We've spent the last year since release reviewing player comments and have developed a host of new features and improvements that we think make the game even better.

There is now farm customisation, building projects with friends and family, new combat totems that Hobs put up around Quill, story cut-scenes, loads of new NPC chat and conversation, a beautiful new progress screen, hundreds of new challenges, improvements to the flow and gating of the game and loads of other quality of life additions.



With the new improvements, we suggest you start a brand new character to experience the many additions to their fullest.

Your previous game(s) will load, though, so you can jump back in and explore the changes that way if you prefer. However, you'd miss out on some gating and story additions.

However you decide to play, we hope you enjoy this new update. It has been a true labour of love for our little team to create it, but we always felt it was worth the effort to respect the engagement and goodwill we've had from all of you since we launched.

Head to our Discord for help with questions and advice, or pop comments below and we will endeavour to answer them.



All the best,



PixelCount

Hi Seedlings!

We've just pressed the button to make our latest update available as an Experimental Build.



We’ve spent the last year since release reviewing player comments and have come up with a host of new features and improvements which we think make the game even better.

What to try:

• Start a new game. We’ve changed the content a lot, so that will be the only way to fully experience all that is new.
  
• Try Customising your farm. This is gated at the very start, but not long into the Prologue, you can play about with this much-requested feature. Turn the music up when doing so to hear a new track!
  
• Check out the new Friends & Family gameplay, which will have you organising friendly villagers to repair ruined buildings and bridges.
  
• When you hit Renown Level 3, you will see Hobs putting up evil Totems around the land. These are new combat challenges with great loot rewards.
  
• Spend some time playing with the beautiful new Progress Screen. This, we believe, really helps tie together the whole game experience.
  
• Try the revised Skill Tree system - we’ve tried to make it easier to unlock some skills so that your progression is faster.

What to expect:

• There is a lot more variety when chatting with NPCs.
  
• Clearer clues to what NPCs need in their lives.
  
• New task types.
  
• New cut-scenes, both for the player’s story and NPC stories.

Things to note:

• Installing this build will overwrite your current version of Kynseed. Existing saves stay in the Saves folder, whilst Experimental saves go into a new folder.
  
• If you want to return to the previous build, switch back to the default branch on Steam, where your previous saves will be intact. You won’t be able to load your Experimental saves into the default branch.
  
• We have bugs. We are working through them right now. If you spot any big ones, let us know - specifically crashes. We don’t see many crashes these days, but if you see one:

1. Take a screenshot of the red crash screen using the Snipping tool in Windows and send it to us via the channel on Discord, or by email at bugs@pixelcountstudios.com.
   
2. Also, send us your latest save, found in Kynseed/ExperimentalSaves.
   
3. And finally, send us the latest file in Kynseed/Logs.

There is more balance work to be done, for instance, on item prices, Friendship Points and Renown levels, and a few other relationship and story tweaks we are a bit behind on.


This player needs plenty of friends to complete her farm vision...

---

How to get the Experimental Build installed:

In your steam library right click and access properties for Kynseed.



Under the Betas tab, select Experimental from the dropdown.



This should now update and replace the build with this version. You can return to the normal build by choosing None for the Beta Participation options.

How to get in touch:

Our Community Manager has set up a dedicated channel on PixelCount’s Discord called Experimental Build. If Discord is not your thing, you can email us at bugs@pixelcountstudios.com.



That is it. Once again, thank you for being one of our much-loved community members in the first place, but even bigger thanks if you decide to take a quick look at this build preview. We hope you like it.



All the best,



PixelCount

Hello Seedlings!

A dev update to close out the year.

The Big Build Update is now in the hands of a select group of our Discord Community members to do a pre-experimental wander around Quill. They are generally customising their farms, repairing houses and checking out the new features.

So far, we've had some great feedback, with a mix of the odd crash, some bugs, some fantastic ideas and general heartwarming positivity.

The Holiday season has come at just the wrong time for getting the Experimental out for everyone as we need to take a little break to spend some time with our families. A couple of us will continue testing and coding between Christmas and the New Year, and we will all be back beavering away on Jan 2nd.

We occasionally get bugs that send us down rabbit holes, wondering, 'What if that was a game feature?'. These tend to be an easy-to-take distraction from getting our to-do lists done! Here are two recent bugs that made us laugh and wonder equally!

First up, whilst tweaking the new Customisation Catalogue, the bug spirits, if there are such a thing, seem to suggest new plantable types - Bottle Bushes, anyone?



Then, and this is something we admit is interestingly compelling, having Butterscotch follow you around! Let me say now: this ain't happening anytime soon, but it would be handy for any immediate Milk Delivery requests you might get!



We've also spotted what looks like Santa's present store outside Willowdown Farm - courtesy of our soon to be released Customisation mode, of course.



That's it for now. All that is left to say is we hope you all have lovely Christmas and New Year celebrations and that you get some time to do some gaming, perhaps a bit of Kynseed, along with all the other great games that have come out recently.



All the best,



PixelCount

Hello Seedlings!

A dev update for you.

Development on The Big Build has continued at full steam, and as we mentioned previously, we plan to release an Experimental build for you all to play.

However, as with bug-fixing logic, sometimes when you fix one, you add two more... so we still have issues that we’d prefer to iron out, before we share it with you, but we promise it’ll be worth the wait. As for exact timeline we don't feel confident enough to share an exact date right now but it's looking like being within the next month if things continue going well.

As well as all the new features we've added, like the customisation of your farm and fixing up of derelict properties, we have also improved areas such as gameplay gating, AI navigation and NPC text. Due to how these all work together in a game as big as ours, we need to do a bit more poking, testing and finessing to make sure it all behaves as expected.

We hope to soon start sharing some behind-the-scenes happenings in the form of a development diary. Some bugs are just too good not to share... oh, the joys of computer game development!





We love it, really, and we love our 'little' game, which is why we are taking time to get this additional content as good as possible.


All the best,



PixelCount

Hi,

We have some information for you on the next content drop for Kynseed. We hope to get an Experimental build of our 'Big Build Update' out on Steam in the next couple of weeks or so.

As you probably know, we are a really small company (just two full-time employees), all working remotely, and this update is pretty BIG.

With that and other things needing to be done, we have to chase down some bugs and clear up a few design challenges before we share the new features any wider.

If the timings for the Experimental build move, which could be the case, we will make sure to put up a message on Steam as soon as we know. We'll try and keep you informed a bit better going forward.

All the best, and thanks for your continued support and understanding as we work on this additional content to our beloved game which we launched in December last year. We are nearly there and hope it will be worth the wait.


Kindest regards,

Hello there, Kynseed followers!

We understand the importance of providing valuable feedback and guidance whilst you play the game, and we appreciate the feedback from reviews that highlighted the need for better journey representation.



That's why we're thrilled to introduce the all-new Progress Screen, designed specifically to guide you during your time in Quill.



There are twelve carefully curated categories, including both familiar and fresh additions. Here are some noteworthy highlights:

- Challenges: Embark on an extensive new challenge system which rewards you with Brass, items and customisation unlocks.



- Lineage: Explore the connections of your family over time, offering a glimpse into your rich familial history.

- Story: Recap your main storyline progress through a step-by-step overview, ensuring you can quickly pick up on your adventure.

- Relationships: Conveniently displayed across a single screen displaying all the characters you've met, along with your friendship levels. Dive deeper for more information.



- Items: For avid collectors, the Progress Screen now allows you to get a sense of missing items in your inventory, with silhouettes hinting at what's yet to be found.

- Events: Relive the special occasions you've experienced with a comprehensive record of memorable events.

Additionally, the Progress Screen background itself evolves as you make progress, creating a living piece of art that reflects your journey!

Stay tuned for upcoming videos showcasing these features. In the meantime, we'll continue our work, keeping you updated on more exciting additions and providing insights into the testing, balancing, and release of this 'Big Build' Update.



Best regards,



PixelCount

Greetings, esteemed Kynseed followers!

Some jobs in Quill are too darn big for you to do alone! Introducing Friends & Family, a substantial new gameplay feature for Kynseed.



On your farm, you'll have the opportunity to assemble a team of eager friends who will join forces with you to construct larger structures such as composters, tool sheds, greenhouses, and more. You can even breathe new life into a towering windmill, restoring it to its former glory.



But it doesn't stop there. Abandoned houses are awaiting your attention, ready to be refurbished and made available for new villagers seeking a place to call home.



Recently, Hob attacks have forced some unfortunate villagers into temporary shelter at a village refuge. With the support of your trusted companions, you can help these displaced residents return to their rightful homes, where they truly belong.

And there's more! Rally your best team to mend broken bridges, allowing access across the rivers and unlocking new possibilities.



This feature is another example of how we've been working hard to join the dots between existing game features, elevating the significance of the relationships you forge with your family and fellow villagers, as well as the valuable items you gather throughout the regions.

Rest assured, our dedication to enhancing the connection with your family, particularly those who have departed Willowdown Farm, remains unwavering. They shall reappear in due time, for those who still walk among the living, that is! More details to follow.

Next, though, we will look at a new Progress Screen.



Warmest regards,



PixelCount

Hello there, Kynseed followers!

The second Big Build feature is called 'Totems'.

Hobs have been seen roaming with menaces for the first time, actually within the regions of Quill.



Nasty Hags place strange Totems around the land. The Hobs are mesmerised by the dark whispers coming from the Totem and are driven to strip that area of all its resources! Flowers wilt. Fish are taken. Fruit and berries are stripped from their trees and bushes. Crops will not grow. If the Totems spread, Quill will be laid barren!



So, the player will be called upon to seek out the Totems and enter the rifts they created to allow the Hobs to step through to invade the area. From there, you will have a one-room battle, free from the threat of death, in which to bash some baddies, restore order and collect some decent loot, to boot. Destroy the rifts, and the Totem is exposed for one final battle, whereafter you are showered with rewards for destroying the evil structure!



If you don't fancy going into battle, just equip and send your family!

This feature adds some extra jeopardy to the world and helps improve the overall sense of growing danger, orchestrated by the sinister creature that lurks within Toughwood…

Our next feature is called 'Friends & Family'. This feature links both Customisation & Totems together but does so, so much more. More information in a few days, but until then, our tiny team needs to return to work!



Love,



PixelCount

Hello, there Kynseed followers!

We've checked every single review on Steam since release to analyse what people liked, disliked and wish we'd already included. We don't want to add features just for the sake of it. They all need to add depth and fun and complement the very best of the current game.

So, allow us to introduce the first Big Build addition: Customisation.



In the upcoming update, players will gain the power to personalise both the interior and exterior of their farms. We have curated an extensive catalogue of over 500 items for you to utilise, with the added ability to customise their colours and precisely nudge them into position, enabling you to refine your designs.



Imagine constructing new rooms within your farmhouse by erecting walls, selecting unique wall and floor designs, and adorning these rooms with curious pictures and decorations. But that's not all! Outside, you'll have the freedom to clear areas for additional cultivation plots, plant fruit bushes, erect buildings, decorate to your heart's content, and much, much more.



Moreover, your farming domain can expand beyond its current boundaries as you seize the opportunity to purchase neighbouring patches of land.



We can't wait to share more of the features in Customisation with you over the coming weeks. Rest assured, we're diligently working on feature videos which will guide you through the intricacies of these new additions.

But wait, there's more! In a short while, we'll be announcing another extraordinary feature called 'Totems'...


Until next time,





PixelCount

Greetings, dedicated Kynseed followers!

Today, we are thrilled to share with you the first of many exciting content reveals we have planned.

Without further ado, we present to you the official name and logo of the update that has occupied our time and efforts since just before the arrival of spring: 'The Big Build Update'!




In the upcoming posts, we will be unveiling each new feature individually to avoid spoiling the surprise. However, we can assure you that this game update will introduce three massive game modes and a plethora of quality of life improvements.

Now, let's delve into the essence of our enchanting logo and the significance of its name. What hints can you gather from these delightful elements?

But fear not, dear reader, for we shall return shortly with the announcement of the first new feature, which is - ah, hang on...

Apologies for the brief moment of excitement – I got a little carried away there!


Love,





PixelCount