See what's happening in the town of Saxton through the eyes of Jonathan Boakes, the creator of The Lost Crown Quadrilogy.

Check out the update here.

Ana

Thanks Ana

Thanks, Ana.

Thank you for that, BrownEyedTigre

Thanks, Ana

I wonder when we will see the game... Most likely in 2017..

Unfortunately Jonathan is playing this out way to long..

I have one other thing to say: No disrespect....To Jonathan

There are a lot of other Indie Developers on this site that don't treat their followers like they are Garbage. I have been looking at a lot of sites that are upset with Jonathan for not at least answering what's going on since last Oct with this game. He is very unprofessional at this point in my opinion.

I guess he doesn't give a hoot what his followers think...

Is it possible to have one thread regarding Jonathan that does not have the same negative comments from you Darleen? I'm not even going to waste my breath explaining the delays to you again because you do not listen to it anyways.

There is no explanation from you that I need to hear from you ,Ana.

You are not the developer of the game. MY frustration is with the developer. All I am saying is every Indie developer on this site that GB's supports has always came through. They at least took the time to stop by talk to us etc etc.

Heck .. If you want to support your game...GEEZ ..Talk to your followers.

Thanks for the update
I can wait forever for a game from the Darkling Room
as I just know when it comes out its perfect.
when its ready its ready have Bracken Tor on Pre order.
dianne

Jonathon Boakes is treating you like garbage, Darleen? Oh, my God. I still don't understand why you think he owes anyone personal explanations and why he would come here to Gameboomers for anything. If I were him, I'd avoid this place like the plague after this.

I agree, dianne. This is an exciting update!

These rants and frustrations are all consumer related.

We (some of the Staff) at GameBoomers see and know both sides of the picture.
We are aware of what the gamers want, how they want it and when they want it. We understand and you do tell us of your frustrations in definite, palpable and emphatic rants. Fine - we understand - as long as there are no mud slinging.

We are also privy to what happens in the background.
Some of those at the other side - the developers and publishers are our friends - not merely an address or name stuck on a game or a PR mail. They are also gamers and know the consumers point of view. Personally and ethically - we do not announce what we are told in confidence. We understand that they have lives of their own. They have problems like all of us in their daily life or business life. They also have their frustrations.
We do not announce it because like you the gamers - we uphold their personal rights.
Yes - they do have personal rights - they are people like you and me. They have rights to privacy. Just because their names are now famous - we do not think they are public property.

Most of these Indie developers are creative geniuses. They want to share with us their creations. It is our privilege if they do. It is a gift. That doesn't entitle us to demand that we be given those gifts when we want them and how we want them.

We who see the consumer and business side also see the ethical practices that happens during those business dealings that comes with trying to share the creations made by these developers - big or one man small companies. Of course - we cannot inform how some of these companies take advantage of the naiveness of some of the developers and take their hard work so that they get their profits. They are forced to release - sign their rights even if they are being taken advantage of - because the consumers demand, they need money to live, they need to pay debts. Eventually they also get frustrated and stop producing. The "Why should I" comes in.

I can understand this very well. I have a forum that is free for the gamers to enjoy and news to be given out; a Staff that help by giving their time and expertise. What do I - we get out of it: before some positive feedback and a source of having help others be a family and enjoy each others company; get the latest news and express what they think about games and generally how they feel. To share life's and gaming's ups and down.
Now - most (not a selected few I can count in one hand) take it for granted that it is their right to be given the forum and some even express their dislike for me on what I do or say.
I have poured my time, my work and personal finances on this site for nearly 11 years. The volunteer Staff are great and have been my source of support. I love them and thank them. There is no forum without them. But some get burned out and have to rest. I can't yet.

I write walkthroughs to help and share. I try (like the developers that want to share their creations. In the last several years, most (8 out of 10 comments) of the feedback publicly and privately, are the errors, what I missed in the walkthroughs. I check and most of the time realize, it is the readers or gamers missed something that was already stated. Maybe I didn't express it in simple words so that they can understand.
Should I continue writing them, staying up several nights to play, to release them so that the gamers can have it on time when the game is released. Sweat and get headaches on difficult puzzles and write step by step to merely get a feedback - I don't want to follow the step by step - it's too long - send me a saved game.
If these are what I get - the "Why should I" comes in.

I digress - these are why I understand the developers. We try to give the gamers what they want but what do we get in return... Right now - heartaches and like Jonathan's games - rants.

The making of a game takes monies and time. They also need monetary remuneration - maybe to live or maybe just to cover the expenses during the making of the game. That is why those that know the industry already try to get their games to publishers and distributors that will NOT take advantage of them. They are few and far between. NO - it is NOT a monopoly if those ethical companies get most of the trade - it is good business practice.
I am a member of those companies and I am not a member of those that I deem are not fair. But you the consumers idolize and gush over them and hate those that try to protect both sides of the coin.

Please understand that there are several sides to everything. Look at it from those sides. Do not just rant - What do I get, when will I get it, how will I get it!


Draclvr,
I hope Jonathan does not avoid GameBoomers.

That is a really great update with all the new things added, I'll wait as long as it takes to get that game the way Jonathan wants it, because that will be the best game.
Did you listen to the bells? So beautiful and moving.

MaG

MaG, you truly said it all.

Thanks, MaG

I understand some of your points. Thank You for taking the time to explain..

From now on I will keep my frustrations to myself.

MaG, large virtual hug!

I just get so frustrated with the sense of entitlement sometimes. After your wonderful post I'm sure Jonathon will overlook the rants and insults and post here at Gameboomers whenever he can!

You said it all perfectly!

Does that mean it will be released this year MaG? *Legs it*

The Lost Crown: A Ghost-Hunting Adventure
The Last Crown: Blackenrock
The Last Crown: Haunting of Hallowed Isle
The First Crown

I'm a little confused about the in-game chronology, which may be different from the order of release. Events in Blackenrock may come before Hallowed Isle, but do events in those "Last Crown" games come before or after the original Lost Crown? Do the events in The First Crown take place before or after those in The Lost Crown? Does The First Crown take place back in time before any of the others?

I sent a request for clarification Jenny, I will let you know.

Ana

My WishList (kept on my Desktop) as it appears right now:

GAMEBOOMERS UPCOMING GAMES
~~Last Crown 2: Haunting of Hallowed Isle
~~First Crown
~~Darkfall 4
~~Blackenrock (aka Haunted Halloween)
~~haunted train (idea for a game ref'd in "GBs Visits With Jonathan Boakes", 2nd question, & linked from this forum post): http://www.gameboomers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/921176#Post921176




Here's a question: Will this latest be Download-only or available on a Disk?

That was a very good read & extremely well done. Thank you MaG.

Will wait until it's ready. Know will be first quality of gaming. yes, wish it was here but know will be awesome.
Britain had horrible flooding earlier this year I believe--may have affected lots of things.
Will wait for Mat Clark's game too.

So pleased to read your long overdue post, MaG .... Well Said You !!

Carrie, we will know more after it gets released. It will be on Steam for sure.

Ana

Thank you and Hugs MaG.

Jenny, the in-game chronological order is as you have it, which is also the release order. Any flashbacks will occur during gameplay.

Ana

Thanks, Ana.
I need to replay the original (achievement-free) game again.
I think I remember one of the crowns was destroyed (was it the second one or the first?)

I hope the new games will have the option to completely hide casual-type additions like "achievements" if they are included.

I won't be disappointed if it's download-only... I'm kind-of expecting that. But much like your recent SIERRA thread, Ana, it will sure be good --once again-- to see & play another game from The Darkling Room.

Thank you very much MaG for an excellent article!

It really upsets me that you had to take the time from your busy day to write it in the first place!

I don't know why this topic keeps coming up! I don't understand all this negativity! Game developers are gifted Artists who work insane hours to make games for us to enjoy in an industry where very few, if any, make the big bucks!

They are not proletarian slaves working on an assembly line, cranking out goods on a fixed schedule to please a demanding Master or be punished.

If you don't like their timetable you are under no obligation WHATSOEVER to buy their product!.............Ahem,.....pardon my French!

I am also shocked and dismayed that MaG and the Gameboomers staff are getting negative comments on their efforts! GB is a lovely little site where Adven gaming enthusiasts can get together and share their love of the genre. It is perfectly obvious to the casual observer that MaG and the staff work long hours, and as I understand it, with limited or no pecuniary compensation. I am SPEECHLESS that anyone can be even the LEAST critical of their efforts! It is a FREE site and Ana MaG and the gang work their tails off to make it a great experience! I, for one, appreciate their efforts!

R

Well said, LeBelleRachael!

Thank you LeBelleRachael for your post.

Its ready when its ready! Jonathan always releases the very best!

Jenny, this may help you a bit on the story:

The first crown is not a prequel, it's about the actual first crown itself. In The Lost Crown you found one of the crowns made for Ganwulf (one of the two brothers). The crown that was lost to the sea is part of the story of Ulcombe, the land that was ruled by the other brother Pendread. The first crown belongs to their father, it was the original crown which we were told was melted down.

Ana

Thanks, Ana.
So the Last Crown is the Pendread crown, the one that was lost to the sea.
And the First Crown may not have been melted down after all.

Phew !!

What with all these crowns, I think I'll make myself a paper one to wear and go and sit in a corner and meditate !!



[Hugely looking forward to these games, of course ]

You got it Jenny!

Making games is hard, especially on your own! I've been working on mine for six years now. Patience is key, for everyone involved. I'm going to absolutely love it when Jonathan releases his next game, but until then, we just need to be patient It's gonna be amazing!

I feel its important to apologize for some of my post here to Jonathan. I do understand that you are working very hard to release the game.

My comments were out of frustration, and very juvenile on my part. I love all your games, and will wait patiently. I also want to apologize to the Game Boomers Staff for making such an A@@ out of myself.. LOL

Its very good for me to admit my mistakes...

And some people took the time to check into what Jonathan was doing and saying on his own in other places. Why demand he speak where you go? You could go where he speaks.

I agree troi

Well done Darleen. It takes a big person to make such an apology.

I just want to add how great this site is and to voice my own gratitude to all the gang that manages Gameboomers.

Jonathan Boaks sent me his autograph one time. I have also recieved from him personally an email, some years ago. Just thought I would mention it.

I also have an edition of 'Dark Fall' with the autograph by Jonathan Boakes

But I still think that Darleen03 was somewhat right, and while Jonathan does make great games, I have to admit he does very poor PR and communication with the community.

No, please don't kill me yet - let me explain what I mean. I have two things in mind.


First, after the game is released, is it not nice for the developer to listen to the feedback and fix the bugs? There are at least two bugs with 'The Lost Crown - Steam enhanced edition', as there are two achievements glitching. I have written about it on forums, and to Jonathan both by e-mail and by Facebook - but he did not answer. He did not even say something like 'Hey, it is no bug, you are just not doing it the right way'... In fact, I am 99% sure those are bugs as I found the way to get those achievements by playing German version instead of English - everything was fine there.


And second, concerning those release dates. No, I don't think a developer should visit different forums and explain his intentions and reveal his roadmap. But, see how it happened here.

In April 2013 Jonathan announced that 'The Last Crown' will be released in November 2013. Great!!!

Unfortunately, in October he made another announcement - that instead of 'The Last Crown' there would be 'The Halloween Haunting', "a brand new ghost-hunting adventure" "for $5". OK, thanks for the news!

BUT - there was no announcements after that release had been cancelled as well. Of course, anything could happen to anybody, but it would still be nice for Jonathan to make another entry in his blog saying that, well, he was sick/his computer broke etc., so the release is postponed. We would be glad to hear it just to know he is safe and sound after all...

He did mention it on twitter: I recall there was a more formal announcement, but can't seem to find it at the moment.

Iurii, first off, Jonathan has a publisher, Iceberg Games. Jonathan is not the one to contact, you should be communicating with the publisher. If he answered anyone that writes him he would never have time for making games, working a regular job and having a life of his own. Jonathan disabled his FB account so he could focus on working. There are only so many hours in a day.



I did post for him the reasons why Halloween Haunting was not released. Just because he himself didn't post it here doesn't mean it wasn't communicated. Also his Blog details what is going on too.

Ana

Thanks for the replies!

Jarkeld, yes, @questzone is the Russian adventure site where I often write the news
Luckily, Jonathan answered us via twitter then, as everybody started to complain about the incorrect information as for the release given by our site.

BrownEyedTigre, of course I have written to the publisher first! They did not answer me about the bugs, so then I tried to write to Jonathan.
But they always answer about release dates - I try to write them once a year asking about how 'Bracken Tor' is going.
Maybe last year I did not follow all your posts here. But I do now

And let's hope that the next game will come this year!

for the blog update, Ana. I'm really looking forward to this game!