jimdattilo posts
Posts: 1051
Files: 118
Zombie Exodus: Stronghold Test Version (Oct 25, 2025)
Here's the link:Test version (click here)Stronghold is being re-written! It's over 17,000 words! Please check the log notes after loading the page above.On CoGDemos, you must create a free account to save your game!Also note, due to piracy, even for WIP games, you must now be logged in to Patreon to access this game.GuidelinesPlease do not share details outside of here.Keep all comments in this thread.Good feedback is sometimes specific to your primary MC but should often be generalizable to other MCs.To help with testing, please review...
Nora from ZEXSH
Here is a another version of Nora from when you first meet her in chapter 1.Description: the image shows Nora standing with gray hair pulled back neatly into a low bun and light-colored eyes. She is wearing a brown and green plaid button-up shirt over a light gray T-shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Dark pants are visible below the shirt, and she is holding a wooden cane in her right hand.
Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates, Stronghold
Welcome to my 96th newsletter!Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4, is officially in the hands of Hosted Games! I will let you know as soon as I get some indication of when they will finish editing the files. It will most likely be early next year. The good thing is that I use only one app, instead of most games that use separate apps. ZEXSH is much easier to update.We also haven’t talked about pricing. Hosted Games usually sets the price, and I tell them to lower it. And then we argue, and they typically do what they want. They are the publishe...
ZEXSHp4 Credits
As part of your Patreon rewards, you may choose to have your name appear in the credits of Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4. Please indicate the name you would like to use. It can be your real name, nickname, or avatar.Basically, anything that is not offensive.List the name in the comments below.
Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Part 4 Test Version (Oct 15, 2025)
Here's the link:Test version (click here)Part 4 is over 1,020,000 words! Please check the log notes after loading the page above.This is the near final version that will be sent to Hosted Games!On CoGDemos, you must create a free account to save your game!GuidelinesPlease do not share details outside of here.Keep all comments in this thread.Good feedback is sometimes specific to your primary MC but should often be generalizable to other MCs.Your saved games cannot be loaded outside of the app.CoG does not give developers access to this. I a...
Writing Updates
I’m about four days away from sending the files for Part 4 to Hosted Games. Right now, it’s sitting at just over 1 million words (1,019,320, to be exact), and that’s not counting the code or updates I’ve made to earlier parts.What am I doing right now?I’m playing through the game on different paths, fixing grammar errors, and catching any obvious bugs. I’m also checking for continuity: making sure that choices, stats, and storylines stay consistent. Basically, I’m trying to break the game before you can, so the final release runs ...
ZE: Safe Haven Sneak Peek
I had to rewrite the confrontation between Bailey and Madison in chapter 15, because it didn't make sense within the continuity of the story. Below is a sneak peek of the rewrite.Bailey and Madison stand nearly nose to nose, their bodies squared off. Bailey's hands are clenched at her sides, shoulders rigid under her cream-colored blouse.Bailey and Madison stand almost nose to nose in the packed dirt, neither willing to back away.Bailey's cheeks are blotched red, hair pulled back in a messy knot, fists curled at her sides. "You ...
MC POV - Interactive Story - 17
Continued from scene 16“Let’s go back to my place and grab the rest of my gear. We’re packing up my car and heading out of the city as soon as we can.”Jessica brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d like to stop at my house, too, just for a minute. I need to grab a few things.”You give her a quick nod. “We’ll make it fast.”Ryan stands in the entryway of his home, clutching his school bag, glancing from you to the staircase behind him. He follows you out, but he looks back through the open door several times, gaze linge...
Outbreak Scenario 27
You’ve been on the road with your group for weeks. Food is nearly gone. Tonight, in the ruins of a gas station, you spot a man crouched behind a burned-out car. He’s mid-thirties, rail-thin, and shaking from exhaustion. His jacket is torn, one sleeve soaked with dried blood from a deep cut on his forearm. A rusty pistol hangs from his belt, but he keeps his hands up when he sees you.“I am alone,” he says. “I have been on the road for days and can barely keep moving.” He swallows hard and looks from one face in your group to another....
Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Artwork poll
My artist is working on Nora and will soon be ready to create another character portrait for Safe Haven. Which character would you like to see next?
Schedule for October, 2025
If you haven't checked out my latest newsletter, it is now open to every member.10/3 -- Outbreak scenario poll (Free tier)10/4 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (MC POV) scene 17. ($3+ tiers)10/6 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)10/9 -- Game updates (Free tier)10/12 -- Content Sneak Peek ($1+ tiers)10/15 -- Monthly Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4 Final Test ($5+ tiers)10/16 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (MC POV) scene 18. ($3+ tiers)10/18 -- Character or Content Poll ($10+ tiers)10/20 -- Newsletter. ($1+ tiers)10/22 -- Content Sneak Peek ($...
ZE Outbreak Novel, Chapter 7
continued from chapter 6Amber’s Father’s House, Early Evening of Wednesday, May 9, 2012"Don't come any closer," I said, my words echoing in the kitchen. "Do you understand me? Is there anything left of you in there?"The creature let out a guttural moan, its head tilting to the side as if thinking about my words. For a moment, I hoped that some piece of humanity remained in the sky and that I could find the way to reach the person trapped inside. Another part of me just wanted to kill him. He was likely the reason Amber...
ZE: Safe Haven Part 4 Content Sneak Peek
I am adding minor events that occur to simulate realistic things that challenge the group. Below is a sample code to show how these events play out.In this first example, heavy rains affect the junkyard. You can see that based on different structures, you may lose valuable resources.In this next example, rats tried to break into the junkyard. You can see in the first section of code that building an electric fence steps the rats. So does a barbed wire fence, but there is a loss of morale because the animals squeal when injured. The last section...
Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Part 4 Test Version (Sept 25, 2025)
Here's the link:Test version (click here)Part 4 is over 1,010,000 words! Please check the log notes after loading the page above.On CoGDemos, you must create a free account to save your game!GuidelinesPlease do not share details outside of here.Keep all comments in this thread.Good feedback is sometimes specific to your primary MC but should often be generalizable to other MCs.Your saved games cannot be loaded outside of the app.CoG does not give developers access to this. I added an experimental save system if you want to try it out. It po...
Nora from ZESH, version 1
Here is the initial sketch of Nora as she was seen when first introduced in Part 1. What are your thoughts? Do you have any suggestions to make her look more authentic?For my visually impaired readers: The image is a black-and-white line drawing of Nora shown from the waist up. She has her hair pulled back into a bun and a lined face with visible cheekbones and wrinkles. She is wearing a plaid button-up shirt with rolled-up sleeves. The shirt is open, showing a plain T-shirt underneath. One hand is tucked into a pocket while the other hangs loo...
Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates, Future Plans
Welcome to my 95th newsletter! This has been a strange month. I’ve been working exclusively on Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4, and trying to work out the bugs, fix grammar and spelling issues, and add content that I missed before. It’s not been my normal work months, since I typically write for the first twenty-five days and then spend the last few testing and editing. This has been mostly editing and troubleshooting.Since I am a chronic planner, I’m already thinking of what to do next. After I send Part 4 to Hosted Games, I have sever...
Future Development
With Part 4 of Safe Haven almost ready to hand in, I’m looking ahead at what comes next. I have a few big projects on the table, but I’d like to know what you want me to focus on first. Your feedback will help me decide where to put my energy after Part 4 is done.
MC POV - Interactive Story - 16
Continued from scene 15Ryan jogs to the end of the hallway and disappears into a bedroom. You hear drawers sliding open and slamming shut, the muffled sound of Ryan muttering to himself as he digs through things. After a few moments, he steps back out, clutching something close to his chest. He glances your way but doesn’t stop, hurrying into another room across the hall. More rummaging follows: closet doors rolling, shoes scraping on wood, and hurried footsteps as he checks each corner.Jessica turns to you, keeping her voice low. “We shoul...
Content Sneak Peek
Below is a new scene I wrote that takes place in chapter 16 only if you have a radio room built. Since you get to pick the radio operator, the example below is showing Woody as the radio operator. And since you may have different relationships with Thelma's gang, I wrote below as if you are allies with them.---You stand with Jaime and Rachel near the hood of an old truck, a map spread across the metal. Jaime taps a calloused finger on the contour lines of the valley while Rachel leans in, one hand braced on the hood, her other shading the p...
Parker from ZE:SH, final version
This is the final version for Parker.He wears a light blue hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and dark sunglasses. He has a thick gold chain hangs around his neck with a large gold cross pendant. His hair is dark brown, short on the sides and longer on top. He also wears a gold wristwatch on his left wrist. This is how he looks when he is first introduced Part 1. Some people don't agree but if you read his introduction, you will see it matches.
Writing Updates
September is a busy month because I am supposed to hand in Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Part 4 before the end of the month. I will discuss that below, but coding, editing, and troubleshooting have taken up most of my time.I’m also thinking about what happens after I turn in this part of the game. I keep going back and forth on my plans and will ask for feedback in my newsletter on the twentieth. I believe in being honest with everyone and truly listen to my readers. So, the future is up in the air.Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Part 4 ProgressAt the ...
ZE: Safe Haven Content Questions
I'm writing more scenes where you are confronted by multiple romantic partners (those not interested in a poly/open relationship). Some have asked to have private conversations.1. In the scene that follows, you discuss your relationship with one of your romantic partners. If you want to try to stay with them, do you think it should be based on their personality alone or a skill check? Or a combination of both?For example, say you are dealing with Madison. She's a volatile, sometimes confident partner but she also shows moments of vulne...
MC POV - Interactive Story - 15
Continued from scene 14You see the bathroom door unlock with a soft click. It cracks open just enough for a pale, narrow face to peek out. Ryan looks about fifteen, thin and lanky, with messy brown hair hanging over his forehead. His eyes are red and swollen from crying, and his cheeks are streaked with old tears. He wears a faded Saints t-shirt and loose basketball shorts, and mismatched socks bunched around his ankles. He scans the hallway, one hand gripping the doorknob tight.Jessica steps forward, keeping her voice gentle. “Hey, I’m Jes...
Outbreak Scenario 26
It’s been four months since the outbreak, and most cities have fallen to the undead. You’ve been moving carefully through backroads and avoiding the main highways until now.Your supplies are low, and the fastest route to the next safe zone runs straight through a massive interstate choked with abandoned cars. Twisted metal, shattered glass, and burnt-out husks form a maze stretching for miles.As you climb onto an overpass to scout ahead, you see zombies drifting between the vehicles. They’re not in a frenzy, just shambling and scattered.T...
Schedule for September, 2025
If you haven't checked out my latest newsletter, it is now open to every member.9/3 -- Outbreak scenario poll (Free tier)9/4 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (MC POV) scene 15. ($3+ tiers)9/6 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)9/9 -- Game updates (Free tier)9/12 -- Content Sneak Peek ($1+ tiers)9/16 -- Zombie Exodus: Side Stories (MC POV) scene 16. ($3+ tiers)9/18 -- Character or Content Poll ($10+ tiers)9/20 -- Newsletter. ($1+ tiers)9/22 -- Content Sneak Peek ($3+ tiers)9/25 -- Monthly Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4 Alpha Test ($5+ tiers)9...
ZE Outbreak Novel, Chapter 6
continued from chapter 5Pharmacy, Afternoon of Wednesday, May 9, 2012A few customers ran near us and grabbed items off the shelf, stuffing them into bags without a second thought. As I peeked out farther, more people were doing the same. The only safe store in Philadelphia had fallen to looters."What do we do?" Amber asked, placing her hand on my shoulder. Her tremor ran through my body, making me want to wrap my arms around her or kill everyone in this store who made her feel like this."We need to go. We need to look for an opening...
Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven Part 4 Test Version (August 23, 2025)
Here's the link:Test version (click here)Part 4 is over 985,000 words! Please check the log notes after loading the page above.On CoGDemos, you must create a free account to save your game!GuidelinesPlease do not share details outside of here.Keep all comments in this thread.Good feedback is sometimes specific to your primary MC but should often be generalizable to other MCs.Your saved games cannot be loaded outside of the app.CoG does not give developers access to this. I added an experimental save system if you want to try it out. It pops...
Games by JimD Newsletter – Game Updates, Trade System
Welcome to my 94th newsletter! This has been a great month. My health is getting better, and I am back to work full-time. Most of it has been spent on Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 4, especially the trade system I will discuss later in this newsletter. We are getting close to the 1-million-word mark for this part. I’m not including some code that supports the narrative, or I would easily be over a million words.I will release the demo of the new trade system on Saturday to patrons at the Adviser tier or higher. This includes unique items on...
MC POV - Interactive Story - 14
You rest your hand against the bathroom door, speaking clearly so Ryan can hear you through the wood. Continued from scene 13You rest your hand against the bathroom door, speaking clearly so Ryan can hear you through the wood. “I’m sorry. She was turning. I had to stop her before it got worse.”The hallway is silent. Only the faint hum of the air conditioner and distant traffic outside filter through. Ryan doesn’t answer. Seconds pass, stretching thin. You can see Jessica watching you, her arms wrapped tight around herself, shoulders ten...
Parker from ZE:SH, version 2
Here is an updated image of Parker. I asked my artist to make him look a little older but relaxed. And I asked for a gold cross to be added to the necklace.For my visually impaired readers: The sketch shows Parker standing, wearing a hoodie with the hood up, dark sunglasses, and a wristwatch on his left wrist. Around his neck hangs a thick chain with a large cross pendant. His hair remains short on the sides and longer on top, with a wave visible under the hood.
