Note that older save files may not work with this new update.
We hope you enjoy and please continue to send us any feedback you might have.
Deadwater Saloon
May 20, 2022 - Demo Update
Note that older save files may not work with this new update.
We hope you enjoy and please continue to send us any feedback you might have.
Deadwater Saloon - Live-Stream/Broadcast
Deadwater Saloon - Developer Stream for Steam Next Fest 2022
Developer stream playing Deadwater Saloon during the Steam Next Fest.
The stream can be seen here or on the Store Page:
Hope you enjoy!
Deadwater Saloon - Developer Stream (Pre-Recorded)
Join us Feb 21 during Steam Next Fest
Yes, we have a playable Demo.
Granted, it’s an Early Access one. So don’t be squattin’ with your spurs on. The game is still bakin’ in the oven, meanin’ we are lettin’ yea in, but with the caveat that this is a work in progress.
We couldn’t deny the chance to take part in the Steam Next Fest (what’s wrong with a little self promotion?), nor the opportunity to engage directly with yourselves, the fine future players of our efforts.
We want, and need, your open and honest-to-god feedback! Mostly so we can better understand just what in the heck is workin’, and what in the heck is not! No holdin’ back now. We aim to please.
Just also remember to not interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none…
… that’s us sayin’ that if you like it, that’s good to let us know too. ;)
Without further ado, muster your horses and covered wagons, and mark your calendars to join us this coming Monday February 21st for a stroll through town! Feel that open air, those big skies, and them lonesome prairies.
Meet some new neighbors movin’ into town, stock up with some drinks and foodstuffs, and serve an enclave of thirsty customers, both local and transient.
Don’t worry about bitin’ off more than you can chew. Your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger than you think.
We look forward to meetin’ yea!
Saloon Gets a Big Upgrade
Now you’ll be next door neighbors with Friends and Enemies of townsfolk alike. You best wise up, and learn how to share space, cause they ain’t gonna put up with your bullshit antics for too long.
You’ll experience firsthand a sleepy frontier settlement blossoming into a boom town around yea. Don’t worry, as a cornerstone in the community, you will have the opportunity to wield influence, and wreak havoc or prosperity. We leave that up to you.
But you’ll be so close to your fellows, they’ll be able to taste the tobacco smoke emanating from your outfit. You’ll build while having the town around you in full view.
And while you’re in your room, notice outside the windows?
Yeah. You can see the town. Just remember though: if you can see them, they can see you.
The idea before was to have the Saloon Build mechanics on a slab of dirt apart from the town, so as to help you keep focused on the rigorous tasks at hand.
But after much deliberation, we decided, “Ta Hell with it!” And put you fine fortune-seeking pioneers into the melting pot. Things are funner that way, no?
Take our word for it. Things are better this way.
Day in the life…
-Mark Twain
And so here we are, ladies and gentlemen, together on the sober side of the bar. Your domain. The barkeep. To help you better understand the rigours, we’re gonna spend some time with Viola James, a young barkeep at the tender age of 20.
As you can see, she’s already begun the process of building and managing her outfit, known as Firewater Saloon. She put up walls, and invested in wallpaper, rugs, furniture, proper storage and even a room all to herself.
Viola’s gonna have to work hard to upkeep her outfit, and keep it stocked with the finest liquors. But the most important aspect of running an outfit is finding good staff, and building good relations with the townsfolk.
As the town grows around her, many townspeople arrive.
With each one of them being a potential customer, Viola is going to attempt to better her relationship with a man that goes by the name of Xander Wright. At present, Xander doesn’t think too highly of Viola. In fact, his Opinion of her is only measured at 45%.
So in an attempt to better things, Viola is gonna try and compliment ol’ Xander. She’s got some choices. But no matter which she chooses, as you can see, her chances of winning him over is very low (each hovering around an 18% success rate).
Dammit! Her attempt backfires… and he thinks even less of her than before!
Maybe next time Viola.
What Kind Of Saloon Owner Will You Be?
The Choice Is Yours...
Whiskey drinking shit-kicker? Seductive charlatan? Studious or charismatic? Pious preacher? Ruthless manipulator?
We like a wide range of possibilities, which is why we’ll let you decide how good-natured or rotten you wanna be. Just don’t come blaming us if you’re facing undesirable outcomes. You reap what you sow. And we believe in just desserts.
Not only will you get to name your Player Character, but also the Town, and your Saloon.
Here we have we have Franklin Mitchell, who will live in Bittervale. His outfit will be named Aces High Saloon. We’ve chosen a Handsome modifier, which gives a boost to two Attributes that may help him while he braves the frontier. Notice how his Savoir Faire and Seduction ratings are now at 30, while the rest remain at 10.
Or would you rather be Captivating? With a boost to Drama and Leadership Attributes? It’s a tough call. Different Attributes will determine success in the face of different obstacles.
Here we have Spring Thompson. We’ve selected the Compassionate modifier, which gives a boost to Medicine and Theology. Nothing like an amateur doctor with faith (Theology)! But also notice that we have now spent the Attribute Points. You start with 20, and can dispense them among the Attributes at will. So spend wisely. Here, Spring has an uptick in her Muscle rating (20), and Mixology (20). Why not have the capability to manhandle disruptive clientele and be better at mixing drinks?
And here, we’ve increased Spring’s age. Instantly, you are given more Attribute Points to spend, which we have used to uptick several more Attributes. Abstraction (20), Gambling (20), Savoir Faire (20). But also notice there’s a cost to Spring’s Health, which opens up a whole other set of circumstances and realities.
But we will save that for another time.
Forging Your Way in the Wild West…
Not only will you build and manage your own outfit, but you will interact with staff, customers and townspeople of all walks and dispositions. Some will become your friends, perhaps even allies. Others will surely not. It won’t always be easy, but you will be able to take all kinds of matters into your own hands, or simply carry on and let things fester out of sight.
Be wary though, for bandits rove the countryside, and as the town grows, the encroaching eyes of the law are ever watchful. Consequences can be dire. Always remember; there are multiple ways to skin a cat. Not that we condone that kind of behaviour, only feel compelled to let you decide.
Our Goal
We began work on Deadwater Saloon with a shared desire to play a management simulator in the wild west. Only, we had wishes to expand the traditional management sim to encompass a more immersive experience. We wanted to not only manage drinks, food, upkeep and decorum, but also a player character and their relationships, day to day struggles, and sanity.
We want the town to be a character unto itself. Settlers and townspeople will move into town, becoming affected and responding to your saloon and life choices. We are building a robust ecosystem within which to thrive and survive, or be overrun.
What has resulted is what we believe is an impactful experience. Not only with satisfying mechanics, but a satisfying emotional journey as well.