Dinkum cover
Dinkum screenshot
Genre: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Indie

Dinkum

Dinkum’s Early Access Roadmap Revealed

G’day everyone,

We are really, really close to Dinkum’s Early Access launch. It’s hard to believe there’s only 2 days left!!! But before you start your adventure on the Island, I want to show you Dinkum’s Early Access Roadmap so that you are aware of what else is coming to the game in the near future.



As you can see, the release of the game on the 14th is not the end of the development process - it is just the beginning. During the course of the Early Access, I want to add a lot more fun content to the game. There will be new seasonal events, new characters coming to the island, clothing, items, and loads, loads more. I will reveal more details on these updates closer to the dates, so stay tuned! But, there’s another reason I went the Early Access route.

I decided to release Dinkum as an Early Access game so I can watch the community play and respond to what interests players. I’m sure I’ll hear some great ideas and suggestions that may never have occurred to me. I want the community to help create Dinkum! That way we can make Dinkum the best experience it can be.

To gather your thoughts and feedback, I’ve created an official Dinkum Discord server. So if you want to stay close to the production process and share your thoughts, join me and the amazing Dinkum community right here on Discord! I can’t wait to see you there!

Now, the scary and exciting part - there are only 2 days left till Dinkum's Launch! Can’t wait to have you on the island and see what you all create, build, and how you’ll spend your time in Dinkum.


Have a good one and speak to you soon,

James

A letter from me to you and some new screenshots

Hi there! It's James here! It's just under two weeks before Dinkum's release! Woah! I've been pretty busy making sure that the game is ready for everyone, but I wanted to take a little bit of time to say thanks!

Thank you to everyone who has been looking forward to Dinkum. Some people have been waiting years, and some of you have only just found the game, but it’s really nice to know people want to play a game I’ve made.

I would also like to thank all the people who have joined the Dinkum Discord server. It’s only a small community right now, but everyone who has joined has been really kind and polite! I have really enjoyed sharing the excitement of launching my first game with you all! Oh, and if you would like to join the Dinkum Discord, you can do so right here.

Oh, and I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has Wishlisted Dinkum over the years. Wishlists help a lot when you're launching a game on Steam, so it means a lot to me that so many of you have given Dinkum a Wishlist.

As some of you noticed, I’ll be launching Dinkum in Early Access. The main reason I’m launching into Early Access is to help build the game with the community in mind. I can’t wait to see how you build your town, what you do on your island, and hear all the suggestions and feedback. I feel good about the content that Dinkum has now, but I want to hear what you think the game needs going forward. There might be things you would like in Dinkum that I hadn’t even considered. And seeing your feedback is always really exciting to me.

I know I haven’t been the best at keeping everyone updated with development, but I want you all to know that I will be active and transparent about Dinkum’s development throughout Early Access.

I’ve been putting together a Roadmap for development. This will definitely be ready before launch, but I need a bit more time. There are certain features on there that I think will make Dinkum better. But, I want to allow the Roadmap to shift around a bit, depending on how the community is playing and what kind of feedback people are giving me.

Dinkum has been developed by one person and this one person is very thankful for everyone that has waited patiently for Dinkum.

Only two weeks to go now! I can’t wait for all of you to play Dinkum!

James Bendon


P.S. Here are some new screenshots from Dinkum. Hope you'll like them!


Waiting for release date.


A mystery person on the horizon.

Character Customisation: How to express yourself on the Island



G’day mate!

In less than 3 weeks you will arrive on Dinkum Island. Isn’t that exciting!?! The 14th of July is just around the corner! I, Fletch, the Head of Island Exploration (*proud face*) will make sure that everything is ready for your arrival. After all, such an honourable resident like yourself doesn't move in here every day, ha ha ha. In the meantime, let me tell you more about character customization. Every one of us is a one-of-a-kind individual and we want you to be able to show off your uniqueness.

Before you put your first steps on the Island’s soil, you have to create your character. In Dinkum, you can customise your character in five different categories: skin tone, hair, and eyes, the shape of your nose and lips, and last but not least, the colour of your shirt (the last one is really important ha ha ha). You will get a few options to choose from in each category. Or if you want to go nuts, click the Randomise button and find out what result you will get!


This is where you become… you!

Once you are happy with your look, you can move to the next screen. Now will be the time to have a good think about your name. This is what you will be known as in Dinkum! Take your time, pick your name, and get ready to start your adventure.

You are probably thinking, is that it? Is there something more I can do to express myself? Of course there is! This is just the beginning.


New Clothes

If you are looking for some new clothes, make sure to visit the talented Clover and her shop, Threadspace. You can buy beautiful dresses, all kinds of shirts, hats, boots, glasses, pretty much everything that every fashionista could dream of. With just one visit to Clover’s shop, you will be prepared for every occasion and weather.


Clover will help you find all kinds of clothes you might need.


Fresh Hairstyle

If you are looking for that sweet moment of relaxation and you are thinking about changing your hair, think no more! Visit Sally and her beauty salon, and she will help you out on that front. Take a seat in her chair and let her do her magic. You can change your hairstyle or colour in no time. Just make sure you have enough Dinks to pay for her service.


There's no one better in Dinkum than Sally when it comes to hair.

I can’t wait to show you everything I’ve prepared for you in Dinkum! But I have to go now. As the Head of Island Exploration, I need to make sure this place is ready for your arrival. There are still plenty of things I need to do. Sometimes I wish there was more than one Fletch!


See you soon!

Fletch - Head of Island Exploration

Meet your friendly barn friends! The farm animals of Dinkum.



G’day mate!

Howzit goin!? It’s been a very busy week for Dinkum. Two great game shows, a looot of new friends on our Dinkum Discord, and heaps of work behind the scenes on the game. While the works on the game are still progressing (the Release Date is soo close!!! *panicking*) how about I make the wait a bit more bearable. Let's take a closer look at all the furry and not that furry friends that we’ll meet on Dinkum Island. So let me introduce this multicultural flock to you now.


Let me start this update by saying what place you have to visit first to buy and adopt all your animals. Of course I’m talking about Irwin’s Barn that you might’ve read about some time ago. And if you, by any chance, haven’t heard about this nice gentleman, you can read all about him right here. So, Irwin is the man you have to ask if you want to buy some animals for your farm. And while you are already there, have a look at what else he has to offer. Animal food, animal feeders, shears, animal whistles, and milking buckets can be very useful if you want to take good care of your farm friends.


Irwin will help you find your new furry or feathery best friends.

Oh, and I almost forgot, when you finally buy your new companion, you can name it as you like. As long as you think it suits them! ha ha!

Since you already know where you can find everything you need, let me introduce to you all the animals you can adopt.


Chickens



When you find the perfect place for a home for your chickens, the first thing you should do is fence the area! You don’t want your cute chicks to be eaten by some wild animals simply because they were let loose - they need to live to the fullest and longest they can! When the fence is done, you can put a few Bird Coops in there - I’m sure they will love their new little homes. Put some Animals Feeders too and you are ready to invite your new friends. Feed them, pet them, visit them, show them some love and they will love you back in no time! Not only will you make great friends, but you can also enjoy fresh eggs. Pick them up, and cook meals with them, or just sell them and make some extra Dinks.


Vombats



Get an Animal Stall if you want to add large animals to your farm. And by large (not fat) I mean Vombats! Those nice big fellas love cuddles. Give them a pat once in a while, and they will love you for it. Keep their home nice and tidy, feed them regularly, and they will live happy long lives. Oh and you can milk them too!


Pleeps



Would a farm be a farm without Pleeps? It would, but it would be a very sad one. If you want to have these sweet animals, you have to get an Animal Den first. Place their cozy home wherever you like and you are ready for adoption. Pleeps love water so consider building a small pond for them. I wish I could swim as well as them! And if you want, you can shear them too. Aren't these animals amazing? It’s like multiple animals in one!!!


To be able to have all those animals on your farm you have to get a proper license first. Don’t be sad though, just come to me (Fletch) and I will tell you all about how to get it.

That’s it for today. I hope you enjoyed this little update. Next time I will tell you more stories about Dinkum. There are still a few things worth showing before we arrive on July 14th.


Hooroo!

Fletch - Head of Island Exploration

Dinkum's Release Date Announced! New trailer to celebrate the occasion.

G’day mate,

The work on this game has been progressing for over 3 years now. I’m sure many things happened during this time in your life - just as many have happened to me. But one thing is certain: Dinkum will be released really, really soon, and I’m excited for it!

Better start thinking about the name of your island cause Dinkum will be released on the 14th of July 2022! Watch the trailer and see the latest of what Dinkum has to offer!


I’m very excited about this next step for Dinkum. And I have to admit I can’t wait to see what you’ll create on your islands and for you to play it!

Dinkum will be coming out in Early Access, and although there will be quite a lot to do from day one, I feel that there is still a lot more that I can implement in the game - more gameplay features, content, options, objects to decorate your island with, and more. I also wanted to go the Early Access route so that you can tell me what you would like to see more of in Dinkum and the direction the game should take. I really want to hear your thoughts on this once the game is out.

Ooo, and one more thing, Dinkum has its own Discord server. If you want to join our still small, but truly amazing community, please do it! It’ll be a pleasure to have you there.



Thank you for all your support so far. Soon we’ll see each other on Dinkum Island itself.


Have a good one,

James Bendon

Dinkum is part of the Future Games Show 2022!

G’day all!

I am pleased to announce that Dinkum is part of this year’s Future Games Show. If you want to see some new Dinkum footage and how it is looking at its current stage, tune in to the show! There will be other great games showcased as well, and who doesn't like watching new games!



Future Games Show will start on Saturday, 11th of June, 12:00 PDT | 15:00 EDT | 20:00 BST | 05:00 AEST (Sunday, June 12).


Hope you will enjoy the show and hope to see you there!

James Bendon

Dinkum is part of IGN Summer of Gaming 2022!

G’day all!

Dinkum is part of the IGN Summer of Gaming 2022 show! Join me there and watch a never-seen-before exclusive Dinkum trailer. Plus, I will reveal some mammoth news that a lot of you have been waiting for…



Dinkum will be shown during the IGN Expo at IGN Summer of Gaming 2022, which will start on Friday, June 10, 09:00 PDT | 12:00 EDT | 17:00 BST | 02:00 AEST (Saturday, June 11).


Have fun and enjoy the show!

James Bendon

The Buildings and their Vendors that you'll meet on Dinkum Island



G’day mate!

What a beautiful day we have today! And there is no better way to spend it than telling you more about Dinkum Island itself. And to be more precise, about the buildings that you will be able to build once you arrive. Of course, you have to fly to the island first… But to the point, Fletch, to the point… Yes, there’s a lot of work ahead of us, but that won't stop us, will it? Ha ha ha!

Grab your tools, constructor! Work is waiting.

You will be able to construct several buildings on the island. Once you’ve convinced someone to move in, come to me, and ask me for a deed. Every building costs a certain amount of Dinks (our local currency). But don’t worry, you don’t need to pay it all upfront! The bill will be directed to the Town’s debt, where all residents are free to donate towards getting it paid off. Once the formalities are behind us, you can choose where you want the building to be placed. For the construction work to start you still need to deliver some materials to the site. As soon as this happens, the building work will start the next day and you can enjoy your new building from the day after!

Here are a few of the buildings that you can build on your island along with their lovely vendors.

Oh, and I almost forgot, today our guide through the city will be Dani.


John’s Goods



If you help John build his shop you will have a place where you will be able to buy a wide range of tools, machines, and even food! Isn’t that great!? Oh and I almost forgot! If you have some spare things that you don’t need anymore, John will buy them from you. A good way to get extra Dinks straight to your pocket.


Museum



Every island must have a museum. And I’m talking about a proper one! There’s no better place to show off all the plants, animals, and fossils that your Island is famous for! The really smart Theodore will make sure that all your precious exhibitions are well-taken care of.


Treadspace



This place is a must for all you fashionistas. If you want to find a piece that will show your personality and style, talk to Clover, and she will help you out. After all, a little bling never hurt anyone!


Rayne’s Greenhouse



If you are a real green thumb, you love gardening, and plants, you should definitely consider building a Greenhouse. Go and visit Rayne if you want to buy some tools to help you grow your own veggie garden. She has plenty of seeds too!


I hope that you enjoyed this little guide. Can’t wait to finally take you to the island. Our trip will begin very soon as Dinkum is coming this year. I’ll tell you more about the date in the not-so-distant future. And stay tuned for part 2. I will show you even more buildings and people that you will meet.


Hooroo!

Fletch - Head of Island Exploration

New Screens and Gifs from the island



G’day mate!

It’s been a while since we last spoke, so it seems like a good idea to bring you a little update on what’s been happening behind the scenes. I can’t wait for you to visit the island so that you can feel the fresh air and see the outback! You’ll have to wait a little bit longer, but not too long.

Over the last few months, a lot of new content has been added to Dinkum, as well as getting rid of those nasty bugs! And by bugs, I mean computer bugs of course! Ha ha ha! To get you in the outback mood, here are a few new screens from Dinkum. I hope you’ll like them!


The town's workshop area is getting bigger and better!


Still a lot of work ahead. One bit at a time...


All the hard farm work is paying off. Look at these beauties!


Just some last minute bits and bobs to complete before bed.

And here are a few gifs as well.


Farming together makes the work go by a lot quicker and is a lot more fun!


By moving the soil around, we can shape the environment around us.


Coming back with giant eggs from our even bigger adventure!

Finally, I can let you know that Dinkum is coming out this year! Yes, you will be able to come and live on the island and meet John (he’s the owner of the general store), Franklyn, the local scientist, as well as Clover (she has some nice clothes to sell). Not to mention Theodore, Rayne, and loads more. And of course all the Jackaroos, Vombats, Diggos and Crocos! We will see you real soon.

Hooroo!

Fletch - Head of Dinkum Island Exploration