This week comes to an end with the team still working on the backend for more stuff than anyone would feel comfortable with, but it has to be done. With more and more wrinkles ironed out of the Orders' system and our eyes fixed on general bug splatting, we still have time to share stuff that we hope will amaze you.
In today's Something's Brewing, preparing a background scene for your in-game brewing sessions, some amazing music tracks our composer Clint Bajakian worked on, and more under-construction rooms.
Onwards!
-- UNDER CONSTRUCTION 3, the return!
Just kidding, only the third week in a row we've been dealing with under-construction assets for the monastery's rooms and this week we tackled the Laboratorium and the Refectory. Clearly early WIP, but they already give hints of their finished state. As you can see, we've been more than happy to explore having even more/larger empty spaces in the back of the room and it works like a charm!
We still have a few more in the pipeline, and Raimo doesn't seem to break a sweat creating them, so expect more soon ;)
-- Sounds of the Abbey
We don't usually showcase BGM and SFX, but with quite a few people inquiring about the music lately, this should be a welcome change of pace.
A kind reminder here that in the same way other assets are still considered WIP, these too should be treated similarly, REGARDLESS of how good they sound. Our composer, and probably the only one with that level of understanding of music, Clint is not messing around.
For you today we have the aptly named Wagon Wheel and Brother Cornelious, both of which we found amazing. Brother Cornelious may be a tad shorter than what we're used to, but as you will see that only added to its charm!
Clint really wants to go the extra mile with Ale Abbey's music and is already preparing an ensemble to record pretty much all of its tracks with actual instruments ;)
-- New brewing background
Although this is mostly a change that affects what we see in internal builds (for the time being), let us show you a new background scene we're preparing for the brewing process: when a recipe you so painstakingly crafted finds its way to the Brewery and you get to choose the brewer, quantity, and how you might want to tweak said brew.
Oh, and for your information, we do seriously consider animating that brewer for some extra eye candy and last-minute serenity before you get the results on that brew ;)
-- The indispensability of the paddle
WIP or not, you can clearly see what that monk in the previous section is holding. Nothing but the holiest of holy tools in the craft of brewing... the paddle!
Why is the paddle so important outside locker room pranks and hazing in 80s movies you say? It's all science! Paddles have the crucial role of ensuring precise mixing and temperature control, and if you've been reading our brewing hints and tips you already know these two get mentioned a LOT.
When brewing beer, the accurate mixing of ingredients like malt extract, hops, and yeast is essential for achieving a consistent flavor profile and optimal fermentation conditions. A paddle allows for thorough and even distribution of these components, preventing any possible clumps and ensuring that all ingredients are fully dissolved and integrated into the wort.
This homogeneity is vital for the chemical reactions that occur during brewing. For example, the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the development of complex flavors and colors in the beer, requires evenly distributed sugars and amino acids. By using a paddle, brewers can ensure that their wort is well-mixed, leading to more predictable and desirable outcomes (and fewer unwanted surprises) in the final product.
In addition to mixing, paddles are critical for temperature management. Using a paddle to gently stir the wort, the brewer evenly distributes heat and prevents hotspots that can cause uneven heating or scorching. Especially when we're talking about DIY homebrewing where the use of direct heat sources is more than expected, uneven temperatures can lead to the denaturation of enzymes necessary for starch conversion in the mash or the caramelization of sugars in the boil. So if you don't want something like that to negatively impact the flavor and clarity of your beer, you need a paddle.
So find your "Staff of Brewing," and get ready to get those arms tired!
And that's all for today! Enjoy your weekend responsibly and remember to join us next week for some more Ale Abbey news!
-- Hammer & Ravens
Wishlist (and tell your friends!)
Craving for more Ale Abbey? Or maybe you want to chat with the team and our community? Follow:
Ale Abbey
Our studio, Hammer & Ravens
