Network Traders is evolving steadily. From the beginning, I concentrated on the technical challenges of the game. But with Andrea joining the effort in last November, the game is developing its very own graphical design, too. The latest and substantial upgrade is a rework of the main screen. I think, it makes you feel at home right from the first time you open the game!
The main screen, or marketplace, as I call it, is where you can see at a glance what is happening in your city. You see all the merchants currently in your city, your own and those of other players. And you can keep track of the buildings you added to it, giving you more gameplay options.
From Makeshift to consistent Design
The main difference to the previous design is, of course, the background. Being well versed in programmer art, I just took some background image I had lying around from a previous project (which was really cool there, but does not quite fit to Network Traders). This old background can be admired in one of my previous posts. The new background nicely fulfils two purposes. Firstly, it gives you the impression that your city is not just an empty patch floating in nowhere, but actually a homely little hamlet already. And secondly, the empty patches on the ground make you expect more.
What I like as much about the new design are the little tents and crates of goods the travelling merchants have set up in your marketplace. They are a first glimpse of the coloring and art style to be expected. And although non-functional, they create a busy feeling for the place, just like the new fountain that is exposed when you progress further in the game.
What do you think about the new design? I am looking forward to your feedback, either in the comments below or on Twitter!