It’s been a while! But that’s only because I wanted to have something meaningful to show you all. So let’s get to it!

Wordy Rain 1.4 Update: New Dictionary and more!

I’ve made a new update to Wordy Rain! Here’s what you’ve got:

• A new dictionary! The dictionary was not up to par and it needed fixing. So if you’re someone who sent that feedback, this fix is for you! I think you’ll be much happier with it.
• Save-in-progress for Chill and Cozy Modes: If you’re a fan of these modes, you can now save your progress on them automatically when you quit to the menu or the desktop.
• New scene! We’re exiting out of winter here in the northern hemisphere! So here’s a little winter scene for you with a cozy cabin and snowfall.
• New Wordy Drop! To go with our new cozy snowy cabin scene, there’s a new set of 10 secret words to find. Find them all and get the Steam Achievement!

Wordy Rain is on both Windows and Mac on Steam.

The Next Game: Alpacas on Vacation!

It’s not very similar to a word game, I know — but it’s a game I’ve had in my head for a bit. It’s called Alpacas on Vacation: three alpacas living on a farm yearn to see the world beyond their pasture. But how will they do it?

They have to sneak out of the farm and hit the road, simultaneously seeing the sights while avoiding people trying to send them back to the farm! Along the way they charm children, playfully trick and sneak their way through fun, and make the world a brighter place with a little gift giving along the way.

And they earn souvenirs that they can wear, of course!

The game is currently in development, and I’ve got a fun little video sneak peek for you.

This isn’t a game trailer — this is literally the game in development, with some temporary assets in it (as you maybe can tell with the hexagons-as-people and emoji pigs). Here the alpacas are sneaking past the workers in the farm to steal Farmer Jane’s truck keys and make their escape. (Yes, they’ve learned to drive the truck. Don’t question it.)

But why not give their friends the pigs a snack and take a selfie with the horse before they hit the road?

I’m going for a “Looney Tunes/UPA/Maurice Noble” art style for this game, and I’m absolutely loving developing this style. I’ve always adored and admired that art and it’s been really fun to try and find my own expression that pays homage to it.

I’m working toward a Steam demo of a few levels of the game, so look for more on that in the coming months!

Until Next Time

Watch this space for more on Alpacas on Vacation in the coming months, and maybe a few more small surprises!

Caryn Vainio
Shadowdog Games