Nightmare Side: The Game news & patch notes

Dear Players, Thank you for your continued support and feedback! To enhance the game's experience, we’re making the following adjustments: 1. Removed ghost colliders: Accidental collisions with ghosts will now be less punishing than before. 2. Candle gathering adjustment: Candles for the ritual are now located in one area, making the quest easier and reducing penalties for failure. 3. Revamped Ghost Jul's behavior: After stealing the money, you can now follow Jul to discover where he hides it. 4. Bug fixes related to culling: Resolved issues like suddenly dropping off the map and certain items being unpickable. 5. Limited music to active food stalls: This will help players identify which food stall is active and where it’s located. 6. Visual adjustments/fixes: Corrected minor visual glitches. 7. Maze difficulty adjustment: Eased the difficulty by widening the range where the red ghost despawns. What We're Working On for the Next Update: 1. Reducing punishment from ghost attacks by preventing instant-death outcomes. 2. Further difficulty adjustments to the maze. 3. Additional minor bug fixes. Feel free to reach out to us on Discord or social media with any more feedback! Thank you. Sincerely, Hige Studio

Dear Players, Thank you for playing Nightmare Side: The Game. We understand that the Full Release version differs from the Early Access version. To accommodate this, we've kept the Early Access version available in the Legacy branch, accessible through the Betas menu in your Steam Client. It is with a heavy heart that we couldn't build the Full Release on top of the Early Access version due to technical and financial constraints, but we hope to resume work on it when the opportunity arises. To address some major concerns regarding the Full Release version, we will implement the following changes: 1. Removing colliders from the ghosts: This will minimize accidental collisions with ghosts, which previously resulted in death. 2. Gathering candles in one area: This change will simplify the candle ritual quest. 3. Fixing bugs related to culling: This fix will address an issue where players could suddenly fall underground during exploration. 4. Ghost Jul's behavior: After Jul steals money, he will now run off in the direction where he hides it, helping players navigate more easily. 5. Limiting music to only active food stalls: This change will make it easier to identify and navigate to active food stall locations. If you have any further concerns, feel free to leave a comment here or join our Discord server. Thank you. Sincerely, Hige Studio

Full Release is Finally Here!

It has been quite a journey for us. We want to acknowledge the support we've received along the way from players, our team who has been working tirelessly, Ardan Radio as our partner, and other collaborators who made this possible.

Early Access Version Preservation

In this Full Version, you'll essentially receive a brand new game. This new version may feel different from the Early Access version, and some players might prefer the Early Access version for its unique charm. To preserve the Early Access experience, we have made it available in the Beta Branch. To access this, go to your Steam library, right-click on the game, click 'Properties', and from the 'Betas' tab, select 'Legacy' from the dropdown menu. We even plan to give this version a minor update if possible.

What's New in v1.0?

Here are some major changes in this Full Version: 1. New storyline & mystery 2. New objectives 3. New ghosts! 4. New ghost mechanics 5. Bigger map/location to explore 6. Localization feature for Indonesian and English 7. New achievements

Price Adjustment

The pricing we set for the Early Access was intentionally undervalued, as we wanted to appreciate the players who took the risk of playing the game in its experimental state. To reflect the significant work done on the project, including tailor-made level design, accurate real-life location and character modeling, interviews, voice acting, IP-related assets, and gameplay, we need to adjust the pricing for the full release. We intended to offer a substantial discount on the full release. However, due to Steam's policy, we cannot offer a discount until at least 30 days after the price change. We apologize for this inconvenience. We will put the game on sale once we have the opportunity and momentum to do so. Thank you for your understanding.

Future Updates:

1. Bug Fixing and Refining: Based on feedback, we will continue to make updates to fix any issues. 2. More Localization: In the near future, we will support Simplified Chinese, Turkish, and Ukrainian, with the help of Indiewords. More languages and announcements to come! 3. Free Side Story: We will be adding a side story based on the 'Apartment' scenario from the Early Access version. Side stories can be unlocked once you finish the Main Story, with more Side Stories to be added in the future.

Feedback and Discord

If you have any feedback, complaints, questions, suggestions, or anything else, feel free to reach out to us on our Discord community. The invite link can be accessed from the game Main Menu. Thank you for your support. Best regards, Hige Studio

Dear Players, It has been two months since the originally planned release date of the Full Version. First of all, we'd like to sincerely apologize for the extended delay. This situation has disappointed many of us, but it was unavoidable. On the announced release date, we discovered a major issue in the game, something unforeseen. We should have known that rushing the development process was a significant risk. While it might have been convenient for us to release the game and fix the issues in later patches, we felt that doing so would betray the support we've received so far. The issue required us to essentially redo our work from scratch, unfortunately. We decided not to provide further updates because we were afraid of making promises we couldn't keep. Every single day since May 30th has been filled with both regret and optimism. Every single day, we told ourselves that today might be the day we could finally release the game. The past few months have been genuinely tough for us, involving farewells, financial issues, and even a traffic incident. There were times when we felt like giving up. We can't express enough how thankful we are for your support despite all of this. There was always a strong urge to release the game once it was in a playable state, but your kind and supportive words, urging us to take our time and do our best, kept us going 24/7 since that day. Now, we are confident enough to announce that the Full Version of the game is ready to be released on August 8, 2024. This will be on a Thursday night, the original airtime for the Nightmare Side radio show, and a well-known mystical time for Indonesians. For those who already own the Early Access version, your game will be updated to the full version, but we're working on keeping the Early Access version accessible after the full release. More announcements to come. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Hige Studio

Hello, Due to an unforeseen technical issue, the release of Nightmare Side: The Game will be delayed until the issue is resolved. We are working hard to fix the problem as quickly as possible. It may take at least a few hours or more to resolve. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Best regards, Hige Studio

Hello, It ended up being a longer journey than we expected, but what a journey it has been. We're happy to announce that the full release version of Nightmare Side: The Game will be released on May 30th. When we first teamed up with Ardan Radio to adapt their beloved horror show, Nightmare Side, we knew we had a big responsibility. For decades, this show has captured the eerie essence of Bandung City, and we couldn't take creative liberties lightly. Initially, we planned to simply add the Nightmare Side title to our existing game design, aiming for a Halloween 2023 release. However, we decided to scrap the original design to honor the IP and its fans properly. We conducted interviews with Ardan Radio's staff and gathered stories, deciding to set the game in the haunted radio station itself. This turned out to be a bigger task than we envisioned due to the complex architecture. We released the game in Early Access, and while it’s not perfect, we’re happy with the reception from Indonesian and local fans. However, the PC gaming market in Indonesia proved challenging, and we noticed a gap between international and local audiences. We initially planned to close the Early Access phase quickly but felt that wouldn't do the game justice. Instead, we debated and experimented with the game’s direction, causing development and communication delays, for which we apologize. By late March, we decided to revamp the game completely. We re-interviewed, reassessed, and reimagined the game, resulting in a nearly new experience, keeping only a few familiar aspects. During this process, we also uncovered a new mystery that has never been discussed before. While it might be a sensitive subject, we decided to include it to enrich the game's narrative. The game will feature a whole new mechanic, revolving around the Nightmare Side radio show's tagline: "Don't listen to Nightmare Side alone." You'll need to be wary of being alone while the radio show, with actual episodes playing in the background, is running. You'll also encounter a new cast of ghosts/enemies with new designs, all tied back to the actual lore from our research and interviews. We also revamped the entire story. While the main story will still feature the same cast, with Amira as the main character, it will take a new turn once you get past the introduction. This is also due to new lore and facts we discovered throughout the development process in the Ardan Radio haunted office. Thank you for your support and patience. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we hope the wait will be worth it. Thank you, Hige Studio

Hello! It's been a while! First of all, we apologize for the lack of updates lately, but we're excited to share that we've been working on something big behind the scenes. Thank you for your support and feedback thus far. We've learned a lot throughout the Early Access phase, and we're thrilled to announce that we will soon release the game in its full version! "Nightmare Side" is a locally established IP from Bandung, Indonesia. While we're proud of what we've achieved in replicating the experience from the radio show, as a game, we've faced numerous challenges. Apart from bugs and performance issues, we feel that the game lacks the depth to leave a lasting impression, and we acknowledge that we didn't provide enough context for our international audience. Internally, we debated on how the full release version should be. The initial plan was just to polish the game or deliver the long-awaited 2nd chapter for free, which seemed like the most logical business decision. However, we decided to go back to the drawing board, redo the entire research and investigation process (where we made a shocking revelation), and reevaluate the story and experience. We want to do this justice. The result is a full REVAMP of the game, which will consist of approximately 70% new content: 1. A revamped storyline with more depth and mysteries 2. New ghosts with new mechanics 3. Fresh puzzles 4. A revamped quest system 5. Visual improvements 6. An even larger area to explore 7. New assets (audio, cutscenes, props, etc.) 8. A revamp of the episode format, now consisting of main and side stories 9. And many more enhancements However, please note that your progress in the Early Access version of the game will be reset once we have the full release, as it will essentially be a whole new game. We hope this overhaul provides you with a better experience, and we're looking forward to hearing your thoughts once we have more to show you. Cheers!

Some small patch to fix some bugs/issues: 1. Jumpscare Cutscene Distortion: Resolved issues causing distortion in some jumpscare cutscenes, ensuring a smoother and more immersive horror experience. 2. Task Update Aprior to Radio Event: Fixed a task not updating appropriately before the radio event, ensuring players have clear guidance and objectives. 3. Coffee Making Scenario: Addressed a scenario where the game would get stuck during the coffee-making segment, ensuring seamless progression. 4. Meeting Room Unlocking Bug: Fixed a bug where the meeting room would incorrectly unlock after re-loading the game, maintaining proper game progression. 5. Ghost Appearance Bug: Resolved a bug causing one of the ghosts to get stuck or not appear, ensuring a consistent and terrifying ghostly presence. Your feedback is instrumental in uncovering and resolving these issues. Thank you for your patience as we work to provide you with the best possible gaming experience.

Dear Players, We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and valuable feedback. Your dedication has been pivotal in shaping the game. A Small Patch with Big Thanks: In this update, we're delighted to introduce: 1. Steam Achievements: Embark on new challenges and showcase your mastery with the introduction of Steam Achievements. Earn recognition for your in-game accomplishments! 2. Head-Bob Adjustment: To enhance your gaming experience, we've adjusted the head-bob feature. Expect reduced motion sickness when using the flashlight, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay. 3. Setting Synchronization: Enjoy a seamless transition between in-game settings and the home screen. Your preferences will now synchronize, providing a more consistent and user-friendly experience. 4. GPU Optimization: Continuing our commitment to optimization, this patch brings further improvements to reduce GPU usage. Experience a more optimized performance for smoother gameplay. Looking Ahead: As we roll out these enhancements, we're excited to share that we're beginning the development of new scenarios for the game. Stay tuned for more thrilling adventures in the near future. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support is invaluable. Enjoy the updated gameplay, and keep those feedbacks coming!

Dear Players, Thank you for your unwavering support and valuable feedback. Your dedication motivates us to continuously refine and enhance the gaming experience. Current Developments: We're excited to share that new scenarios are in development! Stay tuned for thrilling additions to the narrative. However, crafting these experiences will take some time. Upcoming Focus: Before the release of new scenarios, our focus is on: 1. Optimization: We're dedicated to further improving game performance for a smoother and more immersive experience. Steam Achievements: Adding achievements to recognize and celebrate your in-game accomplishments. Additional Optimization: Ongoing efforts to optimize the game for an enhanced playing experience. Your patience and understanding as we work on these enhancements are greatly appreciated. We're committed to delivering a gaming experience that exceeds your expectations. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Patch Notes

Bug Fixing:

• Resolved a bug occurring during the MCB box puzzle section for a smoother puzzle-solving experience.
• Fixed an issue where phone messages failed to load after loading the game, ensuring players have access to crucial in-game communications.
• Addressed a bug in settings (resolution, screen mode, control settings) for a more customizable experience.
• Corrected a movement speed bug after encountering ghosts, ensuring consistent and fair gameplay.
• Fixed Ria's hair bug, ensuring a more visually polished character experience.
• Resolved a bug causing missing subtitles after the conclusion of Chapter 0.

Improvements:

• Updated the recording list UI for enhanced accessibility and clarity.
• Refined some task UI elements for a more user-friendly experience.
• Added ghost recording subtitles to enrich the narrative experience.
• Updated subtitles in Chapter 0 for improved storytelling.
• Enhanced the flashlight to dynamically follow the player's camera movement.
• Updated DRM for a more secure gaming environment.
• Improved Health/Sanity visuals for better player feedback.
• Implemented a loading screen at game restart to prevent potential bugs.

Additional Optimization:

• Ongoing efforts to optimize the game for smoother performance.

Changes:

• Implemented a randomized position for friendly ghosts, adding an element of unpredictability to encounters.

Your feedback has been invaluable in making these enhancements. We appreciate your continued support as we strive to create the best gaming experience for you.

Acknowledgment

Thank You for Your Support! We appreciate your support and value your feedback, which is instrumental in enhancing the game's quality.

Updates

1. Quest Streamlining

• Revamped quest list for a more streamlined questline.

2. Graphical Settings Improvements

• Added more options and optimizations for enhanced performance and visibility.

3. Selectable Checkpoints

• Prevent getting stuck by allowing players to select checkpoints, eliminating the need to restart.

4. Bug Fixes & Improvements

• Resolved key disappearance after being stolen.
• Fixed bugs related to performance, visibility, and movement speed.

5. Improved Map

• Enhanced map interface and navigation.

6. New UI

• Introduced new UI elements to elevate the overall game experience.

7. New Assets

• Adjusted visual assets for a more harrowing experience.

8. Improved Radio Navigation Feature

• Refined the radio navigation feature for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Future Updates:

• Our focus in the first month remains on improving game quality and polishing the overall experience. New scenarios will follow in subsequent updates.

Enjoy the enhanced gameplay, and keep the feedback coming!

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We're rolling out a small patch to address the following issues:

• Fixed an issue with instant death after resuming the game if you fail at the maze.
• Fixed an issue with proceeding to a new chapter from the main menu even after unlocking it.
• Fixed an issue with hands and flashlight
• Gamma/Brightness settings added
• Adjusted the 'sanity' recovery speed
• Fixed an issue with running speed
• 'Retry' option after Game Over added
• Adjusted visual effects to improve visibility
• 'Mediation' difficulty re-adjusted

Fixed the following issues:

• Fixed an issue with instant death after resuming the game if you fail at the maze.
• Fixed an issue with proceeding to a new chapter from the main menu even after unlocking it.
• Fixed an issue with hands and flashlight
• Gamma/Brightness settings added
• Adjusted the 'sanity' recovery speed
• Fixed an issue with running speed
• 'Retry' option after Game Over added
• Adjusted visual effects to improve visibility
• 'Mediation' difficulty re-adjusted

Acknowledgment

We extend our gratitude for your valuable feedback and patience. Recognizing that the game is a work in progress, we are committed to refining it further to realize our vision.

New Features

1. Checkpoints

• Introducing checkpoints for a more immersive narrative experience, replacing the previous (buggy) save/load feature.

2. Updated Assets

• Improved ghost models and added spine-chilling animations.
• Enhanced the maze level/stage for a more thrilling experience.

Expect more ghosts and scenarios in future updates!

3. Graphical Settings & Optimization

• Fixed low graphic settings bug.
• Added options to disable visual effects.

4. Bug Fixes & Improvements

• Addressed known bugs contributing to performance drops.
• Resolved localization issues, with ongoing improvements planned for future updates.
• Increased the difficulty of 'Mediation' sessions for a more challenging gameplay experience.
• Fixed issues with the task list, ensuring smoother progression.

Hope you enjoy the new update, and please keep sending us feedback to make the game even better. Your input is invaluable. Thank you!

Dear Gamers, We deeply appreciate your support! A hotfix is on the way to resolve optimization, graphical settings, and save/load issues. Currently, we've identified an anomaly where lower graphical settings perform worse than higher ones. We recommend adjusting graphical settings temporarily until we resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to enhance your gaming experience. Sincerely, Hige Studio

Dear Gamers, We extend our heartfelt thanks for your patience and unwavering support. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring the game to you. As this marks our inaugural release, we acknowledge that it's not yet perfect. That's why your feedback and support are crucial during this Early Access phase. Throughout Early Access, we will continue iterative development based on your feedback and our internal tests. Our commitment is to deliver a new patch at least every month, addressing issues and introducing new scenarios to enhance the game. We aim to release the game fully as soon as we reach the wishlist threshold and polish the game based on your valuable feedback. Given that our game is inspired by a radio show with thousands of episodes, we aspire to keep adding new stories in the future. None of this would be possible without your ongoing support. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Sincerely, Hige Studio

Dear Gamers, We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused by the need to revise our anticipated release date from October 31st. Our team is currently engrossed in vital refinements necessary before the Steam review. This process is essential for delivering a more polished and immersive gaming experience. As a result, we anticipate a delay of approximately one to two weeks. On a brighter note, we're thrilled to share the success of our recent soft launch event held at the local cinema. The overwhelming turnout exceeded our expectations, and we are incredibly grateful for your enthusiastic response. Building on this positive momentum, we've arranged an offline public showcase on October 31st to gather further feedback from our amazing community before the game's release. Additionally, we wish to acknowledge that this game marks our debut in the gaming industry. As first-time developers, we've encountered unforeseen challenges and complexities during the development process. Nevertheless, please rest assured that we are dedicating our utmost effort to ensure the delivery of an exceptional gaming experience. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause and express our gratitude for your understanding and patience. Your ongoing support and enthusiasm mean a great deal to us. We are wholeheartedly committed to delivering a game that surpasses your expectations. Sincerely, Hige Studio