The Unique Nature of Immersive Sims
Immersive sims are a strange genre. Ultra influential, utterly beloved, but relatively thin on the ground. They’re a delicate instrument: a difficult thing to get right and even when you nail it, certainly nowhere near as lucrative as your live-service whatevers and open-world thingummies. So every time we get a new one—and it’s actually good—it feels like a bit of an event. Such was the case when the procgen detective sim Shadows of Doubt hit early access in April.
Upcoming Modding Update
The upcoming modding update for Shadows of Doubt is targeted for December, promising to enhance the game’s already rich experience. The update is set to introduce a text editor tool, which is the same one used by the game’s developers to craft in-game dialogue, emails, and other text-based content. This tool will enable modders to modify citizen chatter, conversations, v-mails, and more, with the ability to trigger dialogue based on specific citizen traits and situations.
Additionally, an in-game city editor will be part of the update. Initially, it will allow for the renaming of buildings and streets and deciding where buildings are placed. The developers hope to expand on this tool in the future, adding even more depth to the game’s modding capabilities.
Modding Tools and Possibilities
The introduction of modding tools for Shadows of Doubt opens up a world of possibilities, with the community eagerly anticipating the chance to recreate classic Deus Ex maps. The game’s inherent flexibility suggests that the modding toolkit will enable creators to transform it into something truly unique and mind-bending.
| Modding Tool | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Text Editor Tool | Modify in-game dialogue, emails, and citizen interactions |
| In-Game City Editor | Rename buildings/streets, decide building placement |
Additional Game Updates
Alongside the modding tools, Shadows of Doubt will also introduce a separate ‘mono build’ of the game. This version will be accessible via the properties section of the game’s Steam library entry and is designed for those who wish to mod the game extensively, albeit with slightly lower performance.
Furthermore, the game will be updated to include Steam achievements, a feature that many gamers appreciate for the sense of accomplishment it provides.
- ‘Mono build’ for enhanced modding capabilities
- Introduction of Steam achievements
The modding community’s involvement with Shadows of Doubt is a highly anticipated development, poised to unlock the game’s full potential. With the tools and freedom to innovate, there’s a strong belief that this game has the foundation to become a classic in the immersive sim genre. The excitement for what’s to come is palpable, as modders prepare to leave their mark on this already captivating title.
