Guys....it's been a long, long road, and also, an extremely satisfying one.
As I sit here tonight, exhausted from yet another round of creating stuff for the game, and given that our one year anniversary came and went not long ago, I started reflecting on that a bit.
Just over one year ago, in a crazy whirlwind of dissatisfaction with the state of the gaming industry in general, this idea....Candle'Bre, was born.
At that time, I had noooooo idea whatsoever what I was getting myself into, and I can honestly say that had it not been for a number of brave, enthusiastic, stalwart believers, we would never have come as far as we have.
Will we succeed, in the end? Will Candle'Bre ever be fully realized?
Even today, I don't really know the answer to that question.
But so far, a year and change into it, we've proved our detractors wrong, and as you might remember, there were a lot of detractors.
Their voices weren't really a unified chorus, though.
They ran the gamut, from well-spoken words of caution (and perhaps even hopeful, guarded enthusiasm) all the way through to calling us complete fools, and pretty much telling us we'd never get out of the proverbial gate.
In the latter case, I'm happy to have disappointed the naysayers thus far, and with a dash of luck, we'll continue to do so.
One thing is for certain, at this stage of the game. There WILL BE a Candle'Bre. It's being born right here, with the help of the creative, enthusiastic people who watch this forum, and back on our development site, where we work every day, slowly bringing the threads of the game together....slowly weaving out Candle'Bre's tapestry.
It's been a long road, and there are so many more miles left to turn, but in looking back....in comparing where we started to where we are right now, with the Beta Release finally verging on becoming a reality, I can honestly say that I have nothing but the deepest respect for the tireless dedication of each and every member of the team, and nothing but pride in what we're creating together.
Candle'Bre isn't going to be "just a game." It's already a lot more than that, and it's still in its infancy. It's a work of art.....a new kind of expression, and when we finally put the Beta in your hands....when you run installation routine and load the game for the very first time, and are hit with that majestic, soulful music, it is my hope that the full weight of Candle'Bre's history will settle over you like an ageless mountain....immersing you in it....combining with each of you, and truly making you a part of the world we've created together.
Here's to another year filled with magic and wonder....here's to everybody who's helped us get where we are today....and finally.....most importantly....here's to Candle'Bre....
-=Vel=-
