The developers behind Chrono Odyssey have broken a prolonged period of silence to engage their audience with updates and initiatives. Following a comprehensive playtest earlier in the year, players voiced concerns about performance issues and hit registration, which prompted a series of developer diaries from Chrono Studio. These diaries outlined a commitment to improvements, including a complete overhaul of the combat system.
Insight into Development
Although the official channels went silent after a developer diary released on July 30, CEO Bong-Gun Bae maintained a presence within the community by hosting a personal Ask Me Anything session on August 16. This approach indicated a willingness to engage directly with the player base, bridging the gap during the studio's quieter periods. On September 23, Chrono Studio released a video featuring community manager Jenny alongside colleagues, offering a glimpse into their daily activities as they commuted to work and prepared for collaborative meetings.
A subsequent post from the studio candidly acknowledged the lack of frequent updates, stating, "there is no update because there is no update," while asking for continued patience from their players. Bae humorously responded to the community with offers of coffee and donuts as a light-hearted gesture to motivate fellow developers.
Community's Role
The involvement of the community has been critical amid industry trends of game cancellations and prolonged development cycles. Chrono Studio's strategy of keeping communication lines open, albeit infrequent, reflects an understanding of players' concerns and a dedication to delivering a polished gaming experience.
Despite past criticisms, the studio's transparency and light-hearted interaction have helped maintain a sense of optimism among fans. As the team continues to refine Chrono Odyssey, enthusiasts remain hopeful for forthcoming updates and the eventual launch of a game that meets or exceeds their expectations.
In an era where studio silence can lead to worry and disappointment, Chrono Studio's approach may serve as a positive example for others in the industry. By addressing player feedback directly and maintaining a sense of humor and openness, they are working towards a product that aspires to enthrall players with a well-crafted experience.
