Duskfade and the Fight Against Despair

Halfway through 2023, my pet bird Jim (full name James Laserbeak Valenzuela) unexpectedly passed while I was abroad with my fiancé for a wedding. Now, Jim got me out of one of the deepest depressions I've ever had to endure, so losing him so suddenly and when I wasn't even home, was as harrowing and painful as you can probably imagine.

This is relevant to the post, I promise.

Almost exactly a year later, in 2024, a project I was working on - and on which my livelihood depended - ended suddenly, putting me in, well, let's say a bit of a pickle. But then, I got an e-mail from Fireshine Games' producer Julia Spinola, telling me I was a good fit for a project on which they were working. It was pretty shocking because I had sent an e-mail with my resumé many months before at the suggestion of a good friend (Juan Pablo, to whom now I owe everything). And, holy cow, I love Fireshine Games ("Shadows of Doubt" is one of the most incredible games I've ever played)!

After meeting Julia and then Ricardo Chorques Mesa, the very talented Lead Narrative Designer for the project they revealed to be "Duskfade", I was offered the job: they wanted me to support Richi as a Narrative Designer and Story Writer.

Words cannot express what it was like, pushing that despair away. It was like crawling out of an ocean of molasses. Suddenly I could breathe! Not only did I feel like I was standing on my own two feet again, but I was involved in the writing of a project that, immediately, felt tailored for me. Richi told me all about the profound and personal inspirations behind the themes, with which I could relate on a very personal level, and how much work we had ahead of us. I was ready, and excited.

But then, we talked about Zirian's story and Richi told me about "el señor plumas" (Mr. Feathers, later re-named Sir Feathers), Zirian's pet bird who passed away some time before the story of "Duskfade" begins. That's when I knew I couldn't have landed in a more appropriate project with more appropriate people. Bird companion, beautiful fantasy world, an "exposed machinery" clockwork aesthetic and even burying a pet bird? Tailor-made. Of course I told Richi and Julia about Jim and more than ever I knew that I was going to make sure I'd protect and amplify Richi's vision for the game's story and themes.

And that was my mission, really. Not only help with the story itself, which of course was already beautifully structured and outlined because Richi is a massive talent, but in making sure the game's giant heart and emotional honesty was conveyed as clearly as possible.

I won't bore you with any details because just getting this far into this post is something for which I'm already very thankful. But I do want to say that working on "Duskfade" has been one of the most incredible highlights of my professional life. As unbelievable as it sounds, there was not one single moment of disappointment or anger or frustration. Every creative meeting, every playtest, update and even my last official call with Richi, who has since become a good friend, were a joy to sit through (albeit that last one was a bittersweet one). I could feel the passion, talent, heart and love being poured into the project as it was being developed as much as I think you can feel it when you play it.

So, of course, it just fills my heart with joy to see so many players and critics reacting so positively to the game, and more specifically to Richi's and my work. "Duskfade" is brimming with heart and charisma because the teams behind it were as well; both Weird Beluga and Fireshine Games. It's no accident; it's the precise result of hand-made art made by passionate talented people and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to see it happen before my eyes, and for the privilege of being able to pour some of my own heart into it.

As I was completely sure it would, the game launched to great reception on August 13th. It's now available on Steam, PS5, XBox S/X and Switch 2.

Thank you so much to Julia, Richi, Juan Pablo, everyone at Weird Beluga, everyone at Fireshine Games and of course to everyone who's picked up a copy of the game. It has truly been an honor. Please allow me to close with a final piece of advice which I've learned while working on and while playing "Duskfade":

In the game and in life, even if it feels like the darkness will never end, do not let Despair win.