Update of the Avatar/Update 34
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Update of the Avatar #34 – 2013.07.23: The Making of a Moondial and Keeping the Beat
Update 34 followed the development of the Darkstarr Moondial and Darkstarr Metronome, two limited rewards introduced after Starr Long joined the Shroud of the Avatar team. It also announced the first version of the game's Add-On Store.[1]
Darkstarr Moondial
The moondial was conceived as an animated home or yard decoration tied to New Britannia's astronomy. Concept artist Stephen Daniele developed the design publicly, incorporating feedback about its planets, shattered moon, materials, and colors. Environmental artist Bob Cooksey then modeled it, while Chris Spears brought a prototype into Unity for animation.[1]
The update presented this process as an example of community participation influencing an item while it was still being made. At the time, the moondial was included with the Citizen pledge tier and was also offered separately until July 31, 2013.[1]
Darkstarr Metronome
The metronome combined a tall clock-like cabinet with a Grim Reaper figure and a scythe serving as its moving pendulum. Daniele's concept evolved through research and community suggestions before Cooksey began its three-dimensional model. It was intended both as a functional-looking companion to virtual musical instruments and as a rather theatrical decoration.[1]
The metronome was associated with the Virtual Collector pledge tier and shared the moondial's July 31 availability deadline.[1]
Website and store changes
Portalarium also announced a redesigned official website and an early Add-On Store containing a small selection of test offerings. The update again reminded Kickstarter backers to register on the official site and link their accounts so rewards could be delivered correctly.[1]