UNIA - A dream that almost turned into a nightmare

It all started as a Dream.. 

In November 2012 I wrote the first draft of the plan. UNIA would be groundbreaking. UNIA would be our first fully interactive and immersive adventure with 1st person shooter elements. UNIA would be delivered in stages pushing the limitations of Second Life and showing game designers what is possible to do in this virtual world. 

In January 2015 I was wondering if I had tried to bite off more than one could chew. 

The project that was supposed to be the biggest and the best of MadPea ever, went through so many setbacks that there were times I seriously thought of just quitting. I had to dig deep within myself to find the strenght to carry on and keep pushing forward. 

Our first setback was when our sponsor left Second Life. Having a land sponsor was the only reason I thought this project could be possible in the first place. We were suddenly left to pay 740USD/monthly for the islands during the development phase. If you do the maths, this game has already become so expensive that there is no way we could ever get the money invested in it back. Thinking of the amount of man hours and money spent on UNIA makes me very uneasy at times. 

Yet - I have not given up.

At early stages we allowed bloggers and photographers in to the islands to show people what we were doing. I was not prepared for the insane buzz it brought. Interviews, interest from real life publishers and the amount of people who wanted to come in and help out. After this experience I'm not keen on taking anyone in to any project to 'help out'. We work on a level that requires talented and dedicated people who can take responsibility of their work, be able to respect deadlines and respect their team members. 

Suddenly the dynamics within the team went catastrophic. We had a massive team with many new people who were not prepared to actually work. Sure the visibility we get is nice, but we have to earn that, just like everyone else. We are working harder than many even realize. So people started to drop out.. not finishing their work. It's incredibly exhausting to bring in a new person to the team, explain them your vision, get all the paperwork done (yes we have NDAs, we have documents, we work as professionals here), introduce them to the team, take the time to get to know them personally and try to support them. They are excited, they start the work and you start trusting them and BOOM one moment they say 'I'm sorry, I just don't have the time for this anymore'. That is the nature of Second Life. Losing a member of the team is for me like a break up in a relationship. It hurts. You wonder what did you do wrong? Could there have been something to save it? It simply sucks and it takes a while again to regroup and in most cases - having to redo the work of the quitter. Naming no names during UNIA we have had ELEVEN people who came and left and each time a small part of my dream died. 

The biggest setback however was when our lead developer announced in November that he wanted out. I don't blame him, please don't you blame him either. He gave his all. To keep up with the island payments we were forced to do small hunts and events to raise money and it became a tiring vicious circle. When he left I felt so sick that I wanted to give up completely. I needed to get away and think. 

How could we get it done?

I stepped back a moment and left our Creative Director and close friend, Harter Fall in charge of the management and Indigo Lucerne in charge of the scripting. I couldn't even look at my dream, my baby, anymore without feeling physically sick. Harter knew the plans and I trusted him on how to manage the team. I needed to get back to the sources of my creativity and think of something else. I knew that we would be set back yet another few months and we had ran out of money. 

I thought about all the people who donated to us, all the people who encouraged us, the possibilities of UNIA and the dream that I had, and realized that I still had a strong, dedicated and determined core team that would would never give up with me and still believed in this project. We have had amazing artists creating scenes for UNIA. There are exclusive works from Bryn Oh, Rebeca Bashly, Fuschia Nightfire and Jaimy Hancroft just to name a few.  We have exclusive mo-cap animations ready from Abranimations. We still had a chance, it would just take a little bit longer and I would have to find a way to gather enough funds to keep the islands going.

Instead of thinking events that are an instant income, I had a strong urge to bring out a new game. A shared story that was built with my partner, Axiomatic Clarity. While the majority of the team was working on UNIA, Ax and I focused on creating the island for BURIED. I was thinking that IF it all fails now, then at least I have given it my all. The storyline, the builds and the atmosphere were born from a lot of love, passion and emotions. I believed that our loyal community would appreciate it and support us. 

Despite of the creator of the Numbakulla adventure and my former 'idol' Caliandris Pendragon taking the time to write a blog post about BURIED being the MOST BORING GAME IN THE SL UNIVERSE (I'm still waiting for the trophy, Caliandris), BURIED has actually been our most successful game compared to anything that we did in 2014. Within a week we have raised enough money to pay for the UNIA islands one more month. I hope that we will raise enough for two months more. 

After getting off the rollercoaster of emotions each launch causes to me, I went back to check on UNIA. The amazing team had made massive progress. According to them we are ready to test it all within TWO MONTHS. 

The dream is finally becoming a reality. None of that would be possible without a team that supports each other through thick and thin. I am lucky and proud. 

Thank you all for your support with BURIED. Bloggers, photographers and players. Your support means the world to us. 

Stay tuned as we will start to promote UNIA soon.. and please, check out the most boring game ever, BURIED. 

With love, 

Kiana 

Director of MadPea Productions

Check out this video of scenes from UNIA with the theme tune

BURIED Vendors at Play

OWNER: 2WAT Michigan
CO-OWNER: Jiovi Michigan
DETAILS: In business for around six years. Provies furniture,
furniture, cars, boats, bikes, houses, prefabs and more.

Whether you call them "adventures" or "hunts," it's fairly clear that  MadPea Production puts on more than a "drop into the sim, find the prize, and hop out" kind of event.

The vendors who offer some of the rewards during these adventures also tend to become part of the story line. Without giving anything away for those who haven't yet played BURIED, in this latest MadPea adventure, some vendors have gotten into the spirit of things. Some have even added special features to their sims to add to the mood for players. For those of us who enjoy an adventure and a story, this helps make the game great fun.

MiChIGaN's ShAcK! owner 2WAT Michigan explains that for this particular game, she made additions to her sim to play into BURIED's theme.

"We so looked forward to BURIED we took the theme and ran with it,  building a huge mountain on the roof of one side of our store with a labyrinth of caves, tunnels, waterfalls etc, just specifically to 'enhance' the BURIED journey for the players," explained 2WAT.

The six-year-old business which concentrates on the creation and sale of furniture (but also offers cars, boats, landscaping items and much more) has been a part of MadPea games in the past including Praying Mary and Blood Letters.

OWNER: Bluesean Yiyuan
CO-OWNER/CO-BUILDER: Silex Zapedzki
DETAILS: In business for four years, provides old buildings,
holiday items, haunted objects, furniture and more.

It seems other vendors would concur. Bluesean Yiyuan, owner and creator for the shop Never Totally Dead, has also participated in past games, and has even built parts of previous adventures.

"We built a large part of Mad City and the Silent Peacock Hotel for the room 326," said Bluesean, who co-owns the business with Silex Zapedzki.

Now, what could be a vendor's motivation to participate in an event such as this? Many would assume increased traffic would benefit business, as would offering a free sample of their talents. While one could argue both sides of this, it quickly becomes quite clear that vendors have a different motivating factor as well: an interest in the story.

When Cheeky Pea owner Isla Gealach (who has also participated in several previous MadPea events) was asked why she takes part in these events, she makes her position quite clear.

"The HUD based games seem incredibly fun. I remember doing hunts and it was always TP in, search, get, leave," said Isla. "The story grabbed me. I very rarely participate in hunts these days, but this just seems fun! There needs to be more things like this available, and supporting great

organizations like Mad Pea keeps fun going on the grid."

OWNER: Isla Gealach
MANAGER: Valena
DETAILS: Store has been in SL for 6 years, but Isla has been
creating in SL for 8 years. Offers home and garden decor items
that are both aesthetic and functional.

Not only that, but Isla finds creating to a theme enjoyable -- it helps her art. "I think it's fun to create to a theme in general, and a mystery is especially fun," she explained. "It's a way to flex design and keep things new and interesting."

2WAT seems to concur that getting to participate in the story is as much part of the decision to participate in BURIED as anything else.

"It has brought many people through the store so very successful in that respect," said 2WAT. "However, that was secondary compared to the fun we have had taking part."

Now, you might wonder, how do these lovely vendors know so much about the games? Well, they're not only vendors, but they are also players.

"[I've played] many," said Bluesean. "Played Labyrinth, Inca, and others." He also describes collaborating with MadPea as being "great" and "awesome."

"This is my third. I've also done the Blood Letters Hunt and Scrumptious Sweets," said Isla.

"I always love taking a break from 'SL Work' to go and enjoy whichever adventure MadPea is currently running," laughed 2WAT.

So, while you're solving this mystery and trying to save Lily's life, keep an eye open. You might catch a glimpse of some of those who support these games by offering their sims, prims, and creations!

The Prizes!

Here it is - the fabulous prize line up for BURIED! 

BURIED - HOW TO PLAY

Introduction:

Interactive & Immersive 

Grid-wide point & click adventure game

with prizes from top designers

FEBRUARY 1 - MARCH 31

Click here to start the Game

BURIED is a mystery game that will take the player into the world of geocaching to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a writer, Lily Morano. With twists and turns a plenty this isn’t just a hunt it’s a full on adventure with the player at the centre of attention.

Lily’s husband, Joshua Morano is offering a $500 000US reward for the first one to find his loving wife. The race is on as people are pouring in to the island of Pierus that used to be a popular camping ground. Grab yourself a boat and explore the group of islands owned by Lily and Joshua to find clues about what might have happened to Lily. Once you find enough information you will start a grid-wide search that will drive you to the edge of frustration.

                

Are you ready to start, Player?           

HOW TO START ?

Pay the vendor at the PIERUS CAMPING

or in participating store locations 

300L 

to receive your HUD.

Wear the HUD and it will attach on the 

top left corner of your screen.

About THE GAME PLAY:

When you first wear your HUD 

you will see a large tablet with icons. 

Once you collect enough clues you will get into the game.

Buttons explained here:

The HUD will ask you to allow 

permissions to TELEPORT you. 

Please accept this as it's necessary 

for the game to work as intended.

Please understand that this game is 

a point-and-click adventure. 

Clicking on items will give you clues 

to advance in the game. 

So click click click on everything

you find and think is relevant!

Make sure to pay attention in nearby 

chat for instructions and clues/hints.

Few important tips:

• The game has voiceovers: Make sure to have your sounds enabled to hear them. 
• Give locations time to rez before you start searching.
• The main island can hold only 20 people at a time. If it’s full, please wait a few minutes and try again. Also, please don’t leave yourself afk on the island to allow others a chance to come in and play.
• There are no verbal clues. All clues for advancing in the game are given visually. 

We have help available in 

MadPeas’ group chat 24/7.

GOOD LUCK, PLAYER!

by

Story & Concept

by 

Kiana Writer

Game Visuals

by

Axiomatic Clarity

Game Programmed

by

Fuzz Difference

Developed

by 

Ashur Constantine

Electronic Mode 

Harter Fall 

Hikaru Yamamoto

RAG Randt 

Skullphern

Thalia Lupindo 

with support

from

Fae Varriale 

Indigo Lucerne

paramparamm Papp

Wavie Haller

Marketing/PR

Kess Crystal

Vendor Organizers

& 

Community Support

by

Clicquot Oh

Tichelle Teebrook

VIDEO Music, Machinima 

& A/V Post Production

by

Draxtor

C-Me Voiceovers

by

Bradley Boykin 

aka Krow Ames 

Lily's

by 

Kiana Writer

Special thanks to

Alloy Mint

Ayzegul

Caer Balogh

Inga Wind

RaffiGirl Koffenbaum

Participating Vendors

with Prize donations

[abrasive]

Animated Living/Blue Balls

{ATW} Against the Wall

!bang poses

Challis Products

Cheeky Pea

Consignment

Deluxe Body Factory

Grafica Poses

*katat0nik*

Livalle

MiChIGaN's ShAcK

Never Totally Dead...

[noctis]

Noodles

Ravenghost Studios

R3VOLT

+REDRUM+ 

Sn@tch

TANTALUM

This & That Designs

<TrAsHeD>

Vero Modero

Warm Animations

ATTENTION! 

The storyline is disturbing and

might be shocking for sensitive players.

NO HUD REFUNDS. 

Please read the following rules before starting.

BURIED RULES: 

1. NO GRIEFING:

The locations that you will be visiting are participating 

only in allowing the use of the area. 

The environments do not belong to MadPea Productions. 

Do not grief their other customers, visitors, members or residents.

Do not break their posted rules. 

2. GROUP TAG RECOMMENDED 

When you are hunting, we would really appreciate it if you 

wore the MadPea Group Tag. 

3. NO LITTERING 

Unless otherwise instructed to do so, do not rez or lay any objects 

from your inventory on any of the locations you will visit in the game. 

4. TEAM PLAY 

Is allowed and even recommended. Many of our players have made

new friends or even found their partners during our games. 

5. GAME TIME

Will be set according to Second Life time, regardless of the player's locale. 

6. MALFUNCTIONS

We are aware it is Second Life which has its own issues 

that we can not control, such as location logouts, reboots, or lagging 

and crashing. We have conducted several pre-game 

walkthroughs to make sure the hunt runs smoothly where it should,

but we make no complete guarantees that there 

will be no issues during the hunt. 

Should anything happen beyond our control that disrupts or halts the hunt, 

we will announce it in group notice at the first possible opportunity, 

providing further instructions relevant to the issue. 

7. REFRAIN FROM BAD SPORTSMANSHIP

Do not harass other players, do not instigate conflicts, and if you get stuck, 

no whining and complaining in group chat. 

8. GROUP DIALOGUE IS ALLOWED 

You are allowed to communicate in group chat and help each other out. 

You are however NOT allowed to give out direct answers and slurls.

9. PRIZES

You are only eligible for the 25 final prizes when you have

successfully completed the whole game. 

10. BANNED?

MadPea is not responsible if you are or get yourself banned 

from a store/region and are not able to complete the hunt. 

Please check the list of the participating stores before beginning

to make sure this is not an issue.

For more information, please contact Tichelle Teebrook.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE

Inside the Mind of a Pea

What's always true about MadPea is that there is more than meets the eye. Instead of telling you what MadPea isn't, let's talk about what it is: It's a group of people that create immersive games, and it is also a group of people that have successfully created a community out of the players of those games.

Eventually, while taking part in any of the MadPea adventures, a player comes across somehow, somewhere, the MadPeas group. For me, it was when I was having trouble deciphering a clue, and looked around me desperately. I saw other avatars also playing the game, but who were wearing "MadPea" tags. Are they staff members? I wondered. With a little basic snooping (I have pretty good snooping skills, haha) I discovered there was an actual group, and it seemed to be for people to ask for hints and help while playing the game. After only a short time, I discovered that this group was very unique unto itself. I'd joined other "Hunt Help" groups in the past, and I have to say, the MadPea group is quite unique.

To help give you an idea, meet Sue Chardin, SuzieQX2 Oh, Rosie Simca, moi and Pawo. Each one of these individuals is in the MadPea in-world group, and are active participants in group chat - where Peas chatter about hunts, ask for hints when there's a game under way, or just generally hang out and have fun between games.

Rosie Simca

Sue, Suzie, Rosie, moi and Pawo have been members of MadPea for varying amounts of time, and they all come from different backgrounds. But the one thing they have in common, is what they feel it means to "be a Pea."

"To me it means to be loyal to the Pea. We all bow to the Pea," giggled Rosie, betraying the sense of fun most Peas seem to be equipped with. "The people you encounter have been courteous, respectful and non-judgmental. To be a Pea you must be a little Mad."

The others agreed. When asked the same question, the idea of "fun" and being a little "Mad" is at the forefront of their responses. So is a love of story and puzzles.

"To love solving puzzles but most of all, being friendly, and helpful and have a sense of community with the other members," added Sue.

" You have to be curious, have a slightly warped sense of humor," said Pawo, and with a grin, added "but warped in all the right ways!"

moi

All members also seemed to agree on the theme of community running through the group - and it's true. If a new member pops in and says hello, they are always greeted by at least one Pea who says "hello" in return. Usually from there, friendly chat ensues.

Pawo, one of the newer of the members interviewed, had this to say about the MadPea community: "Very welcoming, slightly twisted, immensely amusing and creative. Make sure to bring your sense of humor and your curiosity, and be ready to explore wondrous things with awesome people."

So, what are these MadPeas expecting out of BURIED, the newest interactive adventures put on by MadPea Productions?

Moi says that she is "looking forward to another hunt that makes me forget to check the time!"

" The same I always expect....fun! I enjoy testing myself to see if I can do it without help," said SuzieQ. "You get so involved!" she added, agreeing with moi.

What are these players basing their experiences on, you might wonder.  Sue has been playing MadPea adventures since Lost Treasure of the Incas, which she says has been her favorite so far. She thought the sim was fantastic, and the game was as immersive as it could get.

SueQX2 Oh

Newer players like Pawo and moi were more recently introduced when they discovered Green Mire, where players were sent around a swamp to figure out what happened to two boys who seemed to have disappear mysteriously.

In spite of this vast difference in experience, one thing is clear: They expect great things from MadPea's newest adventure.

" I am hoping to be totally immersed into a realm of creative storytelling and exploration," said Rosie.

Pawo seemed to agree: " I'm hoping for a great storyline, one that draws me and makes me not want to depart until I've explored all there is for me to see and discover."

Be sure to discover this community for yourself as you explore the adventure that will be BURIED. You won't be sorry, and you will most certainly be welcomed. Bring your twisted smile with you when you do!

A Freudian purr?

Sigmund is one of the common gacha items from the Nutty Trotters collection available at Oh My Gacha Winter 2015 

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Sunday Necking with Frida

Frida is one of the common gacha items from the Nutty Trotters collection available at Oh My Gacha Winter 2015 

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