This is the hardest blog post I've had to write in a while, as I'm admitting things that I wouldn't believe I would say when I first started this project over five years ago.
Due to a number of factors in production, I have to put Antidote to bed. The only way to fully complete the project would be to start from scratch and re-shoot the entire project. After long consideration, I feel it's best for me to start on a different story. A postmortem will come at some point in the near future and I will include on this site, but right now there are a few questions that need to be answered:
Can I play what you have now? Where can I download it?
As it stands, I have no problem with distributing Antidote on-line. But the problems are along the lines of distribution channels. The installer is about 250MB for each platform, so ~500MB to store the files. That's compressed installer files. Then add bandwidth. If anyone is willing to host this either as straight download or hold a bittorent tracker, contact me. Otherwise, I can only pass it out on CD as streaming video is not an option.
I worked cast/crew on the project. Where's my copy you promised?
I still plan to hold true to my promise to my cast/crew and give one copy to each person. In the next few weeks I'll be preparing the final CDs for the game and will start contacting the crew. However, it would be great if you contacted me with your mailing address.
I didn't work on Antidote, but I'm interested in playing it.
Because of costs to create, package, and mail CDs, I can only give copies to interested clients and professionals in the game industry. If you fall into these categories, please feel free to contact me.
Why did it take you over a year to declare this done?
I'll leave this for the postmortem, but for right now I'll say it was the slow realization that the project's assets were damaged beyond repair. I still try to fashion ways to recover, but ultimately I can't fix the problems.
Did you win an EVVY in 2005?
No. Antidote was unique in the category; It was the only loser out of the three nominated titles.
I close this post with a quote. It's from the text that inspired me to work in interactive narrative and is the most fitting statement right now:
... the ending has not yet been written.
