Adam Schlosser

Awful news today with Skydance Interactive having gone through a round of layoffs last week. My dear friend Scott Fine announced the news today, sharing the news and the profiles of those affected in a heartfelt post: https://lnkd.in/ex4BnyrX To those impacted please check out the following resources: 🥇First, reach out to us at People Can Fly Studio, we have many roles open right now in Canada, the UK, Ireland and Europe, please check them out here: https://lnkd.in/eWpV5PbA 🥈Next, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past months I have created 9 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines, and I would urge you to check them out, if anything just to see what would be available to you: https://lnkd.in/epvmzDW6 You can find over 6,300 jobs there. 🥉 Third, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ I urge you to check out the areas in particular about CV support and mentoring, as these will help you no matter what industry you are hailing from or are looking into going next. 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #skydanceinteractive #layoffs

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🌟 Over 20 Years of Game Award Winning Industry Leadership – Now Seeking New Opportunities! 🌟 With over two decades of crafting engaging game experiences across mobile, PC, console, and MMO platforms, I'm excited to explore new opportunities, either through my LLC, FrostFire Games, or direct hire opportunities. My career has focused on leading teams, developing live service features, and implementing ethical monetization strategies, always keeping the player at the front of our minds. 🚀 What I Bring to the Table: ♦ Live Service Design & Operations: Expertise in designing and managing live service features, including seasonal content, meta systems, and monetization strategies. ♦ Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to build and mentor high-performing design teams, fostering collaboration and driving successful outcomes. ♦ System Design & Balancing: Experience in developing and balancing complex game systems to ensure player retention and satisfaction. ♦ Monetization Strategy: Skilled in creating ethical monetization models for F2P and Premium games, aligned with player engagement goals. ♦ Cross-Platform Experience: Versatility across mobile, PC, console, AR/VR, and social games, with a keen understanding of each platform's challenges. ♦ Product Vision & Roadmap Development: Adept at crafting and aligning teams around clear product visions and roadmaps for long-term success. ♦ Pitching & Business Development: Strong track record in pitching game concepts and securing partnerships. 🎮 Key Roles: ♦ CEO / Design Director, FrostFire Games: Leading vision, design, and business models for multiple successful games. ♦ Director of Live Service, Final Strike Games: Driving live service design for unannounced AAA titles. ♦ Design Director / Lead Designer, Apex Legends Mobile: Leading design and live ops, earning multiple Game of the Year awards. ♦ Lead Product Manager / Design Manager, Wargaming: Overseeing publishing, progression, monetization, and social systems for PC and console games. ♦ Design Director / Co-Founder, Apella Games: Creating and leading the design and early access launch of an innovative action arena game. 🏆 Achievements: ♦ Successfully launching and sustaining live service games with high retention and monetization. ♦ Leading the transformation of a AAA game to a F2P model, boosting its market presence. ♦ Receiving multiple Game of the Year awards for Apex Legends Mobile on both iOS and Android platforms. ♦ Developing training programs that have advanced the careers of numerous designers. ♦ Consistently delivering game designs that resonate with players and meet market demands. I'm eager to collaborate with new partners or join a forward-thinking team to create the next big success. If you’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of the game industry, proven leadership, and a passion for innovative design, let’s connect! #GameDesign #LiveService #Monetization #Leadership #GameIndustry #Hiring

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Don't want to bum you out but I know I'm not the only one who has noticed the same layoff cycle on LinkedIn over and over. I can tell your future... 1. Studio is shut down, all the devs become active on LinkedIn maybe for the first time in years and do their looking for work posts. People reach out with connections and support emojis. 2. The outpouring of thanks to the wonderful gamedev community. Amir Satvat and other full time LinkedIn influencers are tagged. 3. Nothing comes of all the LinkedIn support. Devs post frustration posts about how hard it is to be laid off and the injustice of the game industry. Many people will later delete these posts when they start to realize studios still aren't hiring them. 4. The reality step. Months pass and prominent veterans are still unemployed, let alone those "juniors" with a mere 5 years experience. At this point, people either give up and disappear, get a job and disappear (rare), or become a chronic disillusioned LinkedIn user. This last one either requires wearing a mask or ranting about capitalism more and more. 5. The laid off devs watch this cycle repeat for a whole swath of suffering people every couple weeks/days. And that's the step I've been on for a few months. But hey I've been working hard on my family and my solo projects. Magehunter coming soon, and AAA Simulator devlogs will be in production even sooner! Make art for yourself and those you love. Don't make my mistake - look for happiness outside this Microsoft product called LinkedIn.

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Not mentioned in this post, but you could also not ask for a better manager and advocate than Emily!

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👶 Game producers = great parents… ? 🎮 Problem-Solving: Working with different partners/audiences with varying comm methods. 💬 Empathy/Sympathy: Seeing the world through other viewpoints. Interpreting signals! 🧘‍♂️ Stress Management: Resilience in the face of constant pivots & uncertainty… Are you a creating clarity or chaos when having to clean 💩? 📅 Organization: Scheduling routines and adjusting when your plan goes south. Have a mitigation? That helps! Game production = solid parenting prep! 🌟👾🍼 #parenting #chaos💩 #empathy

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Hello friends. Last month, I was looking for more work and finally secured some on Reddit from a guy who needed help with preproduction on his Tabletop RPG / Card Battler. After a meeting with him, he showed me what he had and it was quite impressive. He had a prototype of a card-battler using a tabletop RPG battle system, but he had little to no documentation or planning—he's been chiseling away at his game for a few months in his spare time after work. I suggested that before I dive into art, we flesh out the game design and the rest of the game up to around an 80% mark and let the last 20% be changes, additions, and that sort. As your game evolves, it'll come into it's own and you'll find things that need changed or added, this accounts for that. He agreed and I asked if I could work on all this since I did that with my game Alligori and lead the team from start to finish with our vertical slice, and I know tabletop RPGs very well. He agreed and we did the whole song and dance with paperwork, and he sent over a retainer and I began work the following Monday. Three weeks go by and we're working great together. I'm fleshing out his game, adding some meat to the backbone of his prototype with classes, abilities, etc. My goal was to write out as much as possible and then trim content to fit it into a 1-year development cycle. So I flesh a bulk of his game out, and then categorize it more into a game design document that clearly conveys concepts, ideas, and mechanics. Catching up, last week was the final week of my first month and payment was due. He just up and disappears like a fart in the wind, I have no idea if he's alive, incarcerated, on vacation, or what. He didn't remove me on Discord, so I don't entirely suspect malicious intent, but he gave no notice. That's the risk you run with working 1-on-1 with a client remotely, one day they can just up and disappear. I do have paperwork, so I may pursue legal action. If he doesn't log on by Friday, I'm going to publicly release all my documentation and the GDD I wrote on here.

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This is a narrow ven diagram. reposting for reach.

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I understand the challenges many face when trying to break into the games industry and find the right role. Before contacting a team member or recruiter, I recommend checking the job listings on the company's careers site to identify suitable positions. This approach not only demonstrates professionalism but also expedites the process. Simply reaching out to inquire about available roles may not be the most effective initial contact, as it can lead to a less fruitful conversation. For those interested, here is a link to all the current open roles at WB Games: https://lnkd.in/enp8Q8YN #GameIndustry #CareerOpportunities #Professionalism

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TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM join us for an improvised version of PVP Circuit and help us rebuild our local community brick by brick. I still can't believe I get to work in the video game industry. My 6-year-old would laugh, and then cry once she realized what it means to work in the creative technology sector. That's why IMO everyone could use some levity during these unprecedented times. Join us for a fun evening to raise funds for the Trevor Project. Event link >>> https://lnkd.in/g7tBuP6d Frequently Asked Questions: What if I can't attend the event? - If you can't make it, please consider purchasing a ticket to help us raise money for charity or get one on behalf of someone impacted by layoffs. What if I want to join but can't justify the cost? - If you want to join but find the cost prohibitive, DM me and we'll make it happen (see point above). Do I have to pitch at the event? - No, you don't have to pitch if you prefer to observe. It’s a great way to see how it's done. Will there be another event like this? - We plan to host our community again, but I can't specify if this event will be the focus. #gamesindustry #event #comedy <3

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Listen, I'm no prude or pearl clutcher but this is such an important topic. 1) You have team members that don't drink for a number of reasons and making booze your only form of team bonding or celebration leaves them out or forces them into uncomfortable positions. The opposite of the assumed goal. 2) Gaming as an industry in particular has rampant sexual harassment and abuse. Involvement of alcohol does not help. This isn't fear mongering - I know of, have seen, or experienced several incidents. 3) You don't have to go totally dry 100% of the time to be safe and inclusive, but you do need to factor in safety measures. It wouldn't hurt to stop making booze the primary activity as well. If you need a selfish reason, the liability alone isn't worth it.

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I am very sorry to learn of two additional cuts that happened in games this week: Lively Studio had a "small number of layoffs" while Armor Games Studios laid off its publishing team. Both claims were widely reported across major games press. If your job has been impacted by these closures, please utilize the support available through our three platforms. Specifically, I suggest exploring the Games Org Support Posts in Home 1. These resources have a proven track record of effectiveness, backed by extensive data. There are no simple answers, but our community's primary aim is to ease the burden for as many individuals as possible. Our data shows that for all candidates, your chances of securing a role in the gaming industry double (from 6% to 12%) over 12 months if you consistently use all our resources compared to not using them. I'm truly sorry about this news, and as always, I will do my best to take action rather than just expressing concern. Home 1 - 🔗 AMIRSATVAT.COM: This is our main hub offering 18 resources to help you find employment, with a fully updated design. - 🔗 Games Org Support Posts: You can find a template at AMIRSATVAT.COM (Category 4, Resource 10). If you can provide information from your team (with their consent), I'll assist in editing and disseminating the final post to reach over 400,000 unique viewers per month. These posts significantly boost visibility, and we've completed 102 of them. Home 2 - 🔗 Discord: Join us at discord.gg/amirsatvat, our live extension of community resources. With over 4,900 members, we are currently in an open-join phase. Home 3 - 🔗 LinkedIn: Our community here comprises over 93,000 members, with 1-3 daily posts offering support and career assistance in the gaming industry. How the Broader Community Can Help: - Spread the Word: Reshares and comments on this post help increase the visibility of these resources. - Offer Support: Utilize the 16 methods listed on AMIRSATVAT.COM under "How You Can Help" to assist, or simply lend an ear or advice on our Discord server. - Join Our Movement: Volunteer with us at AMIRSATVAT.COM to support our colleagues in the gaming industry. Our network has facilitated over 2,400 jobs and 45,000 coaching conversations to date, making the largest impact of any games organization globally, and has been visited by millions of gamers lifetime. - Over 20% of all gaming jobs found pass through our community at some point, more than anywhere else globally, so please maximize your chances - that's what we are here for.

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MineCraft Projects I've done in the last 10 yrs.

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Develop isn't over for most people. But sadly it is for me. Gabriele Sanfilippo and I attended on Tuesday and Wednesday morning to chat shop with people interested in hearing about life at Spliced Inc. and Anchor Point Studios. Develop never disappoints. And as always>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Familiar Faces ✅ Worthwhile conversations ✅ Effervescent energy at the hotel bar ✅ More beards than the year before, and the year before that ✅ People sporting a different hat every day of the event? ✅ Several meaningful introductions made that we'll keep in touch with? ✅ But more than all this - whilst a lot of studios and publishers will measure ROI by looking at the cost of attending the event and seeing the data off the back of it (as important as this is) - let's not undervalue>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The energy we take from it, and bring back with us 🔋 The connections we make that remind us of the industry we love so much 🤝 The subsequent uplift in focus, happiness and positive attitude it brings to all of us 🌞 What a great reminder of the best industry on the planet! 🌍

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Friends, In an effort to adapt and grow with our ever-changing community, I have realized that we can do better in supporting those struggling to find their place in games. Together with Hailey Rojas and Desirée R., we have refined what is to become our brand new, 16th resource on AmirSatvat.com: Hailey Rojas' #opentonetwork, her amazing passion project. This is different from our community coaching. It is meant to be our lightest touch and easiest access peer-to-peer connection point within the community. There is no expectation of a coaching conversation, but simply that you want to connect with someone and get to know them better on whatever terms you want. As a student herself, Hailey has experienced firsthand how intimidating building connections can be when starting out. This has been a passion project for Hailey, and she has already enrolled hundreds of people. Therefore, if you are currently #OpenToNetwork, I encourage you to join the nearly 400 individuals who are actively looking to strengthen their networks. This will go on AmirSatvat.com under Category 6: Community Voice. https://lnkd.in/dynRXCV9 This is not community coaching. For those formalized programs, please enjoy the four resources under category 2 at amirsatvat.com: https://lnkd.in/dQVT4U4y These resources are not mutually exclusive and I encourage you to explore both #opentonetwork and our community coaching. If you want to sign up, you can do that here: https://lnkd.in/e4X92puw To view the list of people #opentonetwork, please go here: https://lnkd.in/e9AvBNJx In a world where the power of connections is more potent than ever, it is never too late to introduce yourself and share who you are, without fear of being judged. Once again, I would like to thank our community for their constant support as we continue to improve the quality of resources offered. Finally, I would like to offer a huge thanks again, and again, and again, and again to Desirée R., Amir Satvat's Games Community's Head of Design and my dear friend, for another masterpiece - god I love this one and isn't she just crazy talented? Hire this amazing human being please - you can ping her directly on LinkedIn! All the best, Amir

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Tip for publishing consideration submission to Midwest Games... tldr - Send info through our portal (https://lnkd.in/gWtKgpuU), not through email (or LI). I get that it's a little counter-intuitive...you might think you want to put your info right in front of the sourcing decision influencers' faces. But it's actually a disadvantage - especially those of you who are agents throwing multiple titles at us at once. The submission portal goes right to our database, and that database is there for a reason: to keep an organized and consistent record of all submissions in one place. I look through there all the time. I'm reminded of titles I may have overlooked or need to go back to consider as circumstances change all the time. We rarely, if ever, make immediate decisions or even quick deep review/consideration. Our factors for consideration shift regularly. I do not review your particular email regularly, or at some point even remember you sent one. I go to the database. Connection via other channels is good. Discussion about your game over other channels is good. But having your core game info in those channels is not good. Please use the submission portal!

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Horrible news today about layoffs at Traega Entertainment, with 19 employees being laid off. Game Director Tony Mann shared their details here, if you are in the market for some amazing talent: https://lnkd.in/eJDgas_5 To those affected, please find a comprehensive list of resources, below: 🥇First, Discipline Games Jobs Resources: Over the past weeks I have created 8 (at time of writing) Games Jobs Resources to find jobs in a wide range of disciplines: 🎨 Art, Animation, VFX and UI: This resource contains around 1,200 jobs worldwide across all links. Link: https://lnkd.in/eu2bjadW ⚙ Engineering and Programming This resource lists just over 1,800 jobs worldwide across all links. It also talks about interview tips and questions to practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/eYdxANFM 🕹 Quality Assurance: This resource lists over 450 QA jobs worldwide. This post also talks about the craft of QA and contains tips and interview practice. Link: https://lnkd.in/dwwVjZuc 📑 Game Production: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also contains info about game production as a whole and GDC talks. Link: https://lnkd.in/gxDvFM-Z 📢 Marketing & Community: This resource lists around 400 jobs worldwide. It also gives an intro into game marketing and community management. Link: https://lnkd.in/e5MuViug 🎶 Audio and Sound Design: This resource lists around 190 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/eSkPSsWf 📠 Studio Support, HR, Recruitment and BizDev: This resource lists around 290 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/ePG57_7v ⚙ IT, Helpdesk and DevOps: This resource lists around 140 jobs worldwide. Link: https://lnkd.in/e8ZsuiZh 🥈 Second, the Ultimate list of Video Games Career Resources: This should be your one-stop shop for all information. My dear friend Amir Satvat maintains these documents, he is a legend for doing this - please check them out: https://amirsatvat.com/ 🥉 Third, If you have worked in publishing, please message me. I am looking for quite a few roles right now! ⬅ 🎖 Finally, do not give up. Ever. No matter how dark things may look right now, I KNOW you will get through this, you have got this! 👊 Remember you are not alone. If you need help, advice, or even an ear to listen, we're here for you. Always! ➡ A request to my community, please can I ask you to repost this post to your colleagues and friends, so that we can get as many into jobs as possible! And please comment if you or your studio are currently hiring - let's help each other! Much love ❤️ #layoffs #gamesindustry #jobsingames #traega

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‘They Say Wisdom Comes To Those Who Wait (Nik Vocals)’ is on #SoundCloud https://lnkd.in/gcbMxw4E     They Say Wisdom Comes To Those Who Wait Vocals, Lyrics, Arrangement, and Production: Nik Bear Brown [Verse] They say wisdom comes to those who wait, But my heart beats fast, can't hesitate. Should I slow down or let it be known? This feeling's too strong to leave alone. But the clock keeps ticking, moments slip away, I can’t keep holding back, not another day. The future's uncertain, but so is the past, And with you, I know, I’m ready to make it last. [Chorus] Only fools rush in, that's what they say, But I'm ready to risk it all today. Take my hand, let's begin, Can't deny this love we're falling in. [Verse] Wondering if staying is the right move, But breaking rules might help us improve. If loving you is wrong, I don't wanna be right, Got me thinking 'bout you day and night. The fire in your eyes, it draws me near, And every doubt I had just disappears. I'll follow this path, no matter how steep, 'Cause in your arms, it's a leap I’m ready to keep. [Chorus] Only fools rush in, that's what they say, But I'm ready to risk it all today. Take my hand, let's begin, Can't deny this love we're falling in. [Verse] Like a river flows straight to the sea, My heart finds its way naturally. Baby, understand, this was meant to be, Two souls connected, you and me. We’re writing our story, page by page, A love so strong, no fear can cage. Through every high and every low, With you, forever, I’ll gladly go. [Chorus] Only fools rush in, that's what they say, But I'm ready to risk it all today. Take my hand, let's begin, Can't deny this love we're falling in. [Verse] Take all of me, I'm giving it all, With you beside me, I'm ready to fall. In this journey of love, let's make it true, 'Cause I can't help falling for you. And if the world crumbles, we’ll stand tall, With you, my love, I’ve got it all. Our hearts beat loud, like a drum so clear, No distance too far, no doubt, no fear. [Chorus] Only fools rush in, that's what they say, But I'm ready to risk it all today. Take my hand, let's begin, Can't deny this love we're falling in. [Outro] So here we are, where love begins, No more holding back, no second winds. With every step, we rise, not fall, For this love, I’d risk it all. #OnlyFoolsRushIn, #NikBearBrown, #LoveSong, #RomanticBallad, #HeartfeltLyrics, #RiskItAll, #LoveAndPassion, #FallingInLove, #TakeMyHand, #EmotionalJourney, #VocalsAndLyrics, #LoveUnchained, #RomanticMusic, #SoulfulBallad, #TimelessLove, #TrueLove, #MusicProduction, #LoveStory, #RelationshipAnthem, #DeepConnection, #LoveAndCourage, #LeapOfFaith, #HeartsCollide, #RomanceInMusic, #EmotionalLove, #HeartOnFire, #StrongLove, #LoveWithoutFear, #RomanticVibes, #ForeverInLove, #StoryOfUs

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This week is the one-year anniversary of my layoff. Despite submitting numerous applications and several interviews, I remain unemployed. But instead of dwelling on my misfortune, which I can and have done in private, I think it would be healthier for me to focus on and list what I can be fortunate for during this challenging time in my career. 1. To be with my (parent's) cats: One of them is pictured below; her name is Ayla. 2. To have a stable home to live in: Moving back in with my folks is not ideal, but I am thankful to have shelter and not be homeless. Also, paying rent and finding a job would not be ideal. 3. To have a supportive community: Ever since moving back to Orange County, I have been fortunate enough to find a community of game developers to relate to and talk to through the OC IGDA, Beer Wednesday, and a few online communities. 4. To have supportive friends: They have been critical to maintaining my spirit and helping me to keep going. I honestly think I would have given up months ago if I didn't have them to talk to and look up to. 5. To have a project to work on: Specifically, a project that I can work on production on. Working on Waxheart has been essential in not only maintaining but also expanding and augmenting my production skills. 6. To have access to public resources: I don't utilize resources as often as I should, but the few times that I have, they have gotten a lot out of them. 7. To have resolved major blocks regarding interviews: If you have ever talked to me, you know I am pretty transparent about being bad at interviews. However, I was much worse a year ago, leading me to do terribly in interviews for roles I would have been a great fit for. But now, my interviewing has improved greatly thanks to a few tricks. I believe I still have some work to do, but I'm much better than I was last year. And that's all I can think of for now. As usual, I am available and open to work. If you have any production needs and think I would be an ideal fit, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

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Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on a game design document for a new DLC chapter for Elder Scrolls Online called Conquest. I wasn’t asked to do this—honestly, I doubt anyone at ZeniMax Online Studios even knows I exist, haha. But I’m passionate about the game, having played since beta, and with my background in game development, albeit as a lead 3D artist, I felt inspired to create something that could enhance the player's experience in an impactful and meaningful way. ESO’s PvP system is incredible—some of the most engaging combat since Funcom's Age of Conan—but two major issues stand out: Lack of PvP zones and options: Outside of Cyrodiil, Imperial City, and Battlegrounds, there’s a shortage of varied PvP content. The potential for expanding the system feels huge but underutilized. Conquest introduces a new (optional) PvP zone (In Hammerfell) where players can flag themselves for world PvP (on and off switch while in town), inspired by Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo 2s' hostile mechanic. It’s an optional experience that brings new incentives for both solo players and guilds to participate in PvP. This isn't meant to be a quick fix, but rather a revitalization of the existing systems, giving guilds more reason to engage together, and providing meaningful rewards for PvP participation. One of the core focuses of the design of this DLC chapter is to incentivize group play—especially within guilds. Guilds often have limited in-game reasons to interact beyond chat and trading, and running a trial (raid). My design offers new systems and incentives for guilds to run content together, utilizing existing mechanics like the Housing system to create features such as Guild Halls that further encourage community-driven gameplay. I know ZeniMax’s team is full of incredible talent with no shortage of amazing ideas. Conquest is simply a labor of love, aimed at addressing some of the game’s current issues, and introducing new, exciting content. I now release the document with the hope that they see value in it. Please be kind, I haven't shared my work with anyone before. Thank you for your time! https://lnkd.in/e3gfr2g9

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