After completing the explanation of the concept draft for divide, the team began operating efficiently.
Elements such as characters and related actions had been prepared years ago. Currently, the team's main focus is on developing scene levels and plot performances.
Chen Xu introduced Yang Xin and Ruan Ningxue to the characteristics of each scene in the game.
"The warehouse, the big tree in the courtyard, the corroded garden, the snow globe of my first love, the medieval castle built with Lego toys… These theme scenes are not merely backdrops in the game but also symbolize the emotional changes for the protagonists, Mei and Cody," he explained.
"The level of the cuckoo alarm clock should evoke a sharp, metallic atmosphere. All the special items in this level are time-related, suggesting that Cody and Mei can start over."
"The snow globe is a metaphor for their relationship. Once fiery and passionate, it has now frozen over like the icy scene in the snow globe. However, by the end of this level, the glacier bursts, symbolizing hope for breaking through the ice that has frozen their bond."
"The magnet level represents their evolving relationship, transitioning from repulsion to attraction as they begin to draw closer to one another."
Chen Xu meticulously detailed every scene to ensure Yang Xin and Ruan Ningxue understood the desired effects. The requirements for each scene, along with the plot's meaning, were clearly outlined.
The team didn't need to struggle with excessive revisions. Following Chen Xu's guidelines and making minor adjustments where needed were sufficient. There was no need to redo the second or third drafts repeatedly.
The art team couldn't help but feel emotional, even if it wasn't their first time experiencing this approach during Dark Souls development. Having such clear guidance made the work process satisfying.
With this kind of working environment and the competitive salaries at Neon Games, the thought of leaving never crossed their minds.
As the development of divide steadily progressed, players across forums and communities found themselves in a game drought after the New Year.
Though a few new games had been released, none seemed to match the quality of Dark Souls or the VR masterpieces from Tenghua and Net Dragon.
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"Boring! Does anyone have any new game recommendations?"
"Nope. The recent launches don't look promising!"
"No way. Even though some studios under Tenghua and Net Dragon have released new works, I don't think their quality is very good."
"Yeah, at this time last year, there was at least Overcooked, but this year, there's nothing."
"Don't even mention the Overcooked! I've been washing dishes in that game for a year!"
"By the way, it's nearly new year. Why hasn't Chen Xu made any moves?"
"Exactly! The other developers showcased previews of new games at last year's annual events, but Chen Xu hasn't revealed anything. Apart from the new mode in Dark Souls, there's been no significant updates."
"I guess he's preparing for something big. The sequel to Dark Souls might be on the way!"
"Dark Souls is too difficult for me. I want something more family-friendly, like JellyMan."
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The discussions among players in various communities mirrored these sentiments. On Chen Xu's official blog, fans flooded the comments daily, tagging him with questions about updates on Neon's upcoming projects.
Many were eagerly anticipating a sequel to Dark Souls.
Faced with the overwhelming curiosity, Chen Xu decided to provide a small update.
He posted the following message on his official blog:
"The new game is already in development! It's a cooperative game designed for couples—a game that radiates warmth and friendship. Looking forward to providing new updates on Valentine's Day!"
Chen Xu shared a picture of a clay doll and a wooden doll holding a dandelion floating in the air.
As soon as this was posted on the official blog, it exploded with replies from excited players closely following the latest updates.
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"Wow, look what's been created! A new game is coming, isn't it?"
"Couples working together? Valentine's Day vibes? Chen Xu, are you trying to ruin my newfound relationship and turn me single again?"
"Judging by the pictures, the cartoon style seems super friendly. But based on the chaos of Kitchen Mischief, this must be another trap!"
"It's Valentine's season again, huh? Time for the annual meme—fill in the blank: Chen Xu's nickname is ____?"
"Last year's Overcooked made me bubble wrap the bowls at home. Are you trying to make me bubble wrap my clothes this year?"
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The community was buzzing with excitement and teasing remarks. It was around the same time last year that Overcooked left such a deep impression on everyone.
While players joked and speculated, game media sites picked up on the hype, and discussions within the industry began spreading rapidly.
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"Have you heard? Chen Xu's new game is another two-player cooperative adventure!"
"Not a Dark Souls sequel?"
"It's probably another outrageous mini-game like last year's Overcooked."
"What do you think? Isn't it just another variation with a new theme and gameplay mode? How much more can you innovate?"
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Despite the chatter and comparisons to previous games, Chen Xu stayed focused. The buzz didn't seem to faze him. He knew that once the new game launched, players would finally understand its essence. They'd see why he earned the title: Warriors of Love.
As February 14th approached, players engaged eagerly in discussions. Valentine's Day finally arrived, and at noon, both Chen Xu and the official blog of Neon Games shared an exciting announcement.
The message was simple—a trailer.
A brief black screen appeared, and then a wooden door slowly came into view. As the door creaked open, a book with facial features appeared, bearing the words Book of Love at the top.
"This is a story about a magical country," the book began.
Stretching out its hands as if to welcome viewers, the book introduced a whimsical world. The camera pulled back, revealing an enchanting art style of lighthouses, clock towers, and dreamy cartoonish visuals.
"There are many wizards and warriors here."
The scene transitioned to a room where two dolls—one made of clay, the other of wood—wore wizard robes and wielded flaming swords. They faced off against a cartoon monster in what looked like a gladiatorial arena.
"This epic legend unfolds at sea."
A small sailboat, resembling a building block, sailed across the ocean, dodging snapping sharks and massive octopus tentacles.
"And it's a journey through time and space."
The camera followed a path of intricate gears, evoking the inside of a giant clock.
On a snowy track, a sleigh raced through the icy landscape.
Fragments of various scenes flashed by—a railway track winding through a tunnel, spiders lurking in a dense forest, and bats swarming on a shadowy platform.
In a setting constructed of copper pipes, a massive explosion erupted. The two dolls were thrown back by the shock wave.
"Hold on… look closely at these dolls. Did I forget to mention—they're actually humans?"
The camera froze on the two dolls just as a photograph appeared. It showed a man and a woman, dressed in wedding attire, smiling in front of a cake.
The photo abruptly split in two, separating them.
"Alright, alright… do you want to know what this story is about?"
"This is the story of Cody and Mei."
The camera returned to the dolls, now panicked and wide-eyed.
"Want to change back? You'll need to repair your relationship first…"
"This is a story about passion."
"It's a story about charm."
"It's a story about collaboration."
The trailer ended with a montage of fast-paced game scenes before the Nebula Games logo appeared.
The title was revealed: Divide.