Demo v1.0 Release

The manor has changed.

After weeks of testing and long nights in the dark, the RavenWoods demo has reached v1.0 — the first true public release.
This build tightens the core experience, adds new layers of tension, and introduces mechanics that finally bring the old-school survival horror feeling full circle.

Here’s what’s new inside the walls:

🎞️ Tape Save System

Saving now requires cassette tapes, used at tape recorders scattered through the manor.
Just like the classics, saving becomes a choice — something you think about rather than spam.
It makes every quiet room feel a little safer… and every mistake hit harder.

🔑 Improved Key Item Interaction

Keys and unique tools can now be used directly from your inventory when you’re standing in front of the correct object.
Open inventory → use the key → the door unlocks.
It’s optional, though — the classic “walk up and interact” still works.
Two ways to survive, depending on how panicked you are.

📜 Hidden Lore Everywhere

The manor has always had stories; now it lets a few slip through.
You can find small lore fragments by interacting with ordinary objects — furniture, boxes, shelves, old toys.
No prompts, no highlights, no hand-holding.
If something feels off, press E and see what memories are stuck to it.

This system adds a quieter layer of worldbuilding, for players who like to poke at the walls until they bleed.

🐛 Fixes & polish

A handful of bug fixes and improvements:

• smoother interactions

• cleaner collision

• improved item handling

• general polish across the manor

Nothing huge, but enough to make the whole demo breathe better.

🕯️ What’s next

This update marks the end of the “beta era.”
From here, the demo is officially out in the wild and I’ll keep expanding, tuning, and shaping RavenWoods based on your feedback.
Working towards a full release in late 2026. 

Thanks to everyone who explored the darkness with me so far.
The manor has more rooms left to open.

— Mike Free