Devlog #0: Hello, Lowlanders

Hi, I’m Sepehr. I live in Amsterdam, and for a while now I’ve been building it.

The idea

Living here feels different from anywhere I’ve lived before. You do almost everything on a bike, the canals look new each season, and the rent somehow always arrives before your salary does.

I wanted a game that gives you that feeling, so you can find out what it’s like to live here without packing a suitcase. Lowlanders is a full life simulator set in Amsterdam, at full scale. The landmarks are there, and you can explore the whole area at your own pace.

What you’ll do

You get a small place to live and a bike that has seen better days. You take jobs around the city to keep a roof over your head. Somewhere along the way you find your favourite spots. The city has its rules, too. Run a red light on your bike and you’ll get fined, just like in real life.

If you live in Amsterdam, you should recognise your own street. If you’ve only visited, or only dreamed of it, this is your chance to stay a while.

Where it stands

This is an early look, and a lot is still rough. Some corners already feel right and others are still taking shape. I’d rather show you the real progress than a few polished frames.

What’s next

This devlog will follow the build: short clips as new parts of the city come to life, the occasional behind-the-scenes story, and now and then a longer video on YouTube.

If you want to come along, leave your email on the front page and I’ll let you know when there’s something new to see.

See you on the canals.

Sepehr