Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts

What is Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts about? 

Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts is a creative and cozy, single-player simulation game set in a universe of medieval manuscripts. You step into the role of a master scribe managing your very own scriptorium - a workshop dedicated to the art of manuscript creation. Not only will you design and illustrate your own medieval manuscripts and write your own stories, but you'll also engage in fulfilling commissions from a colorful cast of characters, each with their own stories and quirks, and earn money to upgrade and personalize your scriptorium workspace.

When will Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts be available?

We have not announced our release date yet, but we will share updates as development progresses! Follow us on social media:

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Or join our Discord to stay up to date with the latest news!

Will it be possible to get involved in the production of Scriptorium e.g. with public beta testing?

Yes! Our plan is to do playtesting before the full release, and we would like to involve our community by testing various builds during these sessions. As of right now you can sign-up to take part in our first playtest here, this means that when we are ready to start playtesting you'll be notified. When we have the playtest dates confirmed, we will announce these across our social channels and Discord.

Is Scriptorium a sequel to Inkulinati?

No, Scriptorium is a completely different experience, although itʼs set in the same universe of medieval manuscripts, sharing art direction and some assets with Inkulinati. We wanted to bring the art of medieval manuscripts to a wider audience, so now we are making a game with no barrier to entry, so that everyone, including non-gamers, can feel the joy of decorating medieval parchments with beautiful (or bizarre) illustrations. While Inkulinati was all about strategy and its gameplay was competitive in nature, Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts is a creative, relaxing game designed for those who focus on artistic expression. You will be able to create your own medieval manuscripts, illustrate them with various marginalia pieces, and share them with your friends on your favorite social media channels.

So, is Scriptorium just a graphical manuscript editor?

While the composition mode (i.e. “manuscript editor”) is a core part of the game - and likely where youʼll spend most of your time - Scriptorium has much more to offer. After creating your own character, youʼll focus on managing your own scriptorium, taking on commissions from clients, uncovering their often quirky stories, building relationships with them, and customizing your workspace to make it truly yours! We want the game to reward your creativity in manuscript-making while giving you a sense of progress with every completed commission - all set in a relaxing, cozy atmosphere.

Can I request manuscript imagery to be added to the game?

We would love to hear your suggestions for manuscript imagery that could be included in the game! The best way to share your ideas is through our Discord community, where we have a dedicated channel for such requests. If you prefer email, you can also send your ideas to marginalia [at] yazagames.com, and weʼll make sure to review them. To help us evaluate your request, please include the source of the manuscript imagery whenever possible. We kindly ask that the suggested imagery comes from European sources, preferably created or first published between the 11th and 14th centuries.

What platforms will the game be available on? Will there be a console version or non-Steam stores for PC/Mac?

Weʼre focusing on PC via Steam first; we are not ruling out other systems like MacOS, Linux or other storefronts for the future. Although we cannot commit to this currently. If anything changes, whether it's in terms of hardware platforms or stores, we will let you know!

Will there be a “sandbox” mode so I can just focus on manuscript creation?

Yes! Aside from the main game mode, where you will fulfill customersʼ orders for manuscripts, there will be a pure sandbox mode for those who want a more relaxing and creative experience without the need to interact with any in-game characters - just sit down and create! Weʼre still working on the exact details of how this mode will look.

Will you be able to export your creations to share with friends?

Of course! There will be an export feature allowing you to save and share your manuscript creations in an easy-to-share image format.

Will there be a multiplayer mode?

There are no plans for multiplayer at this time, as Scriptorium is designed as a single-player experience. However, Steam allows you to use the Steam Remote Play feature, so it will be possible to use that service to work together on a manuscript with a friend. Please note that Steam Remote Play is provided by Valve; as developers we cannot guarantee that the experience will be perfect.

Will I be able to create my own character?

You will be able to choose from a predefined selection of scribes, select your name, and add a bit of individuality. So in short - you will be able to create your character and customize it but currently our focus is on letting you deeply customize your workshop rather than making a very advanced character creator

What is your main inspiration for the game?

Gameplay-wise, we were inspired by games like Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, Sticky Business, Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator and other cozy and creative games. Visually, this game is obviously a continuation of the Inkulinati art style. And one of the first inspirations for Inkulinati is a medieval manuscript known as Bréviaire de Renaud de Bar from France around the 12th century. On one of the pages you can see dogs besieging the castle defended by armed rabbits.

How much will Scriptorium cost?

Weʼre still determining the price but we want the game to be available at a reasonable affordable price keeping global market conditions in mind. The more players - the merrier!

Which languages will Scriptorium support?

No decision has been made yet but similarly to Inkulinati we would like to allow you to interact with the game in your native language! More details on the exact set of supported languages will be available closer to release date.

Inkulinati

What game modes does Inkulinati have?

A single player campaign, hot seat mode, local multiplayer, and single player challenges.

When do you plan to release Inkulinati?

Inkulinati was released on 22/02/2024 and is available on Steam, GOG, Microsoft Store, XBOX One and XBOX Series S / X consoles, and Playstation 4 and 5. You can also play Inkulinati on Nintendo Switch.

Which languages does Inkulinati support?

Inkulinati is available in English, Polish, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Spanish (Latin America), French, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified). The generated text is available in English and Polish.

How much does Inkulinati cost?

Inkulinati is priced at $24.99. However, the price may vary based on your location and ongoing promotions on platforms like Steam, GOG, or the Microsoft Store. We frequently offer discounts, often up to 70%, so be sure to keep an eye out. Adding the game to your wishlist will ensure you receive updates about the latest discounts directly in your inbox.

Platforms?

Inkulinati is available now on Xbox (One, Series X | S), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam (PC, Mac, Linux), GOG (PC, Mac, Linux), and Nintendo Switch. Inkulinati will be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

What is your main inspiration for the game?

One of the first inspirations for Inkulinati is a medieval manuscript known as Bréviaire de Renaud de Bar, from around 12th century France. On one of the pages you can see dogs besieging the castle, defended by armed rabbits.

What does the name Inkulinati mean?

It’s a combination of the words Ink and Illuminati. A secret society that dedicated their lives to the power of a magical substance called “The Living Ink”. Are they real? Of course they are. You can find out more about them in this video here.

Humour of the game seems childish and silly. Are you serious, people??

To us, one of the most important things with Inkulinati is historical accuracy. Our main inspirations are real medieval manuscripts marginalia, mainly from Europe.

Our conceptual artists from 700 years ago created the appearance of our units, their activities and the overall mood of the game. And believe it or not - all of the fart and bum showing jokes, they are all taken from medieval manuscripts as well!! Yep, you can blame our ancestors for these jokes. P.S. You should look for Bonnacon images on Google... and penis tree.

Do you know what your title sounds like in Italian?

We know.

Will murderous snails be in the game?

They are already in the game! And they are both murderous and friendly.

Does the game have controller support?

Yes it does.

Is there online multiplayer in this game, or just local?

Inkulinati features local multiplayer through a "hotseat" mode, where players take turns on the same device. While there is no native online multiplayer, the game supports Steam Remote Play, which allows you to play with friends online as if they were sitting next to you. With Steam Remote Play, you can invite friends to join your local multiplayer session remotely, making it easy to enjoy the game together even if you're not in the same location.

I love your soundtrack! Will it be available on Spotify/Apple Music/Tidal etc.?

Inkulinati Original Soundtrack is available on several platforms. You can stream it on Spotify and Apple Music, and it's also available for purchase on Steam as DLC. Additionally, you can buy the digital album directly from our official website. As for other platforms like Tidal, we will share updates if it becomes available there in the future.