All entries · October 20, 2026
The first 100 sign-ups for Villaggio
I posted about Villaggio on Threads, and that post brought in over 100 sign-ups. When you’re creating a game on your own, seeing so many people interested is a huge boost.
Those sign-ups showed me that maybe I’m not working for nothing. The idea resonated with other people, too, and that made me even more eager to keep going.
A game built by one person
I’m the one designing, programming, testing, and trying to think through every detail. The art is mostly hand-drawn, with a few AI touches to add depth and speed up the work.
I also get help from AI with the code, but I’m actively involved in the logic and decisions about how everything works. Doing this on my own is complicated. These tools help me make progress without taking away the work of building the game myself.
Five countries and about four languages
I’ve lived in five countries and speak about four languages. And I still need to study and practice all of them.
That’s the experience I’m bringing to Villaggio: a virtual village where you practice languages through conversations and everyday situations. The inspiration comes from things I’ve experienced or seen happen to people close to me, from trying to express yourself to navigating cultural differences.
But I don’t want this village to reflect only my perspective.
Ideas that are already making their way into the village
Some suggestions from people following the project are already helping shape Villaggio:
- Post office: the village now has a post office, with a mailbox outside your home.
- More languages: Luxembourgish, Lithuanian, Hebrew, and Georgian have been added at your request.
Energy (and a can for every friend)
Everyone in Villaggio now has energy. Just like in real life, it goes down over time, and when it runs out, some things stop working. But nothing a 10-minute nap in your apartment can't fix. A coffee, a meal at the restaurant or a can of Fulmen help too.
And there’s a gift for inviting people: every friend who joins through your link and confirms their email earns you a can of Fulmen, the city’s energy drink. You can find your link in My Account.
A poster for those who arrived early
I made a founder poster to thank these first players. Anyone who created an account during this early stage will receive it in the game and can hang it in their apartment or simply keep it.
It’s a painting, but to me it represents something much bigger: the support of everyone who believed in the project when it was just getting started.
The next step is to really play
Soon, I plan to open a closed beta. The game will still be in its early stages, with bugs and unfinished features. The idea is to find problems, hear your suggestions, and see how the servers handle real people playing at the same time.
I’d also love to hear your story. Have you lived in another country? Had a memorable experience while learning a language or trying to meet people? Tell me through the contact page. I want to know what you hope to see in the game.
I can’t promise to implement everything, but I’ll give your ideas careful consideration.
Thank you for being part of this beginning.
Gui