Back in 2015, when we were but an infant of a studio, our participation in NaNoRenO was quite controversial internally. Many of us thought it would take focus away from our flagship - Avitus - and that it was a huge mistake. Then, we released Palinurus. What was once controversial became consequential, as it struck a chord with people like Ren'Py Tom.

Ten NaNoRenO games and almost ten years later, here we are. Avitus is progressing faster than it ever has, we have over a dozen titles launched, and we've cemented ourselves as a permanent figure in the visual novel community. We took that leap, we developed that first game, and to this day it is still a highlight in Watercress' long history. It hasn't been without difficulty.

While our strife in the early years is old, well-trodden history, our more recent struggles have been of an entirely different kind. Over the past few years, we've been solely focused on Avitus. While this is a return to form that we always had wished for, it came at a sacrifice - our NaNoRenO titles. Some, like Signs of Life, have been more tech-demo-vertical-slice than games, designed to build skills and tools to support Avitus' development. This is great! Avitus is a monolithic title in size and effort, it needs the experience and build-up! However, this year we wanted to develop something that could stand up on its own, without any consideration for Avitus. Something that speaks true to who we are, the types of games we make, and what everyone can expect from us moving forward.

About the Journey: Closing the Distance is that game. It's a small production not entirely dissimilar to Palinurus, centered wholly on two characters in a single location while telling the tale of distance and movement. You experience who they are now, who they once were, and what they may become. It's a glance at a larger world (that subtitle isn't there for aesthetics), with a tone that speaks to our style. Oh, and it's gay. Very, very gay. 'Cause we are, too.

If you loved Palinurus, I can't promise you'll love this game. Despite some fundamental similarities, it is a very different game. It may share some of the same developers, but we're a very different studio. We will always tell very personal stories, but they will be grounded more in our reality, in our lived experiences.

Thank you for playing our games, be this your first or your last. We will be here, as we always have - telling our stories. Now please, enjoy About the Journey: Closing the Distance!