The RETRORONTO Report #10
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Monday, August 4, 2025
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☀️
Sunny 23C
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📅 Monday, August 4, 2025 | ☀️ Sunny 23C |
Wishlists:
📈 +17
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Itch.io Views:
👁️ +87
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Followers:
🙌 +11
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Wishlists: 📈 +17 | Itch.io Views: 👁️ +87 | Followers: 🙌 +11 |
This is The RETRORONTO Report, your go-to source for all the latest happenings and updates in the evolving city of Retroronto!
Getting on Retroronto’s Level at GOML
Earlier this month, Retroronto was featured as part of a 10-game showcase at Get On My Level (GOML), one of Canada’s premier esports events. Known for attracting top competitive players from across the country and beyond, GOML has established itself as a major fixture in the North American fighting game community.
Held over three days, the event gave thousands of attendees the chance to experience not only competitive staples like Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter, but also a curated lineup of Canadian indie games. For Retroronto, the event provided a unique opportunity to connect with a different type of audience.
Unlike previous showcases during Toronto Games Week, events largely attended by game developers and industry professionals, GOML’s crowd was made up almost entirely of dedicated players and competitive gamers. Despite the event’s focus on fighting games, the Retroronto booth maintained steady engagement throughout the weekend, with players offering valuable feedback and discovering bugs that had previously gone unnoticed, even at larger expos such as the Toronto Game Expo earlier this year.
Retroronto’s booth at GOML
Following GOML, the development team shifted back into full production mode, addressing bugs, incorporating player feedback, and continuing work on new features and content. The event highlighted the importance of tailoring showcases to the demographics of each venue and audience, with GOML serving as a reminder of the value of hands-on playtesting from a wide spectrum of players.
The next public appearance for Retroronto will be at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Gaming Garage on August 16–17. The CNE, one of the country’s largest and longest-running summer fairs, draws a more casual crowd of families, tourists, and local Torontonians, offering another distinct testing ground for the game. Visitors will have a chance to experience new content and improvements made since the game’s earlier outings during Toronto Games Week and GOML.
As Retroronto continues to evolve, its presence at a range of events throughout the city is helping shape the project into a game that reflects and resonates with the many people who call Toronto home.
-Adam Roth, Lead Journalist
Retroronto will showcase at CNE’s Gaming Garage on August 16 - August 17. Come on by!
Hark! More Parks
Retroronto’s latest update introduces six new parks based on real Toronto locations, expanding the city’s social spaces and adding new layers of atmosphere and interaction. Four of the parks feature animal-themed landmarks, including fountains, statues, and an off-leash dog park where the dogs randomize their appearance each visit. Players can now pet these dogs to regain a small amount of energy.
Wildlife like pigeons, squirrels, and raccoons also roam the parks, each programmed to avoid players who get too close. The inclusion of raccoons nods to their iconic status in Toronto and sets the stage for a larger role in future updates.
One park, based on Clarence Square, features a homeless encampment. Here, players struggling with rent or hotel costs can sleep in a tent, reflecting the game’s effort to incorporate real social issues into its worldbuilding.
The new parks also serve as gathering spots for NPCs with situational dialogue, offering more chances to explore the city’s diverse personalities.
-Helen Fuller, Reporter
Brand-Spanking New Banks
The banks in Retroronto have received a long-overdue systems upgrade, offering players more flexibility when managing their in-game finances. Previously limited to $20 deposits and withdrawals through direct teller interaction, players can now access a streamlined banking menu featuring new visuals and options to deposit or withdraw set amounts of $1, $10, $100, or $1000.
To match this expanded functionality, the player's maximum carriable cash has also been raised from $999 to $9999, offering more room to plan purchases or save up for bigger expenses.
This marks the first step in introducing dedicated menus for key game systems, offering an experience that complements Retroronto’s dialogue-driven interactions with more direct, utility-focused options. Similar upgrades are expected for shops and other systems in future updates.
Ralph Hanson, Writer
Where citizens say what’s on their mind, and we print it anyway.
No Swimming Signs, No Problem?
By Kieran S., 38
You can technically swim in Lake Ontario, but most locals treat it like a rumor, and a risky one at that. The water might sparkle, but you'd be braver than most to dive in.
The City’s Loudest Living Room
By Elisa A., 25
If you like flashing lights, loudspeakers, and being handed five flyers at once, Dundas Square is the place to be.
Just don’t try to meet someone there, you’ll lose them in the crowd before you say hi.
Talk about Taxi Trouble
By Devon N., 53
Some cabbies here treat the meter like a suggestion, best know your route and your rights. Taking the scenic route might cost you extra, whether you asked for it or not.
Classifieds
FOR SALE: VINTAGE TTC SEAT
Still smells faintly of hot brakes and wet mittens. No questions. $75 OBO. Roncesvalles pickup only.
Seatbelt buckle still attached, though it’s unclear what it ever connected to.
WANTED
Someone to teach my uncle how to “use email” without yelling. Will pay in lasagna and patience. Downtown evenings. Must be able to explain attachments more than once.
ROOMMATE NEEDED
Cozy 1-bedroom technically above a restaurant, functionally behind their walk-in freezer. Loud, cold, smells amazing. $400/mo + utilities. References = chill. Ideal for night owls or anyone with a fondness for ambient clanking.
FREE BELL
Old streetcar bell. Loud as hell. Ex removed it from the 506 as a “prank.” Please take it. It won’t stop ringing after midnight. Currently stored in the bathtub for acoustic reasons.
Obituaries
DENISE “DENNY” BARKER (1966–2025)
Beloved crossing guard and local fixture Denise “Denny” Barker, 59, passed away unexpectedly this weekend while on her regular morning walk through Riverdale. Rain or shine, Denny stood at her post for over 20 years, helping generations of schoolchildren cross safely with a whistle, a wave, and often a pocketful of mints.
Residents remember her reflective vest decorated with enamel pins, her knack for remembering names, and her signature line “You’re safe now” as she ushered people across the street. The city will hold a small public tribute this Friday at 8 a.m.
She is survived by her sister Loretta, her cat Milo, and the dozens of kids who still looked both ways just because she told them to.
DORIS MCKINNON (1949–2025)
A longtime fixture of Kensington Market, Doris passed peacefully in her greenhouse, surrounded by succulents, ferns, and half-drunk cups of tea. Known for scolding anyone who dared overwater a spider plant, she spent decades teaching city kids how to propagate pothos and talk to tomatoes.
Her memorial will be held at her favourite community garden, with compostable name tags and bottomless nettle tea.
Events
SUMMER SPLASH FESTIVAL
Head to Sunnyside Beach this weekend for the annual Summer Splash Festival! Expect live music, food trucks, and water games for all ages. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a towel, the lake’s warm enough for a quick swim, but beware of lifeguard patrols. It’s a perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy some summer fun with family and friends.
PAWS IN THE PARK ADOPTION FAIR
Looking for a furry friend? The Paws in the Park Adoption Fair returns to Trinity Bellwoods Park with dozens of dogs and cats ready for new homes. Meet local rescue groups, enjoy pet-friendly vendors, and maybe find your perfect companion just in time for the summer. Volunteers will be on hand to help match pets with the right owners and offer advice on pet care.
NIGHT MARKET AT QUEEN’S QUAY
Experience local artisans, street eats, and live performances at the Night Market every Friday through August. Stroll along the waterfront while sampling everything from gourmet ice cream to handcrafted jewelry. A great way to end your week with a summer breeze and some city vibes. The lively atmosphere makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
Changelog
Changes/Fixes:
- Fixed a bug where the player can navigate the player customization if the phone was active
- Fixed a bug where pressing Resume in the phone menu could trigger other interactions if available
- Fixed a bug where pressing back on certain menus would have you consume an item if available
- Fixed bug where player couldnt put items on counters that previously had items, but removed when minigame ends
- Fixed visual highlight bug with all HoldFill Stations in minigames
- Fixed PlayerFeedback telling playing's hands are full when putting items onto a counter
- Fixed bug where player could fill station meter while holding an item
- Moved Tourist NPC from Front Street to Town Hall area to encourage players more towards the Demo Task at start of play
- Refactored all stations, they work a bit better now with highlighting and arrows showing more appropriately
- Moved the NPC Manager again so players dont accidently talk to and exit minigame
- Trash Cans and Toilets now work within homes when rented, and saves their fill scores when re-entering them.
- Fixed a bug where players could submit correct items that weren't ordered yet, showing correct on the order when appearing
- Fixed a bug where switching between Landmark and Demo tasks would change and break objective UI and potentially end Landmark task prematurely.
- Updated world map so streets dont use white lines, changed some buildings to better represent places, along with their lighting at night. Made the Royal York sign red at night.
- Changed dog turds to be less golden looking, and to have a smelly particle effect
- Removed fill meters from fridges in Home Interiors
- Fixed a bug where players could throw out items before buying them, trapping themselves unless they buy another item.
- Fixed a bug where players could book a room multiple times, concierge now has alternative dialogue when room's already booked.
- Changed icons in beggars in overworld to a coin icon instead of a dollar sign
- Icons in map now highlight when it's dark outside
- Fixed a bug where the map would break when interacting with landmarks
- Fixed a bug where landmark icons wouldn't enlarge on the map when available
- Fixed sorting order issues and colliders in Clinic, Store, and Park locations
- Fixed a bug where interiors would adjust animations for NPCs in the overworld when entered
- Adjusted reveal shader so buildings are shown at 50% when moving under them
- Fixed a visual bug where customers leaving food places during minigame no longer walk outside bounds before despawning.
Additions:
- Map can now cycle through different types of places on map instead of a static legend
- New Bank Menu allowing the player to deposit/withdraw $1, $10, $100, and $1000 dollars between their cash and bank balance.
- Phone Menu will now present Dialogue for the Exit and Discord options, warning the player about what they do (Quitting/Open Link)
- Player Feedback now appears when everything opens at 8am
- Place icons no longer disappear at closing, instead darkening and stopping their animation
- Parks are now available at night, and have lighting if a streetlight exists.
- Added another number to the money UI, so players can hold, deposit, and withdraw thousands of dollars
- Added UI for when the player unlocks a new job to apply for
- Added Dog NPC Generation, where dogs will now generate a different body, head, ears, and tail, as well as different fur and collar colours
- Added 6 new park locations: Berczy Park, Cow Park, College Park, Commerce Court, a Dog Park, and an Encampment
- Parks can be exited by walking past the boundaries instead of by interacting with an 'exit' arrow
- Added Pigeons, Raccoons, and Squirrels to park locations, that flee when approached too closely
- Changed Place UI for parks to look like actual Toronto park signage
- Interior NPCs now have a chance to have dialogue. Also added more types of dialogue for NPCs based on their locations.
Got feedback, questions, or concerns about the development of Retroronto? Join our discord server below!
EDITOR’S NOTES
Hey everyone,
Hard to believe we’re already into the final stretch of summer. July kicked off with GOML, which was a great reminder of how different audiences can shape feedback. I had a lot more game-savvy players testing Retroronto, and their input directly shaped this month’s update.
Beyond that, development was pretty full-on. I added some new environments based on real Toronto spots, which naturally led to things like wildlife, dogs, and more expressive NPCs. I’ve been working toward making conversations with NPCs a core part of the experience to get that final pillar of my game set. Sometimes though indie game dev feels more jazz improv than marching band. It’s less about following a checklist and more about following the work where it leads, while making sure the bigger vision stays intact.
August is going to be a little lighter on development, mostly because I’ll be bouncing between events and other gigs. I’m running a pixel art workshop on the 12th, showcasing Retroronto at the CNE on the 16–17th, and heading out of town later in the month. On top of that, I’ve got an animation contract running and some more business-side work piling up.
Looking ahead, I’m eyeing a new Mississauga-based expo (VGLX) happening in October, and I’ve signed on for Super FESTival in November with Hand Eye Society. But the big focus right now is September’s Ontario Creates IP Fund deadline. I’ll be using August to fine-tune the game and make the strongest case possible for Retroronto’s future, both as a game and a studio project.
Thanks as always to those of you who check in, cheer me on, and keep me going. This thing’s a marathon, and I’m grateful for every bit of wind at my back.
Cheers,
- Sean Browning
Disclaimer:
The names, classifieds, obituaries, and events featured in this publication are entirely fictional and not associated with any real people or entities. While the content is loosely inspired by the development of Retroronto, it is largely embellished for the sake of engagement and fun. The goal is to present the city and its progress as closely to a newspaper as possible. Please don’t take it all too seriously!