The RETRORONTO Report #17
📅
Monday, April 6, 2026
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⛅
Partly Cloudy 4C
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📃
Vers. 0.46
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📅 Monday, April 6, 2026 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy 4C | 📃 Vers. 0.46 |
Wishlists:
📈 942
|
Itch.io Views:
👁️ 5,039
|
Discord:
🙌 65
|
Instagram:
📷 188
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Wishlists: 📈 942 | Itch.io Views: 👁️ 5,039 | Discord: 🙌 65 | Instagram: 📷 188 |
This is The RETRORONTO Report, your go-to source for all the latest happenings and updates in the evolving city of Retroronto!
Returning to Toronto Game Expo
Retroronto made its second appearance at Toronto Game Expo 2026 on March 28–29, this time hosted within a larger venue that featured a dedicated indie showcase space. Nearly 30 independent games were present across the weekend, offering visitors a wide range of locally developed projects and experimental ideas. City observers noted a steady flow of attendees throughout both days, with many stopping by the Retroronto booth, marked by a familiar banner first introduced during last year’s XP Summit.
Organizers reported that more than 200 postcards were distributed across the event, while online interest followed shortly after. During the weekend alone, the game’s itch.io page received roughly 100 views, lower than last year’s spike but attributed largely to increased competition amid the growing number of indie exhibitors. Even so, representatives described the event as a valuable opportunity to reconnect with returning players while introducing the project to new audiences discovering it for the first time.
Momentum accelerated when content creator bodyelectricity conducted an on-site interview with Starspray Studios, later shared across social media to an audience nearing 30,000 followers. The video quickly circulated online, surpassing 40,000 views on TikTok and earning thousands of interactions on Instagram. In the week following the event, the studio’s social presence more than doubled, while the Retroronto demo saw hundreds of additional page visits and browser plays.
As with many discussions centered on Toronto itself, public reaction proved lively. While many viewers expressed support, others debated the city’s identity, including arguments over how “Toronto” ought to be pronounced, with some commenters questioning the developer’s authenticity. Observers noted that the discourse, contentious or otherwise, appeared to amplify the video’s reach, drawing curiosity from both supporters and skeptics alike.
Despite the mixed commentary, city officials described the expo as a clear success and an increasingly important fixture in Retroronto’s public presence. With another Toronto Game Expo scheduled later this year, participation remains under consideration as development continues. Should progress toward funding and future milestones proceed as planned, organizers suggest residents may once again see the city represented on the show floor in the years ahead.
- Eliza O’Brien, Staff Reporter
Monthly Roadmap Recap
Following March’s substantial feature update and public showcase at Toronto Game Expo, city developers report that April’s update has grown into a larger hotfix than originally planned. Feedback gathered from players during the expo, alongside continued testing at home, revealed a number of areas requiring immediate attention. Much of this month’s work focused on stabilizing recently introduced systems while preparing the groundwork for future expansion.
Several behind-the-scenes changes have quietly reshaped how the city operates. Item data systems have been refactored to allow for more flexibility moving forward, while adjustments to the energy system aim to create clearer cause-and-effect between player actions and daily routines. New status icons have also been introduced, helping residents better understand when they are hungry, tired, sick, or otherwise affected by their surroundings. It’s a small but meaningful step toward clearer communication between the city and its inhabitants.
Developers also confirmed that construction has begun on a new retail location recognizable to residents across both Toronto and the wider province. While details remain limited, officials suggest the establishment will serve as an alternative way for players to earn income, expanding the economic possibilities of city life while continuing Retroronto’s ongoing commentary on urban living.
Looking ahead, May is expected to bring another major feature update centered on expanded delivery-based gameplay. While pizza delivery currently serves as the city’s primary courier activity, planners hope to introduce additional variations, including taxi services. The proposal presents notable design challenges, as integrating drivable vehicles must be carefully balanced against existing public transit systems and cycling mechanics. Whether drivable cars ultimately enhance or disrupt the city’s rhythm remains an open question, making the upcoming update one of the project’s more experimental steps.
Beyond development, Retroronto is scheduled to appear once again at XP Summit on May 21–22, with additional participation in Toronto Games Week events under consideration for June. With April focused on stability and May aimed at expansion, officials describe the months ahead as a rare stretch of clear road, an opportunity to build momentum before the city grows busier once again.
Where citizens say what’s on their mind, and we print it anyway.
Early Morning Thunderings
By Melissa R., 41
We’re finally getting rain again, but apparently mostly in the middle of the night. I’d really prefer to not wake up to thunder rattling my windows like the sky fell or something. Thankfully it’s all calm and sunny by morning, but I’m mostly too tired to even care!
The Black Snow Pyramids
By Andre K., 37
Anyone else notice how most parking lots always have those giant dark snow piles? As if they’re forgotten monuments to our past winter. They’re kind of gross though, collecting every bit of dirt and debris imaginable. These eyesores always refuse to disappear…
Quiet Moments on Transit
By Laila S., 30
It’s truly sublime when transit works as intended. No delays, loud music, or crowds, just people quietly heading where they need to go. For a few stops the city feels oddly peaceful… It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it reminds you why we love living here.
Classifieds
BIKE TUNE-UPS & SPRING CHECKS
Brakes squeaking? Gears refusing cooperation after winter storage? I clean, adjust, and get your bike road-ready again. Quick turnaround so you can enjoy the short window between slush and summer heat.
ROOM FOR RENT - SHORT TERM
Furnished room available near transit and late-night food options. Quiet apartment, respectful roommates, plants doing surprisingly well. Ideal for students, interns, or anyone figuring things out temporarily.
OLD TECH WANTED
Buying old game consoles, CRT TVs, and forgotten electronics collecting dust in basements. Doesn’t need to work, curiosity preferred over condition. Cash offered, stories appreciated.
DOG WALKING (ALL TEMPERAMENTS)
Reliable walks for energetic pups, anxious wanderers, and professional leash-pullers alike. Rain or shine service, treats included with owner approval. Flexible weekday scheduling.
Obituaries
MICHAEL KOVACS
(1954-2026)
Michael worked night shifts for decades maintaining office buildings few people ever thought about after hours. He preferred quiet routines, long walks home at sunrise, and conversations that stayed practical. Coworkers remember him as dependable and uncomplaining, someone who made spaces ready for the next day without expecting recognition.
He is remembered by colleagues and neighbors as someone steady and reassuring, the kind of person whose absence is noticed most in the small moments when things are no longer quietly taken care of.
LINDA MARTINEZ
(1971-2026)
Linda was known in her neighborhood for organizing small community yard sales that gradually became informal gatherings each summer. She greeted strangers like returning friends and rarely let anyone leave empty-handed. Neighbors say her laughter carried across the street long after the tables were packed away.
Friends remember her generosity, quick humor, and ability to turn ordinary weekends into shared occasions. The folding tables may be gone, but many say the sense of community she encouraged remains.
Events
APRIL SHOWERS NIGHT WALK
An evening group walk exploring neighborhood streets after rainfall, when reflections shimmer and the city feels unusually calm. Participants are encouraged to bring umbrellas, waterproof shoes, and a willingness to slow down and notice familiar places differently. Routes remain flexible depending on weather, because unpredictability is part of the experience.
COMMUNITY REPAIR CAFÉ
Before spring fully settles in, residents are invited to bring small appliances, electronics, or household items in need of minor fixes. Volunteers will help troubleshoot and repair what they can while sharing basic maintenance tips. Even items beyond saving often become learning opportunities, and sometimes conversation starters over coffee.
INDOOR MARKET & MAKER FAIR
Local artists, hobbyists, and small vendors gather for an early-season marketplace celebrating handmade goods and creative projects. Expect prints, crafts, baked treats, and experimental ideas still finding their footing. Visitors are welcome to browse, chat with creators, and enjoy a reminder that creative energy tends to bloom before the weather fully cooperates.
Changelog
Changes/Fixes:
Fixed a bug where talking to other characters would sometimes show subsequent dialogue
Fixed a bug where talking to the librarian twice would soft-lock the player
Fixed a reoccurring bug where trying to quick open the game map and exiting it would change the interior's Z axis to go behind the camera
Fixed a bug where leaving a bar when nauseous from drinking will keep the player nauseous indefinitely
Fixed a bug where the player stayed permanently slowed down after puking
Fixed a bug where construction lanes wouldn't colourized properly to the time of day
Fixed a bug where players couldn't keep reading textbooks or using the benchpress with a controller
Refactored Items that are sold to player, to better store and share item data across all the interior environments and selling NPCs
Changed the name and price of several items in stores and food places
Adjusted several colliders off in fast food places for better access to interactive NPCs
Changed clothing store item layout so more shirts are sold than hats, and that hats will randomize their type more
Changed Target Arrows to adjust their sprite sizes depending on distance from locations
Increased customer movement speed during minigames
Increased minigame time per job level in minigames
Adjusted Tutorials for all food work minigames to include pages about counters and cash registers
Closed places now have a "CLOSED" banner that pops up when highlighting
Brought back Station Input text for work minigames
Fixed a visual bug where parts of the gardiner highway were missing
Changed Toilet mechanics to longer TimedFill and added flushing when done
Added a slight delay after dialogues to prevent accidental bike dismounting and other interactions
Fixed a bug where the player would stay Drunk after sleeping
Fixed a bug where the player can go beyond the scene boundary of the Empirical Pub's 1st floor after leaving the 2nd floor
Energy has been slightly refactored and balanced. MaxEnergy represents the player's fatigue/sleep, while the energyCount within represents the player's hunger.
Fixed a bug where the minigame music wouldn't play when engaging with the minigame more than once
Fixed some sorting order issues across various locations
Additions:
Added status icons at the top left of the game screen to showcase effects on the player, statuses include Hunger, Exhaustion, Sickness, and Drunkenness
Added Speed Boost status effect to Sugar-based items (Chocolate, Donut, Soda) that increases movement speed for a period of time
Added Energy Efficiency status effect to Coffee items that reduce energy loss rate for a period of time and increase player's max energy
Added Food Poisoning to raw meat food items in convenience stores, which makes players Nauseous when consumed
Some items can now increase and decrease stats, sometimes as trade-offs, namely Coffee, Alcohol, Yogurt, and Newspapers
Some food items now become 'trash' when consumed, remaining in inventory until the player uses a trash bin to dispose of the item
Adding new location currently 'under construction' for next big update
Added 2 more 'Buyers' Places on the map
Added car spawning on Gardiner highway at bottom of map
Got feedback, questions, or concerns about the development of Retroronto? Join our discord server below!
EDITOR’S NOTES
Hey everyone,
Earlier this month, I finally made it to GDC, my first time attending after winning a ticket raffle through Amir Satvat’s community. It was… an interesting experience. The event itself had recently undergone some rebranding, and I quickly realized how much these spaces reward people who already have connections. Without prior networks, most things fly under your radar, from informal meetups to key panels. Honestly, it felt a bit lonely, and unlike the LinkedIn posts you see full of group photos and curated moments, my personal evidence is basically a lone selfie at the Golden Gate Bridge. Still, surprisingly, it was inspiring for Retroronto development. Being on the sidelines underscored something I already knew but hadn’t quite felt firsthand: you can’t know events, people, or opportunities without meeting others. That lesson will stick with me as I continue shaping the city and its world.
On a lighter note, I just watched Nirvanna The Band The Show: The Movie, and wow… what a riot! Not only is it hilarious, but the film’s Toronto setting and the era it evokes really hit close to home with Retroronto’s vibe. I can see myself sneaking some nods to it in the game now, and I totally understand all the Rivoli-related comments I’ve gotten lately. If you’re into Toronto-based stories or just enjoy absurd, clever humor, it’s worth a watch!
Thankfully, April itself is looking to be relatively calm, which gives me a lot of headspace to dig deep into the game. After May’s upcoming big feature update, we’ll reach a bit of a fork in the road regarding the future direction of Retroronto. For now, though, my focus remains squarely on getting this next update polished and meaningful. Excited to share it with all of you soon!
Cheers,
Sean “Shramper” 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!