The RETRORONTO Report #6
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Monday, April 7, 2025
☀️
Sunny 3C
📅 Monday, April 7, 2025 ☀️ Sunny 3C
This is The RETRORONTO Report, your go-to source for all the latest happenings and updates in the evolving city of Retroronto!
Retroronto Hits the Show Floor!
Photos of a handsome dev(il) with Retroronto publicly shown at this past Toronto Game Expo, on March 29-30.
After months of behind-the-scenes work, Retroronto took a bold step out into the public eye this past weekend at the Toronto Game Expo, held March 29–30. Despite the freezing rain that iced over most of the city, the event was packed with hundreds of attendees from all over the GTA and beyond, all crammed into the bustling halls of the convention center, weaving between artist booths, competitive fighting game stations, tabletop areas, and of course, the indie showcase, where Retroronto made its grand debut.
The booth was equipped with a laptop of the most recent build, and a TV to showcase the game’s trailer. It also featured custom postcards styled like an old-school NES game box, complete with marketing blurbs, screenshots, and a scannable QR code linking directly to the game’s itch.io page. 250 of these retro-styled flyers were printed for the show, and over 200 found their way into the hands of curious players, fans, and fellow devs. With the remaining stock running low, it's already time to think about reprints for whatever events come next.
What made the weekend truly special was the response. Being a Toronto-centric game showcased at a Toronto-centric event meant the audience hit squarely within the game's target zone. Many attendees were instantly drawn in by the familiar cityscape and vibe, and feedback came flooding in from all directions. Some players were content simply biking through the digital downtown or wandering the pixel streets; others sunk into the rhythm of the minigames with surprising enthusiasm. The art and polish turned heads, and more than a few people asked about the game’s next steps and full release plans.
Of course, the Expo wasn’t just a celebration, it was a field test. Bugs reared their heads, objectives weren’t always clear. Some players tried delivering items directly to customers instead of checking them out at the register. The demo’s open-ended structure meant few players reached deeper mechanics like banking or additional jobs. But rather than deter, these challenges provided a goldmine of insight. Watching people play in real-time made patterns in player behavior clear, and all of it is now shaping the roadmap for upcoming updates.
In terms of raw numbers, the show gave Retroronto a noticeable bump, more browser plays on itch.io, more wishlists on Steam, and a fresh wave of motivation and connections on the dev side. As the first official public showcase, it couldn’t have gone better, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. With any luck (and a bit more printing), Retroronto may pop up again at events in Toronto such as XP Summit, Toronto Games Week, or other community events as the city (and the game) continue to grow together.
- Charley Baldwin, Lead Journalist
Pizza Delivery: On-The-Go!
Retroronto’s workforce just got a little tastier. A brand-new Pizza Delivery Minigame has been added to the game, offering players the chance to hop on a delivery bike and hustle slices across the city. Once hired at the local pizza joint, players can grab the delivery bike outside and take on timed deliveries around town.
More than just a quirky side gig, this feature sets the foundation for a broader system of delivery-based minigames, with future variations planned that may change up the number of stops, time limits, and even the mode of transport. Whether by foot, bike, or car, the goal is to reflect the growing presence of gig workers in real-world urban spaces, while keeping the gameplay snappy and rewarding. If you’ve got the legs (and the appetite), it might just become your new go-to job in the city.
-Geoff Brown, Writer
Cart System Now Live
Convenience stores have been upgraded with a new cart and checkout system: instead of automatically purchasing items the moment they’re picked up, players now collect them as usual, while a running total is displayed in a cart UI. To complete the purchase, they’ll need to walk over to the cash register and check out. Otherwise, the items stay unbought and the exit stays locked.
To support this, a number of updates were made under the hood to improve the Inventory System, fixing bugs and quirks that previously caused some frustration.
And for the first time, stores now feel like real public spaces as the once-empty aisles are now populated with fellow customers. It’s a simple change, but it goes a long way in making Retroronto’s economy feel lived-in and authentic.
-Linda Baker, Writer
COMMUNITY CORNER
Where citizens say what’s on their mind, and we print it anyway.
Use Your Eyes, Not Your Horn
By Marla W., 32
I don’t know what it is lately, but drivers have been acting like they’re the only ones on the road. I’ve seen cars speed through yellow lights, block crosswalks, and honk at cyclists like they’re the problem. I get that traffic’s a mess sometimes, but come on! If we’re all sharing the road, maybe act like it. No one’s getting anywhere faster by nearly running someone over.
Spring Stinks (Literally)
By Jesse R., 29
As the snow finally melts, the sidewalks have revealed what’s basically a winter-long graveyard of dog poop. It’s like people just assumed the snow would erase their responsibilities. I love dogs, I really do, but if you can’t clean up after your pet, maybe you shouldn’t have one. The city's turning into a landmine field out there, and it’s only a matter of time before we make that unfortunate step.
My Little Patrol Ponies
By Evan L., 35
Say what you want about the police, but there’s something undeniably neat about seeing a pair of officers on horseback trotting down Queen Street. It feels like the past and present colliding, and kids especially seem to love it. I don’t know how effective it is, but I can’t lie, every time I see it, I do a double-take and smile. However, who’s cleaning after them?
Classifieds
FOR SALE: VINTAGE WALKMAN
Still works, plus a handful of cassette tapes (including an original bootleg of the "subway sax guy"). $30 or best offer. No lowballs, I know what I have.
MISSING MILK CRATE
To whoever took the milk crate I was using as a chair outside the bodega, please bring it back. I know it’s just a crate, but it had my name carved in it and my back really misses it.
DOG WALKER NEEDED
Energetic dog walker needed in the Junction area. Must be okay with mud, barking, and clients who think their dogs are “just quirky.” Flexible hours, paid per pup, bring your own poop bags.
FREE STUFF
Bundle of assorted cords, adapters, and cables. Don’t ask what they’re for, I don’t know. If you can untangle them, they’re yours.
LOOKING TO TRADE
Have: two working blenders. Need: one decent toaster. Preferably one that doesn’t scream when plugged in. Serious swappers only.
Obituaries
IN MEMORY OF ALEX MAHONEY (1997-2025)
A familiar blur on two wheels, Alex was a beloved bike courier known for weaving through traffic with unmatched speed and style. Tragically, Alex passed after a traffic collision downtown last Thursday. Friends remember them as a “road poet,” always quick with a joke or directions to the nearest shortcut. A ghost bike memorial has been placed near the intersection of the accident.
FAREWELL TO JORDAN REYES
(1989-2025)
Guitarist, barista, zine enthusiast, Jordan was a fixture in the city’s underground music scene, most recently performing with the noise-folk trio Civic Static. Whether playing in crowded basements or late-night rooftop shows, Jordan’s sound helped define a generation of local artists. They are survived by bandmates, chosen family, and a well-worn Telecaster passed from gig to gig.
REST IN PEACE: MARLENE BISHOP
(1961-2025)
A steady hand and a calming voice in countless hospital rooms, Marlene served as a nurse at City General for over 35 years. Known for her compassion, sharp wit, and bottomless thermos of tea, she guided generations of patients and new nurses alike. After retiring last year, she took up painting and volunteered weekly at the community clinic. She is remembered fondly by former colleagues, patients, and anyone lucky enough to be on her shift.
Events
LOCAL LIBRARY ZINE SWAP
Bring your self-published zines, mini-comics, or printed doodles to the main branch for an afternoon of swapping, sharing, and reading weird little stories. Whether you're a seasoned zinester or just curious, everyone's welcome to join in and leave with something new.
ALLEYWAY JAZZ CRAWL
Local musicians take over a network of laneways between Dundas and Queen for a roving night of improvisational jazz, hosted out of garages and backyard patios. Attendees are encouraged to walk the route, tip the players, and enjoy the music under the glow of string lights.
FIX-IT FAIR
Broken lamp? Busted zipper? Volunteer tinkerers and handyfolk will be posted up at the rec centre Saturday afternoon to help you repair whatever you bring, free of charge. Learn some handy skills while breathing new life into old possessions.
ELEVATOR FILM FEST
Short films, shorter runtime: 30-second clips submitted by locals will be screening on building elevator monitors across downtown for one week only. Keep your eyes peeled while you ride, you might just see your neighbor’s work next to yours.
Changelog
Changes/Fixes:
- Fixed sorting orders of TVs in apartments so player wont walk over their sprites
- Fixed interactive cashiers in stores, which would freeze player when talking to them.
- Adjusted recruiters so they'll be non-interactive after getting work from them.
- Fixed a bug where Help stations in food places would show up before applying/getting job.
- Fixed a bug where the Roommate NPC wouldn’t retain appearance when leaving and re-entering apartment.
- Adjusted dispensers in Pizza and Coffee place to be empty when minigame starts.
- Fixed bug where you could ride a bus/tram while riding a bike, eventually making player disappear with further interaction.
- Fixed bug where Lights on buildings during dawn/night weren't being affected by shaders when walking under building.
- Adjusted arrow/icon animations in interiors to be stepped instead of tweened.
- Adjusted border frame of game UI to account for different resolutions.
- Adjusted UI in Fridge sprite within Homes, as player would block front-facing fridges hiding item sprites.
- Fixed bug where camera wouldnt follow the player riding bus/tram if pause was active.
- Adjusted Library job board to show a bigger arrow everytime a resume is printed to encourage interacting with it.
- Fixed store bug where players would buy items multiple times for the same inventory slot, overwriting previous item.
- Fixed a bug where players could eat food produced during minigames.
- Fixed bug with Player Feedback that would constantly call it's coroutine with blank text.
Additions:
- Added Pizza Delivery Minigame, available when getting the pizza job and interacting with a special bike outside the pizza place.
- Customers will now keep spawning during minigames until the timer runs out, previously spawned a max 10 times.
- Customer spawn rates in minigames change based on time of day (busier during lunch hour).
- Revamped Stores with a Cart system, where picking up items will update a cart UI with total costs. Players must interact with the cash register to buy the item, use/consume it, and be able to leave the store.
- Refactored Target Arrow system with the Demo Manager, works better now.
- Stores now have randomized NPCs that patrol around.
- Updated inventory system so you can pick up and fill available inventory slots.
- Added a 'Controls' section in the Pause Menu listing in-game controls.
- Now have a target arrow spawn and point to your home after 8PM.
- Added an animated timer icon to minigame timer UI.
- Cars now slow the player down and expend more energy when colliding with them.
Removals:
- Removed Sprinting on-foot and on Bicycles based on UX feedback.
Got feedback, questions, or concerns about the development of Retroronto? Join our discord server below!
EDITOR’S NOTES
Heyo!
It’s been a pretty moist month out there, and I’ve definitely gotten my feet wet juggling everything going on with Retroronto. Prepping for the Toronto Game Expo took top priority of course. After all, it marked the first time the game was showcased publicly after a year of work. Seeing real people play it and react in real time was deeply satisfying... but also a reminder of just how much there’s still left to do. In many ways, it feels like we’ve only just hit the starting line. The marathon of game development continues.
As always, I wish I could’ve done even more on the game beyond expo prep. That said, I’ve been splitting my focus with a few side projects too, like hosting a workshop on pixel art and designing UI icons for another indie title I’m helping out with. There’s also still a pile of business and admin stuff lurking in the background… less exciting, but necessary to keep everything running smoothly. Hopefully, once that’s all sorted this month, I can return to the creative flow I had going last year.
Since the expo, I’ve been lucky enough to get invited to a few other events happening later this year, and I’m definitely planning to show Retroronto again, provided I can polish it up and sneak in some fresh content beforehand. Last year I attended XP Summit as a guest, but this year I might just be exhibiting. That would be a big deal, potentially a key moment to catch the eye of publishers, partners, or anyone who can help take the game further. XP Summit doesn’t happen until June, though, and I’ll find out if I’ve made the cut by the end of April. Fingers crossed!
For now, it’s back to the grind: I’ve got a long list of bugs to squash and UX improvements to tackle. Hopefully next month’s update will be packed with QoL changes and maybe even a few new features I’ve been hinting at in past devblogs. Stay tuned folks, things are only getting started!
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!