The RETRORONTO Report #5
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Monday, March 3, 2025
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Mostly Cloudy, -1C
📅 Monday, March 3, 2025 ☁️ Mostly Cloudy, -1C
This is The RETRORONTO Report, your go-to source for all the latest happenings and updates in the evolving city of Retroronto!
City Shifts Focus to Promotional Push
Retroronto will be exhibited in the Indie Developers Showcase at Toronto Game Expo, coming up on March 29-30.
With the district's growth steadily taking shape, city staff have announced a shift in priorities, turning their attention from development to promotion.
The promotional campaign aims to boost tourism, attract new residents, and solidify the district’s place as an up-and-coming destination. Plans include ramping up public events, commissioning promotional materials, and exploring advertising opportunities both online and on local airwaves.
While specifics remain vague, the city has hinted at several community festivals in the works, alongside initiatives to showcase the district’s unique charm to a wider audience.
Though development will continue behind the scenes, city staff have confirmed that a larger portion of this month's funding will be directed toward the campaign, a temporary shift designed to spark interest and gather feedback from both visitors and residents.
Officials see this month as a key opportunity to understand what stands out most to newcomers and which areas could benefit from fresh ideas and improvements.
"Now that we've laid the groundwork, it's time to show people what we have to offer," said a city representative. "We want to give the city a stronger voice and bring more life to the streets."
The campaign comes on the heels of recent funding injections and infrastructure upgrades, signaling a new phase for the district’s growth. However, some residents question whether the city should focus on appearances when many still struggle to make ends meet.
"I get it, they want people to move here," said one resident. "But I hope they don't forget about the ones who already live here."
As the city moves forward, the coming months may prove whether this promotional push will usher in a new wave of prosperity, or if the bright lights will simply mask the cracks beneath the surface.
- Leslie Gold, Senior Editor
Four apartments now available for rent around the city , ranging from $400-$1200 per month.
Homes Sweet Homes!
For months, rental listings in the classifieds section have been disappearing faster than a half-decent seat on the subway. But finally, as winter renovations and long-overdue repairs wrap up, a wave of new rental options has hit the market.
Landlords citywide have been eager to complete their renovations, with some more aggressively than others, leading to a mix of refreshed spaces, shuffled tenants, and the occasional rent hike. Among the available leases are everything from single-room rentals to larger shared spaces, giving new arrivals and long-time residents alike a chance to claim a spot.
While demand for housing still outpaces supply, at least for now, those searching for a place to call home might find the process slightly less cutthroat. Of course, securing an apartment still requires the usual essentials: a steady income, good timing, and a landlord who hasn’t decided to triple the rent overnight.
For those in need of a new place, now might be the time to start knocking on doors before the next wave of "renovations" conveniently clears out another batch of tenants.
-Noreen March, Writer
COMMUNITY CORNER
Where citizens say what’s on their mind, and we print it anyway.
Schooling: In Debt for Diplomas
By Travis Mayer, 32yo
I keep hearing about how a diploma is the key to success, but graduates like me are all drowning in debt and waiting tables to get by. Is school really about learning anymore, or is it just a very expensive hoop to jump through? Sure, some careers need them, but do we all? Either way, we’re all told to get one, whether it helps or not…
City Missing It’s PERFECT Bar
By Craig Stevens, 45yo
I just want a place that isn’t a nightclub in disguise, doesn’t charge twenty bucks a drink, and won’t get me pickpocketed. Something classy, where you can actually hold a conversation without yelling over a DJ. Is that too much to ask? If anyone knows a spot that won’t break the bank or my eardrums, let me know.
The Luxury/Curse of City Dating
By Samantha Lindt, 29yo
Between work and bills, who has the time (or money) to date anymore? Everything’s overpriced, nobody talks to each other, and it feels like you have to schedule a social life three weeks in advance. If you’re not in a relationship already, good luck! Everyone else is either too busy, too exhausted, or glued to their TVs.
Classifieds
MISSING: IMPORTANT NOTEBOOK
Lost a small black notebook filled with “totally normal” notes and “definitely not” top-secret plans. Last seen on a subway seat near Union Station. If found, please return. No questions asked. (Really. Don’t ask.)
SEEKING NEW ROOMMATE
Looking for a roommate who doesn’t cook weird-smelling food, doesn’t throw loud parties, pays rent on time, and preferably works night shifts so I never have to see them. Half the rent, full peace and quiet. Call if you qualify.
FREE COUCH - YOU HAUL
Giving away a slightly used couch. Still comfortable, mostly. A few mystery stains, but nothing a good throw blanket won’t fix. First come, first serve. Bring strong friends (it’s heavier than it looks.)
MYSTERIOUS MUSIC AT MIDNIGHT
Does anyone else hear the eerie piano music playing at odd hours? It drifts through the streets around midnight, sometimes later, always the same melody. No one knows where it’s coming from, and no one I’ve asked admits to playing it. If you’re the midnight maestro, or know who is, drop a note in this classified.
Obituaries
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OLIVER “OLLIE” BRENNAN (2017-2025)
Oliver Brennan, 8, passed away at City General Hospital after a brave fight with a rare illness. Thanks to the Dreams Come True Foundation, he got to visit his favorite amusement park, meeting his hero and riding every roller coaster he could. His classmates, inspired by his strength, held a fundraiser to support other kids like him.
Ollie’s school will be planting a tree in his honor, a lasting reminder of his bright spirit. He is survived by his loving family and a community that will always remember his kindness and courage.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support other children battling similar conditions.
REST IN PEACE - DANIEL FOSTER
(1983-2025)
Daniel Foster, 42, a longtime construction worker, tragically passed away following an accident at a downtown worksite. Known for his dedication and easygoing nature, Danny spent years helping shape the city skyline, taking pride in every building he worked on.
His crew remembers him as a dependable friend, always quick with a joke and the first to lend a hand. A memorial will be placed at the site in his honor. He is survived by his family, friends, and the countless structures standing tall because of his hard work.
A wake will be held at the local tavern for friends and coworkers to pay their respects and share memories of his hard work and dedication.
Events
COMMUNITY POTLUCK & RECIPE SWAP
Bring a dish, take a dish! Neighbors are invited to share their favorite homemade meals and swap recipes at this casual gathering. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just good at ordering takeout, come hungry and leave inspired. Disposable plates and cutlery will be provided, but bring your own if you’re feeling eco-conscious.
Starts at 5 PM in the community hall, look for the table with the biggest crockpot.
MIDNIGHT MARKET POP-UP
A handful of local vendors are setting up shop after dark for one night only. Expect street food, vintage finds, and maybe a few questionable deals. Bring cash, curiosity, and an eye for bargains! Runs from 10 PM to 2 AM in an undisclosed parking lot.
Look for neon glowsticks and follow the smell of grilled meat!
ROOFTOP STARGAZING NIGHT
An open invitation to astronomy buffs and romantics alike! A local rooftop is opening up for an evening of guided stargazing. Telescopes will be provided, but you’re free to bring your own or just lay back and enjoy the view. Starts at 9 PM, weather permitting, with warm drinks available on-site.
Please refrain from bringing excessively bright flashlights (yes, that means you, Dave).
Changelog
Changes
- Edited shading for Public Transit
- Changes to Demo Sequence for leasing apartments
- Slight changes to Credits screen in Main Menu
- Changed Home banners to 'FOR RENT', changes back to Home when leased.
- Changed Project Settings for the game to run in the background
- Fixed Music bug, where songs would skip/reset when clicked outside of game window
- Changed some dialogue with landlords and with initial guide dialogue by Union Station
- Fix with BMO Building roof being below City Hall Square
- Moved all initial Place locations around the city to spread them out a bit for Home Places
- Fixed money sound with insufficient depositing/withdrawing money from bank
- Fixed Player Feedback staying “I’m Tired” after regenerating energy
- Target Arrows now appear towards Pizza and Coffee places when given new job opportunities by NPCs
- Added black borders to edge of map to fix cars driving past the edge of the map when within an interior
Additions:
- Added a Day Counter that counts up when the player goes to bed, or if the clock goes past 12AM
- Added 3 additional apartment locations the player can rent out
- Added 'FOR RENT' Banners to apartments for rent
- Added storage capabilities for home Fridges, up to 5 slots.
- Added cooking capabilities for home Stoves, can cook 4 meat items (Eggs, Chicken, Steak, and Shrimp)
- Added flushing to the home Toilet, replenishes a small amount of energy
- Added a roommate NPC in one of the homes, who has an initial dialogue, followed by random one-liners when further talked to.
- Added 2 other Store Places around the city
- Added 2 other Bank Places around the city
- Number of NPCs shown now randomize when entering any interiors with them, except for special interactable NPCs
Got feedback, questions, or concerns about the development of Retroronto? Join our discord server below!
EDITOR’S NOTES
Hello again!
As usual, our winters always seem to coast along until around this time, when we suddenly get one or two massive snowstorms. It’s as if Mother Nature suddenly remembers it’s supposed to be winter and decides to drown us in an ocean of snow we ought to have gotten more periodically over the past few months. I was also laid up with a common cold fittingly enough, as it’s typically cold-flu season. But now that we’re entering into spring, we can truly start to warm ourselves up and grow. Hopefully, I can finally stop blowing my nose…
This past month was lighter on development as I focused on behind-the-scenes work, mostly paperwork, budgeting, and a lot of phone calls to people far smarter than me. This is pretty evident from the changelog, though I did my best to try and include some newer features and bug fixes. Regretfully, but necessarily, I have to shift my priorities again for the biggest hurdle of any game developer’s work: MARKETING.
This coming month is going to be spent preparing to showcase the game more broadly to the public, namely the Toronto Game Expo at the end of this month. This means a lot of time will be spent preparing promo materials, tightening up the demo build, and leaning on friends to help make sure everything is presentable. It’s a big step forward for the project, one that wouldn’t be happening without the support of everyone following along so far.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the city reacts to the game on its home turf, and I hope you'll all be cheering me on as I take this next step! Until then, see you in the next issue!
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!