NIGhtly observations: dreams and Decisions

Although I’ve spent many hours in Night City, reaching the conclusion of Phantom Liberty left me with a heavy heart (major spoilers ahead). Deeply visceral and unsettling, the ending where V survives feels like anything but a victory. Reaching a life where you are cured but powerless creates a hollow, metallic taste in the mouth. I found the revelation of being in a two-year coma particularly harrowing to process. After all the fighting, waking up to a world that has moved on feels incredibly lonely. Never did I expect a video game to leave me feeling so genuinely isolated.

​Reading into Songbird’s vulnerability, I truly got wrapped up in her openness during the story. Every move Reed and Alex made seemed to suggest they viewed lives as expendable once their utility expired. Expecting that V would eventually be disposed of too, I felt a constant sense of dread throughout the DLC. Songbird eventually confesses that there is only one cure, and it was a choice between her survival or mine.

Sacrificing her wasn't easy, but I ultimately handed her over to the agents of the NUSA. Perhaps it was self-preservation, but the weight of that betrayal lingers in the back of my mind. ​Instead of a hero, I felt like just another cog in a very cold, indifferent machine, which made me think about trustworthiness in real life. Naturally, I like to think my word is my bond, and I value integrity above most things. Everyone who knows me understands that letting people down is something I actively avoid. Losing faith in people happens easily, especially when they say they'll let me know about, for example, a job and never do; that is something I simply cannot stand. Essentially, while the business plan isn't going exactly to plan, I feel mostly like I am letting myself down since the venture is still small. Sincerely, I hope my audience doesn't feel I've failed them during this slow period of growth. Sticking to my promises is important to me, even when things are tough.

​Beyond the daily grind, I am still trying to research exactly how to get a proper foothold into the Amazon side of things. Efforts so far have been met with struggle as I try to navigate their complex systems. Trying to balance this while life continues to get in the way has slowed my progress significantly. All I ask is that you stay with me while I find my way through these challenges.

​Now, for some more exciting news, I am looking to join another roleplaying group located in Lancashire. Alongside my business goals, I love diving into RPG systems I've never played before. Roleplaying is a huge part of my life, and this system I'll jump into is similar to Cyberpunk but much more horror-based. Creating a character for such a dark setting is going to be a thrilling challenge. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story takes us. Stepping into a new world is always the best way to clear the head. Sharing these adventures with a new group will be a fantastic experience. I'll be sure to update you all on how those sessions go as they develop. Soon, I'll be rolling dice and facing whatever horrors the GM has in store. This kind of community interaction is what keeps me going.

​Ending on a high note, I want to thank everyone for your incredible patience and understanding. None of this would be possible without the support of the roleplaying community, and I am so proud to be a part of it. All my love goes out to my fellow gamers and creators who have been so welcoming. Being realistic, I must admit it might be the case that I need to put the business on hold for a while. Life often demands a return to the stability of familiar full-time work when things get tough. Every dream has its season, and I need to prioritize my future security right now. Regardless of what happens next, thank you for being on this journey with Sure Treats.

Stuart

Director/owner of Sure Treats Ltd.

https://www.suretreats.uk
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NAVIGATING ONWARDS: Mastery, Undertakings & Memories.