I recall exploring the maps in Feral Heart for the first time back in 2012, and I was in awe of how beautiful everything appeared to me (although, I think, I was equally confused by the controls). It wasn't until after I had played the game for some time before I discovered the "hidden gem" maps-- The Last Cave, Temple of Dreams, and Atlantis. The Temple of Dreams was a favorite of mine, and I would sit in that map for hours with a friend and enjoy the changes of the day.
To see people gather in the event maps is something wonderful to witness. To see everyone-- some people I recognize while others I have never seen-- come together for a unified few hours of excitement and enjoyment is very special to me. The first party map I attended was a Christmas party, and although I wasn't staffing during the time, I was captivated in a strange way because it felt magical and was genuinely fun for me. Now as a staff member, I look at it with pride at the work and hours our staff team puts into creating those maps and those memories. The DJs who would spend hours sorting through music to put together festive playlists, the map creators who would literally devote hours of their time to make something that will probably only be used for one day for the community to enjoy, the thought and consideration put into organizing fun events (though I had not entirely understood the amount of work that went into it), has meant much to me, and even more so over the years. The smallest thing I could hope for with these events is for someone else to experience that moment of enjoyment that I would feel when I was a newbie to the parties. And to see people actually show up and run around the party map, joining in on conversation and games, is such a lovely thing. Those events have a special place in my heart, and I feel immensely proud of those who've worked to make them what they are. We even have one upcoming this July, and I'm excited for people to experience it-- whatever they may take away from it.
