It’s update time again! A lot of things have happened this past month. It’s true what they say, when it rains… it pours!

First the boring stuff to get out of the way; have added certain usability features to the website, including a clickable “lightbox” for game screenshots plus search via Google. Nothing too exciting, but it should help you better find & navigate to the content you want.

Also of minor note, have added social networking buttons to the Blog and The Late Call game pages. Being a smaller developer, ByDesign Games relies on positive “word of mouth” from you, the press & players (yes YOU!). Social networking sites like Digg are a very effective & fun way to get the word out. So, for those of you who wish to help promote the work we do here, go ahead and try it, it helps!

Next up, The Late Call page has been redesigned for better navigation; finding info & content on your favorite upcoming game should be a lot easier. Also updated the game’s News page with info on language support (hint: The Late Call will most likely “spreck-en-zee” your lingo!), plus status on last month’s beta program; now closed. We’ve had a great response so far, thanks to all who applied!

What’s more, have added some info about a few interactive projects ByDesign Games created this spring. You can check them out on the Games page.

Last thing, we suffered some data loss here at ByDesign due to an unreliable backup medium. Who knew hard disks wear out too!? Apparently everyone that I’ve talked to, heh. The good news: “most” of the lost data was recovered. The bad news: what was lost has suffered us some minor delays on certain projects (including The Late Call). Nothing too drastic, but enough to mention.

Updated The Late Call news page with some details on current status (progressing nicely), the upcoming open beta (update: beta is now closed!), plus some eye & ear candy in the form of an ambient music sample & a 3D screenshot.

3D screenshots are similar to movies, but where you control the perspective, unlike movies. The result captures a moment of in-game action viewable from any 1 of 360 degrees at a time. Despite Apple’s pioneering efforts, I found it incredible that the best tools for such things are not mac-derived.

Nonetheless, it felt kind of cool when it finally came together. Take a look for yourself!