Innovating Medieval Manuscript Design in Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts
Long gone are the days when Christian clerics painstakingly adorned vellum scrolls with intricate illustrations of knights, chimeras, and lush foliage. Now, in the digital age, you can emulate their artistry with a few clicks in the video game editor of Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts, a simulation game developed by the creators of the strategic game Inkulinati. A playtest for this game is currently available until July 10th.
“Fulfill requests from esteemed clients by creating your own designs on medieval book pages,” states the Steam page. “Earn rewards, unlock new challenges, and expand your workshop. With dedication, your creations may even catch the eye of the Queen herself!”
Featuring over 1000 authentic scene elements inspired by medieval manuscript art, players will cater to a variety of client demands, from the traditional to the eccentric. There’s even an option to accept commissions from let’s players and share your in-game designs as medieval-themed memes with friends.
Speaking of memes, one can only imagine what historical figures like Hildegard of Bingen would think of such digital creations.
The playtest offers a glimpse into the game’s story mode, where players can complete 17 commissions for six different clients. Additionally, a sandbox mode is available, allowing access to all assets featured in the story. As with any playtest, expect some glitches and unexpected quirks. For those intrigued by this concept, Inkulinati, with its unique monk battles and bishop cats, is also worth exploring.
On a ponderous note, could there exist a form of illuminated computer code? A decorative coding style that elevates the reading experience to a quasi-sacred level? If not, perhaps it’s an idea worth considering.
