Hi all,

I'm excited to introduce a new feature in the Crack Den that some of you might already have had a glimpse of. It's a project that I’m particularly passionate about (UX), and I think it’s a big step towards making our world more accessible for newcomers while keeping that immersive edge we all love.

Introducing: The Narrator's Initiation

If you’re a new player, or even if you’ve been here for a while, you might notice a bot IM popping up to give you some helpful nudges. This is the Narrator in action — not just the lore-teller behind your achievements but now your guide as you dive into our complex, gritty world.

We see around 75-80 applicants each week, which is amazing, but I also know that the depth of features, the Story HUD, and the various tools we use for character development can be a lot to navigate at first. The Narrator is here to make onboarding easier without losing that feeling of being dropped into something raw and real. Think of it as an omnipresent guide that whispers just the right advice when you need it.

Whether it’s setting up your Story HUD, filling out your character card, finding your first job, registering for the quarter, or recommending you head to an upcoming orientation, the Narrator is designed to nudge you forward. It’s all about keeping that momentum, making sure you don’t miss out on all the opportunities the Den has to offer.

This is just the beginning. Over time, the Narrator will get even more personalized — it’ll prompt you when you earn new roles, chapters, and as you progress through the game, it will become your constant companion, pushing your story in new directions. We’re using AI to enhance immersion and onboarding, making sure new players can thrive, connect, and become a part of the community we’ve built together.

I’m also working with our admins on a more robust mentor program and accessibility to guides to support new players even better, alongside new features to strengthen those connections. Stay tuned.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the Narrator so far — is it helpful? Are there places where you think it could be more insightful? As always, your feedback is what keeps this world alive.