nottravisgames
patreon
It's the "I think I have it sorted" update
🕑 Added 2021-02-24 11:04:18 +0000 UTCHi guys.
Alrighties. I've worked out the details for the gameplay fix.
One of the slight problems with H5 is, because it's all mapped out (and is jolly complex), I can't just add random bits and bobs easily. So, for example, I can't just drop another character in to fill gameplay etc.
However, that said, I've worked out how to expand the free roam in Four with content from Five and also expand the content in Five to make up for the content lost as I move it around without any negative impact on the planned story arcs or pace.
I think it will take me about a week to write and render the new stuff, with maybe another half a week to get the new mission stack system in place. Not terrible, but not exactly great from your perspective.
So, given I have some more work to do following the gameplay testing and then we have the path testing to do I'm looking at a March release. For something of this size that's not awful. Not great but not awful. Looking forward, with the second PC to provide more ooomph from the start plus with the mission problem resolved we hopefully won't have a hitch like this again.
My concern now is how quickly it will get through the second testing gate (the path testing to ensure it's not buggy) once I've made the corrections.
As many of you know, I fret (worry) about the value for money perspective from your side of the house and this delay, although understandable from a quality perspective and one of those bumps in the road in development, does impact on that negatively. I know, I know, patronage isn't directly linked to a product. We've had this discussion many times, and I know many of you feel that you are supporting me in the making of this game not buying an end product, but you guys work hard for your money and I don't like the idea that you pay for my mistakes.
So, what I'm going to do is not touch any of the March patronage unless the chapter comes out that month. If I can't get it out next month dues to bugs or whatever, I'll refund the patronage in full. No quibbles.
This means I can still look you in the eye. I will make mistakes in making something like this and if I screw up then that's my problem not yours. Besides, it gives me a hell of an incentive to get the chapter out, no? :)
Notty
Comments
Arigon
Notty, try and work some rest in your schedule. We can't have you burn out like your machine did. That would not do at all!!!!!
Huitieme
You say that but I'm waiting for the inevitable Red/Blue/Green beam at the end :p
Nottravisgames
I think it's the hardest bit tbh. The gameplay that is. Especially in a game with no grind or repeating actions but that's why I have the blind testing to see what it's like from the players perspective. But, aye, it has to be more options. To suddenly change tack at this stage and go "Nope. You don't get a choice" would be screwing everyone over I feel.
Nottravisgames
Thank you. :) That means a lot.
Triangle Games
I think this has been an interesting example of the creative challenges of design work, which I suspect a lot of people may not think about. The structure and balance of gameplay can be just as tricky as finding some elusive coding bug. In this case, your description of feedback from testers reminds me of a table-top GM confronted by wily players veering off course from the planned adventure. It says something that, even in a videogame setting, your solution is to pad our options rather than to rail-road the players. Classy.
Elimonatio
Agreed, this complex of a game ain't made in a day. We see that and also pledged. Seems like you're making good decisions and progress and that the journey we are on with you. Cheer up! Cuz we're cheering for you
Sulring Durgul
Totes! What TNT said.
TotesNotThea
The no quibbles bit I don't agree with, you can offer me a refund if you like but I know how hard you're working so if you send a refund my way I'll just double my pledge for April, seem fair? BTW No quibbles 😉😜
