Runey
patreon
Dev Diary #5
🕑 Added 2023-03-29 00:21:01 +0000 UTCHello everyone! As v0.17 is being developed, I wanted to pause for a moment to reflect. When I began developing Harem Hotel in 2017, it was my first time doing any of this. Harem Hotel and myself as a developer have grown a lot since I started this journey, so I thought it would be fun to go back in time to see how the game has changed over the years!
First, I want to address the still large amount of content in Harem Hotel that doesn't uphold the same quality standards as the current content does. For example, this event with Maria:
Compared to this event with Ashley:
This is meant to be looking down at the same city, but it clearly doesn't look like it. There is a lot left to be desired in the first image, so this and other events like it are certainly planned to be improved. And it's not just the image quality that can be improved. I often find myself surprised at how bad I think some of my old writing was, but I suppose that's just a good sign of progress!
Above is one of the oldest images I have of the game from v0.1. You can see that the framework is there, but the quality is lacking. This was the introduction by the way! Most of the game was developed with sprites in mind (that is 2D images of the characters layered on top of the background image). But eventually I decided to phase all sprites out in favor of a more cinematic approach. This is a lot more work, but I think we can all agree it was worth it!
I think this old event was developed sometime around v0.2, and is no longer in game. It was very short and eventually replaced with this:
Wow! A plate!
And while this is certainly an upgrade, this isn't even up to my standards anymore.
These days I'm developing stuff like this (from v0.17):
Now that's a lot of plates!
Not only are there more plates, but each character now has much more expressive poses and faces which change more often. I think this really makes each character feel much more alive, especially if those expressions are what you would expect out of these character's personality. Doing this takes A LOT of time though. I'm lucky if I can hide the hands (and thus not work on them) but if a character needs to hold something, that could take a while to get right. It really begins to add up, but when the focus of a story is on the characters, making them feel as real as possible should only improve the overall experience. But I'll let you judge :)
Above is how the outside of the hotel used to look...
And this is how it looks now!
Lighting has been an issue I've struggled with in this engine for a very long time, but with v0.17, I think I've finally got it to a point I'm very happy with! Specifically with shadows, the night, and dark places.
The above event is meant to take place during the middle of a moonlit night. But other than her hair, sand, and sky, it doesn't really look too dark. This is because the engine I use apparently never considered the possibility of darkness. Turning the lights off doesn't always make an object darker, it just removes the shadows... so to get around that, I have to recolor EVERY object to be darker. Every rock, tree, leaf, shell, shirt, sock, shoe, and hair strand. Even the sand. Every color needs to be adjusted to make a scene look dark with the methods I employ now, but that's not even the end of it. Because after that comes the post-processing.
The above is a dark scene from v0.17. Here you can see blacker blacks, higher contrast, and multiple light sources. Is it modern AAA lighting? No, I'll never get there with this engine. But I think the style I've been able to develop over the years is visually appealing in its own right. Is it worth the extra time and effort though? That's mostly for you to decide. The quality may have gone up over the years, but so has the time between releases. That's not something I'm proud of, but it's not for no reason. All this work isn't just more time consuming either, it's stressful too. So finding a balance is really important, not only with work but with life too.
(v0.1):
(v0.16):
Unfortunately I can't show it here due to Patreon's rules, but the sex scenes used to be animated with only 3 frames. It was very choppy an unappealing. These days, most animations are in 24 - 30 frames, with the repeatable sex scenes including around 6 outfits for each action. This is the limit of what I want to do in terms of repeatable sex scenes, but I am very open to the idea of adding extra positions throughout the story.
When I first started developing sex scenes, it would typically fade straight into the animation and end with 2 - 4 images for the finishing actions. I like to include a bit more building up and post-sex moments now with these repeatable sex scenes. I remade almost every single repeatable sex option in v0.15 with this in mind, but there's still more to do with other characters. Namely Android. Hers are the worst at the moment and are in dire need of upgrades. Speaking of which, she's the worst to develop repeatable sex scenes for. Not only am I accounting for the position and the outfit, but also for the breast size options. When I remake her repeatable sex scenes, I will try to limit that option to only where it is extremely necessarily, such as when she tops you.
That's all for this post! I'll leave you all with a question; when did you start playing Harem Hotel? I look forward to your responses! Harem Hotel is still quite far off from being completed, so who knows what the game will look like down the line :)
Lewd previews during development can be found on my Twitter and Discord
As always, thank so much for playing and supporting!
Comments
Runey
Glad to hear :)
Morgan kerns
Have loved this game since 0.12 or so, came for the booba, stayed for the incredible story
zzouterspace
I started playing HH since it was 0.8 when we still had the game as an actual android app and I think the game is amazing in that not only do we see the sex but also the ability to discover and roam new places at will along with interactions with the girls. So yeah I hope this game can grow more in the future.
KevinBlue18
I started playing HH when it was around 0.3 and it's one of the VNs that inspired me to try to create my own using either HS or KK (for a cartoony look). I loved everything including the artwork and characters. I even teared up during Ashley's and the Android's storyline. The only minor issue that I have is the compound words that start with "self" should have a hyphen like "self-sustaining" like it's written the dictionary and most style guides.
Red
Frankly don’t know what part I’m on, but I just started and the growth from beginning to where I am now is incredible. I was expecting one thing, but got so much more. Never thought I’d get so attached to some of the character stories you’ve got going. Thank you for the great game and I’m excited to continue through and see all these updates start to tie in!
Finalü soupe
I'm glad to see you motivated and happy towards such a long period of time for 1 game. It is enjoyable and even got me pretty addicted after i got used to the game. Big ups !
Runey
I plan to redesign the dungeon content to make it a bit more gamey.
Pascal Lindemann
Yeah, maybe some scenes with the Elves from the Sanktum. Or an accident with Autumn, that would be funny ;-)
yonkers
i wish you could add something in the dungeon
teh_theif
The amount of care you give shows, and is why so many of us support you. Great to see you and the project grow!
Timo P
Game graphics have always been cartoonish anime-style, so even very early graphics are good IMO, they just get better later, but I don't feel any need for getting them any closer to realism. Animations have always been top-tier smooth and hot, and story is captivating enough that you could make SFW manga/anime from this and it would still be excellent to read/watch. I started early, several versions before update-mechanism was introduced, can't say exactly when.
Vishyfish
and this is why this has been my top game ever since i picked it up. The care really shows. Keep up the great work, Runey!!!
Brotherchar
2017 or 2018? Loved it ever since
The Magical Gurl
For as long as I have been a donor, you have come along way and I dont plan on going anywhere. Keep up your stellar work.
Runey
Of course. I strive for balance, not perfection.
It all looks so much better, but don't let perfect be the enemy of good enough. I've seen way to many good projects abandoned due to ever increasing standards or just growing wildly out of scope.
Runey
Bugs like these will be fixed.
Selek
Been playing since 2020, or possibly earlier. The storytelling is great and the quality of pictures and animation has definitely improved as the story progresses. I started playing the game again from the beginning with the last update and noticed that as some character story progresses towards the latest update, characters that haven't been added to the Hotel appear. For example, with Ashley's route, Sylvia appears in a lobby scene, even though I haven't built the sanctuary and purchased her, yet. This may confuse new players. Otherwise, you are doing a great job!
Pascal Lindemann
I started around 0.11 to play HH and must say, with ongoing work Codes the experience. And your game is top noch. So a break to reflek your work is understandable to Keeper up with your own Standards and to decide on what to focus, escially with this mich content, old and new characters, locations and the differnt storys. So Tage your time and Do not rush things
Mobian Arnadi
I wanna say I started with .15, and was instantly hooked! You've created a monster of a world, and I actually find myself caring less about the porn scenes and more about the characters and their journeys. Well fucking done!
Darryl Williams
I came in a while ago. Definitely before v.9, at least. Also one of the first Patreons I've ever... patron'd. I've always enjoyed it as the lewd harem game it is. Now I'm looking forward to it as becoming something unique in its field, which is a difficult thing to pursue, considering. It's one of the only things I download at every version.
Fernando
I started when I found the game on v0.6 to destress myself haha, but then the story got better and diverse, every character express a different story with different goals and thats something a very much enjoy. Keep doing a great job and I can't wait to restart the story again on v0.17!!
King of the Mushan
My favorite thing about the evolution of this game is being able to actually watch it happen. Playing through the game fairly recently, maybe only starting in 0.15, I got to watch it become better as I played it. The scenes became more dynamic, the writing became more compelling (The writing, by the way, is SO GOOD. You actually make me feel for these characters as real people and I want them to succeed, so you must be doing a good job), I could see you choosing to do more ambitious scenes and stories and was rooting for it the whole way. Staying vague to avoid spoilers, but watching little side stories like a cabin getaway evolve into traveling to "an island" and discovering so much lore about the world, it's made it an unforgettable game. I may even play it from the beginning again once the new version drops, hahaha. In short, you keep doing you, keep improving, and keep telling the story you want to tell, because it's obvious there's passion here. There hasn't been a single story arc or a single character interaction that made me believe you're putting anything less than your heart and soul into your vision, and I love that for you.
Pan con Quesito
I started playing a year ago, those were difficult times, but meeting HH was undoubtedly the best memory I have of that time. HH is undoubtedly one of the best I've ever played. The development of each character is spectacular along with the story that only urged me to continue more and more XD. I don't know what the future holds but I'm sure I'll be there to see it because in your hands that put so much effort into it I know it will be worth it <3 You are great RUNEY!!
James J Kelly
I believe I started with 0.12. I had never played anything like this before. Of the others I have tried since, this is the only AV novel I am into. Even in the last few versions, your improvements have been vast. What you are doing is just amazing work.
James J Kelly
I actually noticed the difference in Ashley's technique as well. I like the change. I think it is sexier that different women have different skill sets. It also makes it a lot hotter when they learn a new trick. While I think it is super hot when a character says she has been practicing on toys and she starts out an expert, it loses impact if it is everyone.
Moto
I have been following this game since.. Maybe a month or two after you first dropped it on itch.io? It is honestly one of THE best story games I have played. That goes across every catagory as well. The progress and the journey has been amazing to watch and experience. The character development is outstanding. And I don't just mean changes made over time, I'm talking about their in game character developments through their stories. For example, the fist little bit of playing this game, I really did not like Ashley, she just seemed TOO eager and TOO willing to do whatever ever this man asked. (I know I know.. Wtf am I thinking saying that about this type of game lol, but I'm big on story and the rest is just icing on the cake) but honestly I just didn't really like her character.. Until.. Until we dove deep into her back story and her background and the moment where she went from "I'll stab a bitch" to being one of the most vulnerable girls in the game.. It completely flipped the script and changed everything.. Now.. I'm a big guy, strong, good beard, never cry or express emotion.. Her story broke me and had me in tears. And that's not the only time that has happened in this game either. She honestly is one of my favorite characters now, her back story is incredible and the way it all tied in was done beautifully. And honestly all the characters have amazing stories and backgrounds and everything. It's honestly just so much to play and learn about them. Your writing is amazing and don't worry about the old stuff too much, I like that it's a little dated and doesn't match up sometimes (like the pictures you showed here) hell when I first saw those two pictures in game I figured it was either just two different parts of the city, or it was from each girls own personal perspective (rather than an perfect real perspective) of the city. But Honestly if I had the money, I'd be subscribe at THE highest tier.. But unfortunately if I did that I would be homeless and have no food lol. All of your work has been amazing and I can't wait to see where everything goes! Sorry for this being so long but I wanted to finally say something lol
Somthinoffensiv
I look forward to her content moving forward as well as the others ☺️ I find my self replaying the game multiple times really hoping for some Juliet at some point always loved the goth look lol
Runey
That's right! My philosophy when remaking all the blowjobs was "Proper blowjobs allow for proper deepthroats". Now I can offer real deepthroat options in the future! And with the freestyle option, you can go from blowjob into deepthroat.
Marcus Dolce
I don't exactly remember which version I started playing but it was in in the low single digits versions. It has been awesome seeing the game and your skills progress and I can't wait to experience it moving forward!
Somthinoffensiv
The only change that I haven't like is Ashley's blow job seen where she used to go all the way down and seemed more confident in her skill. Now she seems more apprehensive and shy about it. But that's just my opinion :)
General X
An honest take, hopefully one you appreciate. You share a love of perfectionism. The choppy 3 frame love scenes were welcomely improved to full animation. I would love to see animated cuddling when you take a girl to bed for the night, kissing or running hands across the back. Certain things will always be upgradeable, but a perfectionist will never stop improving a masterpiece. That’s what you’ve made. The lighting is incredible, the story is absolutely engrossing. I’ve physically cried multiple times from especially tough scenes. I’ve never cared about a video game character before, and I care about those girls. This has always been a labor of love for you, but it’s become a journey of love for us as well. We’re always looking forward to the next round of improvement. Never stop that desire to improve and never lose that perfectionism, because you’ve made something that in many ways is absolutely perfect. I’ve been here for four versions now, and will be here until the game is fully finished and far beyond!
NFinity
I started with 0.16 and am still amazed it was "only" last month that I had started playing it. It's an amazing work and I thank you for putting so much effort to get all the tiny details developed so that players like me can just immerse ourselves in another world.
Alternate5
Oh man, look at that progress. It’s been so long that I don’t remember when I started following you, I do know for a fact it was after the Android got her own room, and maybe before she had a sex scene.
SoumaMooncrest
I picked your game up at 0.15 it’s amazing how different it looks now with the latest version compared to when you first started you’ve really dedicated to improving it and i’m glad to still keep updating it every time the new version comes around keep doing what you do Runey!
