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Houses of Hearts, Project update #1 / Sneak peeks #1
🕑 Added 2025-04-16 11:52:00 +0000 UTCIncoming wall of text and images.
Hi! It's been a while since I last posted, so let me share with you what has been going on. Episode 1 is underway; while there is exciting stuff to be done with the new season and new characters, I did the opposite and simmered in the current situation just a bit more before jumping into the fray.
This season, I wanted to place more emphasis on the story, which has been clear since the second season was announced. You start immediately from where you left off, answering some questions before fully diving into season two...
...which dives you fully into the realm of demons, and the immediate goal you must achieve. There is a lot of story to be told—a ton more.
I'll only share a general look at what the season will be about. I believe it will be best to let you enjoy the details with your own eyes.
A month had in-game time passed since the start of season one. Now, you are independent of Astofiel's help and must pursue your goals without his help.
Nothing is free in this world. To maintain a loved one's life, there is a price that you have paid.
To revitalize what came from another's blood, you must find exactly that. Lilith is currently sealed in a place with no escape, with keys held by different entities, one of them being your mother. An ancient, ancestral archdemon whose strength steps beyond the limits of a demon, and is half a step too close to an angel's domain for their liking.
Underpowered, lacking in resources and strength, you must find a way to reach the seat of a high table.
But you're not the only one vying for that seat. A lot of demons do.
No demon could rise alone; a high-table demon comes from a house they call their own.
Ceryl, one aspiring demon, whose house had long since fallen, sees value in your ties to Lilith and the two friends you have made. She wishes to make a deal with you... And this is where season two officially commences.
I have done a ton of work since last week, and even so, I still have not reached a point where you'll meet the new cast.
Yeah, there is so, so, so much more to do.
But I'm quite happy with what I have made.
This season will be a herculean task, considering the amount of effort I put into individual renders, which is now so, so much more time-consuming than what it was prior. I didn't have to do it this way, but out of respect for everyone's support, it is criminal if I didn't put in less than everything I had(outside of the fact that this is not a full-time project).
Doing it this way does increase render times a lot, however, which is a problem. I need to find a better balance.
Now, to the developer side of things. I will be as honest and as straight as I can with you:
1. I'm eyeing an upgrade to my rig in the near future, but I have to be frank, I am not very liquid with cash as of this moment. To achieve that, I'm currently considering a Steam release, or perhaps opening up a Kickstarter to obtain some capital. Both have their ups and downs.
The problem with steam is that I must expend more time to polish up and address some of the problems from the first season—time that I don't have. There is no way I'm releasing Game of Hearts as-is. Kickstarter seems to be the simpler choice, but looking at the other Kickstarter projects, I don't have the time to give out any more rewards than I already do.
I can't stress this enough; my biggest problem is time. I don't have enough time. Every minute I have, I must spend it on the number one priority, which is season two. Perhaps I'll be more efficient once I get the hang of things better in the future. I'm unsure how to boost my Patreon support even more without consuming what little time I have.
Regardless of the slight problems, I am thankful, and I recognize how lucky I am to even consider doing this for a living. And it is all because of your support.
Thank you again for your support. I shall return with more news in the future.
Comments
Ai Alexis
I've seen many teams earn more revenue by releasing their visual novels on Steam than your work is top-notch, so it's very likely you'll achieve it too.
Arguendo
Your work would be among the top-tier on Steam, so there would be no need for a touch up. That would be your personal preference imho. I hope you find a solution you are happy and comfortable with. Really looking forwards to seeing where S2 will take us!
