thesolarionproject
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Project Update - Please read & comment!
🕑 Added 2023-04-27 10:02:53 +0000 UTCHey all,
Just wanted to have a chance to talk about a few things while I'm finishing up the latest build (which may be delayed until Saturday, but will keep you updated).
This is going to be a couple of announcements / talking points rolled into one, so please bear with me!
Lately I have been struggling quite a bit in terms of motivation due to oncoming burnout, especially with this project. To that end I will be taking some serious time off. One of things I neglected last year was taking any meaningful time away and with all the crazy busy-ness I've had so far this year, I mean to right that. So from May 22nd to June 9th I'll be "away", I'll still be around on the discord and here to answer questions too, but I won't actively be working on the projects.
That said, I don't think this will help with the issues I am having with this particular project at the moment. I can't help but feel the project has become slightly aimless and often times I am forcing a piece of a puzzle into a slot it's not supposed to go into.
My plan of attack for this problem is to take a step back from the project (like a mini hiatus) for a couple months (June & August) and do small content releases for these months (I'm thinking some costume scenes - lingerie - see below & maybe a patron vote to pick the August costume?) while I work on really hammering down the details of this project.
I need to figure out the core mechanics, as I've been talking about a combat system for a while, but again it feels like jamming a piece in that doesn't fit - so this will be looked into. I want to add in some date mechanics, like how there is with Shelly. Doesn't have to be mechanically challenging, but really fits with the flow of the what's happening with the date.
The story is something I want to properly flesh and plan out along with the side NPCs and main NPCs to know exactly what their journeys are going to be like. Part of this will be adding in major choices that have knock on affects to future scenarios, but to add these in I need to know where things are heading in much greater detail. This game was always meant to be "Mass Effect-like" in terms of meaningful choices and I feel like this has definitely been lost.
So what I'm asking for is a bit of time to properly think about the everything and come up with a really detailed plan so that I don't feel so lost going forward. There might be a "rework" so to speak in terms of story flow / writing so I can add in these choices, though I wouldn't expect any major changes from basic structure that's been revealed so far.
I'm kind of looking at also doing a minor re-write of Lillith's character too, making her more of a "seductress type" so her and Kittenna's personalities are a little more distinct from each other. She will still of course be a badass, martially proficient and mysterious. But the idea is to make her speech a little more suggestive / flirtatious rather than "tough" in some circumstances. Let me know what you think of this.
Once I have my plan of attack I want to start implementing these changes immediately (while continuing to provide you guys with the content you deserve!) I'm really confident that this major planning time, combined with some time away will help in getting me out of this "slump". It will be good to know what can and should be cut from the game (if necessary) in order to make sure we're not still working on this game in 2030!
But most importantly I want to hear your thoughts on this. You guys have been fantastic supporting this project and while I sometimes struggle to get things right you have always been so supportive of the work I do (as I know you love the characters as much as I do!) and I want to do things right by you as well rather than just storming off on my own ideas & plan. So please give me your thoughts on this!
Until we next speak!
- Charon (yes, a name change has occurred!)
Comments
I'd you need brake, then make it, take kare of yourself!
quadsquat
Burnout affects the game in all aspects, but more importantly, it can lead to physical ailments if you try to power through, and no one should put anything above their health. You have to take care of yourself first, and the game is secondary. Do what you need to do to fully recharge and come back with your plan of attack for the game with a clear mind and renewed vigor. I enjoy the story and don't want to see it suffer or be left with questions about anything once the game concludes. I'm not sure about a flirty Lillith, but a seductive Lillith does pique curiosity. Not a single crew member is a seductress. It would be interesting to see that minor rewrite, but don't let it bog you down if you get stuck and/or suddenly you're also having to do a whole slew of new renders to fit this new persona, thus causing undue stress. I don't have any issue with you adding date mechanics. Yes, we definitely need to get the side NPCs into the game and whatever they're adding to the story. If 0.24 is any indicator, that's where the answers and progression of the story are going to come from. The crew is good for now because they can't answer questions about anything until a new side NPC appears, and that's just informing the MC who the NPC is and whatnot. Not to mention, he's already having foursomes with the crew, and we've barely scratched the surface with a lot of the story that's still not in the game yet. Just focus on you for now, and we'll all see what the respite inspires upon your return.
Take your time, enjoy your brake :)
Tosk
Take your time. I look forward to your eventual return to hope you're able to get your mojo back.
Kasaix
Take it easy!
For the sake of the project and more importantly your heath, take the time off. It's never a good idea to burn yourself out. I would love see more content just having fun with the crew members. I am sad to see we haven't seen any progress with there stories of late. The girls of the crew almost feel more like backroom dressing of late. The Side NPC you been adding lately are cool but it's the crew that keeps me interested. The dating thing you mention sounds cool. It could be a diffident activity could for each one. As Lillith I don't know if making her more flirtatious would really make her all that different then Kittenna. Lillith is all ready a bit flirty and Kittenna is probably even more flirty then she is. Rest well and good luck going forward. I look what plans you come back with
Take the rest you need. With the potential custom scenes, would those be commissions based on what someone requests or just a few smaller things to tide us over?
HyperSonic284
I want to see this game be improved and that can't happend if you are burned out and lacking a vision for this project. Take time off, help yourself and return when you have a solid plan so you don't return to being like this
IrishPeanut
If you think you need to take a breather go right ahead man! Everyone needs a vacation some time or other.
THERUSSIANFOXX
I have to agree on everyone's thoughts on taking some time to rest
