GrymGudinnaGames
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Corporate Development Memo (9/1/2024)
🕑 Added 2024-09-02 06:12:32 +0000 UTCHi all,
I've got a free moment just getting back from everything today and I wrote some of this on the plane coming back and adding a bit more. I will put some pics on Discord later as I am writing from a laptop and don't have all the renders on me.
First, the update for the game:
Main Renders: 213 --> 213
Secret Sub 367 --> 367
Dom Path 990 --> 1,043 (+53)
Sub Path 904 --> 993 (+89)
Total Renders --> 2,474 --> 2,616 (+142)
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Ok, now the stuff I wanted to talk about was my hopes and desires for getting the update out. I always want to stress that while I believe this is pretty close to what I think I can get done, it is by NO means a guarantee! I try to avoid giving this kind of info too early for fear of problems - whether the game or real life -- that just come up unexpectedly. Nevertheless, I am going to attempt to lay out a desired plan that I hope works out.
So first of all, my estimated final render count for the update based on the scenes remaining is between 3,400-3,600 renders. It may vary a bit depending on how each scene plays out, but this is a pretty close estimate.
I intend to take about 8-9 days mostly off in October to crunch hard on the game. I believe that right now I am roughly between 800-1,000 short of where I want to be, and I am also factoring in some editing, render fixes, music, and a lot of play testing.
So what it all means is that I am hoping I can get out at least the Test Version before October ends. I am going to try and take time off from roughly October 14 to about the 23rd or so as a real goal to try and crank out everything with a week of extra buffer in case I run into major problems I can't see right now.
I really appreciate the patience of everyone as I know my updates are not fast. This is partially from a real issue with the game -- even at say 1500 renders, an update would feel woefully short if you only play one or two paths and especially miss some optional scenes that are often based on prior flags/choices. Having consequential choice is a good thing, but also a bad thing in terms of how updates feel as they are smaller in one sense. A 2,000 render linear path game with basically little choice/branching feels very different than a 2,000 render update for a game with lots of branching and many people only play dom or sub side only, so it's already a rough cut in half so to speak. I enjoy writing this game, but practically, I often feel like I am not being efficient in updating like some other games out there.
I also know this impacts financial metrics and I feel like the game is dying a slow death with long updates but I'm not sure how else to write/render with how I've structured things.
It's just always been an issue for me and why I kind of am always conflicted about the the size of the updates. Maybe people can chime in if they see something I don't with how I structure updates. I considered just updating dom/sub separately but it just doesn't feel right with me somehow...maybe it's because I think it would be tougher for me to write that way, I don't know.
Near the end of September I will probably take three full days off from everything to recharge for a final sprint. Whatever happens...I will always appreciate every person that has been kind enough to send nice thoughts, comments, or any other positive energy my way.
I feel a bit contemplative right now having been with a energetic child all day and seeing the world through her eyes. I find myself feeling very fortunate with my life overall, but also thinking of new ideas/things too. I wish I had more time in each day to do even more.
Thank you everyone and I will work hard to get the next update out :)
Comments
Nap_77
Thank you for a great game. The wait is well worth it. With regards to quality and dedication, I tend to get more worried when these types of projects get rushed. Based on the quality of the renders, the story with all the choices and the size of the game, it is not difficult to see that you have put alot of time, work and dedication into the project. In the end, family and real life should always be first priority. This is just entertainment, fun and spice on top of real life and commitments. Stay well!
Ric
Personally I think the time it takes you is perfectly reasonable, but ultimately you know better than anyone how fast or not you should be going, if it takes time, it takes time, period. My only suggestion is a very generic one, do not burn yourself out, it doesn't matter if a goal seems right around the corner or if one thinks a harder push might be needed, once you are burnt... it's hard to come back from it.
Ghosthog
I'm not aware of any game as complex or large in scope that has a better update cycle than yours or any developer that shows a stronger work ethic than you, especially considering you are doing this on the side. Plus, you communicate consistently and transparently with your community which makes a big difference in waiting for updates. You are definitely an inspiration for those of us hoping to create something of our own one day. Don't doubt yourself, taking the time you need for both yourself and for your art will produce the best outcome imo.
Frosty
Your good! Good things come to those who wait. No issue with waiting because your game/story is worth it.
Pauljp13
You do a great job,I play all routes(sub are my fave),I get many hours of play. In fact other games i play their updates seem so small,1 hour maybe 2.I am so spoiled by KG. Thanks and keep spoiling me.
Niels Friis Nielsen
I honestly never had a problem with waiting for your updates. I actually never considered them to be slow considering how much story is in each update. As several people have already mentioned it's worth waiting for quality stuff. And I love that you take the time to make sure there's enough content for all paths in the game. As I can only speak for myself, don't worry about me losing interest in your great game because of the pace of the updates :) I hope you had a fun time on babysitter duty, and have a great week!
Raj Williams
Your dedication to your game is most appreciated, which is why we love it. It is worth waiting for, because I prefer making meaningful choices that impact game play and story progression. This also greatly adds to the game's replayability, as the player would always want to know the "What ifs" about decisions not previously taken. Great work...thank you! ❤️🙏
Vilesh Darothar
I really like having meaningful choices, its one of the things which set this game apart from most other AVNs. I can definitely see the issue with update lengths, if you only do one run through the game, but most backers I speak to do multiple routes. I've never done the sub ones but between all the dom and secret sub routes theres a plethora of options. Even opting out of the games turns into a unique route with a potential main LI and ending you don't find elsewhere which was nice as there was a reward for picking morals over power etc. I will say the style of branching content and choices does make the walkthroughs really important so you can see when you've missed content but I find the current ones very helpful as they include so much. It was a bit mind blowing when after playing the game through blind a couple of times I looked at the walkthrough and realised how much content I missed! Of course now I have a ridiculous amount of paths and saves through the game. :)
Demetos
A good product is worth the wait. KG is a good product - at least I see it so. Take your time. Do it so that you are content yourself with the upate - that is the best you can do - and "we" appreciate it. Don't stress out about the update... you only got one life yourself... make it a Z life not a K life :-) That being said... can't wait till chapter 10... 11... 12... 13. Please quit your real job(s) and stop sleeping already... ! (Joke... ) Hope you had a good time with the kid... (Uhm... you took a plane to babysit? - gee... your circumstances are different from mine)
FemmeFataleDi
Tess, I understand what u wrote very well. Just recharge if you need it.
Adamites24
I just discovered the game super recently and I love how much effort you put into every path whether I play it or not. I'll be supporting it for as long as I'm financially able to.
John Price
Thank you Miss Tess for everything that you put into!! Not only this game, but the community, and your own personal goals!!
