TheLifeofMe
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Taking a Breather: Update, Feedback & Plans Ahead
🕑 Added 2024-12-05 23:29:31 +0000 UTCHey everyone,
First off, I’m so sorry for the long silence (here's a sexy image). I know it’s been a while since I’ve properly checked in, and I really appreciate you sticking around despite the radio silence. I’ve been juggling what feels like a million things at once—selling my place, moving and renovating, taking care of family, keeping up with my regular job, trying to maintain my hobbies (swimming!) and a bit of a social life. Turns out, my energy isn’t as boundless as I thought, and I hit a wall. It’s been tough finding the right headspace to be creative and push the game forward, and I’m sorry I couldn’t communicate that sooner.
Let’s talk about the game. From the start, this update was meant to focus entirely on revamping and refining old content—not pushing the story forward. That includes cleaning up the coding, adding a bit of immersion through Oliver’s personality system (which is almost done), and polishing existing scenes and CG's. But here’s where I’m stuck: I’ve started second-guessing the whole approach. Was it wise to spend so much energy improving old material now, rather than waiting until the story was further along?
Specifically with the party sequence, I’m unsure if I should change parts of it—maybe make it longer or otherwise improve it. I know many of you are eager for new story content, so I worry that all this refining—without pushing the narrative forward—might be disappointing. Your input could help me strike a better balance. If you have thoughts on what could make the party sequence more enjoyable—whether small narrative tweaks or other improvements—I’d love to hear them. Or, if you think I should just leave it and get on with it so I can start making the next update already, please feel free to tell me that too.
I do plan to add some extra bonus content to at least give you something fresh in this update. And I’m always open to suggestions—if there’s a particular kind of bonus you’d enjoy, let me know! I want to give you something to smile about, even if it’s not the story advancement you’ve been craving.
Right now, I’m planning to get back on track by mid-January, once I’m fully settled into my new place and have a proper workspace set up. I honestly think taking a short break is the best way to return stronger and more focused. I want to come back re-energized, brimming with ideas, and ready to deliver the progress you deserve. Trust me, I’m not abandoning the game—I care about it (and all of you) too much for that.
In the meantime, I completely understand if you want to pause your financial support. Please feel free to switch to a free tier if that’s more comfortable until I’m back in full swing. For those who choose to stick around, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ll try to sprinkle in a few gallery posts or some light content here and there, just so you know I haven’t vanished completely.
Thank you, truly, you have no idea how much your understanding means to me. I’m committed to making this worth the wait. I can’t wait to come back refreshed and give you the story progression and quality content that we’ve all been looking forward to.
- Thonduil
Comments
Ryostorm
I kinda want to see where the complexities take those stories. How the affect Oliver. Like Trent/Gregor, Brendan/Jamie……Nathan/Dad.
Keiverse87
So call me crazy but I think revamping it all at this stage is better, only because then you could give all your attention on the story progression sure but also, taking from past posts there are something in the game you don't fully like or know you're going to change. It's better now so fans don't get attached to one idea from a delayed change than if you do it now. I hope that makes sense lol. As for the party sequence I would suggest "conversation topic drops" not really sure what else to call it. It basically let's say Nathan has a little too much to drink and let's slip a little information about Gregor and Trent's relationship, a topic that the player can then ask either Gregor or Trent, either increasing or decreasing the relationship points significantly depending on how the player chooses to handle the situation. But it could be used to extend the party a little more, as well as give you the ability to add something extra to the party, depending on what topics the player chooses to approach. Plus, a added bonus is you could also use it for future story progression, or even create side stories that have to be discovered. I hope this helps at least a little, and wish you and yours a Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year! Enjoy your break! :}
Thomas
That’s a very good idea! Doing everything at once has turned out to be a bit much. Perhaps I’ll focus on moving the story forward next, and leave the party sequence for another day.
Ryostorm
Personally, I would want to get the story moved forward before revamping and redoing. But alas, it's not my game. And that's just how I am.
Jason Lagasse
I would suggest doing the revamp in phases. This way is not so overwhelming and you could still progress the story. An example would be doing a code revamp and progress the story line of one or two characters. This is similar to how I manage my team. We doing new features but also include improvements with each release to existing functionality. I love the story! Looking forward to see where you go with i; especially Trent's and Martin's story lines.
