Status update Episode 11
🕑 Added 2024-12-20 14:58:13 +0000 UTC
I completed posing all scenes this week, and after that, it felt like a whole new world of steps in development opened up, which means I've reached the polishing stage.
I have coding tasks left here and there, but all the scenes (story + lewd + branches) have been posed and written, so I can finally start playing the episode for real and polish the rough areas.
Before playing, I quality-tested the special renders and lewd scenes. I ensured I could reach 100% collectibles on a mini-game playthrough and unlocked all lewd scenes. I then tested that all rewards and lewd scenes were viewable and playable - this step usually results in many bugs, and it was a bit buggy this time, too.
After finishing with that, I started playing Jill's branch. Most of the static renders in the render queue are in other branches or late game, so there weren't a lot of missing content areas.
I reached a part of the episode I knew wasn't coded properly - a big free roam - and fixed all the code to make it playable and work as intended.
While playing, I found issues here and there, be it renders that need to be touched up or re-rendered, code that needs to be fixed, or dialogue that can be trimmed/altered. I don't stop to fix that while playing, as I don't want to lose immersion. Instead, I keep playing and make notes in the code for all these spots. Once I reach the end of the episode, I fix all the issues immediately before playing another playthrough. Rinse repeat.
I just finished my first full playthrough of Jill's branch, and I overall think it was a long and eventful episode. I have made over 100 notes on issues to fix, and I'm currently fixing them before I continue playing.
I also worked some on Episode 12 planning to ensure that I had all the story I needed in Episode 11 in preparation for the season finale. Checking the plan ahead of schedule is a great way to ensure all planned content is considered. And from my plan, I could tell that I don't need more story content in episode 11, which is great.
99 static renders and 61 animations are currently in the queue. It will mostly deplete from now on, except for any renders/animations that need to be re-rendered.
This is how my days will look like from now on until beta testing. I will play, make notes, and fix issues. I have the following tasks left to complete:
SFX & Music
Some scenes still miss SFX & Music, and I want to expand the song selections in some areas after playing the episode.
Coding & Other tasks
Rooster needs 1-2 more clucks.
The phone gallery most likely needs a few more images for some branches.
Phone chats are near completion, but I don't want to remove this bullet point until I've played all branches.
Add Bios to the entire episode. It's a couple of hours worth of work.
Add girls and their lewd events to the Stats app. It's less than an hour's worth of work.
The end of the episode report needs to be written.
The "Previously on Being a DIK" section needs to be written. It's in the planning stages and will take a couple of hours to complete.
Discord rich presence functionality needs to be quality tested before being considered complete.
Polishing
Play through all branches and all conceivable variations to quality test the episode.
Play the episode with a focus on
Overall story
Continuity
Spelling/grammar/words/dialogue
Inspecting images and animations
Music & SFX analysis
Checking that phone apps/stats update accordingly
Mini-games (winning/losing)
Mini-games disabled mode
Fix all issues encountered during playtesting.
Add any content that I feel is missing.
My thoughts on all this
Now it's time to cross the t's and dot the i's and ensure that the hard work pays off for me and you. I hope you understand what I'll be doing daily from now on, and I'll try my best to report this process throughout. Polishing the episode will require time, as will the 61 animations in the queue. Once all static renders have been rendered, all my systems will work on animations, and the speed should see an uptick.
This year, I'll be taking December 23-24 and 31 off and work as normal as possible other than that.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you!
Love
Dr PinkCake
Comments
Bob Hope
Keep cooking my dude. Your stories and lewd scenes are worth supporting. 10/10. I'm in love with every character. and they are very sexy to look at :). Lewd wise, I love the petite women and the fit ones. The narrative is really good and very deep. Josy, Lily, Sarah, Quinn, and Sally are my Favorite. Sally being on top. Keep it up!
Truebilly
Jizones Mcgillicuddy
NatsuSixx #8083
Hope you and everyone here had a merry christmas! We all appreciate your work, Love the story, characters and art! I always feel slightly addicted, looking forward to every update until release LOL
JEH
Merry Christmas :)
Sullivan Kilmister
Merry Christmas doc! I hope we can finally date lily!
Scott
When it's done.
Scott
Patience.
Scott
You too.
Scott
You too.
Scott
It is amazing.
Scott
Fight.
briketsNbiscuits
Merry Christmas!
Tim Anderson
Just wanted to Say Merry Christmas to all my fellow Dik's , hope your holidays are awesome and your playthroughs are good.
M.M.
Doc, thank you so very much for all you work, all year-round! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!
Malathus
Next on ESPN : Dawe's Big Noodle Bowl Championship...Sponsored by Steroids
Big A
Happy Christmas doc thank you
Ldub
Amen brother, I can respect that, just keep making that great content. We are all here til the end of this story.
Kudlak
One of reason people play this game is it complexity. ๐.
Truebilly
Come on dude you know better . Its ready when its ready. Probably another 4-6 weeks but hell that could be way off. Usually these questions come from people just jumping on for a month to get the update and then off again for a year
Malathus
Just let the man work. Yes I want the content, but branching stories have far more replayability when you dont turn them into a bonsai tree. I personally like the expansion as it gives more options. Patience Grasshopper
Jonathan Hang
Ah, I'm a scene-to-scene/moments/girl interactions/free-roam saver, so as you could imagine, my pages are filling up (and that goes for all paths). As for Affinity I went Neutral for all (I played all in one). I played the field with all the girls (SG included) and just separated the paths during the ending final LIs choices. Except for my Other Path (that's my All-Dik choices path).
jake
This man is cooking ๐ฎโ๐จ
Matthew Griffin
Sounds like no update for 2024? First time since I joined in 2020 thatโs happened. Any thoughts on scaling back the episodes size and/or complexity?
Lk
Merry Christmas to everyone
bayworth
have a good Christmas
RustyCohle
I know what you mean. There are many scenes already where you have to decide between Josy and Maya (thinking of what you're doing after meeting Josy's Father during the Preps-Party for example) and i also got the feeling that this is some kind of foreshadowing. I'm also thinking that all these decisions will have a huge impact on if you're with Josy or Maya in the end. Nevertheless i'm hoping that there is still a way to get together with both of them in the end :-).
Malathus
Others have brought up holding off on Sage until she is done with Chad, but then you miss one of the sexiest Sage scenes right after the HOT movie night with the "stay quiet" scenario. On DiK runthroughts Sage just gets me going. The Halloween party noone else gets nasty in the Haunted House. Can't blame her though....3 YEARS of Chad's BS, girl is seriously in need of a DiKing.
Malathus
Fully agree on willing to do alot of work, but even now you can have moments with Maya or Josy that feel like a lead to a just one of them relationship. Plus they argue all the time, so in some ways I think its healthier for them to "move on" from the Josy-Maya dynamic. I know on a lot of my JM playthroughs I spend time helping them connect.
RustyCohle
Regarding LoF, that's really good to know. As long as there is a path to a happy ending, the pain on the way achieving it would probably be ok for me. So maybe i will give the game a shot sometime. I'm completely with you when it comes to BaD, especially regarding Josy/Maya. There should be indeed 3 paths to be with Josy, Maya or both in the end. It'd be ok if it's a lot of work to get there but at least it should be possible. Fingers crossed :-)
Targonis
It feels so close to being done, but I know that there are still a few weeks worth of sustained work to get it all done before the beta testing can begin.
Malathus
I already have 2 pages of saves after episode 10 to run through with different alternatives. I tend to alternate Chick and DiK playthroughs throwing in neutrals sporadically. I am sure episode 11 will just add to playthroughs. Like Ive said before I really appreciate Doc's work and for giving us such replayability.
Calhoun28
Thanks for the update Doc.
Bruno
Wish you a great christmas doc. Thanks for the hard work! What a cool update
Malathus
LoF does have paths to happy endings....its just alot of work and alot of soul hurting pain to get to that ending with Cece especially. I still cant play LoF again even though I really "felt" the story and got the happy ending. Alot of us have a "NO!" reaction to several moments in the game, but if you are in it for the "feels" it can be worthwhile. I really feel the same for BiD in some ways, When the MC gets to grow close to a LI I really want to explore it, and this game has really allowed that, other than....wanting to protect/save Rio who has spent many episodes dealing with Quinn's BS, Wanting to help Bella get back to that warm smile she had in her wedding photo, Wanting to help Sage get beyond her "family". Wanting to help Jill fully honor her sister and help her Mother and Father. Helping Maya/Josy....or Maya and Josy (I think there should be 3 paths here...throuple, Maya, Josy) The list goes on.
DIK Jizones
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, DPC and all. Thanks for great update.
Julian Miranoviฤ ล tefaniฤ
Have a great new year and thank you for your hard work.
RustyCohle
I must admit i'm a real sucker for happy-endings. So at least there should be one path/branch to get a good ending. If that's not the case with LOF, then it's probably not a game for me :-).
Malathus
I would also recommend Leap of Faith, if you can take some really hard life events. It can wreck you emotionally just to warn you if thats not your thing. Prefer happy endings (No pun intended) but it is very well done. Acting Lessons also by DPC is another good one but also has some darker twists. Both are a far cry from Frat hyjinks :)
Volker R
Relaxing, happy Holidays for you Doc and for everyone as well
Lord_maxx
Wen r u aiming to release the next episode
Darren Robinson
Happy Holidays DRC! thank you for all the amazing work you do for us.
vityan
Wish you a happy Christmas and a happy,healthy and productive new year, DPC. :)
Brenin Patterson
Thanks for the update and your work on this game. It is my favorite game altogether with the story, characters and visual look. I cannot wait to see how you expand on the story, especially after the cliffhanger you left us on.
P L
Or January! DPC looks to be in that final stretch!
Scott
It's the gold standard. I remember when I first found the game. Ah what a time.
Richard Doelker
That is just amazing. I really appreciate your effort, lo e and dedication to your work. I am looking forward to play this masterpiece. Merry Christmas Dr. Wish you like always only the best.
R_TB_K
Merry Christmas to you doc and all of you guys, and like Thanos said the end is near.
Tim Anderson
You are insane Dr Pink, but i am glad to see your sticking to your vision and seeing it through, even if i am on pins and needles to get the new episode. Take all the time you need for you and your loved ones you more then deserve it, Thank you for being as transparent as humanly possible, and I hope your weekend is awesome.
Scott
Doc, your updates are almost as much fun to read every Friday as your game is to play. The amount of detail you pack into them is unsurpassed. I appreciate you and everything you do to bring this bit of joy to my life. You have created one hell of an escape from all the bs of another work week. It sounds like things are moving right along and that's amazing. I wish you all the health, happiness and joy one could for your holidays and the new year. You do one hell of a job DPC. Thank you and enjoy your weekend. That goes for everyone else here too. Time to go play another playthrough.
Matt Meeker
Thank you so much for everything you do. Have a Merry Christmas.
Sadie Adler
Happy Bella Holidays Pink ๐๐Looking forward to episode 11! Appreciate you ๐
Kurmblog
It is so exciting when the end of this development cycle is so close... You deserve the rest, enjoy the break and your loved ones
CST1992
Just the kind of year-end update I was hoping to read. You need playtesting support for Jill's branch, Doc? I'm your man! /jk
jack halenbeck
hope you have a great christmas and new year
Andrew Pybus
Great update Doc. Closer every day! Merry Christmas.
Yannick Raymond
Sweet awesome.. happy Christmas ๐
Nordwolf
Thanks for the awesome and detailed update. Can't wait to continue the story! I wish you and everyone else here a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Artem pupsik
Thanks for the update ๐
Malathus
Thanks for the detailed update as always Doc. Enjoy your holidays
Wrath
Amazing work like always, We're getting close to the release and can't wait to see what you've done. Have yourself a great christmas and new year.
Jonathan Hang
Thank you ๐คญ. Same. It's always fun going through the comments, and seeing familiar names. Well, that's how long it took me last EP. This update could surpass that easily ๐. Same. I wish you a Merry Christmas ๐ โ๏ธ๐๐ and Happy New Year ๐๐๐๐ also and all the happiness in the world. Stay safe, happy, and healthy, my friend ๐โ๐ป.
Lilatentakel
Hello Jonathan, in case I haven't mentioned it yet, but I love reading your comments ๐ I didn't dare mention it in my comment because I feel like I'm always repeating myself. In terms of detail and length, Doc's DevLogs are half episodes. For other developers, that would be the script for an entire game ๐ A week? I'm afraid it will take me longer than that to play through all the paths several times ๐คช In any case, I also want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ๐
Morgan
Merry Christmas Thank you for all your hard work
Will-the-Scotsman
Knowing you are this close to the end has all us anxious with anticipation! Can't wait for the update. Merry Christmas to you and your family Doc!
Greg Brown
Our DSU's are a waste of time. Too many people giving 10 minute "status reports" and debating reqs. lol.. But, hey.. If the Scrum Master allows it, it is what it is. And 100% agree on the cultured content comment. DPC's work has actually become a major stress relief after a long week.
Mangetsu
What, they aren't sharing status in daily stand-ups? Not good! Jokes aside, glad to see someone else in the industry enjoying the same cultured content ๐
Koii
oh man i cant wait, i might have to play the other season due to losing everything on my pc T_T but itll be a long and worth stories to do again!
RustyCohle
I found out about BaD just two weeks ago and it's the first VN i'm playing. I started the first season and was immediately hooked. By now a have played till the beginning of EP10 and i just love the game. It's really amazing what you have created here and i can hardly wait for the next episodes. The story is engaging, the humor great and i'm really invested in the charakters by now. I have only one big wish for the (final) ending of the game: Please make it possible to be with Josy, Maya or both in the end. I just love these two girls and would really hate it if a happy ending wasn't possible with them :-). Till then keep up the amazing work. Merry Christmas.
Jonathan Hang
Wooo! Excellent update and a fun read, Doc! Keep raising the bar and standards with every update ๐๐๐ป! I'm going to be playing this for a week ๐!!! That's how long it took me to finish the last EP (lots of paths, and I only play at night after work, and I also did a replay, replay of the EP for all the paths; make everything perfect, you know, minigames, money, etc.). Merry Christmas ๐ โ๏ธ๐๐! And Happy New Year ๐๐๐๐ to you and everyone ๐โ๐ป!
Greg Brown
I manage a team of ~20 software and QA engineers and, if HALF of them gave me this much detail in a weekly update, my entire life would be a whole lot easier. While it is "painful", at times, to wait a year between episodes; the end product always surpasses most (if not all) of your customers' expectations. To echo Mangetsu, you are the most transparent dev I follow. I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season and I, along with everyone of your followers, wish you a very fruitful and productive New Year.
Notsud
Hey doc, misses a spot! Lol Jk you do you my guy you're in the best place to find things and make it to your standard. We all can't wait for the awesomeness
Jake McFarlane
Merry Christmas Doc!! And thank you for your hard work!
DrPinkCake
I get my joy from creating it and watching the reactions of players. It's fun to see reactions and know what will happen ahead of time. I guess it's similar to having played a game you love and recommend it to a friend only to see how they react, but it feels even better.
Lilatentakel
Hello Doc, fuck, I'm away from my smartphone for 30 minutes and I've already missed one of the most important posts before Christmas. And it's amazing what a community you have. Already over 160 likes and over 20 comments in this short time. If the finish line was only in sight before, we're now racing towards it at top speed. Even if I sound like a broken record because I keep repeating myself: it's amazing what you're doing here and I can't tell you often enough how grateful I am. This episode is going to be awesome again. It's great that you're taking a few days off. That's super important. Recover, get away from BaD and start the new year fresh. I wish you and everyone else a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay healthy.
Ldub
This!
Jacek Wiลniewski
Thanks for all the work DPC. It's gettin real and it's gettin close. Happy Holiday for you and your family
Ldub
I feel sorry for you sometimes, because you can never experience a blind playthrough. I guess the trade off is you don't have to wait to see what happens next ๐
Jdog
wow Doc that was a heck of an Update! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Tarrgot
Always love the detailed breakdown of all your hard work, I think we're all giddy with the news that you're onto polishing :) Thank you for everything and I wish you a Merry Christmas too
baelish85
Thank you for the update, good to hear that things seem to be going smoothly! And the Jill path will be the first one I play on! Merry Christmas DPC, have a wonderful festive period
R2D2TS
Thanks for the update. Sounds good. May the holiday season bring better times to us all.
Mangetsu
Glad to hear the status! I get we're all excited for the release, but if you want to take a bit more, I don't think people would complain ๐ But it's your show, we're just along for the ride! Despite the time taken, I still think you're one of the most transparent devs in the space! Thanks Doc!
Lucky Strike
Great news and happy holidays
Arta
Good stuff DPC. Have a great Christmas โญ๐
Tom W
I was hoping for a christmas surprises but hopefully now a birthday gift for my mid January birthday
Lucas Santos
Thanks for the update Doc have a nice Weekend and have merry Christmas too ๐ช๐ช
MetalTorso
Merry Christmas Doc, enjoy your Holiday, you deserve it. Look forward to playing your final work in the new year. Take care :)
Narg
Amazing news Doc! Keep up the good work, and Happy Holidays!
Sam Gamer
Merry Christmas Doc,have a happy holidays
boonanasplit
Right on! Canโt wait, I just finished episode 10, and the hype is killing me. lol. Merry Christmas! You deserve a good break for all your hard work and entertainment youโve given us.
Alex
Merry Christmas, enjoy your break and your making my new year look better
Kenny
Great work Doc! Thanks for everything! Have a Merry Christmas!
Patrick Schmaus
Thanks for all the hard work. Happy holidays .
Just Random Man
So maybe in February the ยซย betaย ยป will start?
roman kulik
Merry christmas Doc, enjoy your holidays with family, the game can wait few days, you are almost never taking breaks so enjoy the holiday time at least
Big A
A play through of all possible branches again me thinks. Thank you doc happy Christmas
Walde
Merry Christmas Dr P and enjoy the holidays. Look forward to the episode.
T-Rex4
The dedication is real and unmatched in my opinion. I hope you have a good break.
Heraclivs
What a journey! Thanks and Merry Christmas
FireWalkWithMe23
Merry Christmas and keep up the amazing work, Doc! Looking forward to the next update@
MrAug360
Merry Christmas Doc, enjoy your holidays
batyoxide
Merry Christmas Doc!
Chiss
Thanks for the report! The Hype is real!