YummyTiger
patreon
Thanks for your feedback!
🕑 Added 2016-12-28 19:18:28 +0000 UTC First and foremost, thank you for posting your comments regarding the status update and planned release. I ALWAYS would rather you give me feedback instead of quietly seethe. I take all your views seriously.I'll state up front that the tiers and rewards for Patreon have not changed significantly since my Patreon started. Beta access has always been the primary perk of pledging $10 dollars or more. I have gone back and forth in how beta access would work over the past two years trying to find the right balance, but I've pretty much always planned for a short beta period for each release. We're not talking weeks here, we're talking a short testing period for major bugs (around 48-72 hours).
On releasing it to successfully pledge patrons, that is really the only way I have to enforce pledged tiers. Patreon only allows monthly artists to run instant pledges upon pledging, so that is not an option. I don't have any method setup to accept single donations, although I do plan on looking into that in the near future. That is just not a viable option at this point. I promise, I will run a poll in January to get a handle on how everyone feels about pledges, updates, etc.
I also want to address delays, development time, and my Patreon in general. Aylia's Story started as a hobbyist project. I did not come up with an idea, open a Patreon, and start working on the game. I began tinkering with Aylia's Story early 2014 and spent months learning RPG Maker, learning parallax mapping, asking questions on boards, etc. I never even planned to make money off of it, it was simply my attempt at a game like Adventure of Garnet, Violated Herione, etc.--games I found on Hongfire.
I actually released a very early version of the prologue in August 2014 and received a warm reception. As I worked on it in my spare time, people started offering to donate money towards the project. This was also quite early in the h-game Patreon scene, and games like Malise and the Machine were beginning to build up a fan base. I also found Akabur at this point and started playing his stuff (then pledged and followed Witch Trainer relentlessly). I remember checking his Patreon daily, praying it had release information (sound familiar?).
I opened my Patreon in December 2014 as a way for people to pledge and donate to a hobbyist project. I never anticipated the level of support and the $4,500 goal was more of a joke (who's laughing now). I knew up front though, that I wanted people to have trust that their money would not be wasted. I tried to set up a Patreon that was monetarily fair, that you only pledged when I felt content would be coming. I also felt that the prologue was a bit too short for my liking, so I promised Chapter 1 would be an unpledged update. I would like to note that despite all my failed promises, I do plan to keep my word where you money is concerned and still put Chapter 1 out free. I take your money extremely seriously.
I have (had) a good, well paying job. There is a reason, even with the level of support I've received, that I've been reluctant to shift from hobbyist to full time developer. It is a huge risk. I'm giving up a good job, to risk that this may not pan out. That I might not have the ability or dedication to see this through. So, I've maintained a fairly hobbyist work schedule over the past two years. I don't know if people can truly appreciate what that means unless they try to build a game in their spare time. It means you never get as much as you'd like done. I've mentioned this more than once, but I reiterate, for the first year, I'd estimate I worked an average of 4-6 hours a week on the game. Those early release dates were based on my belief that I'd maintain my motivation and work far more than that, I didn't.
Fast forward to this month. I said I'd release it on the 28th. I turned in a month's notice at work that I'd be leaving in January. I planned things out with the Man in Black on what I'd accomplish each week. I planned to be slowly lessening my workload at my job and shifting to Aylia's Story. In early December, my boss asked me to head up an installation that had originally been planned for late January/February. He offered me double and triple (last week) overtime pay. Since I knew I was not getting paid for Chapter 1, I simply could not pass up that kind of money. I'm sorry about that, but those kind of opportunities do not occur often, and that money will go a long way to appeasing my worries next month when I DO go full time. It also looks damn good on my resume if this development thing fails.
I was probably not clear enough in my prior posts about all of this. I tried to mention it, but I should have clearly, boldly stated that I was working 10-12 hour every day on this installation. Literally, damn near every day aside from Christmas (when I worked 4 hours in the morning), I've been overseeing what is a "rush" job to ensure that I get it done before I leave in January. I'm tired, spent, and sorry that it has had an adverse effect on Aylia's Story. My preference has always been a full chapter release, but I understand that it has been two long years (over a year since the last release), and people really want to see something.
In my last message, I tried to not make excuses, but to simply state that I'd send something out this week. I wanted to be clear what to expect and to explain how the release would work. This is technically my FIRST true release, so it is not a well-oiled machine. There were things that were unclear for people, and I'm sorry about that. I went that "silent" beta route with Hunter's Quest and that ended up screwing things up and left some $10+ supporters really upset. I'd rather be open and transparent, especially where pledged money is concerned.
The update will not be as much as I'd like, it will not be as much as you'd like, it will not be the full chapter. I get that. When I went part-time in May, I talked about how it would improve the work speed. It did, I finished Hunter's Quest and moved Chapter 1 along. Going full time should exponentionally increase things further. My hope in saying all this is not to justify the mistakes I've made, I fucked up. I acknowledge that. Instead, I want you all to know where I was coming from. This was not me laying the groundwork for a business or a job when I started. It was literally a naive, first time developer sticking his hand in the bee's nest of game development. I appreciate the support, the kind words, and even the criticisms. You've helped me better myself and you've supported my even when I fucked up. Thank you.
YT
Comments
Let's all wait until 3am! ... again
Jhunt
well hopefully we see something tonight
MasterQi
I hope you didn't actually stayed awake 'till 3am.
PhatsM
I'm holding out hope for a classic YummyTiger 3am message update. Rimworld and beer until then I suppose.
Swagmaster Supreme
he said the 28th after he mentioned that pay increase, so he could hold us over
Nine Horse Hitch
But he has already released playable content.
"This week", so I'm guessing January 1st the earliest.
Swagmaster Supreme
When the update coming out for $10 patreons? hopefully today
Actually thats a really bad point, one can get legitimately mad about many things that don't cost money, just because one is invested in them. After months/years of waiting, discussing, giving tips and voting on polls, people have the right to get angry, just imagine if Yummy just flat out canceled Aylias Story for good without warning. I think/hope you'd be angry about that, and rightfully so.
Look YT, I'm not angry about the delay, I'm fine with it. I just didn't know how long the testing was gonna be or if you were gonna to wait for the public release to be the entire chapter 1. Now that I know, I can sit back and wait. Take as long as you like. Just know that at the end; I got a $10 bill waiting for you. And $10520.99 from everyone else as well I guess.
Furanky
I have tottally forgotten to say it, but YT you should really get a Discord channel, makes it easier to communicate, and when you start releasin the game for beta testing it will also make it easier for us to report bugs, plus it's handy you can have it in your cellphone :3
Kladran
Another delay. I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.
DarthVictorius
just take your time, you have already did a great job, i ll support you 100% :)
What does this post mean, is it coming or is it not? As for the state of YT. I, like most people here, don't mind the wait. What does bother me however is the false hopes. (not this one hopefully) There's been a lot of release X on Y date only to fall through or get significantly postponed. In those kind of scenarios I would much rather have a status update that says working on it, then have it released all of a sudden when it's ready. With that said, I'll still be here supporting and hoping for the day it finally comes out.
Systematic Chaos
I think you read too much into this, Yummy. To me it seems like a lot of people are just very frustrated because they want to support you and play the game, but you're denying them the opportunity to do so. I understand wanting to stick to your word about the first release being free, but some people have trouble with patience.
Swagmaster Supreme
I support you 100%. $10 patreon, just happy for an update to finally come out because I've been waiting since you first played the game. Guys give him a chance, you have to wait a little bit longer and will get a more polished product. If I wasn't a $10 patreon from april, i'd still be happy. Chill.
Nine Horse Hitch
YT, Would any of the creators you support ever release a whole game's worth of content for free? the Amount of game play you said it has it hours of game play. I haven't seen a H game that i could honestly say was over hours of game play besides Overwhored (by the way thanks for mentioning them). The amount of CGs is a games worth if not more. You have released content/translation for Hunter's Quest. How big is your team compared to other teams? Don't/stop sell/ing yourself short.
Nine Horse Hitch
no
Hey, from working man to working family man, keep up the good work. I understand completely. It's a huge risk to switch up your work to something more unstable. So, i'm glad that you are following through with this hobby. Keep up the good work
Jhunt
has he released it yet?
I cant deny that i get a little dissapointed with the constant delays. But im gonna withstand any more words that wont help at all. I am sure we will be sticked too our screens soon with the BETA build running
xellos49698
It's fine YummyTiger, you have a life. Money doesn't grow on trees. Take your time, and remember that this is still a hobby for you. Don't get stressed out.)
I am a long time supporter and lurker I have been watching his progress since the LOK forums. I have to agree with you 100% YT is ALWAYS upfront with whats going on and the causes of delays which makes the wait more bearable, if a little frustrating at times. That being said I would also pay for chapter 1 as a Major release but fair play to YT for sticking to his word and not charging though. PS. I am not sure PayPal would allow that as I think they have a policie against adult content.
I don't think you need to apologise for or explain the vast majority of what you wrote about. Just to be clear, I personally think the only mistake here was to treat this single release (whatever its content) as if it were a paid one which only those who pledged to the HQ patch in April paid for. Instead it feels like it should either have been a paid update in its own right, a beta available to $10 patrons (or just this once, for all patrons, if that can't be done without seeing the money), or who exactly would be getting it on the 28th made much clearer at the time you said you'd be releasing something. But don't worry about it, you certainly have enough on your plate at the moment.
Dongs.exe
I was looking through my history to make sure I paid in April and just realized I first pledged to your campaign two years ago. Two fucking years. Holy hell, what a ride it's been. Super excited to see it finally come to fruition. ;)
InsaneBrain
YT, thanks for the information. Personally I don't feel you have anything to justify. I read every post you put up and it always has the right info I need going forward. You clearly say how things are going, why things are happening etc. So of course you're gonna work your dick off when boss man throws triple time your way! Who wouldn't!? I get you need to have that bank behind you when you move over into full time and if that delays the game, so be it. Your life, money and family come first, internet porn comes later. I'm sticking with my $20 pledge regardless because I know what I'm getting into. Quality takes time and a shit ton of effort. Keep your head up bro, I get you. PS, see some people saying you could have put Chapter 1 as a pledged update, personally I think that's fine, but kudos for sticking to what you said. Hey, perhaps set up a paypal link to donate to you? and if anyone want's to donate they can PM you for the link or something?
And yes I know its a 10$+ reward, but only a few of the people (again were talking about April, thats more than half a year past!) who are willing to pledge that amount can get access. So my suggestion would circumvent that problem, while the 10$+ backers still get their reward, and would know that in the future, they'll still be the vanguard of the people who get to see your releases
Yummy, I appreciate your thorough response, and I'm with you on pretty much every point, but one: I just don't get who would get hurt if you just posted the mega link here , or let people share it. Everyone would have something to play, you could name the release "BETA DECEMBER 16" so there wouldn't be confusions with version numbers or anything. You would have noone complaining, and could have a lot more people to test your product.
Saigon
Personally i would prefer if you charged me 10$ and gave me earlier access to the game. Actually i think most people would be fine with paying for Chapter 1, it is a major release after all.
As someone who is also trying to create his own game, I can understand how hard and time consuming those things are. I've been a member of your fans since the beginning. I can tell you that I can't wait to play your beta version, and that I'm looking at my emails and patreon messages like crazy for the download link. And, I must also say that I agree with Pseudolurker, and have made the chapter 1 a pledge update. With all the time and effort you have put on this game of yours, you definetely deserve it. And since you are releasing it during the holidays, it would have been a nice chirstmas present for you and for us! :) Anyway, don't give up! you're almost there!
Admiral Cheesecake
As I've said before I eagerly await the first time my pledge for your work will actually be charged. I'm sure we can all understand how easily time can get away from you. Do what you gotta do YT, it'll be worth it.
Still here, still pledged, and still think you should have shifted Chapter One to a pledged update given the effort involved (and the fact that the bulk of the underlying system development, story organization, etc. happens right up front). But hey, respect for staying true to your word there.
Furanky
Hey we've already waited so long waiting a bit more can't hurt right? plus I believe no one should be truly annoyed since it's not a monthly pledge, so you should be able to take your time
Yummy, we love ya ;) hope the pressure is not so big, not all pledgers are in the right :) Good things need Time ! I will wait till full chapter 1 is out, keep cool, cya
Hey YT, in the end we're all here because we love your creation. I'm annoyed that I can't play as early as I hoped, but that's only because I want to play so badly! Just keep on keeping on and we'll get there eventually. It just sucks for us when we have dates and expectations which fall through, but I'm sure everyone here understands that real life gets in the way, specially in December. All the best man, keep it up!
