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FAQ: What is Cuddle Kobold?
🕑 Added 2021-03-22 20:58:37 +0000 UTCWatch the Teaser: https://youtu.be/pJi8b66bxhU
Cuddle Kobold (stylized Cuddle Kobold!, name not final) is a VR Companion Simulation intended for PC and Meta Quest. You host an Exchange Monster visiting your world! Together you and the Kobold will learn about each other, play mini-games, and yes, cuddle. This game is intended for adult audiences only, although it is planned to offer options to adjust the levels of mature content to your liking. If you just want to hang out and play cards or watch videos with a Kobold, I'm not here to stop you!
Q. How long is Cuddle Kobold?
Cuddle Kobold isn't planned as a "play until the end" game. It's intended as a game you revisit when you feel like spending some time or playing some games with your Exchange Monster. While there are limited-to-no planned restrictions on how much content you interact with in a single day, your experience will be less than ideal if you attempt to do everything as fast as you can. Incidental conversations and changing behaviors based on player activity will also make some activities feel unique from how you may initially experience them.
TL;DR: Think "Critter Crossing", with a singular, more fleshed-out neighbor, less of a rigid time structure, and This Raccoon won't try to hold a house loan over your head.
Q. What kind of activities are there?
There is a tentative list, but nearly all are subject to being altered or removed if scope or complexity becomes detrimental to the game's development. As a couple of examples? It's in the name, so you can definitely cuddle! This is an adult game, and the Kobold is an adult, so whatever Do That means to you, you can almost definitely Do That. Other planned activities include simple, natural interactions like playing cards, board games, conversations, and more extensive plans that may or may not make the cut. It's intended to present a very free-flowing casual atmosphere, limiting rigid structuring of activities. But that is certainly easier said than done.
Q. Are there other monsters?
Not as your companion, but there are early plans for scenarios temporarily involving other monsters. But the Kobold is the companion you'll spend the majority of your time with.
Q. Can you customize the Kobold?
Tentatively yes! Color customization is almost definite, proportions and costume elements are being explored. You can also customize your interaction with the Kobold, restricting or even excising the suggestion of adult activities. Further customization is definitely in consideration.
Q. What experience do you have making VR?
I created Rulent Tower VR, which was included in the Itch.io Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality. This included design, programming, 2D and 3D asset generation, and other aspects. I've been a VR enthusiast for most of my life, and active in the local scene since our initial meeting in early 2016. I've also assisted with development of other Unity projects, mostly during Global Game Jams. Cuddle Kobold: Just a Bite is my most recent public VR work.
Q. What VR platforms will Cuddle Kobold be available for?
Current targets are Desktop VR (such as the Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Oculus Link, etc), and the Oculus / Meta Quest 2, though that may change as development progresses due to market realities, hardware limitations, et cetera. Cuddle Kobold is being developed for maximum compatibility, but testing platforms depends on having the hardware accessible, an interested player base, and other factors.
Q. Is there a trial or a demo?
Cuddle Kobold: Just a Bite is a mini-game that also includes a an early prototype for the apartment. It is not yet flush with content, but it is available for you to play right now.
You will also be able to try recent builds by supporting this Patreon, or with an early purchase on Itch.io!
Q. Will there be a "Flat Screen" version of Cuddle Kobold?
A "Simulator" interface is being researched for people to play without VR hardware, but may not provide the same experience, as this is a game designed for VR first-and-foremost. Thankfully, the necessary hardware is getting cheaper and better with every day.
Q. Will there be an AR (Augmented Reality) version of Cuddle Kobold?
Cuddle Kobold would adapt extremely well to AR, even down to the restricted FOV of some displays, and as the XR market advances and changes, it is certainly a consideration for the future! But without development hardware or wider-scale releases of consumer-grade AR displays, for now production will be focused on VR platforms.
Q. Will you support Hand Tracking (Oculus Quest or otherwise)?
This is on the extended list of desired features, but due to limited hardware support, and complications with providing useful feedback and reliable interaction, this may need to wait until the technology matures further.
Q. Will there be a PG/Safe version of Cuddle Kobold?
This is partially addressed in the next question below, but the simplest answer is it's an open possibility, as content is already being earmarked based on maturity level.
Cuddle Kobold: Just a Bite is designed to be SFW, so that is at least something available right now.
Q. What are some of the challenges Cuddle Kobold faces?
There are a few, and I'm going to be honest here, so I apologize if that hinders your enthusiasm or interest:
- I'm a solo creator currently. And I'm definitely no wunderkind that can do it all in an afternoon. It is my intention to create a prototype that is at least compelling enough to interest some creators into teaming with me for the actual production. I've produced most of my projects solo, and they've suffered for it, so to create anything of this scale, finding additional hands talented in fields I'm not is a necessity.
- This project has limited appeal. It is a niche of a niche of a niche. It is a VR project. It is a VR furry project. It is an adult VR furry project. And even then the content is not guaranteed to appeal to those looking for that Niche³. This is not going to be the game that lands me (or anyone teaming with me) a McMansion.
- Distribution will be a challenge. While Steam and Itch.io will likely be open to allowing the title, most platform holders will reject direct listing due to the adult content. This will require users to either "sideload" the app, or have already sideloaded an alternate app store that will host it, if one exists to begin with. This further limits the audience that will interact with or even see it.
- Temptation to turn it "mass-market". One of the hardest things about being an adult games developer is that any time you develop something with real effort or quality, the temptation exists to try to pivot it to a safer mass-market product. One the more restrictive Distribution Platforms will approve of. This is why there are only a limited number of quality adult games, especially finished ones, as not only is it an uphill battle to produce one, but pivoting to wider audiences is almost guaranteed to be more profitable. I'm open to creating a "Safe" version of Cuddle Kobold in the future, but I don't want it to supersede the development of the Mature version. But there may even come a point where I won't have a choice. I really hope to avoid that.
None of these are minor challenges, and I'm approaching them as carefully as I am capable. Please forgive me if I stumble along the way.
Q. When will Cuddle Kobold be done?
We're not at that part of the project where I can confidently provide even a rough estimate.
Q. Is that the Kobold from Kobold Garden?
For the time being, correct! uwusoft has graciously published the model for free use in personal or commercial projects. It makes for a handy stand-in during prototype phases until custom 3D model work can be completed. It is not intended for use in the final project.
Q. Does the Kobold actually ship in the box? Do they live in there?
The box serves as a portal to the Kobold's home, and they aren't actually in there until it's time to make an appearance. It saves on shipping costs and the carrier's back, not to mention the Kobold's stomach. The Kobold can return to their home at any time, even with just a thought, so they're never trapped with you. They stay because they choose to.
Q. The Kobold is short, are they...
Definitely not. I do not and will not create a project with that kind of content. Kobolds, particularly in the furry fandom, are popularly depicted with squat bodies with generous proportions. To take a literal yard stick to them is misguided or disingenuous. The final word is that Author Intent is to only depict fully mature adults.
Q. Can the Kobold be hurt?
Not that type of game. The Kobold is a rough-and-tumble monster, and even if you pick up and lob them, they're just going to curl into a ball, maybe break some of your things, then run up and ask you to do it again. The Kobold will greet most things with a positive, eager attitude, and game mechanics will veer sharply away from anything that could be considered abusive.
Q. Am I limited to just one Kobold?
Short answer "Yes", long answer "At any one time". If for some reason you want to start fresh, you can do so, while still optionally retaining costume gear and other elements you may have unlocked through play. Plans are to save a certain number of profiles, so you might be able to revisit old friends as you make new ones. All of this is tentative planning, however.
Q. Are there any limits on names being credited, or submitting comments, suggestions, or content?
The short answer is that I will make an effort to recognize your contributions, but may ask you to alter or outright refuse it under certain circumstances, which will not apply to the vast majority of supporters. But to be transparent, here are some examples:
- Credit Names which exceed space limitations or contain glyph(s) that cause complications. (In most of these cases I will make a good-faith effort to simplify your listing, or ask for an alternate one. And please no Bobby Tables.)
- Credits Names containing or alluding to inappropriate, bigoted, or otherwise hateful content. Credits Listings have to be SFW. (In some cases I will ask you for an alternate, in more obvious examples I'll presume you Meant To Do That and act accordingly.)
- Credits Names attempting to get me to make a statement I don't believe in or otherwise Do A Thing. (I enjoy Gamechamp3000 videos too and don't mind some of that, but I might need to rein it in or refuse.)
- Significant Billing Issues. (This does not mean the occasional hiccup, this means signing up with the intention to not complete a billing cycle, via fraud or chargeback.)
- Private Content Redistribution or Theft. (I know this won't stop those who do that, but you sure aren't entitled to my thanks.)
- Negative or Abusive Behavior. (This will be applied at my discretion, but toxic behavior, insults, mind games, harassment, violating the Discord rules, crude comments in inappropriate spaces, etc. are a start.)
- Association with Hate Groups, creator of bigoted content, etc. (I do not do a background check on every Patron that signs up, but if I notice or are informed you align with groups that wish to wipe people like me out of existence, shockingly I will likely opt to not credit you in my silly little Kobold game. Weird, I know.)
- Air Bud Rule: Even if there's something I haven't thought of, I may still limit or forbid it if I determine the need to do so. (Please do not Rules Lawyer.)
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Thank you for taking a look at all this! I want to make it clear that everything I wrote here is my intention at this current date, but as with all projects, plans can and most likely will change with time. I will do my best to keep you updated as these changes arise. If you have further Questions, feel free to ask them below, and I can amend this list with additions or clarifications!
