Bobbyboy Productions
patreon
Anti-piracy poll
🕑 Added 2024-12-06 00:55:26 +0000 UTCHey guys, just wanted to run something by you all to see what you think.
First of all, thank you so much to those of you that support me financially by paying for the game when it first releases. I appreciate it so much and you guys are the main reason this game can be made.
So as many of you know, my game always gets leaked by one of my patrons at some point after release. And unfortunately, the last two updates were leaked on the second day after the first release. Because of this, I lose a lot of money which is very discouraging. I spend over a hundred hours per month working on this game and I sacrifice all my hobbies and even time with my family, so to make it worth my time I need to make a bit of extra money to help pay for all the 3D assets, music licenses, software subscriptions, etc. This stuff isn't cheap, and after all that I still need to set aside a ton of money for income tax which is like 25% of everything I make, plus Patreon takes their 10% and then there's payment processing fees, and currency exchange fees. So you can imagine how frustrating it is to see the game leaked less than 24 hours after release.
So, what I was wondering is what you guys think of this.
I release a web based version of the new updates on itch.io that would play in any web browser that supports html5, which is pretty much everything out there as far as I know. This would only be the latest chapter and previous saves will work. You would just need to import the save into the game which although easy, would require finding the files and using the import feature from the main screen of the web version. I've tested this and it works just fine, but it is an extra step. I would include full instructions for how to do this and it's very simple. So the way it would stop piracy, is that the game files would be stored on the itch.io servers and the game would basically be streamed through the web browser. Like I said, I've tested it and it works fine and looks and sounds exactly the same, although I haven't tried it on a computer or device with slow internet. Access to the game would be with a key system. Basically all you would have to do is click the link in the patreon post when a new update is released, itch.io checks to see if you are a patron of the required tier and lets you play it and it gets linked to your itch.io account. The keys are one time use for each itch.io account, so if someone posts the link on a forum and someone tries to use it, it will ask for them to log into itch.io and then it will tell them they are not a patron or not a patron of the required tier. Then after the new release runs its course I would release the full version with all the chapters in one big download as usual. The reason I can't put all of it in a web based version is that there is a 1gb game size limit and currently the latest version is almost 3gb. So that's basically it. I'm currently testing this with the Halloween update. If any of you would like to help out by testing this, just send me a message.
So just to be clear, I have not decided to do this yet and I'm just curious about if it might be a solution. This would only be for the first three weeks, and then it's all back to how it has been.
So please vote and let your voice be heard and comment how you really feel about this as I know this will be a divisive poll.
Thanks for your help.
Bobby
Comments
edward cyr
I have purchased your game and have been paying a monthly subscription still and because I have an iPhone I still never even played you game which sux. In all honesty I’ve literally been waiting for you to come out with on the web browser so I can play it
sb
I would search for other ways to protect your work. May a encryption key to decrypt the download that locks to individuals. ( serial code based). That way if it is pirated, you would at least know who it was. my two cents, web version have other security concerns, imho. thanks
Juice2000
I wouldnt play a web version. Ive had really bad experiences with them so far and ended up cancelling. Would have to see how it plays out but ide rather you didnt. Ide most likely support any other option you do. The game gettting leaked 2 days after release was even before i a paying patreon got it but you know i am still here because ultimately im supporting you and your vision. I do also think the more exposure you get the more people like me who started subbing a couple of versions back decide the quality of the game is worth supporting to see it continue. Even if its 10 out of a 100 who sub its still more subs and more exposure and more people join F95 etc everyday. I know its gotta sting though and its still fresh. So bar a web version you got my full support
RED
Yes I also don't approve of the fast leaking but the question is what to do about it and I just don't think restricting it is gonna help a great deal Yes morally speaking it would be fair to wait at least a few weeks better a month to leak it to f95 so that you would have to pay if you don't want to wait but practically speaking... Why do we pay here ... I don't pay because I can't wait and I wouldn't... I pay because I want to support it and want it to be continued and I think those are the bigger target than the ones who just want to have the game ... Will pay for it but only if they have to ... This works on a great scale with big companies for example but I think for small creators the "here is my work and I don't hate you for pirating it but please consider supporting me" way works better As I said I wouldn't think bad of Bobby if he does it the other way around it's totally fair to want a bit compensation for the amount of work that is inside that
The wonderer
F95 do public releases so it would still be free and ppl find it but for it to be leaked 2 days after the highest tier is a bit of a joke and really requires nobody to subscribe except for the one dropping it
RED
Same here I understand that you want to see something for your work but I don't think you loose as much as you think because most of the people using those sites won't pay you no matter what at the same time Many people will do it like I do and not pay for a game without being able to play it before If it is nice then I will give money to it's creator so he can work more on it but not the other way around It is just not worth it with so much trash out there and easy access to games ... You could try to make the newest versions like that and the older versions for free so the people get hooked... But personally the best way is doing it how you've done it before and be an active likeable member in those communities and ask there to support you on patreon if they like the game ... It may be piracy but it is also advertising
Merrimack
I think that if you do that you will automatically lose sponsors. As soon as you complicate things you put the brakes on. But your problem is that piracy comes from within. Ren'py does not offer a code function to unlock access to the game? If so you could create personal codes.
Krieger San
I wouldn't play a browser version, but some kind of authenticator would work.
Azrael
and I can't use the site, I don't know why, as soon as I want to pay I get a message that the payment was rejected but on Patreon it works without any problems
Azrael
Well, I understand you 100% but I have to be honest, without sites like this where games are leaked I would never have found you or any other game developers
The wonderer
have to say i hate playing renpy via web browsers as far as F95 can you not be an uploader (have noticed a few games are only uploaded by the creator of the game so the public release is controlled by them ) as for lawdgames, the site keeps getting blocked by antivirus software anyway due to too many redirects and pop-ups
Rolando
I'm not sure. The security in the WEB browser does not seem to be given to me.
None300
I’m ok with any of your decisions.
TPB
As stated above, I have seen verification codes required loading the latest updates with other games to combat piracy.
McFreaky
Who cares is it web based or not, most of the games i played like this one were web bases and never had an issue. Maybe im ignorant, but what problem could happen playing in a browser? Only issues i had were due to slow internet when im sleeping jn some low cost hotels, but its not end of the world. Security wise...dont know
Sure, Not
I actually found this game from lewdgames.net. That said, I totally get it, and I've thought to myself when I see it out there a day or so after it releases to the higher tiers on patreon that it sucks not only for the creator, but also for the patrons that spend their money to support the creator. I still pay the monthly fee, I just see it as kind of shitty to subscribers here and to you. I've seen how easy it is to sink money into assets and not only that, but the licenses for said assets. Some of the models are upwards of $50 bucks just for the licenses from Daz. Renderosity has a better licensing policy, but those assets still cost money. It adds up quick. Personally I wouldn't have an issue w/ playing it through itch.io just to help maintain your release schedule. I'll help test if needed.
Bobbyboy Productions
I never said anything about not having the game on f95. I want it there, I just want the early releases not to go up the same day I release it exclusively to my patrons that pay a lot of money to have that exclusivity. And the browser thing I understand, but it's a reputable website, not some random sketchy site, so I understand that concern.
Solstorm
Several creators i am subscribed to have verification codes that work all are different. But I notice that they are not on F95 or other sites. The double edge sword is that I discovered great games on F95, and wind up subscribing to the creators
zaddiethebaddie
As someone who tries almost all games on F95 before subbing, I think you also are forgetting what the exposure also brings in. Also I would never play a game in browser due to not trusting it.
AmaraHmmm
Sorry, I willl quitt. But = Somewhere, over the rainbow
Will Williams
Don’t trust them either
Bobbyboy Productions
That's great insight, thanks! I understand the power of exposure and f95 is great for that. I'm not suggesting trying to keep it from being on there, I just want a small window where I can make some money from people that are anxious to play the game early, that's all. That's the whole point of early releases after all.
AmaraHmmm
Bob, a few thousands, now you humbled me. There is a way to do it one Tag, for a lack of a better words, but more intelligent and knowledgeable than me can tell you. BTW, this is problem (yours specifically) that used to be solved. New issues arises? Hey, Merry Christmas Everyone!
elmariachi
Looking at this positively, you have a game that people are dying to play the minute it's released. That's an accomplishment! I follow other creators and they don't have this problem, because they just don't have the following. I personally find pirates to be a necessary evil from a marketing perspective. I found your game via F95zone, waited a couple updates to see if you'd stick with it, played a recent version and then immediately pledged because this game is truly terrific and I want to encourage you to keep going. I play dozens of games on F95zone and pirate most of them, because there is absolutely no way I could support every creator of every game I play. I proudly support 10 creators a month and I hope that others do the same to spread the wealth so-to-speak. For what it's worth, I have never subscribed to gain immediate access, so the carrot isn't there for me at least. As a creator in a different field who's had their work used for free, I get the frustration this causes, but I personally see it as an annoyance that will happen regardless of the safeguards you put in place. And the more walls you build, I fear the more difficult it will be for others to find and play your game like I did and for your current subscribers to become annoyed and leave.
Bobbyboy Productions
Yeah I thought about that. I'd have to think of a way to automate that. Creating a few thousand custom packages would be a lot of work. Still though, anyone can just create a new patreon account and keep doing it. But it's another avenue to think about, so thanks.
AmaraHmmm
Personalize your release. You don’t have millions of game releases to do every time, so track it down this way. Whatever leaks there is can then be tracked-down. Block and report the faulty party. Release-day becomes release-days, but I feel it’s doable.
Andrew V
Whatever you need to do to keep the game going. I like how it is now even though I have no problem with a web version the download would be released later so no issue
AmaraHmmm
It's just that playing streamings is so much a vulnerability for players
Pantera
Sorry you are having problems with leaks but I'm not a fan of having to play online through a browser. Having it be temporary is a little better but still annoying for me as a supporter so I hope you can find some other solution. Maybe adjusting tiers/rewards or selling episodes on platforms like Itch.io or Steam could be an option. You've got a good product so a little more cross promotion and social media could also help build the game up.
A M
I won't play a web based game.
Bobbyboy Productions
This is why I'm doing a poll, and I won't do something like this unless it is a very good experience for the vast majority of players. It would be tested thoroughly on a variety of internet connections and devices.
Thiessen Yang
I think you should try different things to see different results. Never know if you never try.
AmaraHmmm
Streaming is the reverse of a fix for security leaks BTW
AmaraHmmm
Sorry I got angry but it's the same shit over and over again
AmaraHmmm
Sorry, I already told you I would be taking a break. No way in HELL is playing a game from your PC (or Mac) that you downloaded is the same as streaming! Do what you want Boby, protect your asset, but transferring (much bigger) risk of security to your subscribers (then they would only be followers) is cheap. I say find a way to secure your damn product and stop dumping the problem on us!
Tez
The download will still be released eventually, so it's worth a try.
George Costanza
I would rather have a web version, and the game continues to get all the attention It deserves, instead of letting the piracy continue and motivation diminish.
