Just unloading a bunch of my thoughts- kind of an update?
Yo Loopers! Just wanted to leave something here for now. I've had to post recently on a site that I wont name (for Patreon reasons) explaining what the situation is and why shit has been so slow. This is NOT some sort of "my side of the story" or "someone tried to cancel me!!!!" type post even though it looks like it. LOL.
This is my initial post on there replying to someone.
heres a response i left in regards to this. i will also say do NOT harass or even talk to anyone involved if its going to be negative to them. someone- not sure if theyre a Patreon supporter, but a supporter in general- replied with this. their concern is genuine and they dont exactly have bad points.
Initially I replied harshly, which I deleted within seconds, upon realizing this person was not being an asshole but instead was expressing legitimate concern. Here's my reply:
This really is true; I actually recently dumped my sertraline and while ive become more anxious while not on it I think my mind has at least become clearer. im still missing my passion for things but I can still feel parts of it coming back. Depression just fucking sucks man, like what do you mean I can lose all passion for everything and THEN become even more sad because I lost those passions? This shit sucks.
Anyway, here's the reply, which I think was harsh, but again, do not harass, target, or even negatively approach this person on my behalf.
I get why this person is paranoid, with studios like the one behind Summertime Saga and their grifting. Let me remind you all of two things, though;
I have a team I pay through revenue share. They might work if not paid but I do not want them to HAVE to. You guys helping are funding them, and i appreciate you all so much for that. Hell I love the support you guys give even with no money. I'm going to go more into this towards the end of this
You guys absolutely do not have to support us financially if you believe we are bad actors. I totally understand. The financial supporters have faith in us and have the money to support us and i cant thank them enough for that. But also when I had my emergency money situation (im sorry for that, I was in probably the worst panic of my life) some people offered to donate money to help that couldn't afford it, and I DONT WANT anyone to do that. You help me with your support- I do not want anyone to drown just to push me to the surface.
anyway, this was what the same person said in reply to what someone else said:
so I replied with this:
I wanted to address this by revealing something I didn't think i'd reveal; this game saved my life. Writing this game was the most fun I've had in many many years, the praise for my writing made me like myself again and think i was good for something, and the writing gave me some kind of purpose. Through this path I found a lot of reasons to live, a way to be optimistic, and even through my health and financial issues I rarely ever have considered returning to the dark thoughts I had before this game. It's not one of the situations where if the game dies I dies, but it sent me on the path to get better, and I wouldnt abandon it unless somehow I legally had to.
You guys are a huge part of that too, but if you decided to stop supporting, I want you to know yeah I'd be sad, but I get it. We ARE working on the game albeit very slowly. I get flashes of inspiration at the worst possible times, like when im at my actual job, and lose that inspiration when I get home or get too busy to keep it up. However, I might have to take over writing Krash's scenes that he has left because he is so far behind due to work and him needing to do emergency jobs. And Farmer is working too but he also has other jobs he needs to work on to make extra money.
I'm more or less just ranting here. In truth I want to hire a new artist, but since I never really explained why we didn't, heres an explanation I sent to someone who asked:
so I will ask this:
Please help us find a good artist to help again if you can LOL
Would you rather the update take longer to come out while we find a great artist that will take revenue share, or would you rather us hire a less talented/experienced artist that doesnt exactly fit our standards but can get renders out quicker?
I genuinely wanna hear what you guys think. I wanna hear from you guys, I havent in a long time. What's up? How are you guys? Im not going anywhere. Thank you for everything. Game is still going- i just planned out the next release and it involves Corgo and Nick. Yay!
Say anything you want in the comments. Ask any questions. I love you guys.
-Lampy
Comments (32)
Oh man. These supporters could challenge Summer Heat's simps. The excuses given below are simply amazing. Calhoun28 is a prime example of why devs these days are the way they are...simply dissapointing.
brother youre constantly coming in here and harassing me and other people in my discord, and you have done this with other devs too. I should have banned you when you started attacking the others in my discord tbh
Honestly, that schmuck doesn't deserve your time or attention. You have a clear goal and a good plan in place: Find an artist to add to the team and continue the work. Naturally, these things take time, and I don't see any problem here. As long as you are active and updating your support on the progress that is being made. We are cool 😎👍
Hello all 👋 I'm a very new patron (just joined last month) and have no intention to change that. @Lampy: I think your game is great so I hope you can find the right person to join you team!
thank you my friend! 🫂
Yeah, man. There's no point arguing with these kinds of people. Who wants to support you will support you, who doesn't, won't. Don't let yourself get guilt-tripped by these moral LARPers. When you're ready, you're ready, simple as that. on Artist-note try to take some middleground which would be ok i think.
Well at the end of the day if you feel stuck then it may be better to just compromise a bit of visuals, I say this because I think being able to release something would give a morale boost to you and the team and besides your artist will get better as they get experience as well 😜
Hi Lampy! Your interlocutor has a binary view: either you do it for the love of art and you should not ask for money, or you should do it for money and the love of art should not be an excuse. It’s simplistic (not to say stupid). He confuses needing money to carry out the project, and getting rich thanks to the project. Courage to you, it’s your project, it means a lot to you, it does you good, it deserves to exist for that alone! I’d be lying if I said that images aren’t important to me, but I much prefer a good, well-written story to great graphics, personally.
thank you my friend! Im trying to get both in to make the game as awesome as possible, as well as knowing ill kill it on the soundtrack lol
Imo you should not settle for an artist that is not going to guarantee at the very minimum the same quality you have already shown. I fully understand good artists want to get paid, as they should. Not sure what revenue share amounts to but it seems it's not attracting the quality workers you want. Have you considered a growing share, meaning right now it would be x because it's what you can but if the partnership succeds and you are able to attract more subs compensate the artist a little more down the line, maybe that would convince someone. For me I am ok with waiting a little longer as I believe the potential of the story, I keep suggesting it to folks but many are not interested in early stage AVNs for several reasons. Sending good vibes and hope you can cross this chasm 🫂
I actually may have found a great artist if all the testing and process goes well :)
I've been following Once Again for a while, and it's genuinely one of my favorite VNs. I fell in love with the characters and the story, so it was sad to read everything you've been dealing with behind the scenes. I don't really have any advice to give, and I don't think you need another person telling you what you should or shouldn't do. I just wanted to say that what you've already created meant something to me, and I'm glad you haven't given up on a story you clearly care so much about. Take care of yourself, and whether the next update takes a while or not, I'll be happy to see Once Again continue whenever it's ready. 🧡
I really appreciate your support and love my friend! the kind words are awesome and enough for me
Looks like there is much more behind doing that kind of work than just trying to finish something and get money. Quite impressive your statements
the main reason im concerned about money at all is to pay my team. I like getting money, sure, but knowing people enjoy my work is great
Glad to hear from you! As far as the question.. personally I'm happy to wait, but I'm really interested in the story, so personally, I'm quite fine if the visuals take a little dip for a while, too. Especially since renders can always be remastered in the future if you're really bothered by them, I'd say the answer is really more what's going to help you be less stressed? If lower daz quality will be the thing that steals your peace most, that's probably the most important.. but if long dev time is the most stressful aspect, that might be the best place to prioritize. Either way, I'm looking forward to the next release whenever it comes!
I really appreciate your words! im extremely excited for the future story for the project. a lot of stuff planned out, big story beats, etc. very excited to bring it to you, but I still do want great art haha
GOOD FRIDAY AFTERNOON 🌥, LAMPY, OUR ONCE TEAM, AND EVERYONE!!!! Looper #6169 here 🫡. I'm ready for them 😛! Great and inspiring read. Those conversations were cool to read (feisty Lampy 😜, but you weren't as harsh as you said; I didn't see any profanities 😅). I am glad the game brought you so much positivity and made you happy. That was a great insight to read 😅. 1. Sorry... Once Again 🤭. I have no connections and don't know anyone. I hope you can still find someone who will genuinely help and stay with the team. If I were any good at ANYTHING, I would offer my services to every Dev I pledged to for free. My love for AVNs will be my reward 😋. 2. It doesn't matter to me. Do whatever you think is best. I'm here to support you and play your AVN. Nothing else 😁. I got nothing but time and patience 😅. "What's up?" Nothing much besides getting beaten down by this summer heat 🥵. Wishing my lovely 4-season girls were here; at least if I were to sweat, it would be because of them being so hot 🥰. Then when it's time, I'll cry because I hate driving in the snow during the winter 😭. Basically, just give me Spring and Fall all year 😂. "How are you guys?" Same as always... chilling, interacting with Devs/their Posts, playing releases, working, and repeat 😅. Been trying to save for a LTop (it's been over a year since the last one broke 😂, but I can't save for NOTHING, and am a BIG spender). As always, thanks for the Update, Lampy!!! Keep on keeping on, our Once Team 😉!!! ALWAYS EXCITED AND EAGERLY WAITING FOR YOUR GAME AND READING YOUR POSTS 🙌🏻🔥!!! Love and appreciate all of you ❤️, your ladies 😍, your posts 🥰, your renders 😘, and your game ❤️! You always make my days better 🌈! Thank you, Lampy, Our Once Team & Loopers, always, for being in my life and being a part of my routine 😉! Stay safe, stay blessed, and stay in PERFECT health, beautiful people! And don't forget to stay hydrated! And you're never alone ❤️🫶🏻🫰🏻!!! OUR AVNS AND OUR DEVS CONNECTS US ALL 🤗!!! Have an amazing and beautiful week! I'll catch you all—ON THE NEXT ONE ✌🏻😁!! Looper #6169 out 🫡. Hang in there, brother 💪🏻🔥! We wouldn't be supporting if we didn't believe in you and your game 😁. Stay positive, everyone 🌞!
YOOOO JONATHAN THE GOAT, YOUR PFP IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME im actually forcing my sister to see it with me in theaters tomorrow hahaha love you man, stay safe in the heat!
I saw this reddit post. Maybe you should contact them regarding hiring them? https://www.reddit.com/r/AVN_Lovers/comments/1vmkmxk/daz_artist_looking_to_team_up/
I actually dmed them a bit ago! thanks for the recommendation 🫂
Your game, your call.
ITS SO HARD WHEN ITS MY CALL LOL. one things for sure- definitely need another artist
I play these games for the stories and of course adult content which unfortunately is becoming rare and strangled on many platforms. While art is important and I understand your concerns, and they are valid, i do not mind waiting a long time nor do I mind art that isn't high quality or particularly good. All I care about is if the author/creator of the stories I enjoy is healthy mentally or physically and hope they take breaks to avoid burn out and do not push themselves to where it brings harm. Do what you feel is right for you and the game/story you want to create, i know I'll still be here, and I'm sure others will be too. Take care of yourself and try to stay in a good head space. <3
I appreciate your kind words and all the love and support 🙏
I'm personally not super hung-up on visuals. I play games that are made in HS2 or have little to no animation, and still love and support them. Characters and relationships will always be the most important to me. That being said I want y'all to make something that you are happy with. I don't think you can base what you want to do with the game too much on Patron feedback. You can go out of your way to please everyone and they still end up cancelling for something you had no control over. Patreon is based on the idea of patronage, meaning you are funding artists whose art you enjoy and believe in, with the understanding that art is not a trinket. Want a trinket? Go buy one. Want to commission a specific art piece? Find a willing artist and pay them to make it. Don't like the way a specific piece of art is made? Learn how to do it the way you want. This turned into a bit of a rant, but hopefully something in here made sense.
no it did make sense and I totally agree. of course I wanna make somethign im happy with. but I alsocwant you guys to be happy
Appreciate the post. Very informative. So, what I’m gathering on the update being delayed is simply an artist issue? If that’s the case, I can’t really see why you’d ask if waiting more time for an artist to get the update out is reasonable. I’d personally just get the update done and once you have an artist in place, you can always go back and rework stuff if needed. Because there’s no telling when you’ll find one or when your team will have the bandwidth with everything else going on.
its mainly art, yeah, sadly. it just comes down to when we can get it out. I might have to swallow my high standards and get a less experience but faster artist. they can always eventually get better and stuff and youre right even though itll be annoying we can always go back and rework. I dont know though
Everything will be alright 👻🖤🫂
I hope so man LOL
again I am ALWAYS open to talk about things as long as they dont involve spoilers haha. I can even talk about a couple things planned for next update