[PUBLIC] Development Updates – Abril to November 2024
Heya! Your shameless dev here, for a public update about what we have done so far.
Since the start of this journey, much progress has been made. Here’s a structured update on completed milestones, current work, and future plans for our games.
Dungeon Explorers (DUEX)
In April, I launched the initial version of Dungeon Explorers, affectionately nicknamed DUEX. My initial vision was to develop a classic old-school RPG where players navigate freely to uncover their path forward. Up to version 0.6, I followed this approach, but the feedbacks highlighted a potential pitfall: as a newcomer to game development, I realized that a free-exploration format might not have been the optimal gameplay style. Many players felt disoriented, unable to progress or engage fully with the storyline, which is a core focus in all my games. First lesson learned: the importance of clarity.
By version 0.7, I introduced a guide character to offer hints on where to go next. However, I then encountered my second newbie mistake: organization. By this stage, the game was quite developed with numerous events, quests, and linked automated sequences. Managing this complex event structure to display correctly for the guide character became a challenge. I hadn’t documented event details, and each event was simply a code-heavy tab with no clear labeling. Lesson two: the necessity of organization.
Despite these hurdles, DUEX reached its final form in version 1.0. This version remains exclusive to supporters, with bonus features like cheat codes and an "action" scene gallery. DUEX still the my most played game.
Prayers of Distorted Minds (PDM)
My secondary project, Prayers of Distorted Minds (PDM), started as a humorous take on the oddities in generated images. Unexpectedly, it received considerable positive feedback, and I found myself repeatedly playing and genuinely enjoying it. This encouraged me to take PDM more seriously. By version 0.2, players could venture beyond the arena combat, with options to explore the dungeon and interact with townsfolk to learn their personalities through brief conversations. PDM aimed to be a dating sim, but as of this stage, it only featured “action” scenes with monster girls.
In version 0.3, I took development a step further, expanding world-building, character backstories, and player activities. Options multiplied, from earning money through woodcutting, fishing, hunting, dungeon crawling, to working as a gladiator, adventurer, merchant, and more. I also introduced a new map area and the first romanceable character. This update was my pride, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, except for one issue. As a sandbox game, PDM left players unsure about what to do. Variety is only beneficial if players are aware of the options.
To address this, the next version will include an item called Book of Wisdom, which lists recommended activities and guides players to locations where a minimal exploration will naturally reveal gameplay options. Things are getting even better, wait and see.
Lukestria Family (LUFA)
With DUEX completed and PDM progressing smoothly as a secondary project, I had the chance to start a new primary game, one that moves away from high fantasy, into the realm of mafia intrigue. Lukestria Family (LUFA for those familiar) combines Visual Novel elements with map exploration, a blend that I particularly enjoy. The initial release (v.0) offers an hour-long experience, and the feedback has been encouraging, with some constructive notes on music selection and image quality.
Currently, I’m working on LUFA’s next version, where I’ve updated certain musical tracks and improved image quality. These early versions are more VN-focused, but as the game develops, the player will gain more freedom for map exploration. The storyline is fully planned from start to ending, though there’s always room for adjustments to enhance the narrative. I’m excited to bring this rich story to life.
C.M.Cas
I'm not doing much marketing, and, beign honest, I don't know what to offer on my Patreon other than the games and the cheat codes. If you have any idea or something that you want that I can offer, leave a comment.
I'm getting better on the images editing and my english is each day a bit better (I confess that I had the help of a MTL on this text), but mostly in my games I try to avoid using MTL, so I can learn from my mistakes.
As of November 2024, it has been nine months since I ventured into game development, and I’m enjoying every step. My hope is to see our Patreon community continue growing so that I might one day dedicate myself full-time to creating ever-improving, enjoyable games for everyone.
Thank you for reading, and for your continued support.
Sincerely, your Shameless Dev,
Cas.
Have fun~~