Answers to frequently asked comments
1) There are parameters whose effects aren’t clear.
Answer: Yes, there are. Many of them don’t affect anything yet—the game is still in development. Some parameters may be disabled over time.
It’s hard to add new mechanics if you didn’t plan for them in advance—especially when it comes to character classes. At the same time, it’s very difficult to design a concept that accounts for every detail throughout the entire development cycle. That’s why we built the system with a buffer: it’s better to add more than we need than to miss something we end up needing.
1.1) Some parameters don’t work (for example, oral sex isn’t counted in the stats, etc.).
Answer: Yes, that happens. We keep finding issues like that and try to fix them регулярно.
2) In different pieces of art, character features or body parts may look different.
Answer: We started making BoM during the period when the VC2 release ran into problems—the project was even considered for freezing. Later, a few successful sales helped us solve the money issues, we returned to VC, and finished that game.
As a result, BoM was made in two stages with a break of almost a year. I started working on BoM when neural networks were just emerging, and during that time my approach, my skills, and—most importantly—my tools changed. So the game contains both new art and old art: the older scenes have more and different post-processing nuances. Sometimes I open an old scene and don’t immediately remember that it has issues.
Overall, I don’t think these mistakes are critical. And if it’s truly a deal-breaker for someone, they can choose projects where that isn’t an issue.
2.1) There are visual bugs (Justin’s tattoo, Emma’s earring).
Answer: Yes. In the latest event, I accidentally “turned off” Emma’s earring. I had already made about a dozen or two pieces of art before I noticed that she had an earring on one ear but not on the other. I had to kind of add it back in Photoshop. And with the animations there was nothing I could do anymore. Yes, these slip-ups happen.
3) The game doesn’t need animations—disable them.
Answer: No.
4) The animations are bad / the animations are good, but you need to make them even better.
Answer: Make them better.
5) Emma needs new outfits.
Answer: Sure—let me render a couple hundred new images with different outfit sets, then write a design doc so the coder accounts for all of it in the code, then test everything. That will take a couple of months—and during those months the game won’t move forward. No.
6) The updates are small.
Answer: If there are projects that are basically made by two people (even though most of the work is carried by one person) and they still update more and more often—I take my hat off. But that’s not a person anymore, that’s a machine: a robot multiplied by eternity. I can’t do that. My speed is already at its limit, and over time it goes down.
7) The game is bad / the game is only popular because it has good marketing.
Answer: I agree that it’s bad. But I don’t really understand what “good marketing” I supposedly have. Cross-promo is something pretty much everyone does. Basically, all of my marketing is fast updates.
The game has flaws and unfinished parts. But if you can make something better and faster on your own you’ll genuinely take over this industry.
Just to clarify: these answers are aimed mostly not at people on Patreon, but at a broader audience.
And one more thing. I often see comments like: “a player has an opinion and is sure many people agree with it.” Maybe that’s true—but there’s a nuance: this is my job, and I actually collect statistics. You might post something somewhere and get 3–4 likes, while I’m constantly monitoring what people say and where, and I run polls регулярно.
Can I be wrong? Of course. But I also have some experience in the industry: I’ve been working in this field since 2017. So the question is simple: who is more likely to be wrong—the person whose decisions directly affect their income and who’s been doing this for years, or a random player?
So there’s no point appealing to “statistics” in an argument—I simply have more of it. Just share your opinion and I will definitely take it into account. And if there are a lot of opinions like that, I’ll think about it myself.
1) Есть параметры, влияние которых непонятно.
Ответ: Да, есть. Многие из них пока ни на что не влияют — игра всё ещё в разработке. Некоторые параметры, возможно, со временем будут отключены.
Сложно добавлять новые механики, если их не предусмотрели заранее — особенно когда речь идёт о классах персонажей. При этом продумать концепт, который учтёт все детали на всём протяжении разработки, очень трудно. Поэтому мы закладывали параметры с запасом: лучше сделать больше, чем нужно, чем не добавить то, что в итоге понадобится.
1.1) Часть параметров не срабатывает (например, оральный секс не засчитывается в статистику и т. д.).
Ответ: Да, такое бывает. Мы регулярно это находим и стараемся исправлять.
2) В разных артах могут отличаться черты персонажей или части тела.
Ответ: Мы начали делать BoM в период, когда у релиза VC2 возникли проблемы — проект даже рассматривали к заморозке. Потом несколькими удачными распродажами удалось закрыть финансовые вопросы, мы вернулись к VC и завершили эту игру.
В итоге BoM делался в два этапа с перерывом почти в год. Я начинал работу над BoM, когда нейросети только появлялись, и за это время изменились мои подходы, навыки и, главное, инструменты. Поэтому в игре есть и новый арт, и старый: в старых сценах больше экспериментов и нюансов обработки. Иногда я открываю старую сцену и не сразу вспоминаю, что там есть проблемные моменты.
В целом я считаю, что эти ошибки не критичны. А если для кого-то это принципиально, можно выбрать проекты, где такого нет.
2.1) Есть визуальные баги (татуировка Джастина, серьга у Эммы).
Ответ: Есть. В последнем ивенте у меня случайно «отключилась» серьга у Эммы. Я успел сделать уже с десятка два артов, прежде чем заметил, что на одном ухе серьга есть, а на втором — нет. Пришлось как-то приделывать её в фотошопе. А на анимациях уже ничего было не сделать. Да, такие промашки случаются.
3) Игре не нужны анимации — отключите их.
Ответ: Нет.
4) В игре плохие анимации / хорошие, но их нужно сделать ещё лучше.
Ответ: Сделайте лучше.
5) Эмме нужна новая одежда.
Ответ: Ну давайте я нарендерю пару сотен новых артов с другими комплектами одежды, потом напишу диздок, чтобы кодер всё это учёл в коде, потом всё это протестирую. На это уйдёт пара месяцев — и все эти пару месяцев игра не будет продвигаться вперёд. Нет.
6) Обновления маленькие.
Ответ: Если есть проекты, которые по сути делают двое (хотя основную работу тянет один человек) и при этом обновляются больше и чаще — я снимаю шляпу. Хотя это уже не человек, а машина: робот, помноженный на вечность. Я так не умею. Моя скорость сейчас на пределе, и со временем она снижается.
7) Игра плохая / у игры только хороший маркетинг, поэтому она популярна.
Ответ: С тем, что игра плохая, — согласен. Но я не очень понимаю, какой у меня «хороший маркетинг». Кросс-промо делают плюс-минус все. По сути, весь мой маркетинг — это быстрые обновления.
У игры есть недостатки и недоработки. Но если вы в одиночку сможете делать круче и быстрее — вы реально захватите эту индустрию. Если даже у таких, как мы, получилось.
Сразу уточню: эти ответы направлены в основном не на тех, кто находится на Patreon, а на более широкую аудиторию.
И ещё один момент. Часто встречаю комментарии в духе: «у игрока есть мнение, и он уверен, что с ним согласны многие». Возможно, так и есть — но есть нюанс: это моя работа, и я действительно собираю статистику. Вы написали где-то комментарий, вас, возможно, лайкнули 3–4 раза, а я тем временем постоянно отслеживаю, что и где пишут, и регулярно провожу опросы.
Могу ли я ошибаться? Конечно. Но у меня есть и определённый опыт в индустрии: с 2017 года я работаю в этой сфере. И вопрос простой: у кого больше шансов ошибаться — у человека, чьи решения напрямую бьют по его доходу и который делает это много лет, или у случайного игрока?
Поэтому ссылаться на «статистику» в споре смысла нет — у меня её просто больше. Лучше просто напишите своё мнение: я обязательно его учту. А если таких мнений будет много — я и сам задумаюсь.
Comments (47)
The game is amazing, and it would be even better if they added lesbian content. When's the next update coming?
When will the next update release
It drives me nuts when I see a Dev made to feel frustrated or gettting negative feedback on such a great game. There's always room for improvement on even the very best game but you and other devs put in a lot of work that we get to enjoy. And if it doesn't suit a certain patron then they can find another game to play. There is plenty to choose from. BoM is amazing as far as I'm concerned and you deserve lots more positive feedback. I've enjoyed Emma's story so far and can't wait to see what's next. Keep up the great work, Novel.
Je vais me répéter sans doute mais je trouve que le travail qui a été réalisé mérite qu'on le souligne comme très bien fait. La critique est facile et gratuite mais dire que la réalisation a un prix et aussi une conception qui prend du temps, qui est très bonne et si c'est pour examiner chaque planche ou vue à la loupe pour trouver un petit défaut, je dirais passer votre chemin. Bravo en tout cas à la réalisation et aux travail exécuté avec brio.
The game is truly incredible. Definitely one of the best I've ever played. There will always be criticism... it's inevitable... That said, I'm very happy to have found you. Keep up the good work. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊
работай брат
I think its a great game! Surprised you get msgs like that. Best game I have played imo
Ну, критика критикой, но есть видение автора и мне кажется что от него все же не стоит отходить, даже если критикам кажется что они правы. Если хотят что то изменить, то у них всегда есть возможность сделать свою игру. И я желаю только чтоб автор данной игры следовал своему пути, своей задумки и реализовывал свое видение игры. Слышать мнение аудитории это хорошо, но не очень хорошо когда мнение аудитории привалирует над ведением своего проекта самим автором. Анимации им не нравятся... ну так всегда можно сделать свою игру со своими анимациями и показать всем, как надо. Желаю автору сил, вдохновения, упорства и не выгорить в процессе такой грандиозной работы которая нас здесь и собоала. Персонажи прекрасны, проработка их характеров, внешности, возможность игроку принимать решения, характеристики которые реально влияют на повествование... у игры даже на данный момент шикарная реиграбельность, а дальше будет еще лучше. Уже существующих сюжетных арок и возможностей слихвой, которых у большинства проектов и рядом нет и все это делает игру особенной, для каждого. Всем интересно в ней что то свое. Надеюсь на скорое обновления, а то очень хочется узнать что там дальше и как далеко и глубоко этот водоворот затянет Эмму. У игры шикарная история. Продолжайте в том же духе.
Спасибо.
Novel, your marketing is not just fast updates, it is also how you engage with the community. You read and respond to almost every single message/ comment. Sometimes, I wonder how you have time for game development and replying to everything your audience says!
It’s difficult, but there’s enough time. Thanks.
I follow a lot of games on patreon and I must tell you ,not 1 of them has as many people responding and involved in discussions. This says a lot about how much we all enjoy this game. The updates have been frequent and of great quality. I can only think of maybe 2 other developers that do this. This is by far the best game available.
I appreciate the growth in your art skills and dev skills. Watching your project develop and improve all along the way through the process. Keep doing what you are doing. The love that you put into BoM shows. Rarely is anything perfect, but chasing perfection will create something special. BoM is on that road. Thanks to the both of you for all of your hard work. Some of your animations are better than anything I've seen in any other novel. I put my money on you guys. It's why I support you.
Mate keep doing what your doing, your doing a great job
Туда их). Всё верно сказано. "Игра плохая"? Они адекватные вообще?😂 Все механики, анимации очень хороши👍...в нетерпении увидеть развитие арок с Джастином, Стивенсом и тренером, а у Тайлера с Лилькой❤️
1. OK, I was one of those people who asked for at least one new outfit 🤣, sorry. 2. Does anyone know what "регулярно" means? It appears twice in the text 🤔.
The neural network translates poorly. (regularly)
I like that you are self critical and always try to be and get better. As many have already said of course, the game is anything but bad - and yes this was not aimed at us, we are here because we obviously love it. Still baffling how someone can not like the game to a degree they have to comment on it! As you say: you don't like it? Move on Keep up the good work and thank you
In my opinion, it's a great game. I think you always give your best effort to create an excellent project. On the other hand, nothing is perfect in this world, and we always learn from our mistakes. I also think you should be very proud of the great work you're doing and ignore any unconstructive criticism. There are people in this world who are envious of your work. So, for my part, I can say that I really like the game, the story, and the animations. So keep it up! And I support this great project.
The game is fantastic. It also keeps to its update schedule... which is very rare these days. Having bugs is normal. But if you don't like it... don't keep playing it.
I wonder if the frequent updates don't actually slow game progress down. You must take time from game development to prepare and distribute a release every month. Is it worth it? I remember a novelist one time remarking that he found it necessary to consult train schedules to make sure nobody was writing to him saying, "Hey, there is no train departing Edinburg at 5:30 am. What's wrong with you?" Some people have too much time on their hands, is what I say.
If they do slow things down, it’s not by much. In any case, it’s far too beneficial to give up. I really need the money, so I’ll have to sacrifice something.
very good game
I have been critical and asked for things. More story, less sex is the story. But what we have so far could be counted as what many devs offer as an intro to their story. In the next year we will see how the story develops. The frequent releases might be giving the impression that, compared to other devs, we should be seeing more completion forgetting that for most devs, we might get a release every six months or so and completion in five years or so. The compressed time line is deceptive. I agree that most of the criticisms you list are trivial and not even worth your time. Only because you do good marketing? I don't see what you are doing as any different from what most devs do. Bring supporters forward from a previous good story Release on f95. Yes some players get it for free. And some are drawn to patreon that otherwise would not know about you. Relentless interaction with players on discord and patreon. This is working for you, where for many others it is not. Good job.
Well, there isn’t a single word here about your criticism. And besides, the beginning of the post is an actual discussion of issues I’m already aware of. It’s all good, don’t worry. We have a good dialogue. I don’t always reply, but to be honest lately I have my own life circumstances, and I don’t always feel like getting into conversations with someone. But I do read what you write. Don’t worry.
Sorry, envy-ridden haters. After playing over 100 VNs i can say this is the best out there with by far the best animations. Period.
"6) The updates are small." Yes, because the updates are much more frequent than other games --- which I count as a positive. I focus on story, most of these complaints are superficial.
Bro why do you entertain these trouble mongers. The more you pay attention the more they will be trouble.
Thank you for the support. I think replying in posts is the most effective approach because it’s impersonal. I’m simply drawing a line and stating my position. But I’m not getting into a dialogue, because there’s nothing to argue about. Besides, about half of the post is acknowledging issues with the game that we’re aware of. They just have reasons behind them.
My previous feedback that everyday outfits of Emma's are getting stale seems to have touched a nerve with you considering the way your reply reads/sounds. Keep in mind that people that download and play a game don't necessarily know anything about the background process and time involved in its creation or minor changes. You openly asked for feedback/suggestions/opinions and you got them. By everyday outfit I was actually referring to her constant 'blue' work outfit. Even a color change day to day of the exact same outfit would have been good plan to have from the outset. It's not complaining, it's passing on observations.
I’m not upset with you, I gave you a clear and straightforward answer. For some reason, when you give players direct answers, they take it as being offended. Besides, you’re not the only one who wrote about this. I answered everyone with a single post.
It's not the first time that you speak about the "problems of outfit", I dont' care personally but it's really a problem for some people, maybe I have a idea. Why don't you use a swap color for some outfits like swimsuits, works outfits or sports outfits ? I don't know if it's difficult to set up or if it's time-consusing but it's coherent to have same outfit for works or sports and maybe it's can satisfy them. 🤷♂️
This is a waste of time and it just creates confusion. I already have more than enough on my plate: I sit down at the computer early in the morning and don’t crawl away from it until late at night.
The game is bad...!!!! Seriously, who says that? A jealous developer? It's the best game of its kind on the market... I'm blown away. Keep it up, Novel. You're doing a great job. As for the updates, they're perfect if they're released at least monthly as promised. And if there are any minor "errors" in the images, they're so minimal.... In any case, for me, who's been playing for many years, this game is a top contender. Well done!!!
Thank you.
Yes, you are good at marketing, specifically at one aspect of it, which is customer engagement. You deliver on your promises and even give more than is expected. This is not common in this business, to put it mildly. And you have a certain kind of endearing modesty – you are always looking for ways to improve. If people envy you for that, it means you are doing a good job.
Thank you.
You already on great flow and super story bro
Great game. Keep it up. Don't listen to the complainers. There are always people who have something to complain about. Ignore them.
Aguyje che angirú
I think the game is fantastic. I just don't understand how anyone can dislike it. Keep up your great work!
who tf says the game is bad? it aint even get to them good bits yet lol
I lived to read that there are people who think this magnificent project is bad; the world is getting worse and worse! 🥴
c'est surement Trump
There’s really people here who says the game is bad? Really? I guess I’m way different to them. The last scene with Emma was top notch. Been a long time since a scene made me that excited. Really looking forward for the ending.
...stay on YOUR way. We "customers" have the opportunity to choose your product (or not), and if we are pleased, to pay for your work. You give us via polls the option to share our opinions - but you are the creator and it´s your decision how the story goes. Let them shout - you could be proud! :-)
I think you do a great job with this game. Specially with the updates. They come really quick one after the other. Keep up the great work :)