Dev Update - 06/10/2026
Hi everyone,
It's time for another development update!
First of all, thank you for all the feedback on the Chapter I Rework. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I'm incredibly grateful for the support and excitement surrounding the new direction of the project.
That said, I know not everyone agrees with the decision to revisit earlier chapters. One of the biggest concerns I've seen is that the reworks will dramatically slow down development and that it could take years to reach the point where the story was before. I want to reassure everyone that this is not the case.
When I originally announced the reworks, I estimated that each chapter would take roughly a week to complete. That estimate turned out to be a little optimistic. The reality is that these reworks involve much more than simply updating old renders. I'm creating entirely new scenes, improving the dialogue, adding meaningful choices, implementing achievements and collectibles, updating the presentation, and generally bringing the early chapters up to the quality standard I want Shadows of Ambition to have.
Another concern I've seen is the belief that these changes are being made solely to satisfy a particular group of players who wanted more choices. While player feedback is important, that's not the reason I'm doing this. The simple truth is that I want to create the best version of Shadows of Ambition that I can. This is the game I've dedicated myself to, and I don't want to look back years from now wishing I had taken the time to realize its full potential.
I've seen comments suggesting that I should simply finish the current version and make a better game afterward. While I understand that perspective, I don't personally believe that's the right choice for this project. Shadows of Ambition deserves the care and attention required to become the game I always envisioned.
The biggest challenge I continue to face is time. As most of you know, I develop this game entirely on my own. Every render, every line of dialogue, every system, every choice, and every piece of polish ultimately comes down to me. Because of that, estimating development timelines remains one of the most difficult parts of the process.
My current goal is to have all planned reworks completed and Chapter 7 - Part III released by the end of July. Earlier roadmaps included Chapter 8 within that timeframe, but after seeing the scope of the work involved, I've adjusted my expectations to be more realistic. I'd rather give you accurate information than promise something I can't confidently deliver.
The good news is that development is moving along well, and I expect the Chapter II Rework to be released within the next seven days.
One area I've been focusing on heavily is scene composition and environmental storytelling. I'm spending significantly more time on backgrounds, lighting, framing, and overall presentation. Chapter II also includes two entirely new scenes that weren't present before.
Here are a few examples comparing the old version to the new version:
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NEW
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NEW
As always, thank you for your patience, your feedback, and your continued support. Your belief in this project allows me to keep pushing it forward and making it better with every release.
I genuinely believe these changes will result in a stronger game and a more memorable experience for everyone in the long run, and I hope you'll continue this journey with me.
Much love,
AbyssGames
Comments (30)
Damn. I just played the free version, liked it, was considering supporting, then saw this unnecessary rework, which is supposed to be done by the end of July. They're not even done with the second chapter, and it is already almost the end of June. I'll donate with the highest tier if the rework is done and ch. 7 part 3 is released by the end of July. It won't happen at this pace. End of October is much more likely. Depending on pace, I'll probably donate eventually, but definitely not now with so much ambiguity. Chapter 2 rework time frame has already been blown out by almost double the time predicted. I suggest all patrons adjust your expectations accordingly.
Chapter II Rework CHAD Release also?
Wow, looks amazing. Keep up the good work.
As soon as you download the updated version, the replays are no longer available!! Not a single save slot works anymore!! I can't even click on the replays in the gallery!! The keyboard also gets in the way when saving (Android)... Nice art style, but the update was completely unnecessary!! The previous version was 100 times better!! Updates are usually a good thing... but not when they destroy all save data and the story just cuts off after the update, so you can't view the old chapters anymore!! You're better off downloading the old version... [the new one] is completely unpolished and just disappointing!! Such a shame!! You and CircleGames are among my favorites!! You should wait a while before downloading the revised version!! It's not worth it until later!!
What are you blabbering about? I communicated when I released the rework that it is ONLY Chapter 1 and that OLD SAVES would NOT work.
Keep up the great work Abyss, don't listen to the haters!
I support the rework especially after seeing the new renders compared to the old. Usually I feel that reworks tend to slow down the game but in this case I think it's a great idea and I have no issues with it. You do a great job of communicating and your skills have improved tremendously. If you feel that this will improve the game then I 100% support it.
I was stunned by the sheer quality of the rework, of an already top tier visual novel. I can't wait to see how the rest of the reworked chapters will be like.
Is there a way to get the old version again just for the time-being? I stupidly deleted it when you released the reworked one
Reworking the game before finishing it is literally shooting yourself in the foot. It's hard to see this in a positive light, especially when you did it exactly when Alice was finally going to give in to NTS. It looks like you're shirking the responsibility of finally delivering NTS in a game that's supposedly "NTS". No sex with anyone other than your partner, IT'S NOT NTS. TEASING IS NOT NTS! But... unlike the other 99% of creators who string players along for 2 or 3 years without delivering, you promised to continue the game from where you left off in ONLY 2 MONTHS. That would be a truly fair timeframe for a rework and an incredible demonstration of respect for your Patreon. If you meet this deadline, I'll be one of the first to support you. I'm hoping this game doesn't become a future "blurring the walls" or anything like that.
I've said it before and I'll say it again; I love the rework and am thoroughly looking forward to see how it progresses.
The rework making Alice's personality less shy right from the start, and the couple actually being a couple with some history makes it 10x times better already. Also, Luke seems less of a dunce. I do wonder how subsequent events revolving around sharing will be handled since everything still happens so quickly in-game.
I noticed that, too. I like the main couple a lot more in this version of Ch. 1...
Fantastic
After the rework update, I updated the app and i can't get passed chapter 1 anymore.
The rework only includes chapter 1.
I gotta be honest, I like the rework. it definitely ups the quality a lot. That being said, remasters and reworks are usually reserved for when a game is completed. This is usually because burnout and motivation death are very real for creators. As an artist, I can appreciate the desire to pursue perfection. But as a player, I want a finished game. This whole concept leaves me very conflicted. I want to support the art, but not at the cost of a finished game. Reworking a game that isn't even finished seems like poor use time. But then again, I can't deny that the rework is definitely quality. I think I'm just gonna have to take a break on this one for a while. Something about this trend is telling me that if this continues, the game will never end and just be added to the ever growing list of erotic games that showed promise but died on the vine before harvest. I wish you the best of luck, mate. Hopefully you stay a cut above the rest.
I actually only play games like this for the renders of building and shadows in the back ground. Not the actual story line or sex.
goodluck abby hope all the support drowns out the wails of the damned
Love your game and wish you good luck with it. But I'm one of them who doesn't like it while the game is still on going. Don't like to play everything again even if there are changes. I think I'm out for the game and will maybe come back when new chapters are coming (if I can play from the old safe and don't have to play the rework chapters for it). For me it's delaying way to much and I will be dissappointed everytime I see a new update and it is just a rework. But until then I will leave with good memories.
Love the rework.
I totally support the rework. The new art and increased choices are going to make your game top tier, in my opinion.
Love the updates they look great!
Loved the new Ch 1. Looking forward to the rest. Keep up the great work.
The reworked chapter 1 looked preety good. Waiting a couple of extra weeks sounds good to me. Can't rush peak...
So far Im enjoying the reworks and even if I didnt that wouldn't matter. Keep doing what works for you, people are going to complain either way......myself included lol.
Thanks for doing this , there will always be people who just want straight sex scenes but there alot more to avn that just that
As someone who only recently discovered your visual novel, I’m really grateful for the reworks. I now always wait for the next rework to be released before I carry on playing. I mean, it’s a good opportunity for new players.
totally unnecessary
Totally necessary.