4 Year Celebration!
Happy birthday to my Patreon page; it's now been four years since I publicly started this journey with 0 patrons!
Time has passed so damned fast, and while it feels like I've not been moving forward that much, I stepped back to see what I've done over these years.
What struck me the most is how much the art has changed and how different Acting Lessons would have looked if I made it from scratch today, with all my current experience.
I loaded up the old files to view how I did art back then, what settings I used, and analyzed what's different today, and I could spot several rookie mistakes and facepalm moments.
I'm not talking down about what I accomplished, but it's just a testament to the journey and growth that's ongoing right now.
It's hard to see the progress before you take a moment to step back and look at the past.
For fun, I modified some old files and re-rendered them in a way to show you how the game might have looked if I had made art for Acting Lessons today.
I want to show you these renders as a kind of "before and after", roughly four years apart.
Melissa
Here's the original art from Episode 2, made in April 2018. This scene first introduced Melissa.
I remember when I made Melissa's model. Melissa was the first model I learned to morph and alter greatly, which is why she's unique.
If I remade the cafeteria scene today, the art would look closer to this. I'd use animations instead of panning static renders, which I used back then when I only had one 1080 Ti available and 16 GB RAM for making renders.
Megan
The model of Megan used in the game was the fourth version of Megan.
The first three versions were various levels of horrible, and one was even a bit cartoonish.
The first Megan (Roughly two days of experience):
The second Megan (Anime Megan, first week of experience):
The third Megan (Getting closer to the final Megan, week 2):
Final Megan (Week 2 model, but the actual render was from a few months later when I remade parts of episode 1, which is why this quality is better):
Megan was the first model I created as a developer, and I didn't know anything about 3D art when I worked on her. I was very close to giving up on all of this because of the learning curve.
Sadly, she's much more low-quality than the other models in the game. It's because of my inexperience at the time, but even so, her looks are special, and it would be too hard to replace her model for something similar without ruining what she is to the game.
And despite her being lower quality, I can still make some nice art with her today.
This original render was from episode 6, when my art was starting to look somewhat decent.
I loaded this file and replaced the Megan model with the original hair model and improved the scene in a way I would have done it today to create a better ambiance of Jonas' (or your MC's name of choice) living room. I came up with the following.
Rena
Rena's model was the first model where I went over the top with morphs and modifications, and I think it shows. She's unique and very high quality.
I dare say I wouldn't be able to make a better version of her today than back then. This is nuts since the first time I modeled her was two months into development.
In episode 7, I remember this scene when you played her branch.
I still think this scene has some beautiful renders of Rena, thanks to her blue hair, clothes, and the environment's ambiance. I took that as a challenge to see how much I could improve it today.
First, what struck me was how naked her apartment was. Adding some furniture made it look better immediately. In general, I'd work much harder on all environments in Acting Lessons today. Then I did my tricks to improve the render, and the following is the result.
Rena probably has the best set of eyes out of every model I've made so far. They always seem to pop in renders.
And finally, I wanted to make a render of the three girls together. And I chose the environment that means a lot to me on many levels.
This particular jetty had some great scenes in the game, and the entire episode centered around this trip is what I believe to be the story's high point before the mood shifts in the game.
It's been really fun to remake these renders, and I did feel that it would be fun to remake Acting Lessons. But as soon as I went back to work on Being a DIK, I could feel that it's the game I truly want to work on 100% until it's done.
I enjoy working on Being a DIK so much more, and there's still a long and exciting road ahead of us. But it was fun revisiting Acting Lessons for a couple of hours to appreciate the journey.
Some of you have been here for almost the entire time. I can spot roughly 50 patrons who've been continuously supporting since earlier than August 2018, which is both humbling and insane.
But no matter when you joined, thanks to everyone involved and who supports my dreams to make these games.
When I started this journey, I believed that independent developers are only independent because they don't have enough funding for their games. Now, I believe many indie developers are indie because they love what they do too much. It's certainly something that applies to me.
Cheers to these past four years and what's to come in the future!
Download high-resolution versions of the new art in the attachments below.
Love ya, DIKs and HOTs
Dr PinkCake
Comments (71)
just became a member how do i get the game
How do I claim my patreon rewards and get the game?
It's been quite the journey Doc. Cheers! 🍻
I loved that AVN, the characters and story were great. All 3 love interests were unique in there own right and it felt right to do good by Megan but preferably for me if these chicks were real then Melissa and Rena would do it for me man! Damn, for 3D renders they are smoking hot character models! xD
The only game I have ever even come close to crying in. There just aren't many who tell a story quite like you are able to. The chemistry between characters, the mundane daily things interspersed throughout, it all adds up to such an unbelievable story. This is before knowing all of this about the development. Your game was so good back then, I am sso hooked on your new shit, and I can't wait to see what you create in the future. Truly just aren't any other games like it.
4 years already?
8 Years
Dude I loved Acting Lessons so much. I actually hate you for making me smile, laugh and cry like a wimp! This game really affected it was the weirdest feeling ever! The characters, the story, the music it was perfect and thank god final megan looked the way she did as those previous versions were baaaad! lol! Keep up the good work you are my favourite developer of these types of games, you really have talent my friend! All the best, TJ
Melissa's eyes in the original are perfect. One of the reasons she was my favorite.
Acting lessions was my first visual novel and since then it’s been amazing watching you grow your abilities. I love that you took the time to show us the improvement. Shows all of us that day by day things will change over the years but it’s about putting in the time and effort day in n out. Thanks for all you do and show us behind the scenes. Dr. PinkCake!
Both Acting Lessons and Being a DIK are superb in terms of artwork and content (story line)
I think Acting Lessons will always be my favorite. Thanks for sharing with us Dr. PK! I had always wondered about the lower quality of Megan, not that I minded, so really enjoyed this insight from the creator himself.
And just when I thought I'd moved past my Acting Lessons trauma. Anyhow, thanks for the peek behind the curtain. It was a special game. It's rare to see somebody with a talent for art, programming, and storytelling plus the skill and passion to bring all three together consistently and successfully. Congrats on four years!
Its kinda weird I went through and I already thought the writing was great, then I met Rena. Shes kind of a mess and thats why she feels real. Just a taste of how much more fleshed out your writing would become and its been a treat to see develop
sos capo chabon apenas 4 años y te mandaste uno de los mejores juegos que jugue en mi vida, ojala te pudiera donar 1000 dolares por mes pero argentina no ayuda xD, segui que vas a llegar legisimos un abrazo grande crack
Rena is truly special, she's simply gorgeous and unique, maybe that's why I always prefered her path in AL
Acting Lessons was my first jump into this genre of games and been hooked ever since, once I was finished with it, I wasn't sure if I had played an "adult game" or just a great story-driven game but for the story, it made me second guess starting being a dik. and when I did shortly finishing the steam version of season one (when it was only 4 episodes) I joined the Patreon and haven't regretted it Thank you DrPinkCake for the journey and story you've created.
I miss seeing Rena she was the perfect model imo
My first Adult game is Being a Dik and I love what you have done with it and craving for more... But how it started and how far you've come is Amazing keep it up. I will come to support you. :D
Yeah... no remake. It's how George Lucas screwed up Star Wars dude! Acting Lessons is great how it is.
Thanks for the great times Mr Pink 👍👍👍
Acting Lessons was my first step into this world. As such, it holds a special place along with both Melissa and Rena as their characters packed the most emotional punch for me personally. But as much fun as it would be to see a "remastered" version...honestly...I'd rather see certain characters made surprise appearances in Being a DIK than a full remake. Least for me. I mean, come on...for the love of God, man...find a way to connect Arieth to Leah...
we dont say the L word around here
Good job mate, keep going! I love BaD, I'll have a go at Acting Lessons too to fill in the void (hopefully I can avoid the heartbreak from certain.. choices).
Honestly, I think that Megan's look in the game really served to enhance her naivety? Not sure if that is the word I am looking for but I am glad you didn't try to go back and recreate her back then. Grats on the 4 years. Acting Lessons was the very first VN I played(2019 for me) and has led me (via a 3 year detour) to supporting your Patreon and being thoroughly addicted to Being a DIK.
Although I’m pretty new, I’m staying for the next four years!
Legend
The Megan one made today is much more awesome, dude:D
Honestly I thought your renders in Acting Lessons for the main love interests were fine. I can definitely see the refinement in the modeling when you made Being A Dik though. Acting Lessons is brilliant though.
Hi Doc! Yeah, I've done some 3D work in the past (less so these days) and it's interesting looking at your process - I know little about creating in Daz 3D only Blender, but you had trouble morphing - I need to explore that software. You definitely should get some hardcore students to mentor and want to create their visual novels in the future. And I agree with you BeingaDIK is brilliant and I'm loving the story, characters, 3D art, renders and lighting.
I don't know what it was about Rena that made her the one that I was drawn to. Must be the blue hair. Reminds me of Diamante. Awesome new art.
Congrats! 🎉 It’s amazing how far you’ve come with everything. Even between the early chapters of BaDIK and now.
Choosing between Melissa & Rena was so difficult for me. I may have only found out about these games last year but I'm a huge fan, cheers DPC.
Very good job and congratulations on your success in order to give those of us who look forward to your VN’s a fantastic story with phenomenal characters. Being a DIK brings back so many memories of my college years when I pledged ΣΑΕ and had some wild and crazy times, but most importantly, we learned a lot of lessons and what brotherhood/friendship really meant. I’m excited for the future chapters of Being a DIK!
And journey continues. ❤️
What a journey. Megan will always have a place in my heart. Cheers on four years.
Congratulations! You’re an amazing creator and made me into a huge fan of your content since Acting Lessons first came out and now Being a DIK. Looking forward to your future developments! Stay Awesome and keeping pulling our heart(and dick) strings Doc! 😘
It would be dope to play a graphic-updated AL. But I agree, finishing BaD is paramount. Should you find the time and willing to do so, I'm sure fans of AL would play an updated version.
For many more years Doc Love 🧡🖤
Great stuff. So what are the odds of "Acting Lessons: The Cake Mix" after Being a Dik is all wrapped up? Would be interesting to see, but I imagine the time required would be enormous.
Such a good story AL it is... you know how much we loved it. Thank you for your work Doc!
Cheers DPC! I am one of the newer patrons but I already know, I am staying. So thank you for bringing your games to GOG. Otherwise I would not know about them. I played Acting Lessons first a few weeks ago. First I wanted to quit early as the quality I was used to from Being A DIK is much higher. I am glad I didn't stop. The story was ... yeah ... unanticipated. That being said, I am a bit afraid of the future at B&R. But whereever it goes, I want to know it!
Here's to another 4 (and even more) years of incredible games and beautiful art, writing and animations! Long live Dr PinkCake!!
Although I would never want anything to impact the development of BaD, I'm just putting it out there that I would totally support a remake of Acting Lessons on this Patreon and buy a Remastered version on Steam. This great story is worth a revisit someday, perhaps after BaD has completed its journey.
I played Acting Lessons only last year (2021) and i was impressed by the characters and the models and definately the story. Acting Lessons still has a lot of good looking models in my eyes, even comparing with today's models in most VNs. Rena is still one of the best models I saw in then VN world.
Congratulations! You've come a long way and I love your games!
Such an awesome treat to be able to see new renders of Acting Lessons. That game is top tier to so many in the community DrPinkCake so thank you for that gift. Keep up the hustle on BaD but know there would be a lot of support to see a reimagining/rework of Acting Lessons when you're done!
I stumbled on Being A DIK on Steam in late March and I will be honest…. I was hooked before I even got to start the game with the Jill intro. The humor and the compassion of that small intro was all I needed to know this guy was different and the experience would be unique. I have never been attached to game characters like those created by DrPinkCake and I would love to buy this dude a beer… BUT I also do not want to take him away from developing because the wait is so very hard. I joined as a Patreon after my first play through and will happily stay to support for the next 4 years, I probably will even have to upgrade a tier because missing the Josy previews is killing me. Showing how your art and style has changed over the 4 years has given us a view into who you are and I for one am grateful for it. Showing us a little of who you are like that is amazing and you are a unique developer and deserves all the support we can give! Please go faster with season 3… No wait, take your time to make it amazing… no FASTER.. no…. See what you do to us!!!!! Side note - I still cannot play through Acting lessons a second time..... yet I want to, but I cant.. How can a game do that? Only a game by DrPinkCake can do that
I love rena & megan so much
Acting Lessons was my gateway... Melissa will always be my favorite.
Being a DIK is the first VN I ever played, then went back and played Acting Lessons. Needless to say, the ending packed a punch. It made me realize how special a developer you are, DPC, and so you became the first ever Patreon developer I supported. Excited to see where BaDIK goes from here and whatever you work on next!
_Acting Lessons_ was a ton of fun to play. thanks for showing us whats changed; I don't think anyone would object to a new edition of _Acting Lessons_ in the near or distant future.
4 years!!! Im soo glad i was/still a member of this community ❤️ Happy anniversary^^
I played Acting Lessons after DIK and the difference is night and day. Would love to see what a new Acting Lessons would be like in the future.
just luvin' it^^
The progression in quality is pretty insane, in four years you've learned a lot and it's kind of scary to think how much more you'll improve in the coming years. I'm a very new patron to your games and it really shows how much love and passion is present in BADIK - making me feel emotions and attachments I've never felt before playing an adult game. Thanks for not quitting, and being dedicated to sharing your stories and characters with the world. Here's to 4 more years of excellence.
Thx DPC! Thx for taking us with you on this amazing journey!
Congratulations DPC! I haven't been here for the entire journey but I have enjoyed seeing your skill improve with every episode! Your love for making BADIK shows with how much thought and care you put into your characters and environment! While BADIK is still ongoing, I look forward to where your journey takes you!
Melissa ❤️ Looks great. Loved the jetty scene. Reinas eyes are amazing but I'd still pick sage as the champion in that department overall. What you learned with her def translates in some of sages scenes.
Gotta agree with ya about Rena's eyes. Missy's were beautiful, but Rena's are hypnotic. And the passion she had in them while riding Jonas in the cabin......orgasmic! Here's to the first four years, and to the many more to come. Cheers!
And a thank you to you, for working as hard as you do. Your passion has truly shined through to a lot of us. Thank you DPC! You kill this shit my dude. Keep killin it! 💜
Congrats DPC! As an aside, I still find Melissa to be the most beautiful of all your created characters. Something about her, everything just clicks perfectly.
Amazing DPC! This was the AVN that convinced me to dive deeper into this genre. And the STORYTELLING!? OMG! I will honor this celebration by playing Acting Lessons right now. <3
Love Rena 😘. She ma grl.
Congratulation for the accomplishment !
I remember going through Steam and looking for a simple game to play during the start of 2020. Along came this, a very high reviewed game that wasn't too pricey. So, I was like, "Why not?" And wow, not since Mass Effect did I care so much for video game characters. While I hated cheating on Megan and Melissa, Rena is still my favorite girl. Such wonderful memories, except for the death scene. Still love the game.
Acting lessons has a special place in my heart because it hit me like a sledgehammer, and it's the VN that got me hooked. :D
Ah Acting Lessons. First VN game I hit. And the story hitted a lot 😉
To another few years, the laughter i get out of your games, is worth every dime
Ever get free time you can always do a remastered version for patreons only 😂
Acting Lessons' story was so awesome, how could I not support Being A Dik?