Status update Episode 10
This week I started playing the episode and felt inspired to polish every scene along the way - to the extent that it became my main focus all week. I ended up doing lots of work that I had postponed for later, but the end result of many scenes is starting to show.
I worked on SFX/Music. Many sound effects were missing but have now been added. New songs and a healthy mix of re-used songs have been used.
I both trimmed and fleshed out the writing in different parts of the episode.
I ensured that the non-minigame route flows well in the parts where there usually are mini-games and got the optional needed code.
The non-minigame route can be tricky since a mini-game can add context to the story, and cutting it completely would feel lackluster for those who play without them. Making an alternative feature for this route, for example, the choice-based party planning in episode 9 and forward, is sometimes needed. But there's always this careful deliberation if it's acceptable to add something since the main purpose of the non-minigame route is that it should be focused on the story with few distractions.
Furthermore, I worked on a couple of clucks. One was demanding due to branching content and plenty of NPC interaction.
While polishing some phone content code, I decided to add something that's been in the back of my mind for a long time that I know many of you want. From start to finish, it took me roughly 8 hours to complete, which is way less than I had expected. And I think this preview of the feature can speak for itself.
Note that the Gallery is another new feature of Episode 10 and that it's not the Special Renders in the Rewards app you can use this way, but any image put in this new gallery. It will make sense when you play the game.
I'm trying to get my new PC up and running today. All parts are finally here for one of the upgrades, which will be a priority this weekend.
Whenever I swap PCs, they have to be brought up to a certain standard with software and files - so that they don't throw errors when rendering. This usually takes me 1-2 days to set up if everything goes smoothly. I'm still waiting for parts to build another PC to push things up yet another notch. But I have no news regarding this one yet.
My animation queue has 31 animations in it, and I will push on working with a mix of everything next week.
I played some episode 10 scenes for the first time this week, and they turned out so good that I can't wait to show you and see your reactions. Overall, I'm very pleased with the amount of branching this episode allows.
It's been a long wait, and there is still some time to go, but I am doing my best to make the wait worthwhile.
Have a nice weekend.
Dr PinkCake
Comments (42)
I've been curious recently, can this be downloaded into a tablet and played?
The Steam Deck runs seasons 1 and 2 I believe. Installing the Patreon version I couldn't help since I don't have a Steam Deck. Now, most tablets are running Android or iOS, so you wouldn't have much luck getting the game running on those.
I can already tell that the wait will be very worth it and episode 10 is maybe the biggest episode till now. Keep up the awesome work that you are doing
That is true but it'll be very fun to play whatever the choices maybe and sounds like there's going to be lot of content in episode 10 really really looking forward to playing it.
how long are you thinking
Estimate it is about 75% to 80% done (based on previous updates) -- and upgraded another computer so might help speed up things a little --- note the graphic detail has increased quite a bit (based on preview shots) on this episode so that takes longer -- also there is a lot more branches for this episode - cannot rush a good story
Phone got a software update?! We living large now Diks!
I cant wait for the wallpaper from the camera roll; There are just so many gorgeous scenes that I always wanted in the wallpaper. So I really love to hear its going to be added.
I appreciate the fact that you take the time to polish your product. “Writing is rewriting” they say, and anyone who says differently is in the habit of turning in a rough draft
I couldn't agree more. At times, I write a rough layout because it's best just to have some sentences and words in place, and then go back to fix it. It's a good way to get momentum when writing, but would obviously look horrible if it was in the end product.
Not going to lie. Rooster and Clucks are some of my favorite aspects of the game. I especially loved when if you responded a certain way to one cluck (avoiding spoilers) a certain character will comment on it during a later episode. Looking forward to more and I'm glad you take such care with them!
forsure it adds more emersion for me like youre interacting more in the story. its such a nice underrated feature.
Your the best Doc!
This all sounds very promising. So ready to see what happens next.
I am glad you got some of your computer parts in and are able to upgrade another computer - I know them upgrades help tremendously once all the software and updates are installed -- can't wait for episode 10 - have a great weekend (oh and great idea on the phone wallpaper)
The preview looks like one of the "edited" Halloween photos. I must say I tried to get every variation of photos with the girls during various playthroughs and I am very curious how they will look like. Keep the good work up. I have a feeling this will be the "next" best episode yet :-D
As for your troubles setting up a new PC, if you're running Windows, you may want to look at the chocolatey software. If you run Linux, there are many options, I'd suggest Ansible for simplicity. For Mac, I don't really know, but I guess there may be something.
Oh, I thought you were clustering pcs to increase render outputs, scripting installations might be overkill if you only use one machine. But you should have a look for yourself and decide.
i never thought a visual novel would genuinely be one of my favorite games
Good stuff DPC. Enjoy your weekend 🔥
The wait is always worth it, even the times we wish it would go faster.
Great to hear, Doc! I know that if you are enjoying the new stuff then we'll love it.
The hype.. is creeping up... Thanks Doc, have a nice weekend!
thanks for the update Doc. Have a nice weekend
Thx for the report Doc. Sounds very good !!
You and your game are more than worth the wait, hard as that will be. You simply can not rush perfection. Looking forward to 10.
Thanks Doc !
Super excited and my birthday is in September so if it releases in the next few months then i consider it a big birthday present :) can't wait!!
Doc, you need to post some PC specs. I would love to know what you are running. No brands because there are too many goofy fanboys that get caught up in that. Just basics like: Threadripper 3970X, 128GB ram, RTX 3090.
Shitloads of 4090. CPU doesn't matter. 128 GB RAM. TBs of space for each system. PSUs that can handle it.
Thanks for the update Doc! Have an amazing weekend!
not gonna lie, getting pretty hyped... luckily there's BG3 to play while waiting :D
Loved the long form update. Always interesting to hear your thoughts behind the design choice. Getting hyped!
sounds great , just finishing episode 9 i hope episode 10 isn’t just 1 setting even tho it was very entertaining and decently long was sad to see that the whole episode was just the 1 halloween party
It was not only the party. Many scenes of what happened between the last episode and the party have been included. Just that it was told from a later point in the timeline. Not that I want to have all coming episodes like that (and I think DPC won't do it), but it was a refreshing change in style that worked very well for this specific episode. Just my two cents, though :-)
New PC pog
Thanks for the update, have a nice weekend Doc!
Thanks Doc, looking forward to the next episode!! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Awsome update u are doing amazing work
I'm sure the wait will be worthwhile, thanks for the update!
Thanks for the update
Cool beans, thanks for update