Candid Thoughts
Hello everyone, Monsinne here.
So, this is gonna be a pretty big message, and I'm just gonna type stuff out as it comes to me, and I won't be editing it or cleaning it up so here's my (mostly) unfiltered thoughts. Please read all of it before responding:
I really really love working on KoD. The process is fun, the characters are fun, I was super pumped when we started doing characters that were pretty much wholly mine (Amelia), and I love the feedback/interacting with you guys.
Unfortunately, for the last 18+ months, I've been having to do the filler stuff. Why? Nomo's basically been awol. At the start when I started the filler content, I was able to get some replies from him regarding it, and making sure he didn't mind if I did it - cool. For the past while, I've not been able to contact him. Truly, I'm not entirely sure what's happening with him. You guys honestly know about as much as me, he's pretty private with that stuff.
There was that brief couple of months I think in February-ish where he seemed to rally, and he was working on some stuff - that's when we showed some WiPS and mentioned that the stuff for the next main update was close to being finished. That was true. Unfortunately, Nomo went awol soon after again, and I've basically received no messages from him re: KoD, or anything really.
Some people might already know this, but many probably don't: KoD is pretty much wholly Nomo's project. It was like that at the start when I joined, and has been that way for the whole time I've worked on it - what does that mean? It means that all the storylines, all the scenes, etc, they're all pretty much Nomo's. Our process is usually we'll discuss some stuff - some character interactions, the general premise of where we want to go, some of the scene ideas, and then Nomo will mostly dictate what he wants done for the stuff, and then I'll write it.
I'll give some input - absolutely. I'll suggest edits/changes, sometimes what I write ends up a bit different - that happens, sure, but at the end of the day, it's pretty much Nomo's project - even update posts and stuff like that is usually run through Nomo first.
Therefore I've been put into the position of having to create, curate and run the project creatively effectively myself for a while now. It's a project that I like, and I've been on for a while, but at the end of the day, it's primarily Nomo's creation, and that makes it difficult to work on and communication stuff, but creatively and administratively when I'm effectively being stonewalled re: communication.
I haven't really wanted to make this post, because both,
1) Nomo is my friend. I've been friends with him the whole time, and I've been friends with him for years before I joined the project. I care about him, and I'm worried about him,
and,
2) I feel that this type of post will have a serious impact on the project
However, it's at the point where working on this solely with no communication, no knowing what's happening with Nomo, the reduced (justifiably so) numbers of support, it's all taking a pretty big mental toll on me - feeling stressed, depressed, dreams of teeth falling out, the classic stuff like that. Not looking for any pity or sympathy with that comment, I'm just stating it as fact and why this post is happening now.
I don't want KoD to end. That's why despite everything, I've done my best to keep it going with some of the filler stuff. But I can only do so much. Working with the same repeatable scenes so many times is extremely stifling creatively, and starts wearing on me when trying to write.
But realistically, it's at the point where it's not either financially or creatively feasible for it to continue like this for me. I'm not a super fast writer, I can really only work on one project at a time (it took me about 12 months to do a side project with Magnetus that ended up being about 16k words. Most of the single quests in KoD the last few patches have been 20-35k words by themselves, for reference). I think I might be looking at doing a CELTA course sometime next year. I'm not going to be able to write much while doing that, and afterwards I imagine I'd be looking at doing something with the CELTA - so again, probably not able to write much.
What does this all mean? Honestly, I don't really know. You guys just deserve to know what's happening behind the curtains.
I'd love to keep working on KoD. I have ideas for stuff. I'd love to do a brothel-working-sim sort of thing with Amelia and Sabia as the two main characters. But I don't have art assets for it - and I'm under no illusion that the art isn't the primary reason for many of the supports to be here, or that that's not the reason we get new people joining.
However, if that's a thing people would like and there's enough interest, then we could try that, absolutely - and hopefully Nomo feels back to himself soon.
Or alternatively, I've had some ideas for text-based stuff like the old Corruption of Champions, but with a much more significant focus on continuity (ie all the decisions/changes being reflected in all the other characters).
But again, I'm not really under any illusions about the art being the primary draw for a project like this, after all - it IS the primary draw.
This whole post will have been written days to a couple of weeks ago, when you read it. I'll have posted it in the Hreinn devs channel, hoping that Nomo gets back to me, or lets me know what's happening, or anything really.
Otherwise, yeah. That's what's happening. That's where we're at. I'm not really sure where to go from here. If the majority of people are still enjoying the filler content, then we can keep going with that for the meantime, though, and CELTA can be a thing I have on the backburner for later. There's still more art assets to use, and I'm sure I can come up with another mini plot like the current one (~3 filler patches of content).
Part 2 (written some time later after the part above):
I wrote the previous stuff a bit ago. I was hoping to get the stuff done by now, but if I'm gonna be super honest, it's just been very hard to get it done at the moment. It's such a big mental block to write when I'm unsure of what's happening with Nomo - both from him being a friend, and from being unsure of when he'll be around again.
I should have put this up a lot earlier, everyone's entitled to know what's happening, and sorry about it being a late post.
I'm still going to get the current filler arc finished, and Nds is going to continue compiling all my haphazard files for it.
I've currently taken several more shifts at my dayjob and have been working there more. The goal was always to work there less, not more, so truth be told again that's definitely hit me in the mental state pretty hard.
Depending on what the general consensus is after we finish this arc, I do have a few artist friends I can ask, though obviously Nomo's art is pretty much the heart of the project, and any new artist would have a different style. Still, I don't want to see the project disappear. Whether my friends would be interested in the project, I'm not sure, I haven't asked anyone yet.
Anyway. Yeah, that's pretty much where we're at.
I hope these unfiltered thoughts have helped to answer what I'm sure a lot of people have been wondering.
If anyone has any further questions or wants to talk to me, if I'm at my PC I'm always available on discord, and will get back to anyone who messages me.
Anyone who has been a patron at any point since the last release will get the next release based on that patron tier level.
Monsinne
Comments (16)
That brothel sim idea sounds amazing. I would follow this game into the depths of hell if it went that route. Overall, more orcs taking advantage of Sabia, and more of Sabia leaning into using her body to get what she wants, would be fantastic and the brothel idea fits very well. Really hope things get sorted out and sorry for the position you're in, but looking forward to whatever iterations of this game will follow. Really like this game, so cheers from me for what you're doing!
I think that brothel sim idea would be liked by the people
Don't worry Monsinne... We loved your filler arcs as well... For me personally i have replayed the game several times even the filler arcs just to appreciate the work you and nomo do... I really hope nomo is ok and well and i hope for your well being as well ... Don't be in a hurry to bring out patches and updates... Just do it as you feel comfortable... I am sure we all will support that too..
It would be better to restart the project with another artist or AI art, rather then rely on filler patches and unfinished art. And also i want to mention that battle system in game is garbage, worse part of game) Good luck.
The idea, concept and artwork for this game has provided enjoyment to many. Unfortunately the delays in updates have frustrated many of the supporters. A lot of people fail to grasp the amount of work that goes in to these projects and those that have tried to be supportive have faced difficulties of their own and those difficulties have lead to frustrations coming out in ways that I am sure they regret. I remember years ago people accusing the creators of deliberately taking advantage of supporters by promising releases at the end of a month or promising certain timelines and then releasing updates after these self imposed deadlines had passed. Over the last couple years I have witnessed how releases have been made available to supporters who had signed up during these self imposed deadlines for free if those deadlines had not been met, but the lack of communication from developers had still been a source of frustration. I can only speak for myself when I say that I sincerely hope that this project is not abandoned, unfortunately all good thnigs must come to an end. It would have been incredible to see this game be able to come to completion. I wish you and all the devs well and thank you for the entertainment you have provided.
If you can't get in touch with your partner I think putting it on hold makes sense - and then pick it up again if that's in the cards later. As much as I'd like if the project went swimmingly and got wrapped up fine, there's only so much you can do, and I think it makes the most sense to move on to something you _can_ work on properly instead instead of trying to patch it up or wait.
I don't want to be the one saying it but someone has to say it. The quality of the art has been going downhill for a while, the Sabía on the first release looks nothing like her on the latest versions of the character. So, the art is not that great neither. I get your concern that Nomo is just AWOL but this is a project and people is paying for it (whoever is still there) and he cannot disappear just because. I really think you should stop billing until something happens and we can get the same quality and updates like years ago. Honestly, KoD just feels like a milking machine, where, some people still believes in something not even his creator cares anymore.
I so badly want this game to continue, I think there was something really special about it and it deserved to get off the ground more. I think that you shouldn't do an only text based game going forward, it's boring in a game format honestly. I think you should find an artist that is willing to stay within the same realm of artwork, while bringing their own talents to it. Go back to what made the game interesting and made me willing to put up with hours of content exploring. I think at this point you take charge of the project and if Nomo wants to get involved again, that's on them, if not, oh well. This game is more than just them at this point even if it originated with them. I want to see the content that was basically promised but never shown. I want to see the tentacle monster use some of the catgirls, I want more interactions with the minotaur, I want to be able to take slaves, have bondage equipment (especially the advertising), more using your body to get your way with the leaders of the tribe, etc. There's just so much that wasn't done that would be great to see. Maybe even with the new artist, go back to the beginning as a soft relaunch and add missing elements to the game as you go to get momentum again on the project. This could be the fighting stuff, more items, armors, and weapons. maybe focus less on the game over scenes for a while and just dial into in game content that continues the story. That or just give us the conclusion story where we take back our rightful place and juicy scenes involving everyone who betrayed Sebia. I get it though, so take this with a little bit of salt. If you need to step away to focus on your life, I get it. I'll be sad, but this was still a great game that I revisit every so often and fuels some of my fantasies. I hope this can come back and blow most of the other games out of the water! I really think it can. Please take care of yourselves during this time and just keep us up to date on it, thanks for everything you have done up to this point, all of you!
Figure it out, but not in a mean assertive way. More like, life is becoming ridiculous/complicated and this might take awhile to sort itself out. I was interested in you all since that first Riven game and haven't dropped off since. I don't know or care what the game plan is for you and Nomo to be productive again with this project but at least keep us in the loop when the next proper step gets taken. It's art, it's a project, it's a career......buuut it's also just a visual novel and I'm way more concerned about you two figuring life out compared to this.
I'd be down for "spin-offish" brothel sim or alt game with the characters. And I'd be ok to look at it through nex eyes, meaning through another artist's art. If it keeps you going while Nomo is hopefully doing better and coming back stronger, I think it's a good idea. It wouldn't be the first project that goes "on hold" while things process behind the scenes, please don't feel bad on yourself for that.
I'm interested in the brothel sim if you're still willing to do it by the time you finish the current content. Thank you for informing me about what's going on. I support the Fallout (adult game) devs and I'm used to them disappearing for prolonged periods. I only ask that you give us a heads up if you're leaving the project.
Hello Monsinne! Thanks for the update. Without any insight into the material and plot you have left to work with i gotta be honest; I want to finish this game. For the main story first and foremost! But also for thr gameplay! I like the combat, i like thegrok dar characters. I know that big decisions have to be made now, but I also see it as a chance for the team working on this. Ill be here and supporting until you finish it, cancel it, or i can't anymore. 😉
The art has always been lovely, but I am here more for the story and the writing than anything else. If KoD is well and truly derailed, I would be interested in something new.
I always enjoyed the game and follow the updates, always has been a source for inspiration, at leas for me hehe. (sorry I didn't became a patreon myself) At ligth of the situation is undertandable if the project gets paused or even if you move on to new ventures. I Wish I could contribute to help finish the game, surelly many would apreciate any type of ending even if it is a rushed one, anyways hope things get better :).
Post that was coming. Well, I never was a patron but was interested in game since the start. Just when i already was able to afford patron subscription, KoD was downspiraling. Well, this project survive when Sierra leaved, and everyone what to see continuation. So, I say, hire new artist, maybe additional writer, and continue.
I always loved the characters themselves, so I wouldn't be opposed to some sort of text based continuation a la Corruption of Champions if Nomo can't/won't continue to support the project in its current iteration. It might be worth looking into seeing if another artist could replicate the style, even if that meant a shift going forwards. While I personally enjoyed the art quite a bit, I think it was the characters themselves that drew me in at the end of the day. Assuming you, or others, are willing to step up and put some serious effort into writing, I don't see why a text game couldn't see success. Although I think there would be an expectation that since there's less art, more writing would have to be done to fill that gap. Aside from all of this, it would only be feasible if something changes with the team's communication strategy. It's just not reasonable to go on 6-12 month long silence breaks while 'work' is being done. Large updates are nice, but consistent communication is better, even if its just to say your stuck every week. My biggest frustration with this team has always been the months of not hearing anything, sometimes a full year, then a new release drops. Obviously I wish the team the best and hope this work continues in some form or another. I've enjoyed playing in this world for years now and it would be a shame to see it shelved. Oh, and these are just my personal thoughts and feelings towards the game and its history, not intending to throw shade any direction, just putting all this out there.