Dev Diary 100
Hello all, TD here.
It’s been a weird couple of weeks, but let’s first get the numbers out of the way. Currently Chapter4Up6 sits at 2,446 static images, 92 animations, and 51,544 words.
That totals out to 96 statics, 15 animations, and 3,194 words added to the script since our last dev diary.
Now, the elephant in the room: *we will be releasing everything up to the exhibition proper as its own update.*
Quite frankly, while I want desperately for you guys to play the entire day, we could use the hit of motivation that a release provides. We’ve both been sick over these past three weeks, but even accounting for that, we have been noticeably dragging our feet to a finish line that isn’t anywhere close. It’s a malaise that will inevitably eat into the remaining portion of the update, both leading us to cut corners and take the turns we do take more slowly. I’ve fed myself a heap of copium these past two weeks that this wouldn’t be the case and that we would rally through, but I feel it in my bones. We need the mental refresh from having our work seen.
I know we’re going against the majority result with this, but thank you for your input in the decision. Your kind, thoughtful comments not only helped us see the writing on the wall through a litany pros and cons, but there was a few times where I teared up from the expressions of unconditional support regardless our decision. It sounds corny, but it helped me shift my perspective and see that, no matter how we piece it out, once Chapter 4 is done… it’s done. It’ll be judged on its entirety, not by the arbitrary lines I draw in the sand. It’s a conclusion I arrived at early on in Chapter 3 when we had to break up the Carnation photo shoots, but it was time for a reminder.
Thanks, guys. For both your understanding and investment into us.
Going forward, once update 6 is in your hands, our goal will be to get the remaining portion of the exhibition 3 out in three to four months. We’ve always refrained from putting an explicit time frame on an update, but… fuck it, let’s see how it goes. Ironically, a little constraint might be beneficial for the creative process.
Comments (18)
More Mina!!
Late to the party, but I just discovered this AVN and am proud to be a new supporter. Take all the time you #$@$ need and release however you want. Very few AVNs have given me feels like this one or invested me so much in the characters. I know it's going to take a while, but this story is one I absolutely want to see through to completion.
Just progress at a pace that's comfortable for the author. Players need regular feedback on their progress to gain confidence, but they shouldn't be involved in the release cadence.
Still there's something I have to say. Firstly, I truly enjoy your game and would love to share it with more players in my country. So I was wondering if you might consider replacing the weed-smoking scene from the latest update with something like cigarettes or another alternative. Due to some historical sensitivities around drugs in our country, this change could help make the game more appealing to potential players here. I believe your fans, including myself, would greatly appreciate this adjustment, as it would align better with local sentiments while preserving the game's charm. Thank you for considering this, and I'm excited to continue supporting your amazing work.
i honestly like this middleground
Great work!! Pls do it at your comfotable pace.
Whatever helps you keep going.
That sounds like a fine place to stop and this means we get something sooner. That sounds great.
You are doing incredible work. I've never used that word to describe an adult VNG before, not even for more famous games like Eternum or Desert Stalker. It's completely understandable that a project of this quality takes time. Great work cannot be rushed. While deadlines can help with efficiency, I just can't bring myself to pressure you guys. Take your time!
Hell yeah I'm excited for it, you both sound like you could do with the pick me up and I for one am buzzing to see what you both have been cooking up for us. A content update no matter what size is going to massively enjoyed by everyone
As someone with 10,000 playthroughs i can't wait to sink my teeth into the new update and see how my choices from my "cannon" playthrough changed the path of the MC. AND we'll get another one relatively soon after? Christmas has come early
Your game, your desicion, your story your way. Your stuff stands out so keep doing it how you think's best, and yes it's a good Idea to release it like that - anyways, looking forward for whatever you've got in stall for us.
no biggie that the exhibition will come later, looking forward to what you guys have cooked up.
Stopping just before it starts is the best place and will ensure that you knock it out of the park. Don't worry about how long you guys take you have more than built up trust and goodwill that you will deliver something worth the wait.
You guys do great work. Do what you need to do for your mental health and for what helps maintain the quality. You guys are the GOATs.
How soon would the next update come?
I preferred waiting longer but I understand needing that dopamine hit to refresh the ol' motivat-o-meter. You're the ones doing all the work, after all. I'll play the partial update with zero regret
Wasn't expecting this, but it's no big deal. We get to enjoy the update sooner than expected, and we get the last part of the update some months later. I suppose it wasn't easy to make the decision, but hopefully most fans will be pleased.