School of Lust Important Announcement (Update)
Hi everyone!
Here's a quick update regarding the ongoing changes to School of Lust, due to Patreon contacting us recently, as certain characters in the game could be perceived as minors. We apologize that it took so long to post an update, but we've been going back and forward with Patreon, and the communication did not go as swift as we anticipated it would go.
We've completed the initial requests by Patreon surprisingly fast (within a few days), and presented a revamped version of the game to Patreon almost a week ago. We've mainly changed the dialogue, where certain words and sentences are no longer used, that could be perceived in the wrong way (e.g. school, boy etc.). We've also done a change to the protagonist character to make him look more his age. See: https://i.imgur.com/Q5hi1ym.png
The dialogue and setting of the game was accepted, however, they've requested that we have to do more drastic changes to the artwork as well. A few of the characters have to be adjusted to look more their age. The change we did to the protagonist wasn't accepted either.
A few days ago we've sent another revamped version of the protagonist to Patreon ( see: https://i.imgur.com/394bhwR.png ), with broader shoulders, smaller head and making him quite a bit taller and today we received notice that even that version of him was unfortunately not acceptable either.
The unique anime style artwork we have and the not overly sexualized/masculine looking characters, seems to pose an issue. I guess all 18 year olds have to be extremely tall, have giant boobs/muscles and basically look like a carbon copy of Hulk Hogan or The Rock.
In all seriousness, I don't want to turn this post into a rant, as we do understand Patreon as well, and we do appreciate that they're being helpful on guiding us along the way to make sure we can still use their platform. It's just rather inconvenient not knowing when exactly the characters are going to be perceived as adults by their team. The joke that we have to give the main character a cane, a smoking pipe and gray hair seems not that far now.
That said, we're on top of it, and we're going to get through this, without butchering some of the characters. We apologize for the inconvenience, and we hope you guys are supportive along the way.
This is going to be a rather time consuming task, especially considering we have to do the animations again, but we're planning to leave the animations for later, so you guys don't have to wait several weeks to download/play again. We'll make sure to keep you guys updated often, including any changes we're doing to the artwork.
To make up for the wait, we're making sure the new v0.3.4 update will release alongside the artwork changes.
Best,
-Lawina
Boner Games
PS: The surprise announcement we had planned this month unfortunately has been delayed, as this matter affects that as well.
Comments (48)
I have not been able to get the new version to unzip and play. Win 3.3. What can I do ?
how much more until the download links are up?
There is no definite answer. It depends on Patreon, really. I believe Boner Games is looking to send a new version to Patreon in the coming days, but if Patreon still doesn't agree with the changes made, the wait will be longer. It's all up in the air until it's done. Patience is a virtue
This is a very shitty situation and I feel for you guys. I've been a $10 subscriber all month and have yet to play the game. I honestly get what is going on sucks but the fact that I feel cheated out of my money is merely because you guys haven't replied to my email or two post on Patreon. On the fence about giving you guys another month to try to sort this mess out. The game looks fun but this customer service is a very big disappointment.
I feel ya Buddy, no pun intended I also started this month before they marked it that you cant download. They keep ignoring my comments in that regard
Is it possible to get the game at all now, anywhere?
Hi Cryo, unfortunately not. We're trying to do our best to get the downloads back before the end of the month. although it all depends on Patreon. Cheers!
But technically isn't having a disclosure like "All characters in this game are of legal age and any likeness or similarity is coincidence" all you need? People look how people look. If the protagonist were to appear in real life and say "Hey I'm 19" then I wouldn't ask twice. With having disclosure about age and the initial "Do you agree" button I seriously don't understand their claim. Kind of a freedom of speech thing too. Adults call people younger than them "boy" or "girl" all the time. It's a personality thing. Just don't get it tbh. I also assume Violet is one of the girls that needs changing and that's just annoying because it'll clash with her demeanor and they probably think Natalie is too young in the face.
Hi phlareb! I also think that it's a personal thing by the staff member of Patreon that is reviewing the game. I have a feeling that they were just put into position by Patreon without clear guidelines on how to handle this. I might be wrong about that, but it sure does appear that way, considering they're not even clear on telling us what change they're exactly looking for. We just have to keep sending them new versions of the characters, until they finally say "Okay". It's rather inconvenient, really. -Lawina
This style of art is hard to look old anyway, so what do they want ? everyone to be 6.1 and have full beards? on second thought! do that as a spoff.
I've considering sending them Gip as the protagonist to see if they still think he looks too young =) -Lawina
Ye might want to consider making these announcements public, so everyone can actually know whats going on, I pledged earlier this month before the notes at the top were added because the announcement was Sub only. Now i fear, i wont even get the game without pledging another 10 for next month. Is there no other way you could distribute downloads
its funny the game is since the 31.october 2017 here on this platform and now the have a problem with it?
What would be a reasonable ETA for you to make the changes Patreon is requesting at the moment?
Hi xyz! We should have the new version ready by the end of the month, but it all depends on Patreon. If they keep requesting new changes to the characters, it could take longer. Cheers =)
Maybe an idea have the main character accidentally somehow step through a time portal that either aged or skipped 2 years ahead but everything pretty stayed the same or kinda diff that would allow your characters to be changed up a bit to fit kill joy patreon guidelines idk just and idea good luck mates keep fighting the good fight.
It already says when u start the game that all Characters are above 18
Witch hunt I say
This might change a lot of things about your game and what it originally was. The changes already look decently dramatic and in my mind I don't understand how they think it's underage. Wish there was another service you could use otherwise they're just going to pull this stunt with every character you make.
Hi Jack! I'm looking at other top adult game developers on Patreon, and some of their characters look much younger than Natalie, so I'm not sure what's going on either. I'm really curious at what point they'll be or even if they'll ever be satisfied with the changes. As I posted in a comment above, there's a limit to the changes we'll do to the characters. Cheers! -Lawina
You should include an introductory statement saying that all characters are over the age of 18.. oh wait.. How about you give each character an established age via some kind of introductory card.. oh wait...
I'm pretty sure Patreon decided to contact us, after someone filed a report. Just a few days before the whole Patreon thing happened, some idiot (excuse my language) was arguing with me on itch.io, why we added a disclaimer that all the characters are adults and some other nonsense. -Lawina
Love the game, will definitely keep supporting. Odd thought, what if you changed the outfits? Like, make the protagonists shirt into a button up bowling style shirt, but keep the same pattern, and add cargo pockets to his shorts or make them look like knee-length cut-offs? Maybe do something similar with Natalie's blouses. I can't help noticing that it doesn't sound like they had problems with Violet, and maybe that's because her street clothes look more teen or young adultish. Even though, physically, Violet's not exactly Dolly Parton. I can't help thinking maybe the Patreon people are looking at this from a cultural lens where only kids wear t-shirts and linen shorts. Or option B: give everyone a cigarette.
Hi Rafael! I think even Option B won't be enough (= The protagonist can grow a beard in the latest release, and even that isn't enough to determine he's an adult. If they are looking at it from a cultural lens, they're looking at it wrong, but I do think you might be on to something regarding the clothing. That would be an easy adjustment as well. Thanks a lot for your suggestion! -Lawina
Will breast size be reduced?
Hi Kitsune! I assume you mean increasing the breast sizes? That would be rather sexist of Patreon, claiming that all adult females have to have large breasts, so no, we're not planning to do that. Cheers =)
... that's it I can't anymore with Patreon
Any Mac problems with this one?
Hi JBB! The upcoming release should fix the issues several have reported when trying to play the game on Mac. Cheers =)
I am not able to download .33c version on PC, what is wrong?
Hi Dee Lee! The download links are currently disabled, until we resolve the issue described in the post. Apologies for the inconvenience. Cheers =)
Damn, sucks you gotta deal with this. Hopefully it moves swiftly from here. Really love this game, keep up the great work!
And dont get me wrong, i love Patreons flexibility, but when that flexibility has been heavily leaned on by so many here and they begin to stiffen it, things tend to snap eventually, then as this site gets bigger and bigger, changes become bigger and bigger. This happens everywhere, just look at Youtube and Google. This is why this site was created TO AVOID restrictions like that of Google and Youtube. Keep an eye on this guys, i already have a bad feeling about this
*head desks* what the hell is going on with Patreon? i thought creativity was encouraged here? now its becoming the Left police just based on certain conditions. Guys, they may start with just the Protag and Natilie, but i guarantee they will start nit picking others until everything is completely changed. DO NOT LET THEM DO THIS! Set a line for them, they've allowed the creativity to be released before and no problems came about, they have no reason to do this now
Hi Sgt! I do agree with them that certain parts of the game had to be adjusted (mainly the dialogue), but they're taking it to another level. There's a limit to the changes we will do, as it won't be the same game if we end up having to change the characters to a point where they no longer fit the narrative. We'll see how it enfolds. I'll make sure to keep everyone updated on the progress. Cheers =)
Thanks for the update, and honestly, I know that this stuff takes time, so I'll stick with you through it all~! Since I do enjoy the game so far~
I saw this game and decided to donate, sure enough as luck would have it, your downloads are disabled... Can you tell us at least which characters are problematic and how drastic you have to adjust them?
Hi Gigaman! Sorry for the inconvenience. We may have to make it more clear that the downloads are disabled. We'll change that asap. Regarding which characters are problematic; They've only mentioned the protagonist and Natalie, so hopefully it will stay with those two. Cheers!
love this game and don't want it and others to go away we have seen how patreons rules have gotten more and more restrictive and I don't think it will stop until they eventually kick all adult content off the platform i ask that you look into other platforms like subscribestar i dont want you guys to be left in the dirt but thanks for your hard work
Thank you, James! I appreciate the kind words. We're not going to abandon the work on this game, that we've been working on for such a long time. You don't have to worry. We have a plan B, in case it could get that far, but I don't believe it will. Patreon could've suspended us instead (like they have done before), but instead, they're guiding us along to make sure the game will be within their guidelines. Cheers =) Lawina
Oof that's gonna be a hell of process. Hope it doesn't require a full art style shift other wise there just has to a better platform for this.
Hi DP! We'll never get it that far, as the art style is a core part of the game. If we changed that, it wouldn't be the same game anymore. Cheers =)
Can you switch to a better platform? I'll support either way. Please don't give up.
Hi Randy! Appreciate the support! We've been with Patreon since 2015, and we're currently not yet at a point where we're considering on switching. That will be our last option, if it ever gets that far. Cheers =)
Subscribestar?
Hi Theo! Thank you for your suggestion. We're not at a point yet, where we're considering a different platform, but it all depends on how this situation unfolds. Cheers =)
I hope these changes Patreon is asking for doesn't affect your team's overall vision for the game, I wish you guys the best of luck = )
Thank you, Gentlemen! Appreciate the kind words.