A few (not really) words about Tlaero's living.
Dear friends,
It's been 48 hours, give or take, since Tlaero made the announcement that she won't be Tlaero anymore, that she's leaving this life as a writer and programmer, that she was leaving Tora Productions. I wanted to give time for her post to be seen by everyone before posting myself here about this.
For understandable personal reasons she had to think about this and make a decision in a very very short time, surprising us all. She did it because she didn't have a choice. She had to make the very difficult choice between an occupation that gives her great joy and fulfilment and the love of her life. There wasn't really a choice at all to make.
I am to understand that, of us all, it is Tlaero that suffers the most with this decision. While I keep making games - and yes, I will keep doing what I do - she won't be able to do it anymore. It is not our place to think about what she could do differently. She has had 10 years to think, every day, how she could have both of these worlds to give her happiness. It is my belief that she didn't find an answer and had to choose the option that was less harmful for her and the ones that are dear to her.
I stand by her. No matter what, I stand by her.
Tlaero has given us, has given the world, has given me so much and asked very little, if nothing at all in return.
Before Tlaero, the visual (with 3D pics) sex games where very narrow, and often even shallow, and Tlaero was a pioneer into making games that meant something, that gave the characters deepness, that made us care for them above all. We certainly steamed off our sexual drive with her games, but we also laughed, worried, cared and cried with it.
Tlaero invested so much of herself in every game. Her depart pains her in the same measure.
I'm confident that the only thing we can do to ease it for her is to honor her legacy, cherish her characters, and remember her messages, her words. For those who are in a position to create games we must try, and try hard, to keep making games that she'd enjoy play, that she'd smile, cry or care while playing. We must give meaning to what she's has offered us all.
I will. I am her padawan.
When I received her email I felt such a loss. She's alive and well, and we'll remain friends, but I felt that I lost something important in my life nonetheless. I lost a partner in crime. I felt I lost any edge I had. I somehow felt for our characters, Elsa, Miranda, Jessika, Chloe, as if they were real, as if they also lost someone too important for them. The sudden announcement caught me flat-footed, and I started imagining every possible bad scenario, every fatal implications for me, for my life. I feared for my career. Everything I am now was at the stake.
I felt anger. Despite Tlaero explaining me very reasonable causes to her decision I felt angry at her. I felt desperation. I cried, I yelled. I was a walking dead that day and the day after.
Following the anger came a profound sadness. The pain of losing Tlaero from my life. I think that was what hurt the most. She reassured me quickly, and we'll keep in touch. She will be my Ben Kenobi force spirit to my doubtful Luke. Knowing that warmed my hearth. I got up and started looking for options.
My two concerns were the English language, and the programing. While I can't write as good as Tlaero I am confident that I can write. The problem is that being non-native English I can't write good conversational English. That would be a problem. Most importantly, I can't write code, or understand the logics of basic programing. When I did Pandora by myself I had Tlaero all along by my side to help me with Adventure Creator. While she's predisposed herself to keep helping me with Adventure Creator I can't ask that of her. She wants distance, she needs to step away from anything related to Tlaero. I was really worried about that.
Out of the blue came a person that approached me, a proposed to fill in - without the arrogance of wanting to substitute - Tlaero's shoes. That person asked me to not publicly mention who he is, yet, for understandable reason, but he has 3 features that filled me with hope. The first one is that he seems to be a great dude. The second one is that he can write Pyton, the language of Ren'Py, the VN engine that everyone seems being using. And the third one is that he's a proved, and even successful writer of sex games, who has - paraphrasing - "tons of respect" from Tlaero.
You may understand now how I came from a dark place two days ago, crying rolled up in my couch to a very bright and hopeful mood I have today.
Here comes the moment when I must ask you important questions now. You are my patrons. I make games that I like to distribute freely out there, but I have the moral obligation to listen to your desires, to hear you. Ultimately I'll follow what my heart dictates but I can't make a proper decision without hearing from you.
So, the logical first thing is that you want me to keep making games. I also want that so let's check that case.
Now, which games exactly? Here are some criteria that I must clarify:
- I can't, with any certainty at all, say that I'm able to continue making games with Adventure Creator. The ongoing games we had, with AC, were Darkness Falls and Pandora. I can't say that I'll be able to make one of them in AC, even less 2.
- I don't want, in any measure, abandon our characters, Elsa, Miranda, Chloe, etc… I am, 100% willing to keep making games in the Elsaverse, in Sangrive. I would very much like to explore non-central characters we introduced already, like Serena, Eve, Janikke, Silvia, and many others.
- Darkness Falls is a game that is very dear to me. While the others game in the ElsaVerse came from Tlaero's mind only, I contributed 50% to the genesis of DF- I think that there's no other, or very very few games like that out there and so much good material has been written already that it's a shame to simply stop it here. Tlaero sent me a rough outline of what she intended for the next 3 episodes. Problem is, it's an Adventure Creator game, and I can't guaranty I can make it on my own. An option could be continuing with Ren'py but that would create a fissure between episodes and would making impossible joining all the episodes in one big season.
- Pandora isn't the game I most want to make right now because it's isn't a story that fascinates me as much as DF and because, again, Adventure Creator. It's in early stages enough for me to try to put it in Ren'py format but this day I don't have my hearth much in it.
- The dude I talked you about also has, naturally, his own ideas. No need to clarify, he's not Tlaero. He's a dude, not a gal. He has his style. But I discussed the important things with him and he's on the same frequency as Tlaero and I. He wants to write stories where respect is adamant, where good commendable actions are rewarded and when despicable (to Tlaero's and mine sensibilities) are punished. The only big difference I see that might come from his writing is in the sexual side. So, from my perspective, he's a writer, a very good one, that wants to write compelling and rich stories, with profound character development, but also with more naughty parts, more hardcore things if you must. The way I see it it's only gain. And for those who prefer a mildly sexual game there are easy options to put in the game interface to skip out more hardcore parts. That's adaptable I think.
- I will, myself, whenever I have free time, commit to learn Ren'py, to learn how to make a game by myself. To become independent. I won't learn how to write conversational English but that's the easy part with proofreading helps the internet provide. I have an idea of a game in my head but won't talk about it. I'll use that idea as a test subject in my learning of Ren'Py. I don't want to get caught flat-footed ever again. Making these games is too important to me to be dependent on someone.
- If it's your desire I will keep the weeklies and captions contest. I know that some of you like it. I'll keep making pictures for self-improving purposes though.
I think that a poll is the best way to hear your opinion on the path to follow now. I won't make the poll today, and perhaps not tomorrow, but the day after. I want to hear your words first on what I said here. You may comment what you want me to do next too. A poll is just an easily mechanism for me to interpret your opinion.
Lastly, thank you for your amazing support of Tlaero. I'm sure that she was deeply touched by your words.
Let's hear from you now.
Mortze
Comments (25)
I would really love to see a 3rd and 4th part of Pandora. It's an amazing story and a beautiful game. Do you think that will happen?
Please continue with Pandora story, finish it and release it finally, will you? it's an exciting story with a great characters! I've been eagerly waiting fot its sequel since its announcment. You just can't stop it righ now.
i like both of you!! great games, you both were first to me to play your games in past like never before .....and for Tlaero she had to choose and wish her happy Life as well,and for you moertze keep working appreciate you
The news that I will see your beautiful games in the future is a relief to me. It is a great joy that it Tlaero and Mortze continues. I am with you experiencing the departure of Tlaero. But I'm glad you found a way to move on. It's good that you will be assisted in this new companion. Some things in your games may change, but I'm sure they'll always be great games. This is because you have talent and love for your games. Believe in yourself - you will succeed! Good luck!
First of all, if I gave any impression of saying what's best for Tlaero or pretending to know her situation, I apologise deeply, I've never intended to do that. Her presence will be felt and I wish only that she has a happy and fulfilled life. Regarding the changes, I'm perfectly ok with the break in DF, seeing as it would be a huge work to transport episodes 1 & 2 to another platform. I know you guys will continue to make the best games you can make, no matter the tools you use. Regarding the english text, I'm not a native english speaker, but I think I have a very good english and watch tons of US tv shows, so if you need any help with dialogs or conversational english, it would a pleasure and an honour to help. I wish you all the best
I can imagine that you went through a roller-coaster of emotions these past few days. But it's great to hear that you and Tlaero haven't severed ties even if she's no longer apart of the game making process. I'm glad, but not surprised, that someone was willing to step up and help so quickly. It's reassuring that you enjoy his previous work and that he has gotten the Tlaero seal of approval. Makes me hopeful for the future. As others have said, I think that you should continue with the weeklies. When it comes to the stories and my limited knowledge of programming I believe that the transfer from the old engine over to renpy should be doable, since from the player point of view they're very similar(just that one is browser dependent). But you should probably finish up DF in the old engine so it is all gather in one place, then you can use renpy for the new stuff. Seeing how renpy is so popular nowadays there's surely plenty of tutorials and forums where you can learn what you need in order to be more independent in the future. When it comes to the content of the new games feedback is of course important, but it is important that you make games the way you want to make them and focus on the games that you feel inspired to make. Because as a wise man once said "An artist that does not feel inspired can never create his masterpiece". I wish you good fortune in the work to come.
Mortze, I have just been through a bereavement, and the funeral has yet to take place, so I understand your pain. Things end, often suddenly and without much forewarning, and when a talent as large as Tlaero's falls silent, there will be a huge void that is seemingly unfillable. I echo Jazzit's sentiment that the biggest differentiator for your games is that the women are deserving of respect and must be treated as such if the player wants the best outcome in the game. Don't make any rash decisions in an attempt to keep things rolling. Reasonable people will understand the need for a hiatus, and most, if not all of your supporters fall into that category. Do what you can when you can and bring the new guy up to speed slowly so that you can keep the quality output that you have managed thus far. Your artwork stands head and shoulders above most of the people in your genre, even some of those who you consider to be your betters. Don't compromise that by making do with quick fixes to the writing just because you feel you owe us some output. Let the new guy find his feet before you put the next updates out.
Thank you Tao dude. And my deepest condolences for your loss. -- Mortze
Dear Mortze, we can only begin to imagine how hard it must be to lose Tlaero so sudden. We really feel for you! About your questions regarding the games and continuing the stories, we think that it is mostly up to you. 'Cause it depends mostly about how much you feel for the characters and how much you can continue those projects. Maybe switching techniques doesn't need to be bad, when it means that you can finish a story line. There is for us just one 'deal breaker': PLEASE don't go hardcore! There is so already so much of that out there. We don't need more of them! Please try to keep your female characters from being 'too easy', 'over eager', 'oversexed' or downright slutty...! Of course, there can be one "easy" female in a story, but please try to keep most characters real, by giving them a believable background for their decisions. As long as you keep up the awesome work you've done so far, we'll keep supporting you! All the best wishes for the future from Amsterdam.
I'm not a patron myself yet, but i have been a fan of Tlaero's work for a few years now so I do hope my voice is at the very least heard. I don't want to say goodbye to any of the Elsa-verse characters and have a bit of a crush on Miranda so i would like to visit her again in the future. I also enjoy Pandora a lot and was interested where that story was going. As for switch game engines, my only issue with you switch to ren-py is I see a lot of errors on other games that use it that can cause you to loose saves or make it so once you load a save you can not continue because of errors, which is frustrating. Seeing Tlaero go is very sad. She has so much talent and will miss her. I wish her the very best.
First, regarding the weeklies, please continue with them. As others have said, getting a weekly peek into your work has been a lot of fun, and given us some very interesting, entertaining pieces. Plus the captions have been fun. It will also be a nice way to hear small updates, and just getting confirmation that everything is still in motion. The most frustrating thing I've seen on other patreon accounts are when the creators are silent for weeks, and sometimes months, on end between releases, and I would hate to have that happen here. Second, for Darkness Falls, I want to see it continue. It has been something different and interesting, and I have enjoyed it as much as any other Tora production. Personally, I would love to see the rest of the season wrapped up in AC so we get that continuity, including the potential bonus scenes and achievements, all in one, just like with the first season. I certainly will understand if you move over to ren'py beyond that, or even if you do now, but I personally would like the current section completed as it began. Third, regarding this mystery person. I can respect them not wanting to be mentioned openly yet, but I really want to hear more about this person, and ESPECIALLY from this person. If you have found someone that you think can help carry on with stories that have good, decent characters, then I want to know who that is. Thank you for the update, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.
While Tlaero's sudden departure came as shock to us, it must have been even bigger shock for you and I do not envy your position. The fact that there is someone who wants to follow in her steps (and is respected creator as well) brings hope for the future. Regarding your projects I would like to see DF continue. It proved to be quite intriguing. And you should certainly continue with weeklies and caption contest. Not only it's good practice and chance to try something new, it is also a good way to engage your patrons.
Whatever you decide, I'm with you till the end of the line.
I was thinking about you and Tlaero just a few days ago and seeing this I'm a bit sad. For respect I won't comment on tlaero's decision, I think that her choice was very difficult and at the same time putting you in this situation was probably her most regret (deciding to continue to help you if you needed show this), but I want to be honest, She has chosen the better for her and you need to do the same. For the moment this help seems a great thing, you can continue to make games with his help while you learn how be independent(we have to be honest, you need money to live, if too much patrons abandon you while you learn you couldn't continue this job) and maybe this is the beginning of a great collaboration (at the end it seems that you like this person and his work). A different style than Tlaero is not a bad thing, you loved her games but at the same time you liked even games done by other authors, so if you like the result it's great even if more sexual (I'm a man and even you are). Even if you continue alone you aren't Tlaero and trying to write exactly how her would be stupid, maybe you will lose some but you will gain others, it's stupid try to please all (and even if you copy Tlaero there will be people that will say that you don't write how her). Please listen to all, but you need to choose the better solution for your future, I'm sure that tlaero would be more happy to see you successful and happy that seeing you continue to work only in her memory.
If the new writer has Tlaero's blessing, then I'm sure he'll do a fine job, and I'm looking forward to naughtier erotic scenes. It's a shame about Pandora, I really love the characters and setting and story as my absolute favorites in any erotic game I've ever played, but you're right to wait if you don't feel inspired by it yet. Maybe you could work on the game where you romance Keeley if you want to? But whatever you do, I'm sure it will be just as fantastic as your past work, and everything will work out for you in the end! Good luck!
I've enjoyed your stories immensely. Reading the heartfelt messages from both of you brought tears to my eyes, literally. I have an idea how to honor Tlaero. I'm sure there are may creators who have read your stories, and many who started writing because of you both (me included, though I'm not ready for publication). I suggest (if it's alright with Tlaero), that creators incorporate into their stories a mention of Tlaero. I'm not talking about sex scenes, that might be less honorable, but just something in the stories that show how she's missed (by the characters in the story, and the general human player population). Maybe even just an Easter Egg, of sorts. I'd love to see her mentioned in hundreds of future games (in an honorable way, of course). Unless I see comments that change my mind, she'll have a mention in my future stories (if they ever come out). We'll miss you Tlaero. We already do. Oh yeah... and not to forget you Mortze. I feel your pain, as well. I can only imagine what you're going through. Please keep your head up and remember that the work of Tlaero and Mortze will always be remembered and loved by those who have read/played your games.
I would enjoy non-sexual refrences to me in people's games. Thank you for the suggestion, QSG! --Tlaero
Glad to see you're already back on track with this mistery friend. It would hurt me a lot to see you suffer while spending some months looking for projects. As for your questions, please keep the weeklies coming, it's a nice way of keeping in touch with your patrons on a weekly basis. Also, now you can arrange the flow to show your most recent works or those that you'd like to show. <br>About the programming thing, renPy is quite easy to use. For me, display customization is the most difficult thing but nothing you cannot learn just by taking a look at others creator's work. Also, AC is not THAT complicated. DF's game structure and layout are already set by Tlaero, so now it's only a matter of adding variables and some basic "add" and "check" functions. If you have the plot for the rest of the season, finishing it in a proper way shouldn't be a problem. I'm just a beginner with it but I'm open to help you if necessary.
A great posting on your part. I am with you. Best of luck to you and I will remain saddened but loyal follower.
Hello there! I like the weeklies, I think of them as an opportunity for us to see your work unbound to a storyline, kind of you having some fun. About the stories, do what you fell inspired to do, and take your time.
I have followed Tlaero since she made Keeley. And when you joined her side you two made the standard for what games should look like. And as you said she has been a pioneere when it comes to the story. But you have in my eyes been the same pioneer when it comes to art. And if you plan on bringing her legacy with you. Even if it is in you own way. You will have my support. And many others i am sure gamers and devs alike. I am looking forward to see what comes next. I have faith in you and if Tlaero vouches for the step in. I have faith in him as well. For a bright future !
First and foremost - you should continue to make things that you like. If your heart is not in it, there is no point wasting your time and creativity on it. I am very glad to hear that you have a new partner lined up. As far as platforms to use, use what you are most comfortable using and/or learning. I also look forward to the weekly pictures.
I'm here for whatever you decide. You are the primary reason for my having an account here to support creators. I love your art, and I will be supporting you in whatever way you choose to move forward. As for the weeklies, I love them and would hate to see anything happen to them.
Aww I was hoping for more Pandora soon, I think it's a fascinating universe. I never had any doubts that it would only be a matter of time before someone approached a talented artist like Mortze, that he already has Tlaero's stamp of approval just makes it all the better. I'll be looking forward to seing what's in store next for TORA.
You guys are the reason I even made a patreon account and I have always been happy to support you two over the years. I was shocked and sad to see Tlaero leave but I understand and still want to see you make great games! Her vouching for this new writer sounds promising and I look forward to whatever you guys create moving forward.