Introducing The Bastard VN Engine!
Behind the scenes for the last few years, we've been trying to get a VN Engine off the ground that could rival the likes of Ren'py, Unity, or RPGMaker. The reason was to make content and VN's in our style without having to rely on coding or surviving all manner of issues.
Having come off the heels of making a nearly 6 hour long update for King's Fall, baka and I got together, planned this out, and we finally made the damn thing!
Before we begin to explain the Test, here is some planned FAQ's that we know we're going to get.
-What happens to King's Fall?
-- Nothing! We will still continue to make King's Fall but it will only get a few updates a year. The reason is we basically do not get enough funding to continue with it. With the world only getting more expensive, we really need more funding to keep this team going. Instead of being part of the main focus, you can expect 3+ updates a year as we explore more VN's and stories.
-Is this the artstyle now?
--No. King's Fall assets are made in 800x600 which is smaller than the VN dimensions and so we needed something else. The art was pulled from a game made by Red Lips Ruby and worked well with the test. But we are not comfortable just taking his art which is why we credit him a few times and also are releasing this for free. After the test is done, we'll finally give our artist enough to start drawing assets. For a test, this is the best avenue.
-How will VN's work?
-- Very simply. We plan to make VN's in Episodes. If and when an Episode launches, Supporters get it first, and if it's popular, we continue it with other Episodes. Your saves will transfer over and your choices will be recognized as we then proceed to finish that VN Story.
If a VN isn't popular, it's back to the drawing board. The VN Engine is very easy to work with so something that takes Ren'Py a month to work with, it takes us less time. The turn around will be faster so a failed VN project isn't that heavy a load to bare and at most, we lost a month.
-How many Tests will there be?
-- Two. This marks the first one and we basically just need to see how other Windows users are affected by this. Plus, this Engine was made by us, for us. The Tests really need to be successful or else the actual VN's will suffer. If you see any issues, let us know!
-Release Schedules?
--We wish to release a VN Episode a month. These will be like King's Fall and will launch content complete. Basically promising 2+ hours of content per VN so it's a great spot to support us since you will be getting heavy updates and every VN Episode is launching 100% complete
-What themes will every VN have?
--Tons! Like King's Fall, expect stories of Corrupion, Love, and all manner of fetishes! Even better, I will be planning most VN's with a Lovers and Corruption Route. This is so I can add replayability to every VN and helps me write more diverse content.
-Mobile or Linux?
--No idea. Once the tests are out, we might have an easier time with this but we'll look at it so no comment right now.
-Support?
-- Our Patreon and Subscribestar will remain the same place to support us. King's Fall Supporters will keep their current Tiers and the overall Rewards will be the same. Teasers will remain free on a weekly basis, and art will be delivered twice a week for VN's and King's Fall. $2 and above get the VN/Update every 1-2 months.
And that should wrap it up!
This Test is basically just a way to make sure the Engine doesn't crash or break something. We ended up using an Abandoned Game from a dev named Red Lips Ruby but we made sure to Credit him a few times in the game. The Test is entirely free so if this draws eyes to his future projects, give him some Support as well.
For now, the Test should have about 30-40 minutes of content and 2 Routes. It took us about 2 weeks to make this but mostly from bug testing a lot of crashing. Do let us know if you see issues or crashing since this being the 1st Test, it could get rough.
But we're opening the doors to the future. King's Fall got us this far but we have more stories to tell. Look out for the 2nd Test this month and with that... We give you the very first Engine Test. Enjoy!