Just some thoughts...
Every time I've done a poll about update length you guys have always voted that you like the big updates. So, that's what I continue to do. However, you're not speaking that way in terms of support. The big updates take much more time than say my Ch. 1 did. I realize Ch. 17 will have taken longer than any other update, but I had a whole lot of life coming at me during this dev cycle.
So, yea. That is basically what I wanna say. I've had the lowest amount of support I've gotten for One Day at a Time in about two years this month, and I'm trying to figure out what to make of it? The only thing I can glean from it is I haven't released in 4 months to this point and when I do, it will be 5. I'm wondering if I should just do single days and release more frequently again in my head. Even though the polls indicate differently. Because I could have gotten you the first day before I got covid (or shortly after I recovered).
I know it's not the quality of the game, because I get constant affirmations about that. So, I'm not concerned with that part of it. I just think unless you're a HUGE developer, and I'm talking Dr. Pinkcake or Philly. You just can't keep people unless you're releasing more often. Which is sad to me, because I'd rather bring you an hour or two of content rather than a forty-five minutes.
Guess I'm sorta at a crossroads on what to do? Because, I hear one thing in the polls I make, but I see another thing in terms of support. Comments are welcome. Cheers!
Comments (11)
Hello, I'll talk as a developer here : If you can do faster and smaller update, do it. Clearly, the rythm of the update matter for patrons, especially now. Times are harder right now, and the idea to commit to support seems harder than before. You'll not change anything to the quality of each update, but for sure, you'll get more support, or at least don't loose anyone who support you already (people that are able to wait 5 month for an update and still supporting you will not unsub because you're releasing sooner ;) ) but you'll earn some support or keep some support by doing more release.
Fair point, but it's also not the way I like or want to work. The current format is working creatively. Also it wouldn't have been five montha.if I didn't have all the health problems not me back to back to back. Hopefully that's over now though.
Other than the fact that I will be out of travel on the 30th so will have to wait even longer I still support the bigger updates. Real life happens of course that also applies to people giving their money.
I know for myself I appreciate all your hard work…you said you lost members…maybe it’s because everything is so damn expensive…my wife and I are struggling right now with money and I was at $5 a month and I almost cancelled my membership all together but I felt bad to cancel so I dropped down to $3…I think I speak for everyone that we all appreciate you❤️
Mphhh.....There has been a series of releases from several devs in March, not sure if folks have had to redirect dollars to access these releases as they become available. Several have launched Steam versions as Patreon has gone a little (alot) zealous over freezing the pages/billing of some more of the risque content devs. Some have been pushing supporters to Subscribestar or Itch or Steam in retaliation against censorship trigger-happy Patreon, several claim an inevitable push to quash the Adult content on this platform . But it appears the biggest issue is irl porn imaging that is accessible through Discord links. Sever that link to Discord and that seems to cure most of the issues for Patreon. Discord can be an engaging place to discuss the game, but most of the time i find it an eye-trauma inducing chaotic spew of meme GIFs and off-topic nonsense. ANYWAY.... I never understood the billing for some devs where they will release an update say at a $25 dollar tier, meanwhile a longtime supporter at $10 a month for a year has invested $120 in development but gets access to the non-elite version of the game and gets to wait 7-14 days later to get the dumbed down version. And yet a new patreon can access the latest update then disappear again until next release. They also get to access all the special non-game special renders and neat stuff between releases just by scrolling down the Patreon page for a month. I'm not sure why there isn't greater reward for the folks who continue to invest in the in-between times, or at least get some consideration for time served. Its basically a layaway plan for releases. Long term mid-level support is seldom rewarded from what I can tell. But I don't see the dev bills and hours spent developing the games and there needs to be a markup on release to maximize/balance those release month-only people. It may just be an aberration you are seeing? There has been some weird stuff going on the last month or two. My best advice is continue your course on this release and see if you a spike in support again if that is feasible for you. If not then you may have to reassess the release schedule or increase the amount of previews/polls/update logs to keep your fans engaged.
The next game will be on steam, this one just doesn't fit on there. There was too much they wanted me to change and it would have taken too much time, in order to meet there criteria. So, I decided against it. More because of the time it would have taken. Even so, it's a crap shoot whether steam accepts your game or not. So in that respect they're not much better than Patreon. You can put in a lot of work trying to get it ready for steam, for them to not accept it. I know games that should absolutely have been accepted and they weren't. Then, others that have no business being on there that are on there. So, it is what it is I guess. You just roll the dice.
Are the polls public or just for supporters? The two groups might have different answers.
Public or private there has no only ever been 1 vote for shorter more frequent update. And, it's the same person each time. I did the polls a year apart. So, it's not that.
I'm not a good source, because I'm here to stay whichever you decide to do. Just keep doing what works best for you and try to keep your health and spirits up.
I just want to say that ODAAT is in my top 3 of the dozens of AVNs that I regularly keep up with. I have been sober from alcohol for the past 16 years, am an opiate user (for pain) and used to be co-lead of an online addiction recovery community. Your game is simultaneously very difficult to play through and very cathartic, which is why I love it. Take the time you need to put out the game that you envision. I'll still be here waiting.
I would keep it as is Zoey, maybe it's part of the carbon tax 🤣🤣🤣🤣