Summer vacation
Hello everyone!
For the first time in eight years, I'm taking a proper summer vacation with my family — and I have to say, it's long overdue.
Before I go, I want to be open with you about where things stand. Planet Lust's launch has been a mixed experience. It feels like a lot of the hostility we faced back in the DBA days has followed us onto Steam, and this launch finally made that pattern undeniable. Our approach — old-school gameplay, minimal hand-holding, and less focus on explicit content — hasn't found the footing we hoped for, and most of the critical feedback is, honestly, fair. We've taken it on board. But there's also a growing trend of rage reviews written purely for reactions, and that makes it very hard for a polarizing game to find its footing.
The reality is that we can no longer afford to take on large projects. The risk of a hostile reception is too high, and when you add the fact that a significant portion of DBA's content is now banned on most platforms, the situation starts to feel like a dead end no matter which way we turn. A big chunk of the money I make with PL, is going towards paying back the debt I'm in from developing it. It was a risk that I took, and luckily I'll be fully out of debt this month!
That said — we haven't made any final decisions yet. Right now, my gut feeling is that maybe this industry just isn't the right fit for us anymore. But I don't want to make a big call like that in the heat of the moment. I know we have fans who care, and I respect that. The honest truth is simply this: we put in the work, received very little support where it counts (Steam reviews), and that has a lasting impact on a game's success. Even if some of you feel differently, the signal from the wider audience has been hard to ignore.
But that's a conversation for autumn.
Summer is finally here, and I don't know about you — but I intend to make the most of it and come back recharged. I'll return after the break with an update on what's next for Skullgear, so stay tuned if you're interested.
We don't want to abandon our fans. But we also can't keep working without a sustainable future. We'll see how things feel after some rest.
I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported us in one way or another, it does mean a lot to us. Have an absolutely wonderful summer, everyone. Take care of yourselves!
-Oni
Comments (24)
Please forgive my clumsy writing, as English is not my native language. I purchased your game on Steam. In recent years, there’s been an increase in people who give games unfair reviews without giving it much thought. I’ve played for about 14 hours, and I think it’s a high-quality game—both as a game in general and as an NSFW title. Please remember that there are many silent supporters out there, rather than focusing only on those who just want to criticize. Please take care of yourselves, and I eagerly look forward to more great games like Planet Lust from you all in the future.
Dandy Boy adventures deserves better. I think there must be a platform where DBA should be good, u already have the support.
Please keep creating DBA we want this.
is it possible for you to release planet lust somewere else from steam? like itch.io as its not available on steam due to the stupid law
Please Oni, don’t give up with DBA! I beg you! I’ve loved and supported your works, but I really need to see that magnificent game finished. Take the time you need but please😭😭
Is Planet Lust available for Android?
I haven't played PL yet but I just started DBA a few weeks ago and I've been having a blast. I think the potential of that game is crazy and hope it won't be abandoned.
I'll say straight up, I love DBA. I love it a lot. Played many all nighters on that game. Planet Lust, was not DBA. I love the art still, like I always have. I love the characterization, like I always have. However, the game, in comparison, felt so small. So boxed in. Very little to actually do. I 100% the game on the original difficulty in under 10 hours without looking anything up or anything. I understand the fear of failure going forward, but if the game had been more like DBA, and had more to do, it would have likely been better. The small amount of content and "content" as well as the original time gate did it no favors in the space you were releasing it in as well. TL;DR: More DBA. It's what most of us actually want.
somehow i had no idea you were the ones who made planet lust. as someone who was out of the loop i loved dandy boy adventures but held off on planet lust since i heard it was grindy and timed. i think those two things were all that kept me from it
Have a great vacation! Loved DBA. I got planet lust solely because I saw you made. Much love friend.
I'm not going to say you shouldn't let all the negativity get to you. If it affects your mental health, just take a break or stop. I think your wellbeing is more important then us getting more games. While I have to admit I'm just a free follower right now - limited funds QQ - both DBA and Planet Lust look really cool and it saddens me that people seem to have trouble accepting a game just isn't for them and instead write these sort of "spite" reviews if I understand you correctly. Whatever you choose to do, whish you the best!
dead game
Take care, I hope you'll start something awesome refreshed and in good spirits.
Planet Lust was a side quest. I supported it for the sole hope that DBA would come back. Oni please come back to the main mission and finish the gem that you started!
I am living each day waiting only for the next version of DBA. I earnestly pray for its return.
I'm praying with you.
Damn..DBA was one of my all time favorites in this type of genre. And sure, PL had a rough start, but I liked what I played. I will say, however, I do agree that your philosophy kinda goes against the H aspect you made the game look like it would be based around. PL felt more like an actual game with very little H tacked onto it. If you want to go down the PL route in the future, I have to question if you want to do H at all. Finding good financial footing is hard, I understand that. So, as much as I would love and pay for more DBA and story/H focused stuff from you guys, it's not feasible if you can't widely profit from it. Wish you a good break, nonetheless.
That's means dba project is axed
Enjoyed DBA and PL. Sad that you had a hard time with all that’s going on, but I hope you enjoy your vacation and come back refreshed. I hope you continue making games you enjoy and pay no mind to those people who stir up trouble just because, your real fans will stick with you.
It's the lack of platforms now available to purchase and support the game. Steam in the UK (and possibly parts of Europe) has become so censored to adultcontent, I literally cannot access the steampage for it to purchase it. This huge change happened after you released the demo so that was the only thing I was able to experience before Steam here had block adultcontent from ukmembers. Sorry I couldn't help support just due to terrible censorship laws
Nice to hear you got what you dip in worthy, yeah a lot of content getting regulated too fast for my knowledge. Us also struggling with our game content to follow what's on the rules but we're making it with very few supports that really valuable for us. Hopefully you enjoy your vacation and if time will allow, let's collab if you are okay with it. Happy vacation :D
In the end if DBA comes to an end that's life. You made something you enjoyed that should have gotten more love from fans because honestly its a fun game with a fun design. It was ambitious and I think still has a lot to offer. I say if anything just do what makes you happy. Planet Lust was definitely a fun game and while yeah it lacks in a lot if stuff it still a fun little game. People shouldn't hate on it because they have these insane standards on indie games. I for one enjoyed it and I hope whatever the next project is you enjoy making it . I definitely like your guys art style and gameplay style.
Pros and cons. DBA was a big risk and I definitely enjoyed it. I wanted to see more of it. Planet Lust had a rocky start but honestly I enjoyed it. Its a bit grindy yeah but it's still fun. I hope you have a good vacation and honestly just make a game you enjoy. I say smaller projects to build a fan base so when you go to a bigger longer project you know you have a strong audience waiting for you.
Have a great time