Dev Update! 4/1/26

Hey, friends! Hope you’re all doing well this week!

After much soul-searching, several strongly-worded emails from payment processors, and a general sense that the universe was conspiring against adult gaming as a viable business model, I’m thrilled to announce a sweeping new creative pivot. Effective immediately, Neon Ghosts Studio is leaving the adult visual novel space behind and charging headfirst into the wild frontier of mobile gaming with microtransactions.

This was not a decision made lightly. Between shifting global legislation and payment processors treating adult content developers like we're trying to smuggle contraband cheese across international borders, the solo dev path in adult gaming has simply become untenable. So I’m doing what any scrappy, resilient developer does when faced with adversity. 

I’m selling out. Hard.

But selling out, it turns out, has a pretty exciting upside. The slow erosion of my soul and the quiet death of my artistic integrity are already paying dividends in the form of three new projects. Consider this your first return on my investment in shameless commercialism.

Battle of the Werebearbarian

First up is Battle of the Werebearbarian, a turn-based RPG of mythic proportions. Deep in the wilderness, a creature of terrifying power has emerged – part man, part bear, part barbarian, all nightmare. But the beast is not the only threat on the horizon… The cruel Lord Ravencrest seeks to harness its savage power for his own ends, and if he succeeds, the whole realm will suffer for it. You and a ragtag band of allies must pool your wits, your skills, and your courage to find the Werebearbarian first – and decide whether to kill the beast or liberate it before Ravencrest can chain it to his ambition.

A playable demo is available right now, and everyone who downloads it will be eligible to unlock hidden character Mira in a future update. Get her now, before she gets properly monetized and you have to pay for her like a reasonable consumer.

Download: PC ||| MAC

Purple Pumania

Next, I’m unleashing Purple Pumania, a full Metroidvania platformer starring the Purple Puma – masked vigilante, crimefighter, and certified open-world stalker of Amethyst City. Prowl a richly detailed map of the city and its secrets, collect abilities and skills that crack open new corners of the world, and watch a gripping story unfold one locked door at a time. It's got atmosphere. It's got mystery. It's got unlockable skins available for $5.99.

Orc Exchange

Finally, Orc Exchange is coming. Imagine the cozy farming and village-building warmth of Stardew Valley married to the isometric squad tactics of Final Fantasy Tactics, with a visual novel beating at its heart. You've signed up for a cultural exchange program and your new housemate is an orc girl with personality to spare. Build your village and forge genuine bonds through a visual novel brimming with romance, longing, and passionate connection — but absolutely, categorically, zero sex. Then, take to the battlefield for brutal isometric combat, rivers of monster blood, and carnage the likes of which you've rarely seen. Rated T for Teen. 

I genuinely believe these three titles represent the most exciting work I’ve ever set out to make, and I cannot wait to bring you along for the ride. Your support has meant everything through every chapter of this journey, and this new one is going to be something special.

I hope you're as fired up about this bold new direction as I am!

With love and extremely questionable business decisions,
- Neon