Sup guys, it's been a while. Time for me to explain that.

Well, yeah. Finish Stormside. My perspective as a long time studio headhunter. Seen and heard it all, but going forward not finishing a project will brand you even more than the NTS/NTR failures floating around now will. I get that you're doing it for you, and am all good with that. But if you want to make money at it just keep this all in mind.

Hiii ! First of all, congrats to be able to get though all of this, I don't think my mind would be as tough as yours went these past times. I may react a bit late (I may be among the last lad that were still waiting about Stormside next update coming) and I feel a bit sad about not being able to go deeper through that story that I trully loved very much, and I'm sure you did love it as well, but I only can agree with your choice, if you don't feel the same passion or be able to put the same amount of effort into the game building as much as before (which is totally understandable considering the harsh time you get through and the ambition that stormside was as a narrative experience and gameplay), I think too that it's better to left it in this current state, maybe unfinished but very good for what have been done rather than pushin and making something less good. Stormside will still have a major place in my heart as Narative/sandbox 3D Adult game as a player. On a lighter touch (and hopefully more good-vibes) I must say that I am very happily surprised to realise that you are also the person behind Studio Hearts. I've started It a few mounths ago, watching updates closely on Itch.io and LewdNinja. I truly loved the vibe. It's also a very ambitious project, and I hope this time you'll be able to work on it as your heart content without major real-life issues. Studio Hearts was truly a wonderful surprise ! As always the engine is very nice and every visual aspects of it are a blast for the eyes and immersion. I also fall completely for the main caracter which is a very kind and generous person, truly the type I would be If I had the same financial capacities as him (I try to be the same kind on my little level) I felt a big resonation with MC, same psychological profile, nice, caring, etc, also you've been able to put the cam-girl and sexuality subject feels so much natural in this game, it was truly refreshing to play a Mc that has an active sexuality while being all caring, gentle and protective. A real dream of experience to me ^^ and thanks you unconditionnaly for that. About the threat in the game : I'm kinda the person that love thriller and can be very sensitive about it at the same time. thinking about it later, i found kinda funny about how the mysterious stalker of the game makes me though about the stalker of AI Hoshino in "Oshi no Ko" anime series, don't know if it was intentionnal or not but I giggles a bit when I realized. And Again what a work of writing, I truly felt concerned and worry for our little babygirl when things started to get serious about him, and the cinematics that came later, when we see him paying a hound to gather sensible informations about her. A real feeling of "I must protect her at all cost" was truly there. Honestly there i not so much visual novel adult game that get me so emotionnaly involved into, and that makes me take the time to read each line of narration and all. So, in all my humbleness as a nobobdy there, I would like to thanks you truly, and congrates you again about everything ! Take Care of yourself and keep going on, you're doing an amazing job about everything. With all the ultimate respects, Xoxo from France. (and don't forget hydrating yourself !)

Hi. First of all, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had so many problems over the last few years; it’s great to hear things are improving. As for your game, *Stormside*... what can I say? I discovered it on itch.io over the weekend and just finished playing it today. I have to say, it’s fantastic. I love the game—the ideas, the characters—it’s wonderful. I was genuinely shocked when I read about what you’ve been going through. I really hope you find the inspiration and time to continue developing it. There aren't many games with such an interesting approach to storytelling; the ghost-hunting aspect alone is brilliant. I’ve really grown fond of Hikari and her sister, too. It would be a real shame if the story didn't get a proper conclusion. Of course, I understand your perspective, but I believe there are many players who feel the same way I do. I wish you nothing but the best for the future, and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead.

1) about itch.io, as far as I know, they reindexed all the visual novels that did not require or allow (donation) payment. Unchecking the "allow donation" and contacting them may help getting reindexed. 2) You went through some harsh problem where working on Stormside was something that you had to force yourself to do instead of enjoying it... taking a break (maybe sometimes while "daydreaming" about it and how the story can go if you decide to continue) is a good thing. Forcing yourself to do it will make it a burden and the writing style will suffer from it. 3) branching can create much burden... on the other side, it's one of the things that make the VN great (and make it a VN and not a graphic novel). Some may want to enslave all women, other may prefer to go the romantic route (after all, most of them are quite likable). My personal choice would be to enslave Olivia and *maybe* Akemi (depends on her actions... at first it was what I thought but how she protect Hikari makes me somehow like her) but not the other one. The branching just allows it 4) Sacha is a great character for a side VN. Her ghost-hunting session was great (and you could even make it more tense/scaring). This could be a non-sexual VN focusing of ghost hunts which would also allows it to be quite open-ended and in separate short episodes... Really looking forward such a VN (which may have no problems with Steam/Itch as added bonus). Stormside story is a gem... take your time and don't waste it by forcing you to create content while not feeling it. You created very likable characters (and one which is very dislike-able) and it'd be sad it that mood was lost.

Welcome back! Glad to hear things are on the mend. This game is a gem and I personally am more than willing to be patient for your releases. This games story is worth it

I suspect there are more comments here than you have time to read, but in honor of your return I opened Stormside, started from the beginning, and felt I had to add something here. Your writing is *wonderful*. I don't know from game development, but I well know what burnout feels like. And in the midst of that, perhaps it helps to be reminded of how much joy you've given others through your work. That's no small thing. Finished or not, you've created something to be proud of and I thank you for it.

Atemsiel., I re-upped to be able to send this. I am glad you are ok. As someone who has had things go very awry I know and understand the exhaustion you have dealt with. That said take up the help if you are able so that you complete the vision in a manner that is satisfying to you. You have always spoken passionately about your game. I hope you continue the game because you want to achieve your vision not out of an obligation but out of that passion to complete something you enjoy. At the end of the day however, you must always take care of you. So please do not forget that.

First, sorry for the crappy time you had. That really sucks. Glad you pulled through - and amazing you did; working 16 hours a day. I think you need a vacation! Secondly, great to hear from you and finding out you're alive and kicking! With that said, I wanted to add something to the answers already posted here: I wouldn't worry too much about the ban on Itch &all. Seems things are rolling back and though I think it'll be a long time before rape & incest will be back on the menu (if ever), your game always made a point about things being consentual. (And no relatives, I seem to recall) - So Stormside should be fine I really really hope you'll finish the game - when you're rested and up for it again. And I'm so glad people here with relevant skills are volunteering to help in any way. (Thanks guys!) Personally, I love Cozy Café, where I am not burdened with multiple paths and working out how to play each and every one through to the end. If given to choice between Stormside being finished as a kinetic novel and Stormside unfinished, I'll gladly choose kinetic novel. That said about Cozy Café, I would be lying if I said I didn't love the option to choose 3 different approaches to each girl (slave being my least favorite). But man, what a work for you! Maybe working towards a kinectic novel or adding 2 options instead of 3, for a number of girls instead of all, which would minimally impact the storyline, would keep things manageable. I think it would/should be possible to have a linear storyline, where you can choose between romance and light BDSM and that choice not impacting the storyline and dialogues (much). Same for a light BDSM or Slave route. Maybe? Hope you'll find the energy and rekindled love for Stormside after a well deserved break and with the help of fans - both financially and by offering labor.

I'm very glad that you're OK. I mean, what you've been through and are still going through sucks, but it's better than what I had in my head. I only discovered Stormside a month or so ago, instantly falling in love with it, and of course was quite dismayed to find out it had seemingly been abandoned. But the feeling the author may have come to a bad end hurt more. My three cents (inflation): (1) Don't work on the game if you're not in the right headspace. I can't exactly describe what exactly puts Stormside so far above its competition, but there is magic in making the reader genuinely care about the characters as well as a fantastic sense of humor without being cringy or childish. I fear if you try to force writing when you're just not feeling it, the quality will suffer. Your Act I is a masterpiece, IMHO. I'd rather just continue to enjoy what we have than see it go downhill only because you felt pressure to continue. (2) I second the notion of turning the branching storylines into a kinetic novel. Either reworking existing Stormside if you felt like it, or just picking up where you left off with all past choices assumed to be whatever canon you prefer. Forget branching. Your storytelling and dialog abilities are what truly impress me; I don't really care if I can't choose my own punishments or dom/romance routes. Even if maybe I prefered romance over slave, or vice versa, or harem or not for certain students, I'm certain that if you unleashed your creativity on a linear story, without stressing over how many animations were present, how many fetishes you covered, or how many different endings were possible, you'd end up with Stormside being an AVN head and shoulders above anything else like it. One I would enjoy reading over and over again. (3) You've proven yourself to me. If you want to start over with a new non-Stormside story, a linear one without interactive elements, I'm here for you. Whatever you're motivated to create, I'll be happy to support.

First, let me say welcome back. I think we who have come to love Stormside are glad to hear that you are alive, and that whatever you were going through is pretty much resolved. Thank you for allowing us to know what's going on. We pretty much just needed to know where Stormside stands. I have to say, I found Stormside way late, and still spent the money on Itch to read through it. In the niche of School Disciplinary AVNs, this one is, in my opinion, better that That New Teacher, or the Headmaster. It's simply outstanding work. Take whatever time you need to get your head on right, we will still be fans. On the subject of doing a new piece or sticking with Stormside, obviously most of us would rather it be Stormside, but it's understandable if you feel you can't continue that project. But if it comes down to you just needing help with it, I am sure many of us would volunteer time to help bring things out. On the subject of updates to Stormside, providing you stick with it, I suggest polishing what you have ready to go, and make that an update. Then maybe concentrate on smaller blocks of the story to make the work manageable, and bringing releases quicker, even if the overall story takes longer to finish. On the subject of multiple paths or endings or whatnot, Screw that. Just my opinion. But why make the story you want to tell harder to tell? Take a look at Cosy Cafe. Cosy is basically ONLY telling a story with very few choices to make, and none of them matter for the story. I actually prefer that. An AVN is just that, an Adult Visual Novel. A comic book with porn sprinkled in. Write your novel, and then let us read it. Make it something you will love again. On the subject of Itch, and the payment processors trying to censor shit, Everything that they didn't identify as having incest or rape as the main draw of the story, has been relisted. Even some of those survived, just without being allowed to sell for money on Itch. In the U.S. we can still purchase stuff on Itch using Paypal. If You can't sell on Itch anymore, then just use it to keep the Itch community updated and informed, and sell on Patreon, or F95, or Subscribestar, or whatever. There will always be SOMEWHERE to make this stuff available. Heck, if nothing else, Create a website for your material, and sell it separately using whatever payment processor doesn't fight with you. GameStoryLogs will still make sure it is visible. So take a breath, don't sweat being out of contact, we're still here for you. I genuinely hope we will see more from you, and more of Stormside.

I give you like a few euros a month. It will not break my neck to wait till you are in the right headspace again.

Hello Atemsiel, I have loved Stormside right from the start, I'm a software engineering with 20+ years of experience, and I do have a bit of experience with RenPy, too. I live in Europe, so time zone management won't be an issue either. If you need help getting back on the saddle, hit me up. The plan is not for me to take over the whole project, it will always be yours, but we can definitely sit down and talk about how to make this feel more fun and less like work. Spreading the load should also help you out of this burnout situation. You can reach out to me here or on your Discord server (same nickname than here).

Glad to hear you were able to weather the storm that life threw at you. It seems like you've had to swim through a crapton of shit and stress. Time to take a breather. If I can be one of those rude internet peeps offering unsolicted advice, a few thoughts. I've been where you were when it came to the anxiety of communicating with individuals about delays and frustrations with a creative project. Days turned to weeks and then months with radio silence on my part. I went into a shame spiral and even thinking about the project gave me anxiety. In the end, a couple of friends stepped up and helped me with it, coaxing my anxieties out of me, assisting in the work where they could and eventually I put the project to bed. So don't beat yourself up over that. It happens to the best of us, especially when we put high standards on ourselves. So reconnect with your friends, your hobbies or discover new ones. Spend time allowing yourself to recover and heal from the stresses of the last year. If you release what you have, great, but after that, put it aside until the end of the year. But I do think that if you decide to return to it, you need to reconsider something you stated a long time ago on the Discord, and that is going solo. The company I work for teaches our clients a concept called "Who, not How". Hell, we've even writtten books about it. Basically, look at what you don't want to do, or can't do and ask who can do this for me. You might find yourself wanting to return to the project if those elements are handed off to someone else. Our clients are entrepreneurs, so we get that 'go it alone' mindset, but your success is limited as an individual, and exponential when you lead a great team. If that is not acceptable, then put the project aside if it something that brings you no joy. We were fans of Stormside for a bunch of reasons. The artistic style and vision, the core concepts, the characters you created and their stories. If you want to tell other stories, I'm sure your fans will love those too.

Would you be open to having help on the project?

First of all, it's good to hear you're actually still alive... and I don't mean it in the mocking way, but with everything that happened, I was kinda afraid something happened. Glad it didn't! Now as for the itch and payment processor situation: Yeah Stormside definitely includes things that might become problematic in their eyes, but luckily there's already significant public backlash and not just from the "porn community". Right now I'm pretty confident things will at least go back to how they were before all the drama, but we'll see. And honestly, when I first played Stormside and saw the branching, I immeditately thought "This man has no idea what he's gotten himself into", knowing other games with magnitudes less of it that struggled hard to make it all tie up in the end. Personally, I'd rather see you simplify Stormside than abandon it. Getting rid of the slave routes would hit 2 birds with one stone for example, less branching and less risk of clashing with the moral police. Other than that, take your time! Like others already said, after a period like that, it's normal to feel like nothing brings you joy anymore, even the things that used to. Slow down, play some games you enjoy, reconnect with friends and THEN do a little render or two and see what happens. I don't think you'll get as much hate as you think you do. Maybe from some idiotic coomers in DMs here and there, but those don't matter.

I think you should just take sometime to relax after all of that, I wouldn’t even try making anything for now. Recover a bit before you stress yourself about not being at 100%, it would just be another vicious cycle if you try to pressure yourself into it. If you want to get back into game making without stressing about it, maybe you could try helping someone else with their game to get the juices flowing again, idk. Personally I wouldn’t stress about branching paths too much either. Everyone loves them, but I can’t tell you how many people shoot themselves in the foot thinking that more branches = good. They add exponentially more work for each one, and it wasn’t the main reason that people loved your game.

I am glad to see that you are still alive, because the lack of any updates or info seriously had me wondering. I get the shitty situation, and I understand that what seems like a good idea at first can spiral out of control. And then the fear of owning up to the mistake and the worry about making things worse actually do end up making it harder and harder to get out of this vicious cycle. That said, I am definitely in Camp Fuck You Finish Stormside, except for a) the Fuck You part, and b) I get that what once was a labor of love had become a chore. Personally, the branching aspect for me was secondary, I am too nice a guy to go any route but the love one (unless the LI is a bitch, but even then the slave route has as little appeal to me as an NTR route would). Maybe you could do a compromise / gradual approach? Finish one route in an update, and then expand on adding the other routes in the next one? It would take the pressure off of you to have everything done at once. It would give you more time, without losing supporters, because even though we might not get the route we prefer just yet, we know it will come sooner, rather than in another six to eight months. And you would not lose out on what makes the game special. However, the appeal to me is the characters, and I would hate to miss out on seeing their story unfold. TL;DR: glad you are doing better, take your time getting well, and maybe think about tackling the game in a way that does not tax your energy too much right away

Just having this post was enough to have me come back to proper monetary support. I wanted to believe that you were fine and would come back, but being in one of the higher tiers without any communication did put a damper on that. These kinds of irl issues is completely fine to just pause development as long as people are aware that nothing is going to be done. It might even be best to take a month off or so, just to try to get into a better headspace before returning to any development, whether Stormside or a simpler game. Just once again, it would be best to let people know, as I am one that will want to keep a decent chunk of support, so long as I know you will be back.

Good to hear from you! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Get yourself into a good head-space. If that means putting this game down, so-be-it.

It’s chill, sometimes life just sucks, not your fault. Would have definitely been better to maintain communication, but you already know that. Not like I don’t get that too though. I can’t tell you how many times have I let a text go unanswered for a little too long, and then wondered if it was too late to respond. 😂

Considering your situation. Take your time. Stormside was fun for a lot of reasons. Branching + the characters. I'd personally be happy with just the characters/story getting completed and maybe (if you feel like it) SOME branching along the way. Ultimately I think some time to reset as a person is needed here. Get back to enjoying things. I did the same thing you HAD to do when I was done with college, mine was my own choice, I worked 16-18hrs a day. I didnt have to financially like you did, and even so by the time I stopped I realized I wasn't enjoying anything I normally did anymore and really had to take some time to start just enjoying stuff again. All this to say. Take some time for you over this month and relearn to enjoy the things you enjoyed doing before. I look forward to hearing more from you I'm the future. Hopefully the stuff with itch gets resolved easily. Best of luck to you

While I will admit that this isn’t the best news, it’s news and that makes it good news in my book. First of all I’m sorry to hear all the stuff that happened, but I’m glad that you seem to have caught your footing. Regardless of whether you’re able to continue Stormside it’s good to know that you’re alright in the grand scheme of things. Thanks so much for the news, and while I hope you’re able to keep going and finish Stormside do whatever you need to make sure you’re alright. If that means stopping production for Stormside completely, then do that. Hopefully things start to go well for you, and thanks again Atem!

OK man. My first reaction was to resubscribe. Only a few dollars-, retired person here. Your situation was diabolical and you had to step away for sanity. I suppose im in the 'please, please finish ' camp, but im not going to rant and rave. I'd rather just offer this distant support and hope your head clears. I'm not alone here in feeling genuine love for what you made, and genuine sadness if you can't bear to carry it forward. You created something really unique and its sad to see it falter. Youre not the only casualty of the development process. Maybe a collaboration? Find help? Or just write the story.. However you go forward, thanks for what you made, and I look forward to what you'll do next.