Android Version | The challenge
As you know, I’ve been struggling with Android for a while now... the version for that system just crashes, and I don’t have enough technical knowledge in this area to help.
It was actually to be expected that this would happen, since the game relies heavily on images and keeps getting bigger in size—an issue that Android, unfortunately, doesn’t handle well.
The solution seemed to be simply giving up on trying to make the game for this system and sticking with just the PC/Linux and Mac versions. 😕
But I received a suggestion from a player that I think would solve a good part of the problem, though it would create a few other minor ones: on Android, split the game into parts... which we would call Volumes.
And each volume would cover a few destinations.
It would basically be starting the game with Daily Adventures: Volume 1... which would retain the entire game structure... but would contain, for example, only the stories from the College and Sports Court. Volume 2 would be dedicated to the Gym and the Downtown. ...and so on.
✅ Advantages:
I would be able to keep the game updated for Android with new characters. A situation that, unfortunately, is reaching its limit under current conditions.
The game would be lighter and run on less powerful devices.
It would no longer require a downloader. Since I’ll try to keep each volume under 2 GB, I wouldn’t need to host it on my own server or use a downloader. The game would be installed directly on the device.
❌ Disadvantages:
We would lose a good part of the story’s sense of “continuity”—for example, the money system, the trophy galleries, etc.
I might have to adapt or remove some features from this version… especially the bank and the Masked Studs website. Or create a separate volume for them.
▶ Bonus:
But I was looking into it and saw that it’s possible to create a global “save” that would store the information on what’s been done so far, and at the start of each volume, the game would load that save and “update” the new volume with the characters and photos from the previous one.
At least the trophy gallery, photos, and wallpapers could be available for viewing. That would really help maintain continuity.
Well... I’m writing this long post mostly to share my thoughts with you and would like to know what you think... if it’s worth it... if anyone has a better idea or something to add.
It’s all still very fresh in my mind, so I don’t have all the details on how this would work or exactly how to do it… that would come as I develop these volumes.
But remember and keep in mind: All of this only applies to the Android version!!
The other versions will stay exactly as they are! One game!
Comments (12)
How about compress all the images for the Android version? I believe that can make the size smaller.
That's what I was doing... but even after compressing it, I could only save about 500 MB. It would work for this latest release, which would come in under 4 GB... but it would be a temporary solution because that option wouldn't work for the next one.
I’m not an Android Player, so I will be incredibly biased. A lot of the big Renpy games don’t use android because the data is just too big. It will take a lot of effort and time to port everything, and to split everything while staying coherent. I rather just have more story.
I have a phone but id rather play on PC, my eyes thank me for it haha. TTYTT, I feel like this Android aspect for the game has been a pain in the butt for you throughout the development of this project. Personally I'd rather focus on launching on Steam and adding a bunch of achievements and more content. I feel like Android is just a waste of time and prolly money, but you do you. Ofc it matters a lot of most if your fans play this game on Android, why not make a poll, to find out what platform they play on?. You know you have a great game, so you'll make the best decision, we all trust you! My friend once told me theres an app that lets you play PC games on Android, so I hope this helps!
Eu sei que é difícil, mas não desiste do Android 😢
I'm not an android user, but can't android users use Joiplay? I've seen that it's a popular way to play Ren'py games that don't offer a specific *android version* on android. Unless it makes sense for you from a financial standpoint, as in there are enough patreon subs that specifically only use android, i don't think spending too much time and effort on this is efficient. The game is based on using a large amount of Sims screenshots, so inevitably you'll be constantly running into the problem of a growing need for storage space and more & more volumes that will keep "chopping up" the game in sections that won't make much sense due to story incontinuity and limited features. 🤔
this might be an opportunity to test monetization.
Not exactly legal since he's using EA's assets.
I think this is plausible as some characters like Luke or James or Nick doesn't seems that connected to the story of other cast like the college cast is specific to itself and there is no crossover to Luke's path (yet). This is also the same for the sport court cast (Isaiah) and the Gym cast (Connor, Martin, Daniel). Each has their own specific path (for now) so if you want to separate them into volume it would be feasible. As for Masked Stud or Bank scene, you can just make it to that specific cast of member in their volume e.g College cast is Volume 1 and has their own masked Stud and Bank scene. Special event cast (Claus and James) is Volume 2 and has their own. I think that David and Paul can be repeated to intro the bank scene and get a gist of what Mr Harley(?) does I'm each volume
Hi there! Long time android player here 👋 I feel that whatever you decide will be the right decision. You've adapted the game endlessly, taking the time to make it usable for android, & we see it & appreciate you. You always make the right call & I feel no differently this time around. Take all the time you need! I'll be patiently waiting to play with more men & explore the incredible world you've built 😁 I'm not sure if that was helpful but overall whatever you decide, I'll be here playing whatever way I can!
I think you should also start working towards doing volumes for the PC versions as well. So only men from the city for the current main version and maybe do a version with men outside the city.
Maybe not a really popular opinion: the Android people should be so lucky you already put so much effort and time in it. iOS doesn't even get any Ren'py games. If the game becomes too large for that one system, personally I think you should focus on what your idea about the game is. Unless of course the majority of all players uses Android, but I doubt that. Too many games where they listened to what (a part of the) gamers want fail, while others that stick too the original idea flourish. So don't give in is what I would say. (But I play on PC, so I might be a tad prejudiced.)