VN Ren'Py A Better Life [Development Thread]

[BDBFATE]

Update:
I'm currently looking for an artist for the renders and animations. The person who'd previously agreed to do them has IRL commitments that prevent him from proceeding. The renders in the posts below could serve as a representation of what I'm looking for in regards to character appearances, but by no means have to appear exactly the same.
While I've been managing on the coding end of things, if someone who's experienced in that regard would like to collaborate to allow me to focus on the writing I'd be open to that as well.
I don't have the finances to pay anyone directly, so this would have to be a collaborative agreement to share any potential future earnings. I'm more than happy to take suggestions or write in requested scenes that would fit the overall feel of the story from anyone who wishes to collaborate with either the artwork or the coding.

If you're interested in working on this project send me a message.


A Better Life is a visual novel where your MC is a 34 year old man who, after spending 5 years in the army and 10 years as a Correctional Officer, cashes out his forgotten cryptocurrency investment. After spending a year away to build a new life for himself, he jumps back into the world to discover old friends and new who are in desperate need of the help he can now provide. This is a harem style visual novel with 6 possible Love Interests and many optional kinks.


Desired optional kinks: (These have no influence on the story whatsoever, and are entirely optional for preference)
Incest
Watersports
Defloration
Menstruation
BDSM
Sleeping sex (consensual)
Pregnancy
Lactation
Scat

Although incest is optional, it plays a major part in the story if enabled, and is required for certain love interests to be possible as well as the full harem ending.

Additional Sexual content tags that come to mind: Vaginal/Anal/Oral sex, Virgin, Creampie, Cumshot, Footjob, Boobjob, Squirting, Masturbation, Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Groupsex
Possibly more and I just can't think of them at the moment.

The main focus of the story is that each of the LIs has some sort of horrible event that has happened to her that she's trying to cope with. As you make choices, you will acquire the necessary knowledge and relationship level that will ultimately help you resolve the main plot for each girl in a way that will either allow you to include her in your ending, or push her away.
There are several very dark scenes that establish some incredibly painful incidents that happened in the past. Each of these events comes with a warning and an option to skip seeing the scenes in case of sensitivity to such content, but each helps drive the narrative forward.. Knowing what happened in the past will help you understand the choices you need to make moving forward.

Some of the dark themes include:
Abuse - Physical, Psychological, Sexual
Depression/Suicide
Bullying
Kidnapping/Torture

For clarity: The above depictions all happen prior to (often far in the past) the MC getting involved with the LIs, and are NOT implementations by the MC. The MC you play is by and large a generous, friendly person (who can occasionally make stupid, but not evil decisions) who tries to have others' best interest at heart. All sexual acts being performed between the MC and the LI's will be entirely consensual.

I'm also incorporating (Or at least, trying) plenty of humor and irreverence, as well as 4th wall breaks to keep things from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.


Features include:
Choice based stats: Romance, Intellect, Fitness, Self Control, and Impulse
Choice based relationship scores for each critical character.
Choices that have an impact on how the story plays out, and may ultimately determine whether a character remains with you.
Option to turn on or off the ability to see the effects of each choice.
Branching narrative with multiple paths and endings.

That is all I can think of at the moment. Any questions or comments are welcome, and I'll try to answer as best I can.

 

[darlic]

This one looks interesting on paper, it certainly is not one of those dozen cookie-cutters that get released each day in this forum (in terms of sexual content, at least). Good luck with your project

 

[Saint Blackmoor]

I'm also incorporating (Or at least trying) plenty of humor and irreverence, as well as 4th wall breaks to keep things from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

I like the plans you have for the game. It sounds like the game Limitless. But also, it's a decent starting point.
I will keep an on your progress. It sounds interesting.

I love the fourth wall humor.

 

[BDBFATE]

Well guys, it seems that Daz studio is a bit beyond me. I'd hoped that I could get it figured out so I could do all of the work myself, but it's looking like I'll have to find someone else to do the visuals. With that said, it's unlikely at this point that I'll have a release by the end of the month. I'll keep this thread updated on my progress.

 

[MissFortune]

Well, anyone moderately experienced could've told you that starting from zero and jumping right into a VN isn't a good idea.

Learn the tools first, get some experience, practice until you're at a level where you feel comfortable sharing your work, and then start thinking about a VN/game. Even if Daz is easier than most 3D software, it's still 3D. It's going to be tough getting into it no matter how you slice it. Especially in two weeks. There's a reason it takes most devs 3-5 months to put out a 500/600 render release.

Just a little side note, the crypto rich thing is a touch played out. Maybe switch it up with something a bit more unique? Inherited money from a grandparent he's only met once because he's the only family left, drunkenly played a scratch-off and ended up winning (or even just won the lottery for that matter.). Not to take a dig at your story, but the base premise is basically exactly Friends in Need. Something you'll probably get some shit for.

 

[BDBFATE]

Alright everyone, we have an update. I say "we" because I'm now working with Sleepy Devs to co-develop "A Better Life."
I'm largely taking care of the story and coding, while Sleepy Devs is creating the visuals.
I've adjusted some of the planned content based on our discussions, and will continue to adjust as we get a greater feel for how the story will progress. For now, here are the initial concept renders for some of the main cast of characters.
Note: These are initial concepts, and final characters may be different in some ways.

The MC (You)

Former Army Sniper turned Correctional Officer, you are a veteran with 10 years of Corrections experience when you accrue a life-changing amount of money. After a short hiatus, you return to society seeking to improve the lives of those around you.

Caroline

One of your co-workers, Caroline is simultaneously a tough and rough-around-the-edges woman with no filter, and a shameless flirt who isn't afraid to tell you what she wants.

Sophia

Your estranged younger sister. She cut off communication with you after you expressed your disapproval of her fiancé, but after discovering you were right after all, she comes looking for you, hoping for forgiveness and support.

Natalya

A bartender you meet on your first night returning to society. She tries her best in putting up with a boss whose friends are vile creeps that harass her regularly, until everything boils over and she finds herself on the run from police.

Felicity

A timid introvert who's just been freed from a year's worth of torment and torture in a psychiatric hospital, she has a curious ability to sense danger and the auras of strong personality traits.

Victoria AKA Vixen

Simultaneously an IT forensic specialist with the Police Department (Alias: Melody Starling) and one of the most expert and sought-after hackers in the country, (Vixen) Victoria is tasked with uncovering information about you, and destroying evidence you might have that could be used against her boss. As she delves deeper into her task, she just might realize that she's on the wrong side.

Ophelia

A teenager (18) that shows up, saying that she's your daughter. She gives enough details about her life, mother, and grandparents that it very well might be a possibility. She is initially stand-offish with the other girls, especially Felicity, who she sees as an easy target. Will you listen to her and try to bring her into the fold, or adamantly refuse that what she's saying is true?

Bluefield

Your co-worker and best friend. Sometimes he'll make off-the-wall comments that make no sense, but he has a good heart. One of the few people you've kept in touch with after coming into your fortune. (Not a romance option)

There are a few other characters, but they aren't so pivotal or central as to be worth mentioning at this time. We hope you're looking forward to what we have to offer, though there is no ETA on an initial release just yet.

 

[MagicMan753]

It has been a while, just wondering if it is still be worked on?

 

[BDBFATE]

It has been a while, just wondering if it is still be worked on?

Hey there. Sorry for the delayed response. Unfortunately, this project has been put on hold. Recent developments IRL for the artist have forced me to put this on the back-burner for an undetermined period of time. As I can't do the renders myself, I haven't made it a priority to continue on the programming end of things without an artist for the renders. He was creating the renders under an agreement to split potential future earnings, and since I don't have finances available to hire someone directly, it'll be on hold for some time, unless I can find someone else willing to work under the same conditions.

 

[Baibak]

Thanks for this post!