To be fair, this isn't a "small" update. If I understand it correctly, this is the full morning, so it's no different than before when he was splitting the day up into quarters.
It just seems like another odd structural decision. "Hey, I'm going to change to an event-based release schedule. Except for the very first update of Part 2, that's going to be the full morning just like it was before."
Again, the next update will tell us a lot about his output, but maybe we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking why this update is taking so long, maybe we should be asking why the script wasn't structured to make better use of the event-based release schedule to minimize development time.
What makes it easy in that scene is that she has gotten comfortable with her son over the course of the game through numerous scenes and interactions. There is a motherly love that also weakens her to Dylan. The bikini scene only happens if Dylan has already scene her breasts, partially naked, in numerous Bikinis, underwear.
The bikini show pushes the boundaries but not so far.
The Postman is a stranger, she is standing infront the main door. Even people passing by that road could see her. A mere postman could never compete with the level of comfort with Dylan atleast for just standing in underwear, that to for public viewing.
The only reason why it isn't too rash is because Nathalie instigates it and the postman is an Old Man. Sophia sees him as not a threat in comparison to if the the postman was some young dude.
I will say that L&P played it right by using another character to instigate Sophia and then use Murray since Sophia will feel safe enough to try this infront of him.
I'm afraid I have to disagree with this statement.
"What makes it easy in that scene is that she has gotten comfortable with her son over the course of the game through numerous scenes and interactions."
Suppose you choose to follow Dylan's path only and lock out everyone else in the filthy path. In that case, it makes no sense how she could feel comfortable or corrupted enough for Dylan to see her naked, bikinis, underwear, as there is hardly any corruption or how she could feel comfortable at all. Most of the playable days were nothing but a perverted fest on Dylan's part. If you played the filthy route unchained, you can justify her corruption level for some of the interactions between Dylan and her.
Being confused going through puberty is one thing as you're trying to discover yourself, but Dylan took that to a new level with all the First Person Shooters (Bathtub Scene) he was playing in real-time.
To be fair, this isn't a "small" update. If I understand it correctly, this is the full morning, so it's no different than before when he was splitting the day up into quarters.
It just seems like another odd structural decision. "Hey, I'm going to change to an event-based release schedule. Except for the very first update of Part 2, that's going to be the full morning just like it was before."
Again, the next update will tell us a lot about his output, but maybe we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking why this update is taking so long, maybe we should be asking why the script wasn't structured to make better use of the event-based release schedule to minimize development time.
Frankly even the next update seems big. Since there are actually two events. Part 1 and Part 2 of Ellie Dylan. Since nothing big has happened in the storyline till now, the next scenes could be long and be made with the intention to progress the storyline towards the end goal.
The updates after that are all individual event updates. The only other update that I can imagine being big is Dylan Sophia Part 2 which is update 8.
To be fair, this isn't a "small" update. If I understand it correctly, this is the full morning, so it's no different than before when he was splitting the day up into quarters.
It just seems like another odd structural decision. "Hey, I'm going to change to an event-based release schedule. Except for the very first update of Part 2, that's going to be the full morning just like it was before."
Again, the next update will tell us a lot about his output, but maybe we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking why this update is taking so long, maybe we should be asking why the script wasn't structured to make better use of the event-based release schedule to minimize development time.
IMO, The "Script" wasn't structured better because he went from a 3-4 plan to a 20+ plan, and at this point, L&P has ideas and outlines but no "Script." So it's hard to determine a schedule when it sounds very disorganized. Plus, he is constantly editing his story, so it is almost, if not, impossible to minimize development time.
To be fair, this isn't a "small" update. If I understand it correctly, this is the full morning, so it's no different than before when he was splitting the day up into quarters.
It just seems like another odd structural decision. "Hey, I'm going to change to an event-based release schedule. Except for the very first update of Part 2, that's going to be the full morning just like it was before."
Again, the next update will tell us a lot about his output, but maybe we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking why this update is taking so long, maybe we should be asking why the script wasn't structured to make better use of the event-based release schedule to minimize development time.
Yes, it is the full morning, but it was not supposed a "big" morning like the previous one (130) in which we had
Morning 0.130
Morning shower with Ellie ~159 renders
In the spa with Vicky and her boyfriend DeShawn ~ 95 renders
Visiting Larry Morello in prison ~103 renders / Surprising Liam at work ~109 renders
So 4 rather significant events.
Here we **assumed** to have one big event with the 4th Task and two short events, Morello and the bonus storyline. He never actually gave figures to back this up (e.g. number of renders, % share etc) but that's what we implied with the new developing/delivery method.
So it is difficult to see to which extent the developing time is taking long because of the new features (animations, most likely) and the preliminary work necessary even for later on, or on top of that also the bonus storyline is not as small as we assumed (realistically, Morello's cannot be much more than the 30 renders it was for the first meeting).
Frankly even the next update seems big. Since there are actually two events. Part 1 and Part 2 of Ellie Dylan. Since nothing big has happened in the storyline till now, the next scenes could be long and be made with the intention to progress the storyline towards the end goal.
The updates after that are all individual event updates. The only other update that I can imagine being big is Dylan Sophia Part 2 which is update 8.
Then he just made another Aiden event (Major Event) again. IMO, a bonus scene should be short. But in this case, it sounds like another event versus a bonus scene.
IMO, The "Script" wasn't structured better because he went from a 3-4 plan to a 20+ plan, and at this point, L&P has ideas and outlines but no "Script." So it's hard to determine a schedule when it sounds very disorganized. Plus, he is constantly editing his story, so it is almost, if not, impossible to minimize development time.
And that's what I was driving at. L&P is shifting to event-based releases, but if the scripts aren't structured that way I'm not sure it's an effective strategy. This new strategy looks more like window dressing than an actual attempt to achieve anything.
To be fair, this isn't a "small" update. If I understand it correctly, this is the full morning, so it's no different than before when he was splitting the day up into quarters.
It just seems like another odd structural decision. "Hey, I'm going to change to an event-based release schedule. Except for the very first update of Part 2, that's going to be the full morning just like it was before."
Again, the next update will tell us a lot about his output, but maybe we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking why this update is taking so long, maybe we should be asking why the script wasn't structured to make better use of the event-based release schedule to minimize development time.
I've also been thinking about this. If this first update is anywhere near the previous ones with 1/3rd of a PD in terms of renders, it could also mean that L&P has decided to once more up the render count for a single PD by quite alot. And while that would be a somewhat valid explanation on why this development cycle seems to be taking so terribly long, it would also mean even slower story progression. It would also make his statements about faster updates pretty much invalid.
Then again, if what you said is the case and following updates have much less content, the total render count for this PD might aswell end up being more or less the same as previous PD's, and the next updates could potentially come out considerably quicker. I guess we'll see what is what once the update is being released and the next development cycle begins.
I think most people (me included) had expected every update to have around ~250 renders to match the previous PD in total render count. Can't say I've got much hope for the next updates to come out quicker, but we'll see!
I've also been thinking about this. If this first update is anywhere near the previous ones with 1/3rd of a PD in terms of renders, it could also mean that L&P has decided to once more up the render count for a single PD by quite alot. And while that would be a somewhat valid explanation on why this development cycle seems to be taking so terribly long, it would also mean even slower story progression. It would also make his statements about faster updates pretty much invalid.
Then again, if what you said is the case and following updates have much less content, the total render count for this PD might aswell end up being more or less the same as previous PD's, and the next updates could potentially come out considerably quicker. I guess we'll see what is what once the update is being released and the next development cycle begins.
I think most people (me included) had expected every update to have around ~250 renders to match the previous PD in total render count. Can't say I've got much hope for the next updates to come out quicker, but we'll see!
One of the problems are these bonus events, they're total screwing up the idea of an event-based release schedule. In theory the updates should be composed on a single event, but smaller connecting events are still necessary. But when you're someone like L&P, these small events don't stay small. I'm beginning to think that the worst has happened and L&P has found a new way to stretch out the releases.
Nah.It will be PD 16.
15 have almost nothing-only 1 big event.I have the feeling that right now,big event means 500+ renders.
PD 16 on the other hand should have at least 4 events with Elly
lesbian sex scene with an important character
big hetero sex scene with an important character
and another big hetero sex scene with an important character
One of the problems are these bonus events, they're total screwing up the idea of an event-based release schedule. In theory the updates should be composed on a single event, but smaller connecting events are still necessary. But when you're someone like L&P, these small events don't stay small. I'm beginning to think that the worst has happened and L&P has found a new way to stretch out the releases.
We don't know anything about the bonus event. It may as well turn out to be important for one or some routes. Bonus can also mean "I call it bonus because if I say who is participating I would be giving too much away".
And it seems very likely that the animations will focus on the bonus event. Again, this is just a guess.
Currently here in the forum, out of frustration and boredom, people are trading assumptions as if they were truths and this is going on for several pages. And everyone tells everyone he is wrong.
But the truth is, we know nothing and it will stay that way until he releases the update.
We don't know anything about the bonus event. It may as well turn out to be important for one or some routes. Bonus can also mean "I call it bonus because if I say who is participating I would be giving too much away".
And it seems very likely that the animations will focus on the bonus event. Again, this is just a guess.
Currently here in the forum, out of frustration and boredom, people are trading assumptions as if they were truths and this is going on for several pages. And everyone tells everyone he is wrong.
But the truth is, we know nothing and it will stay that way until he releases the update.
Sure, but if they're important and/or long then they should be there own event and get a separate release. The problem isn't that we're making assumptions, it's that everything L&P does is poorly defined. Some of this is a language barrier thing, and some of it is an attempt to obfuscate.
My original point was that the scripts are not structured well to support an event-based release schedule. That isn't really a condemnation of him, it's just an observation.
We don't know anything about the bonus event. It may as well turn out to be important for one or some routes. Bonus can also mean "I call it bonus because if I say who is participating I would be giving too much away".
And it seems very likely that the animations will focus on the bonus event. Again, this is just a guess.
Currently here in the forum, out of frustration and boredom, people are trading assumptions as if they were truths and this is going on for several pages. And everyone tells everyone he is wrong.
But the truth is, we know nothing and it will stay that way until he releases the update.
I suspect he has an rough outline. A bit more than PD 15, PD 16, PD 17. However, none of us actually know. His commentaries though have hinted that he does not have a complete outline. In fact it is likely, since translation is always after Photoshopping, that he does not have any script at all. If he did then translation could be accomplished immediately and any changes easily adjusted for as the artwork proceeds. Also, he recently engaged a writer, not a translator. Why would he need this? Easily this could be because of the spiderweb of plotlines and that he is beginning to burnout and knows he cannot finish in the previous paradigm of production. This is speculative but, that is why we are here right. To speculate all things AWAM.
I would like to point out that L&P has admitted that it is difficult for him to write fluent dialogues. Having an idea for a scene is one thing, but bringing that scene to life with dialogue is a whole other order of writing. A long time ago, out of boredom during my time in the Army, I tried to write short stories. The biggest challenge for me was always the dialogue. I quickly realized that I had no talent. For my part, I assume that L&P hired the writer for that very purpose. And not for the creation of an outline or a script.
The scene, in both cases, has one word to describe it: sex. Sophia goes from runway model to adult model. A non-nude model, true, but the goods for sale were not the swimsuit worn but Sophia's body.
Which is not bad , but it depends on the audience.
We never agree on the Dylan storyline, so I won't argue. My statement takes into consideration only the Dylan route and nothing else and it still makes sense. The big beach masturbating scene, bikini deal, swing, catching Dylan masturbating at night, Dylan's sneak kiss, watching Dylan in the shower on Day 4. The swimming lesson. There's so much.
And finally the theory that you have put forward does not hold true. You cannot just follow Dylan path and reject every other. In order to check I just played through the game to see. I rejected every single storyline evn Liam, only following Dylan. But eventually I got thrown out of the Dylan route too because "Sophia is not filthy enough". You forgot that just like she accumulates Filthy points for doing a sexual act, she gains good wife points for refusing it. And if you only follow Dylan you will not have enough Filthy points after a point to continue.
So all the initial acts in the game, be it with the movers, principal, Patricia, Sam. All of them play a role in ensuring that Sophia is corrupt enough so that later in the game, you can pursue your routes.
If you have doubts about what I said. You can play yourself ,only the Dylan route and nothing else as per your theory and see the outcome. I even was a little liberal and allowed Sam points during the basketball match. Strictly following your theory I shouldn't have done that either.
I do play the only Dylan route, and that's how I concluded that it makes no sense onher level of corruption, which L&P based her willingness to advance her filth. Her three primary corruption scenes come from Aiden's tasks, and you can only account for 2 of them before the mall and bikini event; if you play the Dylan-only path before, you have a choice to stop Aiden's advances in the 4th task.
If you are telling me that she is corrupted by
Sophia is performing a lingerie show for Liam when Dylan and Sam are in the living room.
After the lingerie show, Sophia listens in on Dylan's and Sam's conversation.
Sophia uses the bathroom while Dylan is in the shower.
Dylan touched her butt on the swing.
Dylan and Sam touch her playing Basketball, which is somewhat of a contact sport.
She swam in the pool with her shirt and underwear on with Dylan and Sam.
Sam falls on her during the trampoline jump.
Sophia tickles Dylan, and she touches him.
Dylan puts Sun Screen on her back while chatting by the pool about women/girls.
Dylan performs First-Person Shooters in the bathroom and other places with Sophia and others.
Washing Dishes at the house.
Trick Kiss at the soccer match.
Viagra at the beach incident. Another First Person Shooter.
etc...
Then you and I have a different understanding of corruption and eroticism. IMO, the plots I listed and the context they are presented in with Sophia's thoughts don't amount to much corruption, if any, at all. Sure, you get corruption points, but the story's text makes no sense with her reactions that she is corrupted enough to do the things she is doing now. The only authentic corruption scenes came in the form of Aiden's tasks, which have only been three so far, which are unbuttoning her blouse, crossing her legs, bending over, and the art class. The Art Class took place after the Bikini Event, which again you can only account for two.
Are you telling me that amount of corruption is enough for a hot tub massage show, showing her breast, bikini show, watching her change, then I'm at a loss? My point is the scenario in which L&P is presented as very little corruption. However, if you play the story unchained and have all the paths open, you can argue that she is corrupted enough to perform or start performing these acts. And to reiterate, I'm talking about the text itself and the reaction, not the corruption points you get for choosing an action.
Now, since you bought up Sophia being corrupted by others, let's look at the context here. The first one is Sophia with the movers.
She has the option for a corruption point here, but when the mover complimented her and acknowledged it, she didn't even smile. How does that look like she is being corrupted? Sure, she gets the point, but the text and expression don't feel like she enjoyed it. Also, the conversation with Ellie doesn't feel like she is developing corruption, but you get a corruption point for disagreeing with Ellie.
Once again, you get a corruption point for the hug, but her reaction and text are entirely different, and I don't feel like corruption occurs no matter how little it was by selecting the hugging choice.
This is why I agree with GingerSweetGirl comment about starting Sophia's corruption a 1/4 or 1/2 way from the start of the novel. It would have been easier for L&P to deliver these scenes than what he is doing now. Starting her off as faithful to Liam and trying to break her will in thirty PD's was a challenge, which will consist of plotholes and other actions that would make no sense. L&P needs someone who can proofread for him and give him some advice. He has a story that can be potentially good, but his execution is feeble on some of the storylines and production of the novel.
I would like to point out that L&P has admitted that it is difficult for him to write fluent dialogues. Having an idea for a scene is one thing, but bringing that scene to life with dialogue is a whole other order of writing. A long time ago, out of boredom during my time in the Army, I tried to write short stories. The biggest challenge for me was always the dialogue. I quickly realized that I had no talent. For my part, I assume that L&P hired the writer for that very purpose. And not for the creation of an outline or a script.
Regards writing fluid dialogue, I think you're right.
I've been an author of short stories for over 30 years and from early on identified how L&P struggled with,
1)dialogue
2)translation (even with an interpreter)
3)communication.
It's therefore likely he entered this pursuit as a complete novice. If so, he's done remarkably well considering he was probably unaware of his own limitations. But he had the ambition and framework for an excellent story and game, and still has if he resisted the compulsion to continually over-complicate it which may eventually cause its downfall, which would be a great shame. He would therefore be advised to pay more attention to what people write on this platform as well as his own, particularly regards meeting deadlines.
As the creator of AWAM he's certainly learned a lot since those early days in terms of improved dialogue and generated artwork, all the doll-like imagery having now almost disappeared. His communication skills which at first left a lot to be desired, have also improved, though not enough. A writer could help with that.
Processing script to a different language (not just translation, but understanding opposing languages) is a specialist, technical skill L&P has since delegated out through obvious necessity. But congestion within dialogue is frustrating and time consuming, demanding an indeterminate range of skills most people do not posses. I guess it's what makes a good author and story-teller from a bad, or indifferent one.
I believe the appointment of a writer will be more of an assistant in all three problem areas and help with speed of output, so potentially valuable. I very much doubt this person will be initiating script which will remain the prerogative of L&P. Instead the writer will be more responsible for steering and making sense of it.
It's even possible L&P has unknowingly used the job title "writer" in error.
Middle of March is a near certainty. Shame of it is that this was supposed to be a "small" update and yet we'll likely get this small update and one more, maybe August/September, with a very outside chance for following January.
