EPISODE 1 - Chapter 3 Development Progress Update - November 2023
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Tweaking and Cleaning Update, Part 2
Greetings, Apocalypse Lovers survivors!
My journey with Apocalypse Lovers has taken an exciting new turn as the line between professional life and passion blurs! I've invested in a laptop dedicated to the game, transforming various nooks at my main workplace into a secret development studio. Previously, I juggled professional tasks and game coding on the work PCs, but those limited and monitored machines held me back. Now, with my new laptop connected via Wi-Fi to my phone, I find ingenious hiding spots in forgotten corners of my workplace to code in peace. Every nook becomes a temporary office – even the toilets might become my next secret refuge for crafting Apocalypse Lovers' adventures.
System Finalization and Improvement
A major evolution in character systems is underway! For exemple, I'm currently revisiting the concept of "sanity," transforming it into "insanity" or "madness." This isn't just a semantic change but a revolution in player perception. Now, paired with a change in the code color from the start of the game, an increase in "insanity" or "madness" (I haven't yet decided which term to use) will be seen as a gain, a progression, rather than a loss. This better reflects the unique atmosphere of Apocalypse Lovers, where the lines between reason and madness blur and the abnormal becomes the norm. This system aims to immerse players even deeper in our post-apocalyptic world, where traditional rules don't apply, and madness can be a form of power. The idea is to overturn traditional game expectations, making the descent into madness a desirable, even strategic, element. Get ready for fascinating gameplay dynamics and morally ambiguous decisions!
just for fun :
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Narrative and Story Development
Narrative construction in Apocalypse Lovers is progressing steadily, with particular attention to our main female character. Her journey is at the heart of the experience, and I'm crafting key scenes to enrich her story. Currently, I'm working on two captivating scenes: "The Chocolate and the Mouse" and "Girlfriend pretending." Without revealing too much, these scenes are designed to add layers of complexity and depth to the character. "The Chocolate and the Mouse" explores the simpler aspects of taste and phobia, while "Girlfriend Pretending" delves into relationship dynamics, offering a blend of tension and tenderness. These moments are crucial for weaving a rich and immersive story, where each player choice shapes not only the future of the main female character but also the entire universe of Apocalypse Lovers.
Technical and Audio/Visual Quality
Behind the scenes, a technical revolution is still underway in Apocalypse Lovers, with a full-scale technical overhaul in progress. With the help of a comrade, I'm refining 3D environments, visual and audio effects to achieve a rendering that immerses you even deeper in this post-apocalyptic world where every detail matters. It's a demanding but exciting process where I'm still learning a lot. Lighting and contrasts are rethought to enhance each scene, particularly the interaction screens, ensuring enjoyable gameplay and total immersion. It's a long-term effort, but the game is worth the candle. Prepare for an Apocalypse Lovers experience like never before!
Prospecting and Implementing New Tools
1) Switching from Atom to Visual Studio Code
In our constant quest to improve Apocalypse Lovers, I've made a significant change in our development tools. Heeding my coder's advice, I've switched from the Atom code editor to Visual Studio Code. This transition is substantial: Visual Studio Code not only offers a more robust and supported platform but also better integration for efficient collaboration. This change signifies our commitment to staying on the cutting edge and optimizing our workflow. It's a step toward more agile development and an even more refined final product.
2) Enhancements with Daz 3D
I've also reinforced my commitment to Daz 3D, a central tool in creating our 3D environments and models. Recently, I undertook a major reorganization of folders and added numerous features to the software, making it more intuitive and effective. In my quest to bring Apocalypse Lovers to life, I've made a surprising breakthrough: hyper-realistic simulation of mouse fur! Yes, you read that right. Our post-apocalyptic world will be enriched with rodents so detailed you can almost feel them shiver. It might be a tiny detail, but in Apocalypse Lovers, even a mouse deserves its moment of glory! ️
3) The AI Odyssey
Exploring artificial intelligence (AI) is my latest big endeavor. Given their growing popularity, I didn't want to fall behind. AIs offer undeniable benefits, especially for spelling, grammar, and translation, essential for me as I work in English, which is not my native language. I also created, for testing purposes, the photo of the young geek coding on his laptop in the bathroom that you saw at the beginning of this article.
However, I've had, and maybe still have, some reservations, particularly regarding creative writing and their content policies.
Working with mainstream AIs on NSFW content has been a different ball game. I've encountered frustrating content restrictions, feeling like I'm navigating a labyrinth of often absurd constraints.
These AIs seem concocted in a secret lab to create the ultimate guardian of virtue. Working with them on hot content? A real obstacle course! It's like working with an autistic child who would be the product of an improbable union between a hardcore feminist activist and an old, paternalistic, moralizing catholic priest.
I had to employ subterfuge, outsmarting their restrictions with devilish cunning, pushing the AIs to their limits to make them yield. A battle of wits, a dance of words, where each obtained vulgarity is a victory that allows scraping a few crumbs of realism.
I don't know about you, but I find this rigidity staggering and the lack of boldness disheartening. A true affront to creativity!
If you want to check some funny AI stuff I've experienced:
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you can see a simple and basic refusal.
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you can see some jailbreak try to make it comply to my will.
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you can see a succesfully written erotic scene I force it to creat.
Conclusion
In short, I've done my homework and even more, and now I'm trying to use all that tools efficiently when I manage to found the time to keep working on the game as hard as I can.
As I juggle the job that fills my pot and the passionate development of Apocalypse Lovers, which adds some peanuts to my plate, I strive not to disappoint you. This challenge is a test at every moment, but your support and enthusiasm for the game give me the energy to continue. Every day, I commit a bit more to this adventure, to offer you an ever richer and more immersive post-apocalyptic world. So, hold on, because what's coming promises to be even crazier!
See you soon for new adventures in the heart of Apocalypse Lovers!