The Patreon code currently grants access to ONE bonus scene that has no impact on the plot of the story.
Without it, you can still play the entire story for free.
I intend to add a special scene every 4-5 updates, and they will also have no effect on the story.
If you think it's a bad promotional strategy, it's ok. I don't understand why it should be seen as a negative thing, but I also don't understand NTR hatred, and it's everywhere, so you could be right.
Well, 1stly, it's not a very effective wall.
I may edit after I see the script, but usually any code or similar is useless once you can see the script. [Edit: Yup, you can edit farm_dream.rpy, you can use console to go to xxxx_xxxxx_premium directly, you can use console to enable premium, you can peek code to get the code(starts with 3), etc.]
There's encryption, but why bother locking out modders for a single scene?
It's better to use the loadable command, or make it a little rpa not included in the main game. But that doesn't address the 2nd problem.
2nd problem: Image. Patreon started & continues as a donation/support type platform. Many prefer the "play/test/experience 1st & then support, to the best of your abilities" model to greedy corporations (a stretch, but basically true in essence)
A paywall will always be hated in this environment. Regardless of how little is behind it (you cannot see beyond the wall to judge afterall)
So by putting one for such a small content is just really bad strategy. You got labeled as a paywall guy, but there's not much behind the wall to incentivise people anyway. But if you increase the locked content, that also leads to negative image.
Basically locking extra content for supporters is basically a lose-lose situation.
Doesn't help that the paywall screen was poorly executed in the middle of the story. Similar locks would give less negative feedback if it was in the galley or something. Like if you need password to unlock gallery slots which contains bonus scenes or renders, I've seen other games do that.
Heres some other ways to incentivise patreons without being labelled(subconsciously, by association) a greedy paywall guy:
1: Polls - the best strategy imo. Let supporters vote to decide which content(girl/kink) gets prioritised in the next update. You can further incentivise them by giving more votes per tier (5$=1vote, $10=2vote, & so on), letting them have a say in the future of the game.
They feel involved while everybody enjoys the game with no negative feelings.
2: Early Access/Delayed releases - You can give the game to your patreons 1 month before it is uploaded here (most pirates should respect delayed releases as long as it looks fair).
Think of it this way- instead of 1 special scene, the whole game is specially exclusive for your patreons for a month.
3: Extra renders & stuff. I don't get it, but ppl apparently like it. It's kinda like your scene, which isn't related to the plot/story & is just something extra. Only instead of putting it as a scene behind a pay-code-lock, it is released as renders in patreon posts.
4: there are other strategies like discord channel access, crediting in-game, etc. You can look around at other games.
Tl;Dr - Basically rule of thumb is to give extra to your patreons without denying anything from non patreon players. Basically always a + & never a - will reflect in ppl's eyes a +ve image.
It's more about feelings & association & image.
It's not logical after all, so 'it's only one scene which is not important' doesn't really matter if you are a 'greedy paywalling dev' (greedy is by being labelled/associated with paywalls)
So basically give the extra scene to patreons, just don't paywall it in-game.
Anyway, that's my ramblings anyway. Feel free to manage your patreon however you like, I just said my understanding based on general idea of 'image' & strategies I've seen in different games.
Hope it helps, otherwise ignore it.
I'll maybe add some feedback once I try the game.
Nice little ride. I kinda enjoy games where you can deny other guys. Too bad Brad got some anyway due to plot requirements.
Noticed that taking the picture sets no flags, so idk how the next version will deal with the Liv talk.
Decent game overall
Good Luck
