VN Ren'Py Completed Confusion [v1.0.1] [AVNSnax]

[random2203]

imma repost my review here , as my first comment on this website but :

This game is topnotch, the angst, the story behind it, the growth, the pain that alex has to go to is for all of us to feel, and no human can't just empathize with her.
I loved it, the characters (besides kevin who's face i've seen once too many time fully zoomed on my screen) are likable, or hatable, but memorable and you easily get attached to them.
My only negative feeling about the game is that it ends way too quickly and the jump to the future happens out of the blue, maybe it's just me but i wish the game went on for a little bit longer and had a little bit more to it, and i truly hope one day you get the time to fill the20 years gap or explore other characters !
Wish you luck for your future projects !

 

[dreddhead]

imma repost my review here , as my first comment on this website but :

This game is topnotch, the angst, the story behind it, the growth, the pain that alex has to go to is for all of us to feel, and no human can't just empathize with her.
I loved it, the characters (besides kevin who's face i've seen once too many time fully zoomed on my screen) are likable, or hatable, but memorable and you easily get attached to them.
My only negative feeling about the game is that it ends way too quickly and the jump to the future happens out of the blue, maybe it's just me but i wish the game went on for a little bit longer and had a little bit more to it, and i truly hope one day you get the time to fill the20 years gap or explore other characters !
Wish you luck for your future projects !

'Future projects' are already here - https://f95zone.to/threads/university-trans-fer-v0-1-1-avnsnax.276431/

 

[random2203]

'Future projects' are already here - https://f95zone.to/threads/university-trans-fer-v0-1-1-avnsnax.276431/

gonna support and play it , good devs deserve the recognition ! finding a game that's a good balance between sexual scene and actual story is a gem, i loved this one, wish the same for the next, and once again, hope somewhere down the line to see more of Alex and the fam

 

[AVNSnax]

My only negative feeling about the game is that it ends way too quickly and the jump to the future happens out of the blue, maybe it's just me but i wish the game went on for a little bit longer and had a little bit more to it, and i truly hope one day you get the time to fill the20 years gap or explore other characters !

I can see why you would say that. Confusion started out as a short story written during the pandemic, then an attempt at a Twine version, before settling on its current form. Basically, it's a "the summer I came alive" kinda deal. And without knowing any better, I started implementing it in Ren'Py as a kinetic novel. The interactivity started out as an aside, without any real effect except to give the player some agency, before I realized that I needed to think it through a lot more as a story driving device. The story always had 10 chapters and ended where chapter 10 ended. The point was it ended when Kevin and Jordan were dealt with, and the summer was over. I added the Epilogue to the last chapter to put a bow on the story.

If I had to guess, most games here are created pantser style. That is, "seat of the pants." Like I've always said, it's easy to come up with a premise. That's why there are so many "demos" here that never go anywhere. It's harder to evolve that premise over time if you haven't thought about plotlines or story goals. I've seen so many games that just kind of give up after a while, because while the author claims "they're burnt out," when in reality what they mean is "I can't figure out how to end this thing." Or, some games just go on and on forever because the dev doesn't want to give up that sweet, sweet patronage money without a sure hit to follow.

The story for my new project, University Trans-fer, was fleshed out from the start. I know where all the cliffhangers and plot twists are going to go. And I wrote it from the start with interactivity and multiple paths in mind. It'll be a bit longer than Confusion in that it covers the MC's four years away at school, but not that much longer. I'm not trying to create never-ending soap operas; I want them to be wholly-contained, satisfying experiences. If Confusion was a short story, then UT is a novella.

Thanks for the kind words, by the way! That kind of feedback makes my day!

 

[random2203]

I can see why you would say that. Confusion started out as a short story written during the pandemic, then an attempt at a Twine version, before settling on its current form. Basically, it's a "the summer I came alive" kinda deal. And without knowing any better, I started implementing it in Ren'Py as a kinetic novel. The interactivity started out as an aside, without any real effect except to give the player some agency, before I realized that I needed to think it through a lot more as a story driving device. The story always had 10 chapters and ended where chapter 10 ended. The point was it ended when Kevin and Jordan were dealt with, and the summer was over. I added the Epilogue to the last chapter to put a bow on the story.

If I had to guess, most games here are created pantser style. That is, "seat of the pants." Like I've always said, it's easy to come up with a premise. That's why there are so many "demos" here that never go anywhere. It's harder to evolve that premise over time if you haven't thought about plotlines or story goals. I've seen so many games that just kind of give up after a while, because while the author claims "they're burnt out," when in reality what they mean is "I can't figure out how to end this thing." Or, some games just go on and on forever because the dev doesn't want to give up that sweet, sweet patronage money without a sure hit to follow.

The story for my new project, University Trans-fer, was fleshed out from the start. I know where all the cliffhangers and plot twists are going to go. And I wrote it from the start with interactivity and multiple paths in mind. It'll be a bit longer than Confusion in that it covers the MC's four years away at school, but not that much longer. I'm not trying to create never-ending soap operas; I want them to be wholly-contained, satisfying experiences. If Confusion was a short story, then UT is a novella.

Thanks for the kind words, by the way! That kind of feedback makes my day!

Like i said, i truly loved it, and got attached (maybe overly attached) to the characters, i last had this with Life Is Strange, where i wanted to see htem grow, succeed and whatnot !
I tried and really liked where UT is going, but a part of me still want more for confusion's cast, Becca's relationship with Glenn, Glenn's healing, Ellie's Redemption arc (and cuddles with her and alex) and way more, i hope one day you go back to them or have an extended universe , but if not, i'll keep my self-made head-fanfics to me and support you and UT and any and all other games you make cuz you put stories that are realistic, and it's good to see trans women instead of "futa born like that with giga shlongs)
Just keep ugly characters grimacing away from my full screens pls

 

[kokolores]

Hi, i wanted to patch the 1.0.1 Version with tha available patch confusion-v1.0-patch. I dropped the patch in the game folder. Normally i can see in other games on startscreen "patched" or similar. How can i be sure that the game is patched correctly?

 

[AVNSnax]

It's subtle. In the lower left corner of the main menu:

 

[kokolores]

Thanks for quick Answer! Next Time i have to wear my glasses....

 

[damnedfrog]

It's subtle. In the lower left corner of the main menu:

View attachment 5475223

You have no pity for old farts with poor eyesight and slight colour blindness, do you?

Yes, I understand why in these times of prudish censorship, a such subject sensitive patch like that needs to be subtle.

 

[AVNSnax]

You have no pity for old farts with poor eyesight and slight colour blindness, do you?

Yes, I understand why in these times of prudish censorship, a such subject sensitive patch like that needs to be subtle.

Long story short, the dev that actually wrote the patch didn't have a way to test if it had loaded properly, so I added the code quickly, sight-unseen. If it didn't work, I didn't want my fuckup to be broadcast with a large neon arrow.

UT has a proper extension mechanism built into it now, so any applied will be listed in the Settings screen. It's how patches and DLCs will be installed.

 

[Kayedaenby]

A cool but intense story, worth holding on for her happy ending

 

[AVNSnax]

I've been working on the Steam version of Confusion for almost six months now. It's gone through several iterations involving changing my website because it featured pointers to other sites like itch.io, modifying the game to add Steam features, suggested adjustments to dialogue--only to have it permanently banned from Steam.

I was honest and upfront about the content that caused Confusion - SE to be banned, explaining context and providing enough backdoor tools for reviewers to review the questionable scenes in context. Nope. Banned permanently. I lost all of that time and effort, not to mention the fees I paid to Steam to be considered in the first place. To say I'm disappointed is a gross understatement.

Hello,
After review, we will not be able to ship your game Confusion - Steam Edition on Steam. While we strive to ship most titles submitted to us, we found that this title features themes, imagery or descriptions that we won’t distribute.

Regardless of a developer's intentions with their product, we will not distribute content that appears, in our judgment, to depict sexual conduct involving a minor.

While every product submitted is unique, if your product features this representation—even in a subtle way that could be defined as a "grey area"—it will be rejected by Steam.

For instance, setting your game in a high-school but declaring your characters are of legal age would fall into that category and be banned.

This app has been banned and cannot be reused. Re-submissions of this app, even with modifications, will not be accepted.

Steam Support

 

[damnedfrog]

I've been working on the Steam version of Confusion for almost six months now. It's gone through several iterations involving changing my website because it featured pointers to other sites like itch.io, modifying the game to add Steam features, suggested adjustments to dialogue--only to have it permanently banned from Steam.

I was honest and upfront about the content that caused Confusion - SE to be banned, explaining context and providing enough backdoor tools for reviewers to review the questionable scenes in context. Nope. Banned permanently. I lost all of that time and effort, not to mention the fees I paid to Steam to be considered in the first place. To say I'm disappointed is a gross understatement.

AVN acceptance by Steam seems very random .
I know a couple of dev who try their luck on GOG. Perhaps you could try here too? Sure that platform hasn't the same visibility and impact than Steam, but it's still better than nothing.

Perhaps you will get a better chance with University Trans-fer?
At least, there should be no issue with the characters age.

 

[AVNSnax]

AVN acceptance by Steam seems very random .

I agree. I look at some titles like Fetish Locator and shake my head. Or any number of anime-inspired AVNs where the "over 18" characters are obviously all drawn to look underage.

I know a couple of dev who try their luck on GOG. Perhaps you could try here too? Sure that platform hasn't the same visibility and impact than Steam, but it's still better than nothing.

It's a signal-to-noise ratio thing with GOG. I originally intended to start there, and branch to Steam afterwards. But GOG doesn't promote adult titles like Steam (would have) and devs report an order of magnitude less revenue.

Perhaps you will get a better chance with University Trans-fer?
At least, there should be no issue with the characters age.

Perhaps. Steam won't say directly, but I believe what got Confusion banned wasn't the most obvious bits, but more the fact that an underage character received gender-affirming care. What, with our whole Gestapo life nowadays. I had written a couple of flashback scenes in University Trans-fer that I'm going to have to re-evaluate now. Sigh.

 

[FatGiant]

From what I've been hearing from several Dev's, no personal experience, what Steam draws a line on is anyone underage in any type of story that has adult themes. That the child is not even part of those scenes seems irrelevant.

I remember one Dev getting banned because there was a birth in the story and the baby was shown, clothed and briefly. Another where a flashback included childhood scenes.

What seems to be the consistent theme, is the presence of depictions of children in Adult games. Not even in posters, photos, background, anywhere... The closer to real the images are the worst.

It is an extreme stance, it is. But they are consistent with that.

Good wishes for whatever else you try Dev.

Peace

 

[AVNSnax]

From what I've been hearing from several Dev's, no personal experience, what Steam draws a line on is anyone underage in any type of story that has adult themes. That the child is not even part of those scenes seems irrelevant.

I remember one Dev getting banned because there was a birth in the story and the baby was shown, clothed and briefly. Another where a flashback included childhood scenes.

What seems to be the consistent theme, is the presence of depictions of children in Adult games. Not even in posters, photos, background, anywhere... The closer to real the images are the worst.

It is an extreme stance, it is. But they are consistent with that.

Good wishes for whatever else you try Dev.

Peace

Steam changed the rules after Confusion was all but completed, and the fact that they jerked me around for months on ancilliary issues having nothing to do with the story (like, not accepting my

You must be registered to see the links

website as a landing page because it featured a link to University Trans-fer's

You must be registered to see the links

webpage), pushing me to add Steam-centric features like achievements, etc. just makes it harder to accept.

I followed their rules to the letter, but it's still dependent on the discretion of whatever reviewer ends up with the job. If the response had been: remove A, B, and C and resubmit, then everything would be fine. But the permanent ban is the hardest pill to swallow, especially after years of work put into it. Especially when I've been counting on, and need the income.

 

[GokutheG]

Steam changed the rules after Confusion was all but completed, and the fact that they jerked me around for months on ancilliary issues having nothing to do with the story (like, not accepting my

You must be registered to see the links

website as a landing page because it featured a link to University Trans-fer's

You must be registered to see the links

webpage), pushing me to add Steam-centric features like achievements, etc. just makes it harder to accept.

I followed their rules to the letter, but it's still dependent on the discretion of whatever reviewer ends up with the job. If the response had been: remove A, B, and C and resubmit, then everything would be fine. But the permanent ban is the hardest pill to swallow, especially after years of work put into it. Especially when I've been counting on, and need the income.

I fucking hate that the CC companies can dictate what content you can/can't buy or sell.

 

[Knight_of_the_lance]

There is this example of a puzzle game showing how ridiculous their rule about children in adult games can be. Imagine two parents (their gender doesn't matter but let's make them a man and woman to make sure it's only about the children's appearance) with child(s). The puzzle consist in making sure the children are not aware or not interrupting the parents private "exercises" which would trigger a puzzle fail state. .... Yeah no wonder I never seen a game like that on Steam. It depict and gamify an aspect of life that is so mundane and common that it must show those moderators the stupidity of their rules when it comes to storytelling.

In my example blur the children and make them simple blobs and the puzzle wont make as much sens or cut back the reward, the sex scene, and the game would loose its meaning.

You are not the first game dev I've seen that got its submission rejected by steam that needed the help from the revenue source. Gog is an alternative but not the panacea, until our governments tackle the problem of the big tech monopolies, CC included, we will all suffer from it. We must find a way to fight back in more ways than one.

 

[AVNSnax]

You are not the first game dev I've seen that got its submission rejected by steam that needed the help from the revenue source. Gog is an alternative but not the panacea, until our governments tackle the problem of the big tech monopolies, CC included, we will all suffer from it. We must find a way to fight back in more ways than one.

Yeah. I looked at GOG and tried to calculate the ROI on modding the game, yet again, to work on another distribution site. It doesn't make sense for the minimal sales it would produce. Confusion is a coming-of-age story. The MC loses a lot of their character development if I can't actually, you know, talk about what happened in their past that made them who they currently are. And if they're barely out of their teenage years, there's not a lot of "adult" past time to look back on.

Plus, a year ago this wouldn't have been an issue. It's not like I was out to foist off "Loli Incest Hooker Rapists" to sneak it past their censors. My biggest mistake was being honest about the content, like they demand in their docs. Live and learn.

What bothered me most of all was the complete icing out by Steam instead of collaborating on exactly what the problems are and what it would take to alleviate them. I guess they can't afford the personnel to work with content creators much like editors at a more traditional publisher would. It's easier for them to just say "Forbidden item? Tick. Permanently banned." I guess my next title should be Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm where the 40-year old Rebecca merely has a fleeting, impure thought.

I don't know what I'm going to do with the Steam version yet. I asked my patrons to advise me on possible paths going forward. It has a number of features not found in the 1.0.1 release, like a special 4K gallery, achievements, and character profiles, as well as one new and one extended scene, both featuring trans/male interactions. A lot of work and testing went into it, not to mention the hoops Steam made me jump through to set up a store page and test all Steam-specific features before they would even deign to review the game. And ultimately ban it.