VN Ren'Py Daily Challenges [v0.3.0] [TheAlex]

[Deleted member 6503042]

I did not create renpy games so what I say maybe a nonsense but I've worked on big projects and I think the most important part for it, is the planning part. I know for creative jobs like writing or problem solving like fixing a bug in software could be hard to estimate but planning should involve time planning too. How much time you can spend on it, how much time it needs etc. if something goes sideways that could effect this plan then explain that to people, if this happens a lot then the planning is wrong and needs fixing. Also, I think it needs rigid lines. Like this game involve these tags and definitely not gonna include these others then has to stick to it. Then, I think the stories has to be written before starting to create the game. No need to have all the lines maybe, but there should be a story from start to end and no matter what, devs should stick to that. When rereading, most of the time, you'd have new ideas but they have to be carefully judged to implement, if it takes the story too far from the end, then maybe it should not be there. Also, devs should be strict about the scope of the games. I have seen some devs go for huge branching through choices, sometimes branches even become separate games. Then it became almost impossible to handle. Like, they put 10 exclusive LIs then when they try to give time to each of them, updates became too small, or they switch LI per updates then some player won't have any playtime for 10 updates, which makes it at least over a year.

So I think the success in these depends on knowing how much effort one can put and very good planning. Also, I think any new dev should create a small kinetic novel before diving deep into choice based stories to know what they need to do for finishing a project from start to the very end.

When I say this, it seems so simple almost captain obvious meme worthy but many devs, even experienced ones, fall into this pit.

Btw, The_Alex I tried this one long ago and really liked it, I hope you will succeed.

 

[The_Alex]

Nothing to add there. Every single point is true and to be honest - I did half of them wrong. Where will the story lead to? I have no idea. I have a rough concept, really very rough, and I have some situations in my mind that I would like to realize. The story is just a way to lead to these single scenes. It took me too long to realize that this won't work.
Next up is time planning which you also described completely correct. And in the first four months I could keep up the pace. I'm a programmer IRL so I know what it takes to finish a project. What I could not foresee was the happening of several - let's say - not so good events that finally led to a RL job change in July (which I'm really happy with) but that took my focus away. And now I have no idea where to start. I startup Daz to finish the renders for the update - knowing in the back of my head that it would be better to write the story first und maybe redo the update or even the whole game. But that would take even longer - and we all know what happens to projects that focus on reworks, remasters, you name it.
And while I'm writing these lines it get's more and more clear that no matter what my decision will be - the most important step will be to make it finally.
So... if you could excuse me. I have work to do.

And thanks folks for your honest opinions, your tips and supporting words. That's really motivating!

 

[Mouseinfo]

Okay, I actually have to apologize. Patreon is not my main platform, and I haven't earned a single cent there yet because the billing method was set to “per update,” which I never triggered. I really didn't have that on my radar until now. But there's really no question of a “paywall.”
In addition, I had only posted the post I quoted myself (the one in which I advise against supporting the project at this time) on SS. My mistake as well.

I have deactivated the Patreon tiers with immediate effect. The only places where I continue to maintain the project are itch.io and SubscribeStar. On SubscribeStar, this post has been up since June 9, in which I clearly state that I cannot say when the next update will come. And the post has been readable by everyone from the very beginning.

So I'm sorry that this has created a false impression. I let people say a lot of things about me: that I'm lazy, that I have my priorities wrong, and even that I have no talent, but I definitely don't want anyone to think that I'm only interested in users' money. That has never been my intention, and it never will be.


There's no question that the last update was too long ago, and I'm the least happy about it. I hope that I'll be able to get the latest version online soon and, above all, that the update frequency will increase again at some point. And I hope that you'll stumble across this thread again and be happy to see a sign of life.

Like many others on here - I'm just some random guy on the internet. However, 95% of the player base for these games get them for free. I've thrown a few dollars at games that I genuinely enjoy but by in large I'm happy to be a freeloader. The challenge is that so many players think that devs "owe" it to them to put out content as soon as possible rather than understanding that for many devs this is a side passion project. When the passion runs out you stop contributing. Which makes a heck of a lot of sense why so many devs crash out and never finish games, because if I had a constant onslaught of complainers coming after me to finish stuff that I was doing in my spare time. I don't know if I would be really motivated to finish it.

There are exceptions, larger studios that have milked subscriber bases for every dollar they can, but for the vast majority of games its not the case.

The_Alex you should know that most of us are anxiously awaiting the next updates and simply hope that you continue the passion based the potential we see within your game. Take the time you need, but don't listen to the noise. Worst case you abandon, but even if you have to shorten the game and cut out some more world building to hit the main points, I'm sure we would still be happy for the most part.

 

[Ghost_B0y]

Alex, I think you should consider hiring a few people to help with this project. That way, it will be easier for you to release updates on time and with less stress. For example, take inspiration from the developer of A Wife and Mother (Lust & Passion). He has been working on his game for years, and I believe he’s not doing it alone—he has help, which allows him to keep progressing steadily.


If you bring in some extra hands, it will not only speed up development but also give you more freedom to manage your personal life without delaying the game. I understand that at first you might not get much financial return, but over time you’ll see real progress, and the game will grow stronger.


I really enjoy your game, Alex, and that’s why I’m always checking for updates. I’m sure many other fans feel the same way. Please try to push forward with the next release as soon as possible. Wishing you the best of luck—you’ve created something special, and I look forward to seeing what’s next! The_Alex

 

[The_Alex]

I don't think I'm ready to think about a team yet. That's something only “the others” ever do. Besides, I can't imagine that the game I want to make would come out of it.

But I'll think about it and maybe give the whole thing a chance. What's holding me back the most are the 3D scenes. If I could find someone to do that for me, someone who might even be better at it than I am (which isn't hard), that would certainly help me a lot.

On the other hand, that also means a lot of new risks. But none of them are so bad that it wouldn't be worth at least thinking about.

So thanks for the food for thought!

 

[Ghost_B0y]

The_Alex Thank you for the reply. I hope you’ll be able to find a good solution for where the story should lead. You could take inspiration from other games, mix those concepts with your own ideas, and see how the story develops.

For example, here’s a possible next scene: the brother, sister, and dad are on their way to the motel. On the road, the car gets a flat tire, and they talk about it before finally arriving at the motel. You could include a scene where they go to the reception desk, where a male clerk gives them a room for one night. The family goes upstairs, and in the room, different actions unfold. For instance, the sister takes a shower, and you could create a scene where the brother spies on her. Meanwhile, the dad is outside repairing the tire near the road. That could end the scene, or you could add more details.

Later, around midnight, the brother might ask his sister to go with him to the vending machine on the ground floor. Here you could involve the receptionist again—perhaps he helps with the vending machine, which then breaks down. He asks the sister to fetch some tools, and while she goes to look for them, the receptionist follows her. The brother watches this unfold, and you can create some tension from his perspective.

Alternatively, before the motel scene, maybe one of the brother’s friends appears on the road, and they give him a ride. That could lead to another scene as well.

some games to get concepts ideas for you -

1 - https://f95zone.to/threads/project-myriam-life-and-explorations-ch-end-00-p-zorlun.66806/
2 - https://f95zone.to/threads/a-wife-and-mother-p1-v0-152-lust-passion.5944/
3 - https://f95zone.to/threads/being-a-wife-v1-190-baap.116036/
4 - https://f95zone.to/threads/two-sides-redone-v40-redux-greonogames.184264/
5 - https://f95zone.to/threads/summer-story-v0-3-1-logo.73885/
6 - https://f95zone.to/threads/free-pass-v1-8-after-choices.77485/
7 - https://f95zone.to/threads/fate-and-life-the-mystery-of-vaulinhorn-ch-13-celestial-novel.127932/
8 - https://f95zone.to/threads/deadmoon-survival-v0-9-1-hot-tomato.97784/
9 - https://f95zone.to/threads/ms-denvers-v0-11-pop-toc.143472/

These are just some of my ideas, Alex. I don’t know if you’ll like them, but I thought I’d share something new—I haven’t seen this kind of story direction before.

Best of luck to you, Alex. I hope we can see the next update as soon as possible. If you can, maybe create a Discord server where you share updates about the game—like a dev log or something—so fans can easily follow what you’re working on.

 

[KiGa]

Well, that's a dev as he should be.
I like, that you were able to handle my criticism so well, even though it was sarcastic, I admit. But you still respond calmly and with self-reflection.
And ultimately, I'm here because I like the game.
So I wish you all the best in getting a new update up and running, and I'd be happy to support you a little from then on.
And yes, don't do a remake. I like your CG's and don't see a problem with them...

The_AlexIf you can, maybe create a Discord server where you share updates about the game

That's definitely a good idea

 

[mike087]

is abandoned?

 

[Ghost_B0y]

is abandoned?

Nope.

 

[Nitrox26]

Good morning
Discord link is dead..........

 

[The_Alex]

Thx for telling me!

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