VN Ren'Py Halfway House [Ep.11 - Bonus 7-9] [Az]

4.20 star(s) 191 Votes
Discussion Reviews (191)
colobancuz

colobancuz

Well-Known Member
Respected User
Aug 11, 2019
1,008
2,558
387
#1 Cheek Clapper said:
Every so often I check to see if lAZy still has his thumb up his ass. But these Patreon comments killed me.
You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.
Click to expand...
And yet somehow this bonus 9 was not valued. A few potrons increased the payment and then decreased it again. At the same time, the trend to reduce the number of patrons continues.
изображение_2025-04-08_082535890.png
Last time the publication of bunus caused a rapid increase.
изображение_2025-04-08_083050082.png
 
  • Like
  • Thinking Face
  • Sad
Reactions: Trminator, Artispain4, Shadows88 and 1 other person
Andolt

Andolt

Member
Nov 16, 2020
100
89
162
colobancuz said:
And yet somehow this bonus 9 was not valued. A few potrons increased the payment and then decreased it again. At the same time, the trend to reduce the number of patrons continues.
View attachment 4725005
Last time the publication of bunus caused a rapid increase.
View attachment 4725011
Click to expand...
Still it's huge money for doing nothing. Even if he will not release update for next 2 years income still be ~500-700$. And AZ understand that as well. So only thing for us is to wait. But not in case that we are expecting anything. If it will be released it's ok. If not also ok.
Only thing that i didn't understand it's how it's still so much patrons... They either dumb or it's just bots with a lot of money
 
  • Like
Reactions: kakademon, Trminator, Artispain4 and 6 others
colobancuz

colobancuz

Well-Known Member
Respected User
Aug 11, 2019
1,008
2,558
387
Andolt said:
Still it's huge money for doing nothing. Even if he will not release update for next 2 years income still be ~500-700$. And AZ understand that as well. So only thing for us is to wait. But not in case that we are expecting anything. If it will be released it's ok. If not also ok.
Only thing that i didn't understand it's how it's still so much patrons... They either dumb or it's just bots with a lot of money
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, you are absolutely right. I just hope that the bonus debacle will make him concentrate on the game. We'll see.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MakkAnzy
MakkAnzy

MakkAnzy

Maverick
Donor
Jun 20, 2024
113
260
130
colobancuz said:
Unfortunately, you are absolutely right. I just hope that the bonus debacle will make him concentrate on the game. We'll see.
Click to expand...
Thankfully, AZ already said that he is focused on working on the next game update now that B9 is done. That said, I fully expect him to do a B10 after the next game episode is released. I'm not sure if these numbers are enough to sway him otherwise. I think if the finances dry up it is more likely that he would abandon the game all together than to change his ways.

I think he had mentioned somewhere that making the bonus stuff helps him in his process of making the game itself and keeps him interested. Often times he would be alternating work on both things at the same period of time but focus on one more than the other, even if he doesn't dev log on both. You could say that the switch back and forth is part of his process to keep things fresh I guess...

I'm not saying I like it, and I'm not sure how that would work tbh. But it is what it is. All we can do from here is wait and see.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Encryptment and colobancuz
wr5109144

wr5109144

Newbie
Jan 8, 2024
62
38
95
MakkAnzy said:
Thankfully, AZ already said that he is focused on working on the next game update now that B9 is done. That said, I fully expect him to do a B10 after the next game episode is released. I'm not sure if these numbers are enough to sway him otherwise. I think if the finances dry up it is more likely that he would abandon the game all together than to change his ways.

I think he had mentioned somewhere that making the bonus stuff helps him in his process of making the game itself and keeps him interested. Often times he would be alternating work on both things at the same period of time but focus on one more than the other, even if he doesn't dev log on both. You could say that the switch back and forth is part of his process to keep things fresh I guess...

I'm not saying I like it, and I'm not sure how that would work tbh. But it is what it is. All we can do from here is wait and see.
Click to expand...
This is a simple matter of logic, the funding dried up because of the author's own attitude problems, not the problem of supporters, if his game is well made, and the story is compelling enough, I believe that the support of his people will be more and more, rather than his current bad, almost 10 months. The author only updated the so-called bonus content (500CG) and the main story did not move at all, please, people are more concerned about the story progress of the entire game, not about your fucking bonus content, backers paid 10 months, you told everyone "I haven't started the main story"? It's like when you work for your boss and your boss pays you, but you don't fulfill your assigned tasks for 10 months in a row, and then the boss lowers your salary, and you complain that you are running out of money. Always remember that money will not automatically fall into your pocket, if the author still maintains this attitude, the game is broken more it is broken, there are many games, not only this one, want to threaten everyone, at least I am not afraid.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Artispain4, Wildehilde and colobancuz
yossa999

yossa999

Engaged Member
Dec 5, 2020
3,628
24,234
669
wr5109144 said:
It's like when you work for your boss and your boss pays you, but you don't fulfill your assigned tasks for 10 months in a row, and then the boss lowers your salary, and you complain that you are running out of money.
Click to expand...
A very good metaphor, but it's a pity that it's incorrect. Patronage doesn't work that way.

You're not hiring a shit. You're helping the developer with your money in developing of THEIR project, but there are no obligations other than what's written in the support tier. So yeah, if you're not given a green color on Discord and access to a "mega-secret-chat-only-for-supporters" or a link to the game a week before the public release, or a custom render per month, or whatever shit is promised in benefiets of the support tier - you can say the developer is violating some obligations they made. You have the full right to file a complaint on P-n that the creator is not delivering benefiets they promised and ask for a refund from the dev. And even then there's no guarantee they'll accept the refund. At least P-n says so straight out, they don't interfere with it, these funny guys.
Creators are responsible for benefits and content distribution. While it is discouraged, it does not violate our terms if a creator doesn't deliver expected benefits
Click to expand...
Other than that, the developer does not owe anything to you or any other backer for their support, unless you have some personal agreement. Yeah, it's a leap of faith.

Even this forum has a section where animators, 3dcg artists, writers and other people offer their services in game developement. Just out of curiosity, ask how much they charge for their work. I assure you, nothing close to your average monthly fee of $3-5 for an average patreon project. Heck, even a custom render where your favorite character from your favorite game is living out your wet dream that I won't comment on because of the no kink shaming rule - you'll probably pay $20-50 for comissioning one fucking custom render. Or up to 100$ for a series of 2-5 renders, and that's with a discount.

So no, the dev doesn't work for you because you donate them on P-n, you help them with your donations because you like what they do and want to contribute to their project so it can come to life. But no, because you paid for a P-n subscription, you don't automatically get to decide how often updates come out, how long they should be, or what content they should contain. Unless the developer allows you to.
 
  • Like
  • Disagree
Reactions: evileeyore, MakkAnzy and Wildehilde
El_Magnifico

El_Magnifico

Engaged Member
Sep 26, 2023
2,067
10,151
646
yossa999 said:
A very good metaphor, but it's a pity that it's incorrect. Patronage doesn't work that way.
Click to expand...
That's exactly why the patronage system is totally abusive and more beneficial for developpers than fans. The same fans making these projects possible with their donations. It allows Dev like AZ to keep making more and more delays, more and more excuses, more and more lies, for unfinished products with zero obligations or legal recourse. It's even more laughable once you realize than cumulate costs for all the updates released on patreon are always far superior than the price of the game/season once released on steam.

Furthermore, the same people claiming plegdes aren't forced to support those games and can cancel their subscription anytime they want are usually often the same people complaining that small developpers don't get enough support or don't pay shit but are more than happy to see other people paying for all these dev logs, previews or updates.

It's a good thing that this website exists. It's maybe a pirate site but it also serve as a countervailing power for lazy and dishonest developpers using and abusing a system with no legal or contractual obligations.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Artispain4, karumi56 and Wildehilde
yossa999

yossa999

Engaged Member
Dec 5, 2020
3,628
24,234
669
The Krogan Dude said:
That's exactly why the patronage system is totally abusive and more beneficial for developpers than fans. The same fans making these projects possible with their donations. It allows Dev like AZ to keep making more and more delays, more and more excuses, more and more lies, for unfinished products with zero obligations or legal recourse. It's even more laughable once you realize than cumulate costs for all the updates released on patreon are always far superior than the price of the game/season once released on steam.
Click to expand...
Sounds quite weird to me.

If there is a developer who delays development, does something I don't like and makes up some kind of excuse and lies to their supporters, I can only see two reasons why I would still donate to them.
First - I just don't care about my money, I'm too lazy to click the "unsubscribe" button on this developer's page.
Second - I don't think the developer is intentionally delaying anything, that they are making excuses or lying or anything like that, which you mentioned. I think the work of this developer is worth the money I donate to them.

I don't think there is any abuse from the patronage system. I read and agreed to the terms of the platform when I signed up. I chose to support a particular developer for reasons that I have, and I voluntarily donated to them from my own pocket. I can cancel my subscription at any time. If I don't, it's for one of the two reasons I listed above.

I don't see how the opinions of f95, Reddit, X, Twitter, or the Nirvana fan community matter in this process.
The Krogan Dude said:
Furthermore, the same people claiming plegdes aren't forced to support those games and can cancel their subscription anytime they want are usually often the same people complaining that small developpers don't get enough support or don't pay shit but are more than happy to see other people paying for all these dev logs, previews or updates.
Click to expand...
In any thread of any game there are people who claim that game is underrated and needs more support as well as those who claim the game is shittiest shit in ages. People have different tastes and opinions and some of them back their opinions with their donations. Why is this so upsets you?

And frankly, all the support most developers get is just bread crumbs from the table of maybe a dozen big whales in the AVN niche. What about this inequality and unfairness, do you plan to fight it?
The Krogan Dude said:
It's a good thing that this website exists. It's maybe a pirate site but it also serve as a countervailing power for lazy and dishonest developpers using and abusing a system with no legal or contractual obligations.
Click to expand...
I absolutely agree, some developers even want money for a pig in a poke, I don't know the developer or have seen even a demo of his game but I already have to pay on steam for early access.

On the other hand, when I go to the grocery store, for some reason they don't let me try ice cream and I have to pay for it first and only then can I eat it. What if I don't like it? What if there are not real kiwi pieces in there but a cheap flavor additive? But this is an abusive system, what can I do? :KEK:

Anyway, this site is a great place to find out relatively independent opinions of other users about a game or its developer, take your own test drive and then decide whether it is worth supporting the developer with your money. I think if after this some people still support Az (or any other developer that majority don't like here), maybe they have reasons for it that don't concern others.
 
  • Disagree
  • Like
Reactions: evileeyore and Wildehilde
El_Magnifico

El_Magnifico

Engaged Member
Sep 26, 2023
2,067
10,151
646
yossa999 said:
Sounds quite weird to me.

If there is a developer who delays development, does something I don't like and makes up some kind of excuse and lies to their supporters, I can only see two reasons why I would still donate to them.
Click to expand...
It's speaking like some people weren't guillible or couldn't be fooled by a dev who misses the delay he himself fixes. Or like the dev can't lie about his situation.

yossa999 said:
First - I just don't care about my money, I'm too lazy to click the "unsubscribe" button on this developer's page.
Click to expand...
Since the payment is immediate, the money is still lost.

yossa999 said:
Second - I don't think the developer is intentionally delaying anything, that they are making excuses or lying or anything like that, which you mentioned.
Click to expand...
Actions speak louder than words. Here we have a developper who barely communicate, keep delaying further, distanced himself from his audience and became less and less productive despite his growing support. It's a prime example of an individual with low work ethic but judging by the rest of your post it's clearly something you don't aknowledge. You'd rather put all the responsabilities on the pledges. And don't be mistaken they have a consequent part of responsability for sure, it's their own money but it doesn't change nor excuse the behavior of the developpers.


yossa999 said:
I don't think there is any abuse from the patronage system.
Click to expand...
Then you're naive.

yossa999 said:
I read and agreed to the terms of the platform when I signed up. I chose to support a particular developer for reasons that I have, and I voluntarily donated to them from my own pocket. I can cancel my subscription at any time. If I don't, it's for one of the two reasons I listed above.
Click to expand...
I could be mistaken but I'm quite sure you're not supporting anyone neither you ever did. Firstly, no most people don't read all the terms of all plateforms they've been on. Just here for example, it's more than obvious than most people have never read the rules of this site. Just like most people don't read most term when they're downloading a new software or an update or a buying a new streaming service. Obviously the world would be a better place it it was the case but it isn't. Your hypothetical take is just a vivide picture.


yossa999 said:
I don't see how the opinions of f95, Reddit, X, Twitter, or the Nirvana fan community matter in this process.
Click to expand...
It matters because all those place you mention can be use ( and are used ) as a way to promote the game, are spaces of discussion related to the game and also a tool for the dev to communicate. It's usually how the fanbase get to know the game in the first place. As developpers, it's part of their job to deal with those medias and community, as a fan or a potential supporter it's here that you're the waters.

yossa999 said:
In any thread of any game there are people who claim that game is underrated and needs more support as well as those who claim the game is shittiest shit in ages. People have different tastes and opinions and some of them back their opinions with their donations. Why is this so upsets you?
Click to expand...
I should ask you the same question. I saw you pestering a few weeks ago because you were upset than my commissions with BDC were that expensive while other devs you liked were struggling with few support. Why is this so upsets you ? Why do you feel the need to correct every saying or statment written by other users when they pointed out they don't appreciate how AZ is working ? Not your money, not your problem. :unsure:

I have to agree with ItNotUs, it seems that you are not interested in games as a whole, you are more interested in waiting for years and scolding those who have a different-critical opinion on this matter. You are more interested in the chat rather than in the games on the forum. That's you call of course but the problem is that I just like other people have a different opinion on the matter and we won't shut up because you fail to see how the patreon system isn't favorable for players.


yossa999 said:
And frankly, all the support most developers get is just bread crumbs from the table of maybe a dozen big whales in the AVN niche. What about this inequality and unfairness, do you plan to fight it?
Click to expand...
Here you're being even more naive. There's no inequality and unfairness at all. There's nothing to fight. The unsuccesful developpers you mention are just not good enough. They failed to attract the attention of a larger audience. They failed to assemble a large community, they failed to be more attractive on the market. They failed to please the expectation that most AVNs players have. That's how business and competition work. Where is it written that it should be fair ? Not everybody can reach sucess, that's how it is. For games and every other markets. Funny, you don't point out that the developper are the one to blame for their own lack of success or their inability to stand out while you're the first to blame the pledges for the way they spend their money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Trminator, Artispain4 and Wildehilde
Draim

Draim

Engaged Member
Jun 10, 2022
2,711
7,745
589
I accidentally came to the conclusion that Officer Monroe could handle the girls in the Game better than the young MC. I wish I could play for him.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MakkAnzy
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
4.20 star(s) 191 Votes