VN Ren'Py Hardenville [v0.2.1] [JoyFI Games]

[rokocic]

Very nice start, dev. Can't wait for more.

 

[jhonatanw]

# Dev Log #5 | Episode 1

## Calling All Translators!
We're thrilled to announce that we're actively seeking translators from our community for multiple languages—a highly requested feature since the launch of The Prologue. With Hardenville, we are committed to enhancing the user experience and building a better Adult Visual Novel.

Our primary focus is on finding translators for the following languages:
- English (proofreading, minimizing grammar mistakes)
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Simplified Chinese
- Russian
- Secondary priorities include:
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Korean
- Japanese

Q: Who can apply as a translator for Hardenville?
A: Everyone!

Q: What experience do I need?
A: Mastery of the target language and a strong understanding of English.

Q: How can I apply?
A: Share a bit about yourself, the language you'd like to translate, and send us an email at contact@joyfigames.com

Q: How many will be selected?
A: We aim to have at least two individuals for each language.

Q: When will I know if I've been selected as a translator?
A: While we're prioritizing this process, it may take a few weeks. You'll receive a confirmation email promptly upon receiving your application.

Q: What happens if I get selected?
A: Once selected, you'll gain access to an exclusive Discord channel for all translators and another exclusive channel specifically for translators of the chosen language.

Q: What do I get in return?
A: Exclusive insights into Hardenville's development, early access to builds, and the highest tier on Discord, offering exclusive renders. In the coming months, we plan to extend additional perks such as Steam gift cards. It's important to note that, initially, translation of Hardenville is a community project, and the benefits are not comparable to a permanent translator position.

## New Equipment
After some time, we've received the majority of our PC parts for our second build, featuring a 14th gen i9, 128GB DDR5 RAM, 4TB of NVMe storage, and more. Unfortunately, the RTX 4090 I desire is still out of stock, leading me to temporarily borrow the RTX 3090 from my old rig. Despite having one PC rig to work on, it's already noticeably faster and smoother. The build took longer than expected, marking the first time in two or three years since the last rig.

## VR
Additionally, I've invested in the Meta Quest 3 to explore the potential of Hardenville in VR. While it's too early to promise anything, I'll dedicate time after Episode 1's release to assess the viability of a VR version. If feasible, it will be released at no extra cost as a separate installation due to potential huge file size. I aim to render in 8k for impressive VR quality, with hopes of supporting the same game saves.
However, we may be getting ahead of ourselves. I'll provide an update in a few weeks or months regarding VR support.

## New Website
I recently purchased the domains joyfigames.com and hardenville.com, completing the setup to look decent for now. Stay tuned for exciting plans for this website in the future.
Check out JoyFI Games – Creating Adult Visual Novels

## Progress on Episode 1
Since the start of January, progress on Episode 1 hasn't met my initial expectations due to multitasking and the challenge of perfecting certain scenes. Some days, rendering takes 1-2 hours, and on completion, I may need to redo them to meet my standards. This can be frustrating, and I understand it may be for you too. However, I'm pleased with the current look, and with the website and new rig set up, progress will be faster moving forward.

A burning question you likely have:
Q: Will Hardenville Episode 1 still be released in January?
A: Right now, all I can say is that I truly hope so. I understand your frustration for delays, and believe me, nobody dislikes them more than I do..

Spoiler

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[darlic]

How would VR work with a non-realtime 3D game?

 

[JoyFI Games]

How would VR work with a non-realtime 3D game?

Since I haven't focused much on VR development and haven't invested significant time in it yet, I will take more time to delve into this after Episode 1 is finished. The content will still consist of static renders and animations, similar to all other Adult Visual Novels like Hardenville. The static renders will likely be in 8k with a 360-degree view, providing a more immersive experience.

One challenge is that in the VR version, it would most likely need to be exclusively first-person, which differs from the normal desktop version of Hardenville that often switches from first to third person.

The dialogue text will either always be at the bottom center or at the bottom center while following your head movement. You will likely have the same HUD feel as non-VR, with the choice menu positioned in front of you at the bottom right corner for use with your motion controller.

The VR experience is intended for when you are either sitting or lying down, rather than engaging in highly active activities like Beat Saber, unless there are exclusive VR mini-games. As far as I know, there are very few Adult Visual Novel VR games available, and if I can integrate VR support into Hardenville, I believe the quality will be quite good.

Imagine MC dancing on the wedding dance floor with Hannah, and being able to see 360 degrees around to observe all the other characters as well.

 

[DanThaMan]

Since I haven't focused much on VR development and haven't invested significant time in it yet, I will take more time to delve into this after Episode 1 is finished. The content will still consist of static renders and animations, similar to all other Adult Visual Novels like Hardenville. The static renders will likely be in 8k with a 360-degree view, providing a more immersive experience.

One challenge is that in the VR version, it would most likely need to be exclusively first-person, which differs from the normal desktop version of Hardenville that often switches from first to third person.

The dialogue text will either always be at the bottom center or at the bottom center while following your head movement. You will likely have the same HUD feel as non-VR, with the choice menu positioned in front of you at the bottom right corner for use with your motion controller.

The VR experience is intended for when you are either sitting or lying down, rather than engaging in highly active activities like Beat Saber, unless there are exclusive VR mini-games. As far as I know, there are very few Adult Visual Novel VR games available, and if I can integrate VR support into Hardenville, I believe the quality will be quite good.

Imagine MC dancing on the wedding dance floor with Hannah, and being able to see 360 degrees around to observe all the other characters as well.

How is VR going to work with 2D static renders? With the headset on all you're going to be able to see is a still render. You can't exactly move around the scene unless they are full 3D models and environments, so 360 degree view won't work either.. Creating VR for this seems utterly pointless.

 

[JoyFI Games]

How is VR going to work with 2D static renders? With the headset on all you're going to be able to see is a still render. You can't exactly move around the scene unless they are full 3D models and environments, so 360 degree view won't work either.. Creating VR for this seems utterly pointless.

You're correct; there won't be full 3D models and environments like in traditional 360 3D VR games. However, the experience will be somewhat similar to a VR 180 Porn Video, but in 360. With each render and animation, you can look 360 degrees around with your head and use your VR controllers to navigate menus, choices, etc. If there is some freeroam, for example inside the home, it can be comparable to Google Maps where you can point at an arrow, and it drags you to the next image.

This is just an example of how the potential VR version might be.

I'm attaching an 8K 360 Spherical image for you to test for quality reference. I'm using Quest 3, and I can display the image in 360 by either downloading it directly or transferring it via USB. Then, open the Media App, select the image, and at the bottom right corner, there is an icon that says 2D. Click on it and select VR 360 (not VR 360 3D). Afterward, press the home button on the right Oculus controller to hide all UI.

Unfortunately, the image could not be uploaded and attached here, probably due to its size since it's a raw PNG file. However, I have made it possible to download it via my new website:

You must be registered to see the links

 

[DanThaMan]

You're correct; there won't be full 3D models and environments like in traditional 360 3D VR games. However, the experience will be somewhat similar to a VR 180 Porn Video, but in 360. With each render and animation, you can look 360 degrees around with your head and use your VR controllers to navigate menus, choices, etc. If there is some freeroam, for example inside the home, it can be comparable to Google Maps where you can point at an arrow, and it drags you to the next image.

This is just an example of how the potential VR version might be.

I'm attaching an 8K 360 Spherical image for you to test for quality reference. I'm using Oculus 3, and I can display the image in 360 by either downloading it directly or transferring it via USB. Then, open the Media App, select the image, and at the bottom right corner, there is an icon that says 2D. Click on it and select VR 360 (not VR 360 3D). Afterward, press the home button on the right Oculus controller to hide all UI.

Unfortunately, the image could not be uploaded and attached here, probably due to its size since it's a raw PNG file. However, I have made it possible to download it via my new website:

You must be registered to see the links

I see now.. So each render will have a full 360 environment so you can also actually see behind yourself when using the VR headset, damn.. that's so much more work and considering you obviously have to render in a much higher image resolution.. Good luck

 

[jhonatanw]

Dev Log #6 | Episode 1

## Change of Release
As mentioned before, and as saddened as I am to deliver the news, I will need to officially change the release for Episode 1 to February. I don't have a set day in February because I will release it as soon as it's done. That also means that the release for Episode 2 won't make it for Q1, but I'm hopeful for Episode 2 in early Q2, and Episode 3 for late Q2. Either way, I am committed to releasing 5 episodes this year as planned. Thanks for being patient with my first project.

## Sneak Peek for the Animations in the Intro for Episode 1
JoyFI Games has just launched a YouTube channel, and we've uploaded a sneak peek for the intro of the next release for you. For these few seconds of animations, it has around 400-450 renders combined to create a 4K 30 fps animation.

You must be registered to see the links

## Sample of a Potential VR Version
Naturally, I've received multiple questions about the potential VR version. As previously mentioned, I've briefly tested it, and it is still early to confirm whether it will happen or not. But for those who have a VR headset and would like to see a sample of an 8K 360 spherical render, please take a look below.

To test the image with Oculus 3, download the image directly or transfer it via USB. Then, open the Media App, select the image, and at the bottom right corner, there is an icon that says 2D. Click on it and select VR 360 (not VR 360 3D). Afterward, press the home button on the right Oculus controller to hide all UI.

The attached sample might be compressed. For the raw render and a better experience, please visit

You must be registered to see the links

to download and test it in the best quality.

 

[Savor]

You must be registered to see the links

strikes back

 

[Yaaai]

Hi JoyFI Games
How many renders will be in episode 1?

 

[JoyFI Games]

Hi JoyFI Games
How many renders will be in episode 1?

Hey Yaaai,

Episode 1 will contain about 1000 renders and approximately 25 animations. In comparison, The Prologue had about 350+ renders and 1 animation. What's new in Episode 1 is that it will also include some branches, providing a little more replay value for each chapter moving forward. There will be at least 2 skippable but fun mini-games, as opposed to the 1 skippable, not-so-fun mini-game in The Prologue, which was rock-paper-scissors. Even though all mini-games are skippable, it is highly recommended to do them, as they often add some points needed to unlock more content.

 

[BlasKyau]

There will be at least 2 skippable but fun mini-games, as opposed to the 1 skippable, not-so-fun mini-game in The Prologue, which was rock-paper-scissors. Even though all mini-games are skippable, it is highly recommended to do them, as they often add some points needed to unlock more content.

If skipping the minigames means getting the same penalties as playing them and losing, then the option is pointless.

 

[JoyFI Games]

If skipping the minigames means getting the same penalties as playing them and losing, then the option is pointless.

People will most likely complain if there is no option to skip. It would make less sense if you skip a mini-game and get the same reward as winning.

Skipping is equivalent to declining certain mini-games. For example, 'Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?' 'No.' Then you actually lose the bonding you could have gained with that person or persons.

 

[Dessolos]

People will most likely complain if there is no option to skip. It would make less sense if you skip a mini-game and get the same reward as winning.

Skipping is equivalent to declining certain mini-games. For example, 'Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?' 'No.' Then you actually lose the bonding you could have gained with that person or persons.

I have no issue playing minigames in most AVN's unless i find it hard or annoying on a replay. Only thing id worry about missing points is if it will lock me out of a path or content in the future. Which isn't a good thing and would force me to play them when I dont want if I knew they awarded points.

Now I don't have an answer what would be a better compromise. But here is my 2 cents. I think id be fine if I miss out on content at lets say a party or hangout cause I didn't bond with said LI by playing a mini game. But if I miss out on some content with a LI 3-4 updates later because I didn't play a mini game that was in a update 3-4 updates ago that would make me restart and never a good feeling.

 

[BlasKyau]

People will most likely complain if there is no option to skip. It would make less sense if you skip a mini-game and get the same reward as winning.

Skipping is equivalent to declining certain mini-games. For example, 'Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?' 'No.' Then you actually lose the bonding you could have gained with that person or persons.

In my opinion, penalizing people for not wanting to play the minigames is a bad option: those who don't like them will feel that you are trying to force them to play them and this may make them simply prefer to leave the game.

If not playing will result in a penalty I prefer to “play it” (for example, if it is a timed matching game, letting time pass while I make coffee). I'm unlikely to win, but if I'm going to be penalized, I'd at least prefer to have pretended to try to play it.

In any case, if the penalty closes the route of one or more of the LIs, then what I would do is not play the minigame and proceed to do the same with the game. I guess that if the lost points are going to be important to the story of a given LI, then the option to skip those minigames is going to be very unpopular. Likewise, losing scenes with one or more of the LIs because you don't want to play the minigames isn't going to be something that many people like either.

Personally I think it's better that doing and winning the minigames should have a reward that doesn't affect the story or the scenes with the LIs, like special images, wallpapers or something like that. If you skip them or don't do them then you don't get them, if you win you get them.

 

[JoyFI Games]

I have no issue playing minigames in most AVN's unless i find it hard or annoying on a replay. Only thing id worry about missing points is if it will lock me out of a path or content in the future. Which isn't a good thing and would force me to play them when I dont want if I knew they awarded points.

Now I don't have an answer what would be a better compromise. But here is my 2 cents. I think id be fine if I miss out on content at lets say a party or hangout cause I didn't bond with said LI by playing a mini game. But if I miss out on some content with a LI 3-4 updates later because I didn't play a mini game that was in a update 3-4 updates ago that would make me restart and never a good feeling.

In my opinion, penalizing people for not wanting to play the minigames is a bad option: those who don't like them will feel that you are trying to force them to play them and this may make them simply prefer to leave the game.

If not playing will result in a penalty I prefer to “play it” (for example, if it is a timed matching game, letting time pass while I make coffee). I'm unlikely to win, but if I'm going to be penalized, I'd at least prefer to have pretended to try to play it.

In any case, if the penalty closes the route of one or more of the LIs, then what I would do is not play the minigame and proceed to do the same with the game. I guess that if the lost points are going to be important to the story of a given LI, then the option to skip those minigames is going to be very unpopular. Likewise, losing scenes with one or more of the LIs because you don't want to play the minigames isn't going to be something that many people like either.

Personally I think it's better that doing and winning the minigames should have a reward that doesn't affect the story or the scenes with the LIs, like special images, wallpapers or something like that. If you skip them or don't do them then you don't get them, if you win you get them.

All I can say as of now regarding this subject is that your feedback is received.

 

[Funky_A]

People will most likely complain if there is no option to skip. It would make less sense if you skip a mini-game and get the same reward as winning.

Skipping is equivalent to declining certain mini-games. For example, 'Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?' 'No.' Then you actually lose the bonding you could have gained with that person or persons.

Let's hope this doesn't become a game that you have to edit the scripts to play, just to remove the mini games, freeroams from the scripts etc

Or even worst use 0x52 to see the scenes without playing at all

 

[Savor]

Skipping is equivalent to declining certain mini-games. For example, 'Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?' 'No.' Then you actually lose the bonding you could have gained with that person or persons.

That's does not make sense.

That makes a skip option useless since you can just lose, would have the same effect.
Skipping is usually used to instant win a minigame mostly because you dont want to retry it over and over again.

'Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?' 'No.'

Correctly it would be:
"Hey, do you want to play some Beer Pong?"
'No' -> instant lose | 'Yes' -> minigame
"Do you want to skip minigame?"
'Yes' -> instant win | 'No' -> Win or Lose

the question to play beer pong comes before asking to skip.
so no it's not the equivalent to declining certain mini-games.
you must first accept a mini-game to be able to skip it.
____________________________________________________________________________________

To another subject, the vr demo feels somewhat like you're a fairy flying in the air.
That would need some fixing.

 

[Meloned]

Looks good! Goodluck dev

 

[jhonatanw]

# Dev Log #7 | Episode 1

## The Bucket Is Filling
While there is no doubt that Episode 1 is long overdue for its previous planned release, I can assure you that I'm working hard on a fantastic release. I fully understand that the longer the wait, the more frustrated some of you may become with the amount of time it's taking. At the same time, I'm thankful that the majority of you are still positive and are giving me the time I need to develop Hardenville. I'm spending much time building pieces to fit the story better than previously planned. I've listened to feedback across multiple sites, and much of it aligns with my own thoughts. Rest assured, I won't change Hardenville's story based on feedback I disagree with, but I will improve it with the many good suggestions I've received.

Jasmine is filling the bucket. What kind of devilish plan does she have in store?

## VR Support Put On Ice
The majority of the feedback regarding VR possibilities has been negative, as it would extend the development time of the episodes even further. I understand your concerns. VR was not originally part of the plan, so I respect your feedback, and VR support will be put on hold until Season 1 is finished.

Thank you all for your patience, feedback, and support!