- Thread starter JoyFI Games
- Start date
It's too early to judge the story and how it will develop, I like the characters and the attention to detail. But...
First let's talk about the mini-games.
Most of us are here to see a story that excites us more than watching porn on the "add name" tube.
You introduce us to some characters and our brains, in parallel with what you tell us and the images that accompany the story and aided by our own imaginations, begin to anticipate and build the arousal necessary to get an boner.
If you interrupt this process with a mini-game that doesn't contribute anything to creating arousal and give our brains something else to do, all the sexual tension disappears. Annoying, because we have to start all over again.
A mini-game can be fun, but we are not here for that kind of fun.
Many of us are mature adults, with more or not so much sexual experience, with enough other life issues on our minds, and some of us with little time on our hands, we don't get an erection at the mere sight of boobs like we did at 15.
You're a one-man army. For starters, you can't afford to spend money and time on unnecessary details and unnecessary games, even if you think they improve the story, money and time you could use delivering content faster to attract sponsors. Not a fuck-fest or a rushed story, but at least each episode throws us a bone to keep us paying attention and wanting more.
An update every 4-5 months with very little sexual content won't attract sponsors, there are enough willing to pay if the story satisfies them, but they have expectations and want to jerk off now when they see your story, not 2-3 updates next year.
And anyway the game will come out for free, no point in paying for a year for too little, wait until it has enough content.
Of the planned tags you have at least 10 that are optional. I don't know much about coding or Ren`Ppy, but I'm guessing that's at least double the amount of work and render time. And that's at least 10 LIs...
If in 8 months of work you've produced 2 updaters with approx. 2 hours of content, how do you think you'll do when the story gets complicated and you have to produce 2 versions of it?
I write too, and every time I get carried away, start to complicate things and get stuck, I remind myself of a rule that, in my case, has always worked. KISS! Keep it simple, stupid!
And another thing, very important and somewhat difficult to do. A character in a movie says, in a different context but valid here and approximating the translation: "The outstretched hand that begs without telling a (good)story, doesn't get any alms."
Good luck!
Translated with
First let's talk about the mini-games.
Most of us are here to see a story that excites us more than watching porn on the "add name" tube.
You introduce us to some characters and our brains, in parallel with what you tell us and the images that accompany the story and aided by our own imaginations, begin to anticipate and build the arousal necessary to get an boner.
If you interrupt this process with a mini-game that doesn't contribute anything to creating arousal and give our brains something else to do, all the sexual tension disappears. Annoying, because we have to start all over again.
A mini-game can be fun, but we are not here for that kind of fun.
Many of us are mature adults, with more or not so much sexual experience, with enough other life issues on our minds, and some of us with little time on our hands, we don't get an erection at the mere sight of boobs like we did at 15.
You're a one-man army. For starters, you can't afford to spend money and time on unnecessary details and unnecessary games, even if you think they improve the story, money and time you could use delivering content faster to attract sponsors. Not a fuck-fest or a rushed story, but at least each episode throws us a bone to keep us paying attention and wanting more.
An update every 4-5 months with very little sexual content won't attract sponsors, there are enough willing to pay if the story satisfies them, but they have expectations and want to jerk off now when they see your story, not 2-3 updates next year.
And anyway the game will come out for free, no point in paying for a year for too little, wait until it has enough content.
Of the planned tags you have at least 10 that are optional. I don't know much about coding or Ren`Ppy, but I'm guessing that's at least double the amount of work and render time. And that's at least 10 LIs...
If in 8 months of work you've produced 2 updaters with approx. 2 hours of content, how do you think you'll do when the story gets complicated and you have to produce 2 versions of it?
I write too, and every time I get carried away, start to complicate things and get stuck, I remind myself of a rule that, in my case, has always worked. KISS! Keep it simple, stupid!
And another thing, very important and somewhat difficult to do. A character in a movie says, in a different context but valid here and approximating the translation: "The outstretched hand that begs without telling a (good)story, doesn't get any alms."
Good luck!
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I think you're misinterpreting planned tags with branching plot. There is no way a couple of optional scenes would require double the amount of work
- Jun 30, 2024
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Thank gawd this isn't porn... if you want big, long dicks & porn, go to Pornhub.
I rather leave the mini games for "sandbox" games like BAD. I didn't win because I just didn't care. I stopped one ball lol
I'll stick to the "choices"
I already lost hope in "humanity"
Fsociety!
Soon.
Not too much action so far but definitely seems like having potential! Hope the updates keep coming!
- Apr 25, 2020
- 4,671
- 12,704
Hmm it's kinda like winning a small lottery: a series of 5 numbers, each between 1-5
Famous last words.
I don't see haters, just negative feedback, and lots of them are contructive.
For me:
Pros:
Top tier UI, can still be improved a little bit though. Like right-click in game should open the save screen.
Top tier renders. Character models are more on the realistic side: dick's size is kinda small for porn standard, boobs' size range from small to medium (still for porn)
Writing is ok
Cons:
Mini game
Too many wasted renders of MC walking around, showing nothing interesting, putting on shoes, putting things in shopping carts, etc.
No bigger goal. The story is a slice of life, we follow MC on his mundane days
Some parts should have more writing. Like the "Never have I ever" game, they should comment between turns on what they learned
Game has potential but there is room for improvement
- Mar 25, 2021
- 9,174
- 19,786
I like that the game is more slice of life than some tired cliché plot like most of the games on here have.
Bug Fixes and Updates
Someone mentioned a bug yesterday where two gallery images were not given after winning 5-0. That is true, and it was mistakenly hidden within an "if Steam build" condition. It was a simple extra press on the tab key. It was a quick fix and will be included in the next update.
Audio Improvements
For those of you saying that the audio for Episode 1 is below subpar, I agree. As mentioned before, the next update will include more sound effects for a better vibe.
Dialogue in "Never Have I Ever"
I also agree that there should be some dialogue in "Never Have I Ever." However, I think it needs a few more renders for the dialogue to feel natural. Right now, I'm not home and only have my laptop to do coding and improvements such as adding sound effects, etc.
Official Android Port
I'm also creating an official Android port. I know that you can just hit the "build for Android" button within Ren'Py, but I'm custom-making the UI so it's easier to navigate on a smaller screen.
Handball Minigame Skip Button
I will add a skip button for the handball minigame. However, I believe that certain achievements/gallery images should be a little harder to get rather than just pressing a skip button.
Addressing Character Height and Size
For the person giving this game a bad review because the MC is "short" and most of the girls are taller than him: the MC is of average height. If you go into the residents and relations screen, you can see that the MC is taller than all LIs. The same applies to the MC's penis; it is average size. If you want a larger one, then simply this game is not for you. I made some improvements from The Prologue to Episode 1 and beyond, making it a little bigger, but it won't increase more than it is now.
Character Design Improvements
Some characters' body sizes, freckles, etc., have been improved from The Prologue to Episode 1. Yes, down the road The Prologue will need to be remade, but that is not a focus point now.
Real-Time Fluids for Episode 2
Also, as mentioned before, I'm currently experimenting with real-time fluids for sex animations in Episode 2.
Download Statistics and Financial Support
I can see that Hardenville 0.2.1 has been downloaded over 5,000 times in less than 24 hours on just one link, the universal build on Gofile. Realistically, with all other links, it's probably been downloaded over 10,000 times. To put it in perspective, I did not gain a single Patreon subscriber or SubscriberStar subscriber yesterday. Two people bought it on Steam, and one so far today. One person also bought it on Itch.io yesterday.
Many of you will most likely never financially support this game. Some might after it includes more sex scenes. But please remember that with support, the quality of lewd scenes, sex scenes and the overall quality will be better. For example, a single bikini from Daz costs roughly $15, and new songs cost $140 to $200 each for a license. If you liked the game so far and want it to be improved, please consider even just a $1 subscription for one month on Patreon. My monthly revenue on Patreon is about $150, and when combined with the cost of one song license, you can see the financial challenge. Please consider supporting to improve the game further.
Someone mentioned a bug yesterday where two gallery images were not given after winning 5-0. That is true, and it was mistakenly hidden within an "if Steam build" condition. It was a simple extra press on the tab key. It was a quick fix and will be included in the next update.
Audio Improvements
For those of you saying that the audio for Episode 1 is below subpar, I agree. As mentioned before, the next update will include more sound effects for a better vibe.
Dialogue in "Never Have I Ever"
I also agree that there should be some dialogue in "Never Have I Ever." However, I think it needs a few more renders for the dialogue to feel natural. Right now, I'm not home and only have my laptop to do coding and improvements such as adding sound effects, etc.
Official Android Port
I'm also creating an official Android port. I know that you can just hit the "build for Android" button within Ren'Py, but I'm custom-making the UI so it's easier to navigate on a smaller screen.
Handball Minigame Skip Button
I will add a skip button for the handball minigame. However, I believe that certain achievements/gallery images should be a little harder to get rather than just pressing a skip button.
Addressing Character Height and Size
For the person giving this game a bad review because the MC is "short" and most of the girls are taller than him: the MC is of average height. If you go into the residents and relations screen, you can see that the MC is taller than all LIs. The same applies to the MC's penis; it is average size. If you want a larger one, then simply this game is not for you. I made some improvements from The Prologue to Episode 1 and beyond, making it a little bigger, but it won't increase more than it is now.
Character Design Improvements
Some characters' body sizes, freckles, etc., have been improved from The Prologue to Episode 1. Yes, down the road The Prologue will need to be remade, but that is not a focus point now.
Real-Time Fluids for Episode 2
Also, as mentioned before, I'm currently experimenting with real-time fluids for sex animations in Episode 2.
Download Statistics and Financial Support
I can see that Hardenville 0.2.1 has been downloaded over 5,000 times in less than 24 hours on just one link, the universal build on Gofile. Realistically, with all other links, it's probably been downloaded over 10,000 times. To put it in perspective, I did not gain a single Patreon subscriber or SubscriberStar subscriber yesterday. Two people bought it on Steam, and one so far today. One person also bought it on Itch.io yesterday.
Many of you will most likely never financially support this game. Some might after it includes more sex scenes. But please remember that with support, the quality of lewd scenes, sex scenes and the overall quality will be better. For example, a single bikini from Daz costs roughly $15, and new songs cost $140 to $200 each for a license. If you liked the game so far and want it to be improved, please consider even just a $1 subscription for one month on Patreon. My monthly revenue on Patreon is about $150, and when combined with the cost of one song license, you can see the financial challenge. Please consider supporting to improve the game further.
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- Jun 30, 2024
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Mini games should just be optional. I found it weird that as soon as the MC woke up, he had to goalie it up right after (I forget if the shower happens before or after lol) can he not bother with that? or save it for an afternoon/evening thing?
I was still trying to figure out who was who lol I feel like an MC with Amnesia. Who's fam and who's a piece? ahhh!
This... I was thinking about the mundane renders. I mean, in Real Life, we have to watch ourselves do the most boring shit evs. Putting clothes on, shoes, shopping etc. It's not like we can fast forward it and just be done with those things instantly.
Now, for the game, how can the Dev fast forward it and make sense? If the MC goes shopping, what do you want to see instead of them/the MC, you know, shopping? They go and then the next scene they come out with carts packed? what did they do while shopping? maybe some naughty things happened? someone has been seen/met? a bj/handy or whatever in the bathroom?
Getting ready, that can be done easily. After a shower scene, the MC will mention "Ah, that shower felt nice. Now, time to get dressed" then it fades to and in from, black. The MC is ready to go! but for shopping, eh, idk.
Sometimes we just have to deal with mundane things. It doesn't mean you can't have fun with it/can't spice it up tho
*winks at Dev*Edit: Reading the post above (Devs post) my reply to it is below.
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- Feb 28, 2017
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- Jun 30, 2024
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Hmm, I wonder if I am the only person that dealt with this. The audio after the intro (for Chapter 1) sounded weird. It sounds like you are on a plane lol. All the way up until a character in-game puts some music. But can't wait for the next update for this fix.
I didn't get to this part so, I don't know how exactly it plays out but from the posts I read about it, it seems like you never played the game "Never have I ever" before. Which is fine but like, that game is in a lot of movies/shows too lol. But it's awesome that you understand this and will fix it.
Definitely not something you should rush doing. Gotta think of the questions that will be asked, and who will be answering those. It usually turns from "taking a shot" to "removing a piece of clothing" xD but with the slow burn, we can just learn more about the others and what they've done/haven't done.
I kind of figured you would probably a tie an Achievement/Award to the ball game. But please, don't make it super annoyingly hard. Can you scroll back if you miss a ball? or if you scroll back will it restart the whole game? because I probably won't bother with this, even if an Achievement/Render is tied to it, if it's annoying to get.
Really? someone left a negative review just because of the MC's height? JFC... some people definitely need help. Anyways, ignore those pointless reviews. The cock size is fine. Some people got too brainwashed into wanting all these MCs to have long/huge hard cocks. They should look elsewhere for their hung heroes.
I agree. The prologue shall be revisited before everything is fully done. You're doing a good job and I love all the looks of each character and their bodies (even MCs) it's a breath of fresh air for my eyes.
I bet that new cum sploosh will look divine.... on and in these lovely ladies
What the fuck? damn, fucking leeches! quick to download but to support something new and lovely like this? they can't even bother. Then they wonder why we don't have so many unique/fresh new games... because they don't get the kind of support they deserve.
My dude (you dev) is killing his ass, barely sleeping (didn't sleep for a whole day) is buying expensive shit (for the game = for us to enjoy) and a bunch of more stuff that is complicated and not easy. A solo Dev mind you.... no one is helping him in real life but himself. I can't do much and already bought the game on Steam.
Those "Mixed" reviews don't help the game either. Only 2 people bought it yesterday/today? eh, it just saddens me. Please, whoever reading this, support the game if you would like to help this game see the finish line. This is a game worth your support.
Patreon it up, whatever you can do... do it. If you want to and can, of course. I did what I could (bought the game) and will continue to help the only way I can now (leaving posts here for the Dev to help and improve the game out)
- Jun 21, 2022
- 2,775
- 2,493
I don't know, I just thought that the choice of defense should happen after the ball is played, not before.
- Jun 30, 2024
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Like a choice screen would pop up? like "Block left, right, up, down" etc?
I guess it makes sense having it be "before" since it isn't a choice selection. I guess the Dev can change it up but could also just leave it as is. If it's tied to an Achievement/Award, and the Dev wants you to "earn" it, I can understand his view.
I mean, you have games that award you an achievement just for saying "hi" to someone. The easiest of easiest Achievements to get. Be glad it isn't a "Dark Souls/Elden Ring" boss we have to fight for it <.<.....
Really just want to touch on these two.
For the first, can I just ask why? What does a seemingly pure RNG event add to the game by forcing a player to just repeatedly load and reload until they happen to get the correct combination? What exactly is that adding to the story?
And for the second, if kind of sounds like you just expected 1,000 subs by just dropping a first episode...which just isnt how it works. You are a first time dev, working on the first game and have admitted how much more work it took than you thought and tbh some of your posts on here make it sound like you dont want to keep going and are just complaining to people who dont like parts of the game. No offense, but there have been 1,000 devs to put out a years worth of decent updates to just abandon things or change things partway through. It takes consistent updates to start gaining a following. If you are doing this only to make money asap then its going to be a failed adventure.
- Jun 30, 2024
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He answered that with this "I believe that certain achievements/gallery images should be a little harder to get rather than just pressing a skip button"
So, not much for story progression, but something for the player to earn, if they so wish. If you are crazy about 100% a game on Steam or want to get/unlock everything, this is more for those types of people. Not my liking but it isn't my game.
I hope he isn't making the game for that reason (to get money as quick as possible)
I can understand that he's using his money (money earned from sells/patreon etc) on expensive in-game things for us to enjoy (buying music, outfits, this/that) and not really seeing much on the return side (money wise) so, understandable if he's wanting a bit more from it.
It doesn't help that the leeches come out of the woodwork and download his first game, for free. Sucks knowing a small percentage of people bought the game, but a high majority of the downloads are from leeches.
But seeing as he said "Many developers would quit at this point, but I’m not a quitter. I will finish this project" I doubt he's doing it to get as much money as possible quickly. I think him having more money would help add even more new things to the game.
I'll continue to help the Dev out, unless I see a reason not to.
Well, actually, in my spare time, I participate in team sports, and I'm the "president" of the student team club. My team has roughly 50-60 members, both male and female. We're often social, with lots of pre-parties and other activities. When we play "Never Have I Ever," we use a party app to read out preset or custom questions. Everyone drinks at the same time if they've done it; there's no taking turns one by one. We also play a lot of Beer Pong and a game we call "Throw." In "Throw," we read out questions like "Who is most likely to get pregnant first," then one person throw an object, often a Snus box / ZYN box, to that person. The person who receives it needs to drink three times, the people next to them drink twice, and the ones next to them drink once. Then the person who received the Snus box throws it for the next question.
I don't expect anywhere near 1,000 subscribers right now, but I would hope that more than 4-5 people out of 10,000 downloads could support it. The percentage is very low. I've spent roughly $25,000 on assets, computer parts, licenses, and so on. Additionally, I have now maxed out my $5,000 credit card due to investments in this project. I haven't taken any salary yet and probably won't for a year or so. All funding goes directly to assets and improvements for the best overall experience.
I don't understand why you think I'm doing this just for the money. If that were the case, I certainly wouldn't spend thousands of hours working without a salary and investing so much money into the project. I'm doing it because I'm passionate about this and I genuinely enjoy it. I don't understand where you got the idea that I have "given up." I'm simply asking for small donations if you enjoyed playing this free version so I can continue to invest in this project with new assets and improvements.
There have been a lot of toxic, unnecessary comments recently. I welcome feedback and constructive criticism, but comments like "this handball minigame is bullshit" and "Dick is too small for porn. TF is this." are not helpful and are demoralizing after I've worked on this for months. Personal stress comes along with delays and the desire to please you, but also with maintaining a relationship buildup that makes sense for later sex scenes and romance. If you have suggestions for improving the UI, please specify what should be done differently and provide examples of games that do it better, instead of just saying "UI needs improvement."
I appreciate you, so thank you for your honest feedback and for supporting me.
Lastly not all minigames are made because it needs it for the story. Often it's done to make the game more unique. Like how many AVNs have a handball shootout minigame? Sure it could have been done better, it could have been with animations and slow motion and reflexes. But that would take a month or so just to make it an amazing minigame. If you want a gallery or achievement then yes you have to maybe play it a few times. I did add quick save and quick load to make the "cheating" easier. So it really just takes 2 minutes or so to win 5-0. If you don't feel like wanting the gallery image, just press on the screen 5 times, soon a skip button and it's gone. If it wasn't a shootout, then the gallery images to them wouldn't have been made either.
Finding the font and installing it took longer than playing through this release. Wow what a letdown.