Hello everyone. I may be posting here a bit more often in the future now that development has been going on \o/
A rant, feel free to ignore:
It is disheartening to see that as time goes on and Harem Hotel gains a clearer identity, that identity seems to be more and more misconstrued, specifically only by some people on this website. I'm not sure if the demographics of this website changed in the last year, or what, but it's one of the reasons I've been avoiding this place more recently. The clearer I try to become, both in game and with my words, the worse it seems to get here.
I want to be clear, Harem Hotel's overarching story is not about slavery. However Lin's story is, and every elf you encounter will have a story about slavery, but that should be obvious. They've all been enslaved.
Story is my sole focus. In simple terms, the story is about changing the world. More broadly, it's about fighting a very powerful injustice with your own justice in a near-future contemporary world that is a twisted mirror to our reality. (These are similar themes to The Boys, which is one of my favorite series right now)
Each character has their own story, each story has it's overarching themes as well. (Lin = Slavery/Hope) (Kali = Capitalism) (Ashley = Poverty) (Maria = Feminism) (Android = Humanity) (F&E = Greed) (Autumn = Freedom) (Next Character = Connection)
A lot of these descriptors are very reductionary. Many may be confused by what I mean by Maria = Feminism for example. By that I mean, she's our most independent woman trying to take her body back from higher powers, whatever they may be at the time. Other words could be used to describe these, and they obviously aren't the only themes. Many of these themes mix, like with Maria and Lin, or F&E and Ashley.
It's not my goal to write a depressive, dark story. It's quite the opposite in fact. Harem Hotel was always planned to have a happy ending. Every character's personal story is planned to have a happy ending, and even every character's arc within those stories are will have at least neutral endings. It's common writing sense to start each chapter off with a challenge that needs to be overcome by the end of it, and that's what I plan on continuing. I love writing all types of stories, and attempting to make the reader feel different emotions. I don't want to reduce myself, or be reduced to sadness. I hope that isn't the only emotion I'm making people feel. Though, apparently it is from the feedback I get here.
But I know most people who hold these opinions will never see this post, so I apologize for the rant. I miss coming to F95 to discuss lore or answer game questions or read suggestions / hopes for the future. All I've been noticing lately is this huge disconnect between me and a lot of people here.
If anyone would like some clarification, or would like to share their hopes for the future, I would love to discuss
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In other news, I finished a massive event for Android last week should be wholesome!
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I have also been working hard on Caliber's environments for the new early game MC-only explore events. Many things, like the ads are still under construction.
MC arrives in Caliber after first starting the game (optional at front door), not knowing anywhere to go, he Explores. At which point a small event will come up and you'll unlock some areas.
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After the Explore/Continue option, you will arrive at the "2nd Street", where you get more and different options. Each location is meant to have many short 2 - 5 minute events that will appear. You will likely have the ability to view 3 of these events in a row before going back to the hotel, 1 for each street.
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These images should also help the player get immersed in the culture of Syl'anar. Elvish slavery, androids, police with very expensive cars next to homeless people, etc etc
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