Yep, I think Three ended up at just over 31,000 by the time I'd finished.
Although the script is done sometimes it can grow afterwards.
So basically I organise my plot blocks, write the script, then do the renders for it. (has no idea how some devs do the renders then the script). But what happens is what works on the "page" sometimes doesn't work on the screen when you're testing it. Either because a certain path might not feel balanced compared to others or a scene might seem too long, or too short or sometimes the renders for a certain scene might just be soaking up too much time. So adjustments can happen either way. Both the "booby trap" and the Scarlet Pirate in Three grew quite a bit in Three. Amanda and the Lounge scene at the start shrunk from what was planned.
Interesting, I was about to ask some more about your workflow, for something I'm (slowly) starting.
My workflow so far was:
0) Think up crude idea for a storyline/setting.
1) Further work out the general storyline and decide on the amount of chapters (rough estimate, still subject to change) (Current goal: at least 15, might increase as I further work out the story)
2) Make a textfile to describe in 1 line what I plan to happen in each chapter. Maybe 2 lines in case there's a major plot point. (The storyline(s) will easily allow for "generic" chapters which don't revolve around any plot, but which are purely fanservice)
3) Start to work out each chapter that's decided upon (I might end up making a seperate textfile for each chapter)
4) Make another textfile with character bios (purely for personal reference)
1 through 4 are very fluid, I'm already going back and forth with ideas, making adjustments to one part for ideas I have in another. Just for chapter 2 and 3, I already know I'll have to add 5 or 6 character bios, for example. Maybe more if I find some side characters interesting enough to return in future chapters. Worst of all, I still haven't decided on a time-flow yet. Day by day? Or pick the most interesting day for each week? Or just do whatever as long as I keep it chronologically palatable?
But, all that means, that there's no point for me to start rendering before I at least complete part 2 of my workflow. And, as a personal goal, I also don't want to start releasing anything, not even the prologue first chapter, until I at least worked out the first half of all chapters. I want to know exactly what's going to be in game and what not, so I can't make false promises, or end up adding stuff that puts off people without being able to warn them in advance that it WILL eventually be in game. (I once got VERY pissed off at some developer who started adding futa-crap mid game, without any prior indication that it could or would be added). And I certainly don't want to end up asking the players what content they want me to add or how to move forward.
What I can do already, is gather and prepare assets that i'd like to use. Environments, buildings, outfits. Maybe customize some characters.
