VN Ren'Py Our Red String [Ch.13.3.4] [Eva Kiss]

[palmtrees89]

Real talk now folks: has anyone ever thought of the possibility that these "status reports" are just stalling tactics to keep getting money and the game is already a finished topic for the developer?

I think we all can agree that 2022 was a bad year for ORS, but let's relax for a second. This developer has produced more content than most others in this particular genre of games, and for a handful of well known creators this would even apply to their combined content released within the past ~5 years. This is Eva's second project, and she's always been very productive. Add to that the fact that Eva's renders are custom made and hand drawn, while the majority of developers out there use premade and already existing assets from DAZ Studio etc. Not only that, but her writing and storytelling are also on a whole 'nother level if compared to most creators.

I recommend for you to take a look at other developers like Gumdrops, ICSTOR, Lust&Passion and recently stoperArt, just to name a few. You might not be familiar with their projects, but if you were to follow any of these developers and their projects, you would have a much different view on things over here, I can tell you that much.

Granted, Chapter 10 has been a massive downhill ride from previous releases in terms of development time, and something is definitely going on seeing how terribly slow things are going this year, but you are going way over board with your statement considering what Eva has provided to her supporters and this community over the past few years. I think it's way too early to pull the "milking" card. Everyone can have a bad year. Now, if things don't change for the better in 2023, I might shift my opinion, but not today and not the way you've put it.

 

[properastern]

View attachment 1999655
Chapter 10 weekly status report (11)
Hey guys,

I'm writing this post for the second time because Patreon excellent website decided to erase it as I was about to publish it

After seeing the result of the last poll and reading your comments, the choice to make is obvious: Chapter 10 will be released when both Ian and Lena's parts are completed.

I really wanted to give you guys something to play this summer, and I'm feeling the need to release some content asap, but I'll have to be patient and keep working consistently until the full chapter is done. As weeks go by the pressure of development gets hard to handle, knowing I'm keeping you waiting for new content, and being aware of the amount of work and multiple tasks that are on my to-do list before this next chapter is completed. That's the main reason I've been staying away form work-related social media lately, since it helps me manage the anxiety and focus my energy on developing the game. I apologize if that causes some of your messages or answers to go unanswered, but I'll keep posting these weekly updates and answering your comments down below.

This week I've been thoroughly play-testing Ian's part, revising texts, choices, game logic and creating finishing the needed artwork and graphical assets. Normally I hate going over my work, but in this case I'm even enjoying it, so I think the chapter so far is coming along rather nicely, and hopefully you'll enjoy it too when it's out! I wanted to try some new things, scenes and game mechanics, and there are some new character interactions you haven't seen thus far. Also, some new characters will make an appearance, and you might be familiar with some of those...
View attachment 1999706

Interesting how she posted the exact same teaser on her "Weekly" status report from August 23. Would be nice to have a teaser that's actually new

 

[Osodrac13]

View attachment 1999655
Chapter 10 weekly status report (11)
Hey guys,

I'm writing this post for the second time because Patreon excellent website decided to erase it as I was about to publish it

After seeing the result of the last poll and reading your comments, the choice to make is obvious: Chapter 10 will be released when both Ian and Lena's parts are completed.

I really wanted to give you guys something to play this summer, and I'm feeling the need to release some content asap, but I'll have to be patient and keep working consistently until the full chapter is done. As weeks go by the pressure of development gets hard to handle, knowing I'm keeping you waiting for new content, and being aware of the amount of work and multiple tasks that are on my to-do list before this next chapter is completed. That's the main reason I've been staying away form work-related social media lately, since it helps me manage the anxiety and focus my energy on developing the game. I apologize if that causes some of your messages or answers to go unanswered, but I'll keep posting these weekly updates and answering your comments down below.

This week I've been thoroughly play-testing Ian's part, revising texts, choices, game logic and creating finishing the needed artwork and graphical assets. Normally I hate going over my work, but in this case I'm even enjoying it, so I think the chapter so far is coming along rather nicely, and hopefully you'll enjoy it too when it's out! I wanted to try some new things, scenes and game mechanics, and there are some new character interactions you haven't seen thus far. Also, some new characters will make an appearance, and you might be familiar with some of those...
View attachment 1999706

So, who is this bitch?

 

[JohnnyKiss]

I think we all can agree that 2022 was a bad year for ORS, but let's relax for a second. This developer has produced more content than most others in this particular genre of games, and for a handful of well known creators this would even apply to their combined content released within the past ~5 years. This is Eva's second project, and she's always been very productive. Add to that the fact that Eva's renders are custom made and hand drawn, while the majority of developers out there use premade and already existing assets from DAZ Studio etc. Not only that, but her writing and storytelling are also on a whole 'nother level if compared to most creators.

I recommend for you to take a look at other developers like Gumdrops, ICSTOR, Lust&Passion and recently stoperArt, just to name a few. You might not be familiar with their projects, but if you were to follow any of these developers and their projects, you would have a much different view on things over here, I can tell you that much.

Granted, Chapter 10 has been a massive downhill ride from previous releases in terms of development time, and something is definitely going on seeing how terribly slow things are going this year, but you are going way over board with your statement considering what Eva has provided to her supporters and this community over the past few years. I think it's way too early to pull the "milking" card. Everyone can have a bad year. Now, if things don't change for the better in 2023, I might shift my opinion, but not today and not the way you've put it.

I don't think that the failure of other developers excuses the failures of Eva. "Whataboutism" is not the answer.

This game had a constant release schedule of an update per month. That single month turned into 3 months. Then into 5 months. Then we got a pointless rework which took another 5 months and now, it's 6 months (and counting). I think we are far from "just a bad year" and I think people are free to criticize this game as much, if not more, than they currently are.

I will not get into this whole "Milking" accusations because I do not think this is the case. I simply think the Developer has continuously failed to deliver.

 

[SerHawkes]

This game had a constant release schedule of an update per month. That single month turned into 3 months. Then into 5 months. Then we got a pointless rework which took another 5 months and now, it's 6 months (and counting). I think we are far from "just a bad year" and I think people are free to criticize this game as much, if not more, than they currently are.

This here is key. By no means would I say this year has been "bad" or Eva is "milking" (new flash, she ain't.) The issue stems from the who pointless rework that again no one asked for it. Now she's trying to get back on track with the story and at the same time there are things going on in her life (writers block, personal stuff, taking much need vacations-which I don't have issue with we all deserve a break to clear our heads-same with devs). Yeah it sucks that we are almost to November and all we got this year was the pointless Rework. I think that once Chapter 10 drops we will get back into the regular build cycle of 3-4 months for updates, although I do hope Eva does consider extending her build to 5 months. That way it would give her some leway and not force her to push out updates and maybe it will help her write better and branch things more throughly.

And while I certain, most obviously, have my reasons and issue with Eva and the game, I'm not without saying that I see that she is indeed working hard, but really outta plan things out a bit more and actually get some feedback on things before going all half cocked with reworks that have been entirely pointless.

 

[palmtrees89]

I don't think that the failure of other developers excuses the failures of Eva. "Whataboutism" is not the answer.

This game had a constant release schedule of an update per month. That single month turned into 3 months. Then into 5 months. Then we got a pointless rework which took another 5 months and now, it's 6 months (and counting). I think we are far from "just a bad year" and I think people are free to criticize this game as much, if not more, than they currently are.

I will not get into this whole "Milking" accusations because I do not think this is the case. I simply think the Developer has continuously failed to deliver.

Well, you are right when you say that "Whataboutism" isn't the answer, but that wasn't really my intention. I'm just saying if someone's accusing EK of "milking", this someone should take a look at certain other developers and then come back here. That'll likely make them realize that what's going on can hardly be called milking, especially not seeing that EK is already working on her 2nd game, continuously pumping out top-notch content. She's even stopped charging her Patrons at one point for taking a break. Something barely any developer would do. (I guess that still kind of is "whataboutism", lol. I don't know how else to put it)

That being said, I totally agree that something is going terribly wrong in the current development cycle, and whatever it is, it started pretty much after Chapter 8. Like you said, development time has been ramping ever since. I don't know if Eva is just burned out or what, but what I personally am hoping for is that whatever it is that's holding her back will hopefully be resolved next year, which is why I said that everyone can have a bad year. And again, if that's not the case and things only get worse or stay the same, I will certainly shift my opinion into something much more negative. But for now, I wanna believe that Eva just had a bad year.

Cheers!

 

[Tallyhoe]

inb4 she releases Ch.10 and people who only play a single playthrough say it's too short why it took this long.

I can already see it happening.

I have no problem because I try every possibilities every releases.

 

[Geralt From Rivia]

inb4 she releases Ch.10 and people who only play a single playthrough say it's too short why it took this long.

I can already see it happening.

I have no problem because I try every possibilities every releases.

It looks like Eva is trying to work with the game like DrPinkCake, make a game with multiple possible paths and high replay value. Although it is very difficult for her, it is clear that the project has become very hard for her. That's why she hired help.
In any case, I have saved all the road options except Alison.

 

[JoJoPool]

I recommend for you to take a look at other developers like Gumdrops, ICSTOR, Lust&Passion and recently stoperArt, just to name a few. You might not be familiar with their projects, but if you were to follow any of these developers and their projects, you would have a much different view on things over here, I can tell you that much.

No offense but I honestly think anyone who still supports ICSTOR or L&P is brain-dead.

 

[Samuel Hidayat]

This game had a constant release schedule of an update per month. That single month turned into 3 months. Then into 5 months.

Oh no, dev time gets longer as the game gets more content and complicated. What a shocker.

 

[clayjar]

6 months for 1 chapter is extremely long. same goes for being a dik.

 

[JohnnyKiss]

Oh no, dev time gets longer as the game gets more content and complicated. What a shocker.

Well, no actually. Eva had a constant release schedule for GGGB so the game getting "more content and complicated" isn't the reason for it. We also don't know how much content there is in this new update so we cannot for sure say it's "more content and complicated" until we see it.

Though, we can look back at the previous releases that took 5 months and we can see that there really isn't more content than previously.

 

[Benzombie]

I can't believe summertime saga released an update faster than eva, maybe she just got tired of being 24/7 writing and wants to have a life, which I respect I guess, but still this sucks

 

[JohnnyKiss]

I can't believe summertime saga released an update faster than eva, maybe she just got tired of being 24/7 writing and wants to have a life, which I respect I guess, but still this sucks

I can't believe its been a whole Year without any new content...

 

[Back]

Wish we got the new chapter already my bros. Can't believe it's like a year since the last chapter release. This content drought is taking a hit on my wanking quota my bros.

Very well, you are now exempt from the need to refrain during No Nut November.
*Scribbles down notes, and updates mysterious and esoteric documents.*

I've jotted a few things down for you so now Santa Claus won't look badly on, uh, certain activities that you may or may not or will take during that upcoming month when he looks back to check. You won't be dinged for it. Have fun and cheers!

Note: This is a one-time deal; so for others, it's unlikely you'll also get this rare exemption. Sorry, but Robotic got it first. ^^

 

[Turret]

Eva´s, by far, biggest development mistake this year was her letting the patrons vote about releasing the Ian-part of part 10 for itself! That is a "never ever" mistake! You have to have an open ear for your patrons, give them some gimmicks, the works. But never let them vote on important meta-questions! In 99.9% they will choose the worst option! That is not hyperbole (at least not much), but an observation.
For instance, a very popular TTRPG in my home country is now nearly comatose, since the current developers listened far too much and often to the fanboys. Due to this, the current edition is overpriced, divided into too many books and lost any appeal to the masses due to nearly arcane rule levels! And they too have a problem with releases, since the fanboys favoured niche factions in the votes, whereas the real popular factions are halfbaked or not even released yet.

Not releasing the Ian part is seriously hurting Eva´s image on how reliable she is and let´interest in the wider audience fade! The two Devs of "Pale Carnations"(you can see in my sig) had a phase where real life hit them really hard and repeatedly. The part then in development took a lot longer, no surprise. But they recognised that a certain flow of updates is better than no updates. They released the part about 80% done and most paths developed as far as they should be. The other 20% came later as a special update. Very few people were critical of the "first part", the vast majority knew about the problems they had and that they released to show their audience that they were comitted to their game.

 

[JohnnyKiss]

Eva´s, by far, biggest development mistake this year was her letting the patrons vote about releasing the Ian-part of part 10 for itself! That is a "never ever" mistake! You have to have an open ear for your patrons, give them some gimmicks, the works. But never let them vote on important meta-questions! In 99.9% they will choose the worst option! That is not hyperbole (at least not much), but an observation.
For instance, a very popular TTRPG in my home country is now nearly comatose, since the current developers listened far too much and often to the fanboys. Due to this, the current edition is overpriced, divided into too many books and lost any appeal to the masses due to nearly arcane rule levels! And they too have a problem with releases, since the fanboys favoured niche factions in the votes, whereas the real popular factions are halfbaked or not even released yet.

Not releasing the Ian part is seriously hurting Eva´s image on how reliable she is and let´interest in the wider audience fade! The two Devs of "Pale Carnations"(you can see in my sig) had a phase where real life hit them really hard and repeatedly. The part then in development took a lot longer, no surprise. But they recognised that a certain flow of updates is better than no updates. They released the part about 80% done and most paths developed as far as they should be. The other 20% came later as a special update. Very few people were critical of the "first part", the vast majority knew about the problems they had and that they released to show their audience that they were comitted to their game.

I highly disagree!

Releasing just Ian's part is not the solution; it's just a band-aid.

I do not understand why people are even pushing for this notion when it's evocative of the bigger issue that many games on here have. It's how it usually goes. The updates start taking longer and longer time and eventually the dev starts splitting the game into "routes".

"Oh this time it's 'X Route' but in 4 months it's 'Y Route'!" which usually amounts to like one update per a year and half.

 

[Lecastel]

its been a long time since the game had a proper update,feels like eternity.the remaster has fuck it all up,i think eva got burned out,or simply enjoying the fruits of her fanbase,you know what i mean ,oh comeon guys 6+ months is a trend for devs now,and theres this one popular game that updated in a year,i could name a few devs but thats gonna be a riot.and thats what you get for making complex stories.this game aint got shit on GGGB.

 

[JoJoPool]

Evelyn Claire, yes she does.
No doubt the closest irl resemblance to Lena, I would even venture to say that Lena was probably based on her.

 

[SloppyTurdSlapper]

Sigs

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