VN Ren'Py Secrets in Focus [Ch.2 v0.22] [Studio BMK]

[StudioBMK]

Very strange, I can still access it just fine. Maybe that's the reason I get 2 views a day on itch.io. Maybe it's a feature that the owner of the page isn't informed, but that seems weird.

I'll send support at Itch.io a message, hopefully they can figure out what's wrong.

Thanks for informing me!

 

[MiltonPowers]

Very strange, I can still access it just fine. Maybe that's the reason I get 2 views a day on itch.io. Maybe it's a feature that the owner of the page isn't informed, but that seems weird.

I'll send support at Itch.io a message, hopefully they can figure out what's wrong.

Thanks for informing me!

I don't know if it's a mistake, I've come across it on a number of games on itch.io when trying to jump to patreon or discord from a link on their page. I suspect some form of algorithm puts it there for certain pages. It doesn't actually stop me going there, just gives me that warning.

Considering how many people have had their games uploaded to itch.io by someone else and infected with malware, they might just be covering their ass, by saying if you go there and get burnt, don't blame us. (But I'd still message them to ask of course).

 

[StudioBMK]

Steam release cancelled :-(
Well... this sucks. Just before release, Steam has banned 'Secrets in Focus' from being added to the Steam library... forever.

After 2 weeks of hard work getting everything Steam-ready, plus paying $100 to have my game added, they denied it:

After review, we will not be able to ship your product on Steam. We strive to ship most titles submitted to us, but in the case of your game Secrets in Focus, we have determined it to be primarily explicit sexual content containing depictions of real people which we are not in the business of selling.

This app has been banned and cannot be reused. Re-submissions of this app, even with modifications, will not be accepted.

Steam Support

Seriously, real people? I can understand that with AI-imaging, some lines can be blurry. But come on, this is really ridiculous. The first reviewer had some other feedback (like a Patreon link in the game which is not allowed), but had no problems with the AI-images. But now the 2nd reviewer did.

I've sent support a reply asking for a second opinion, but I think we all know where that will be heading.

So this sucks donkey balls. So I've lost 2 weeks of development time and another $100 down the drain. Plus I was delighted by already having almost 200 people wishlisting the game.

UGH!!!

 

[MiltonPowers]

View attachment 5418283

Steam release cancelled :-(
Well... this sucks. Just before release, Steam has banned 'Secrets in Focus' from being added to the Steam library... forever.

After 2 weeks of hard work getting everything Steam-ready, plus paying $100 to have my game added, they denied it:

After review, we will not be able to ship your product on Steam. We strive to ship most titles submitted to us, but in the case of your game Secrets in Focus, we have determined it to be primarily explicit sexual content containing depictions of real people which we are not in the business of selling.

This app has been banned and cannot be reused. Re-submissions of this app, even with modifications, will not be accepted.

Steam Support

Seriously, real people? I can understand that with AI-imaging, some lines can be blurry. But come on, this is really ridiculous. The first reviewer had some other feedback (like a Patreon link in the game which is not allowed), but had no problems with the AI-images. But now the 2nd reviewer did.

I've sent support a reply asking for a second opinion, but I think we all know where that will be heading.

So this sucks donkey balls. So I've lost 2 weeks of development time and another $100 down the drain. Plus I was delighted by already having almost 200 people wishlisting the game.

UGH!!!

 

[Dunking_Donuts]

View attachment 5418283

Steam release cancelled :-(
Well... this sucks. Just before release, Steam has banned 'Secrets in Focus' from being added to the Steam library... forever.

After 2 weeks of hard work getting everything Steam-ready, plus paying $100 to have my game added, they denied it:

After review, we will not be able to ship your product on Steam. We strive to ship most titles submitted to us, but in the case of your game Secrets in Focus, we have determined it to be primarily explicit sexual content containing depictions of real people which we are not in the business of selling.

This app has been banned and cannot be reused. Re-submissions of this app, even with modifications, will not be accepted.

Steam Support

Seriously, real people? I can understand that with AI-imaging, some lines can be blurry. But come on, this is really ridiculous. The first reviewer had some other feedback (like a Patreon link in the game which is not allowed), but had no problems with the AI-images. But now the 2nd reviewer did.

I've sent support a reply asking for a second opinion, but I think we all know where that will be heading.

So this sucks donkey balls. So I've lost 2 weeks of development time and another $100 down the drain. Plus I was delighted by already having almost 200 people wishlisting the game.

UGH!!!

Well, it's not just you who were banned from playing and told there were real people in it. This author was also banned from playing his game Boundaries of Morality on Steam and told he couldn't. Maybe, when you finish that game, make a game without AI, but with normal characters, and animation and running and whatever else could be used.

 

[19Castiel23]

View attachment 5418283

Steam release cancelled :-(
Well... this sucks. Just before release, Steam has banned 'Secrets in Focus' from being added to the Steam library... forever.

After 2 weeks of hard work getting everything Steam-ready, plus paying $100 to have my game added, they denied it:

After review, we will not be able to ship your product on Steam. We strive to ship most titles submitted to us, but in the case of your game Secrets in Focus, we have determined it to be primarily explicit sexual content containing depictions of real people which we are not in the business of selling.

This app has been banned and cannot be reused. Re-submissions of this app, even with modifications, will not be accepted.

Steam Support

Seriously, real people? I can understand that with AI-imaging, some lines can be blurry. But come on, this is really ridiculous. The first reviewer had some other feedback (like a Patreon link in the game which is not allowed), but had no problems with the AI-images. But now the 2nd reviewer did.

I've sent support a reply asking for a second opinion, but I think we all know where that will be heading.

So this sucks donkey balls. So I've lost 2 weeks of development time and another $100 down the drain. Plus I was delighted by already having almost 200 people wishlisting the game.

UGH!!!

Fuck you Steam

 

[StudioBMK]

Getting ready for the date with Ember

I'm currently writing day 5 (Thursday), I'm about 1400 lines of code in. Including almost all images up to that point.

For those who are on the Ember path, I'm almost finished with Ember and MC shopping for clothes. MC needed some more work clothes and Ember decided to find some new outfits, including letting you choose the outfit for date night. Plus she'll be giving a little appetizer of what her outfit might be after the date

There will be 4 outfits to choose from, your choice will carry over into the actual date. This is one of the simpler choices, check my Patreon for a more daring choice.

If you're not on the Ember path, she'll show the outfits, but you can't choose your favorite because there will be no date. And you'll miss the appetizer.

Enjoy the week!

 

[Dn2earth4]

View attachment 5265188

Overview:
Secrets in Focus is a visual novel that blends sharp humor, romance, and a creeping mystery into one cinematic story.
You live with Ember—whose teasing warmth hides deeper scars. Returning from a break, you start a new job as a systems engineer at a model agency, where IT jargon collides hilariously with photo-shoot chaos.

Among your colleagues are Blair, the razor-tongued teamlead who respects backbone more than charm; Anaru, the bright psychology student who paints people better than she understands herself; Hana, the calm and quietly insightful junior stylist; Indica, a grounded free spirit who teaches yoga and perspective; Vanessa; former model and the owner, suspiciously hard to read; and Nigel, a buzzword-spewing manager convinced synergy is a lifestyle.

Spoiler

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Thread Updated: 2025-10-27
Release Date: 2025-10-19
Developer: Studio BMK -

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Censored: No
Version: Ch.2 0.22
OS: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android
Language: English
Genre:

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Installation:

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Changelog:

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Developer Notes:

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Trailer:

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I suggest starting a new game, previous saves might give problems

DOWNLOAD
Win/Linux: GOFILE - PIXELDRAIN -

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- MEGA
Mac: GOFILE - PIXELDRAIN -

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- MEGA
Android (version 0.20): PIXELDRAIN -

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Patches:
Extras: Italian Translation*
*This unofficial port/version/mod is not released by developer, download at your own risk.

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This is looking to be a awesome game . The characters are fresh and exciting. The devoloper has done a great job bringing them to life. Top notch graphics. I really like this game a lot and look forward to watching it progress
I follow a lot of Adult visual novels and believe this to be very successful .

 

[rafa30]

I like

 

[StudioBMK]

For those wondering, here's my current conversation with Steam support. It's probably unwinnable, but it's even more about the principle of the thing for me now.

---------
Me:
Hey there!

My game review before publishing was just completed and unfortunately it was denied:
"containing depictions of real people which we are not in the business of selling."

I can understand that AI-images are fairly new and lines can be blurry, but my images are clearly fake and in no sense depictions of real people. There are several hundreds of similar Ren'Py games that depict real life, but where the images are obviously not real. The first reviewer Larry, after seeing the screenshots and playing the game had no problem with it. The second reviewer is unfairly strict and in the wrong I believe.

I'd like to get a second opinion on the game please, as I strongly feel this is a mistake. I've attached one image from the game as supporting evidence.
------------
Steam:
Sorry, we are not interested in review this decision. I can assure you that these decisions are not based on the opinions of one tester.
-----------
ME:
Hi there,

Thank you for your response. I fully understand that Steam must be careful with content that could fall under depictions of real people, and I appreciate that these decisions are never taken lightly.

However, I would like to respectfully clarify once more that my game is no different from many other similar games that have been or are being allowed on Steam. It feels like I'm the victim of a fairly arbitrary ruling, especially compared to many other games that have similar, or even more life like graphics. I've spent $100 on the Steam application, plus 2 weeks of my time doing my utmost to comply to the Steam rules.

Because of this discrepancy, I kindly request either:

a brief explanation of which specific elements in my game were interpreted as “depictions of real people,” compared to other titles so I can correct or adjust them accordingly,

or

that this case be reviewed by a supervisor or senior reviewer for a second opinion.

My intention is simply to understand how to comply with Steam’s policies in a consistent way. Without clarity, it is difficult to identify what part of my content is considered problematic compared to hundreds other games.

I appreciate your time and hope we can resolve this so the title can be brought fully in line with Steam’s guidelines.

Thank you again for looking into it.

 

[housekinokuni1974]

For those wondering, here's my current conversation with Steam support. It's probably unwinnable, but it's even more about the principle of the thing for me now.

---------
Me:
Hey there!

My game review before publishing was just completed and unfortunately it was denied:
"containing depictions of real people which we are not in the business of selling."

I can understand that AI-images are fairly new and lines can be blurry, but my images are clearly fake and in no sense depictions of real people. There are several hundreds of similar Ren'Py games that depict real life, but where the images are obviously not real. The first reviewer Larry, after seeing the screenshots and playing the game had no problem with it. The second reviewer is unfairly strict and in the wrong I believe.

I'd like to get a second opinion on the game please, as I strongly feel this is a mistake. I've attached one image from the game as supporting evidence.
------------
Steam:
Sorry, we are not interested in review this decision. I can assure you that these decisions are not based on the opinions of one tester.
-----------
ME:
Hi there,

Thank you for your response. I fully understand that Steam must be careful with content that could fall under depictions of real people, and I appreciate that these decisions are never taken lightly.

However, I would like to respectfully clarify once more that my game is no different from many other similar games that have been or are being allowed on Steam. It feels like I'm the victim of a fairly arbitrary ruling, especially compared to many other games that have similar, or even more life like graphics. I've spent $100 on the Steam application, plus 2 weeks of my time doing my utmost to comply to the Steam rules.

Because of this discrepancy, I kindly request either:

a brief explanation of which specific elements in my game were interpreted as “depictions of real people,” compared to other titles so I can correct or adjust them accordingly,

or

that this case be reviewed by a supervisor or senior reviewer for a second opinion.

My intention is simply to understand how to comply with Steam’s policies in a consistent way. Without clarity, it is difficult to identify what part of my content is considered problematic compared to hundreds other games.

I appreciate your time and hope we can resolve this so the title can be brought fully in line with Steam’s guidelines.

Thank you again for looking into it.

for me its just pure arbitrary, good luck in anycase

 

[MiltonPowers]

Steam:
Sorry, we are not interested in review this decision. I can assure you that these decisions are not based on the opinions of one tester.

 

[Bobjock]

That's really annoying, I'm sorry you have to deal with that horse shit.....

 

[StudioBMK]

I have a question for all of you, I'm wondering how you feel about it.

So far we've seen:
Chapter 1 > consisting of the end of Day 1 and most of Day 2 (about 1400 lines of code)
Chapter 2 > consisting of the last part of Day 2, plus Day 3 and Day 4 (about 3500 lines of code)

Normally I would plan to release Chapter 3, consisting of Day 5 and Day 6.

I'm steadily moving forward with Day 5 which is nearing completion. The total length of day 3 will probably be around 1700 to 1900 lines of code.

But I'm now actually strongly thinking about working more agile and not releasing per Chapter (consisting of 2 days), but just release per ingame day. Unless there's a particular small ingame day.

That would mean more updates (one ingame day per 1 to 1,5 months), instead of two ingame days per 2 to 3 months).

I see a few benefits for this for me and for you as the players:

• More updates, keeping the game fresh in your memory
• More updates could mean players aren't as worried I will disappear or updates will suddenly take 6 months
• More PR, easier marketing. For instance on F95, the game will be bumped up in the Latest Updates more often which should generate more traffic
• Less stress to release a bigger update
• One day per update makes more sense release-wise
• Easier to rewrite small parts and make quick changes if things seem to go in the wrong direction

But I'm also seeing a few downsides:

• Every update will be smaller
• More anxiety about pushing an update every 1 to 1,5 months
• A slightly bigger admin workload compiling the build, updating forums, Patreon, etc.
• Not every ingame day might have a "big" cliffhanger

So... What do you all think?

 

[Dunking_Donuts]

I have a question for all of you, I'm wondering how you feel about it.

So far we've seen:
Chapter 1 > consisting of the end of Day 1 and most of Day 2 (about 1400 lines of code)
Chapter 2 > consisting of the last part of Day 2, plus Day 3 and Day 4 (about 3500 lines of code)

Normally I would plan to release Chapter 3, consisting of Day 5 and Day 6.

I'm steadily moving forward with Day 5 which is nearing completion. The total length of day 3 will probably be around 1700 to 1900 lines of code. I'm aiming for every update of that size to take me 2 to 3 months to create.

But I'm now actually strongly thinking about working more agile and not releasing per Chapter (consisting of 2 days), but just release per ingame day. Unless there's a particular small ingame day.

That would mean more updates (one ingame day per 1 to 1,5 months), instead of two ingame days per 2 to 3 months).

I see a few benefits for this for me and for you as the players:

• More updates, keeping the game fresh in your memory
• More updates could mean players aren't as worried I will disappear or updates will suddenly take 6 months
• More PR, easier marketing. For instance on F95, the game will be bumped up in the Latest Updates more often which should generate more traffic
• Less stress to release a bigger update
• One day per update makes more sense release-wise
• Easier to rewrite small parts and make quick changes if things seem to go in the wrong direction

But I'm also seeing a few downsides:

• Every update will be smaller
• More anxiety about pushing an update every 1 to 1,5 months
• A slightly bigger admin workload compiling the build, updating forums, Patreon, etc.
• Not every ingame day might have a "big" cliffhanger

So... What do you all think?

To be honest, there is one game that comes out once a month and the content is okay for 60-90 minutes. You could also make it one month of development and have a content of 60-90 minutes, which was in your chapter, I think so.

 

[StudioBMK]

I’m getting close to wrapping up Day 5, and it’s shaping up to be one of the busier in-game days. I’m currently in the final rounds of writing, polishing, and testing, and things are coming together nicely. I'm expecting the update to be released somewhere next week, before November 22. The update will be just under 2000 lines of code (Chapter 2 was 3500 LoC), playable time should be about 1 hour, a little bit dependent on your earlier choices and your reading speed.

New update approach
Starting now, I’ll be releasing updates one in-game day at a time instead of pushing out two-day bundles or larger chapter packages.

Why this change?

• You’ll get new content more frequently.
• And it allows me to polish, balance, and test each day more thoroughly — improving the overall quality.

The chapter structure stays the same; the release rhythm just becomes smaller and more consistent. I'll see how I like this agile approach and of course how you think about it.

My aim would be to release an update every 1 to 1,5 months, which would usually consist of 1 in-game day and somewhere between 45-75 minutes of gameplay .

⭐ What’s coming in Day 5?
Without spoiling too much:

• Another character is getting involved in the search for Mara, whether you like it or not.
• Blair is having a rough morning, but you're going to make her quite happy.
• A long lunch with Anaru at the "Red Rocket Diner", a nice reference to my all-time favorite game franchise Fallout.
• After work, you'll have an extended shopping date with Ember. You'll meet someone who immediately falls in love with mc, just not in the way you expect
• The shopping date ends at a local pizzeria where mc tries his worst pizza puns, after which the day ends at home.

❤ Thank you!
Thanks again for all your support. Despite the crappy news about the Steam release, I'm surely keeping busy with the development, because I really love this project and its characters.

I can’t wait to share Day 5 with you all and see what you think!

For those on the Ember path, things will be heating up while shopping

 

[MiltonPowers]

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Hi everyone,

It's just about time again for the monthly renders, I've made three this time.



One of the members requested a Vanessa one, Ember and Blair are recurring favorites. For those with a keen eye, the Blair image has a hidden message



Enjoy!

 

[Dimitry710]

I already left my review of the game, greetings.

 

[fred95z]

I’m getting close to wrapping up Day 5, and it’s shaping up to be one of the busier in-game days. I’m currently in the final rounds of writing, polishing, and testing, and things are coming together nicely. I'm expecting the update to be released somewhere next week, before November 22. The update will be just under 2000 lines of code (Chapter 2 was 3500 LoC), playable time should be about 1 hour, a little bit dependent on your earlier choices and your reading speed.

New update approach
Starting now, I’ll be releasing updates one in-game day at a time instead of pushing out two-day bundles or larger chapter packages.

Why this change?

• You’ll get new content more frequently.
• And it allows me to polish, balance, and test each day more thoroughly — improving the overall quality.

The chapter structure stays the same; the release rhythm just becomes smaller and more consistent. I'll see how I like this agile approach and of course how you think about it.

My aim would be to release an update every 1 to 1,5 months, which would usually consist of 1 in-game day and somewhere between 45-75 minutes of gameplay .

⭐ What’s coming in Day 5?
Without spoiling too much:

• Another character is getting involved in the search for Mara, whether you like it or not.
• Blair is having a rough morning, but you're going to make her quite happy.
• A long lunch with Anaru at the "Red Rocket Diner", a nice reference to my all-time favorite game franchise Fallout.
• After work, you'll have an extended shopping date with Ember. You'll meet someone who immediately falls in love with mc, just not in the way you expect
• The shopping date ends at a local pizzeria where mc tries his worst pizza puns, after which the day ends at home.

❤ Thank you!
Thanks again for all your support. Despite the crappy news about the Steam release, I'm surely keeping busy with the development, because I really love this project and its characters.

I can’t wait to share Day 5 with you all and see what you think!


For those on the Ember path, things will be heating up while shopping

In light of the changes made to the game will there be a patch available here?

 

[StudioBMK]

In light of the changes made to the game will there be a patch available here?

You mean for Ember and MC to be brother and sister? The incest patch on the first post will work for all future updates.

Or did you mean something else?