Hello friends and fellow travellers!
I understand that everyone is already gearing up for the celebration. Unfortunately, I've been sick since Christmas and lack much energy. I'll try to be brief, but I don't think I'll make it.
It has been a tumultuous year for the project, with both the best and worst months in recent years. I found myself questioning many aspects of my project. Have I effectively communicated that Oliver's return to the stage is optional for each player? Was it right to follow the vote to shave Laura, even though I personally disagree with it? Have I made a severe mistake by sending Laura out on the streets too exposed in the previous week of the game? And many other questions. I believe I found answers to some, while others remain uncertain.
An existential crisis also crept in. While I have the entire game's script written until the very end, nothing is documented about the developer's feelings. I spent a considerable amount of time preparing Laura for the significant events of the game. The initial weeks were deliberately crafted to tease both the players and myself. It became challenging for me because I wanted to delve into the "hot" topics faster. With the first Gunnar and Punk event, the door swung wide open, and I relished the freedom for a while. Then, a bit of fatigue set in. Did I want to bake the same "hot" event releases repeatedly? Would it still interest me, and would the players remain engaged? What could make me look forward to building subsequent updates as soon as possible? Fortunately, I found the answer without compromising on adult content.
Personally, I will remember this year for something entirely different. I can no longer proudly say that Nemiegs is a solo project entirely. Yes, it's still my story, pictures, animations, and code. However, dedication, motivation, and enthusiasm are now shared efforts. Kroelle, a long-term Patron of this project, has been pivotal. With excellent imagination and enthusiasm, Kroelle possesses a unique ability to gauge how low Nemiegs' spirits are by reading the weekly updates. It has been excellent psychological support at the right time, saving the project's future, and for that, I am immensely grateful.
However, people can be demanding. If you help out once, it may become your duty. I simply asked Kroelle to create a Nemiegs Twitter account. After a few conversations, I shared my pending to-do list on social media... At first, I thought that it was a mistake as Kroelle had his wishlist... I had never been this busy with various visual materials for marketing – banners, posters, signatures, and a new promo video – all while building an SR game update. I'm sweating even as I write this. Now, sitting at the computer and trying not to cough my soul out of my lungs, I look back on what I have accomplished this year with great pleasure.
Nemiegs Games now consists of two people. The Marketing Department oversees Nemiegs' presence on Twitter, YouTube, Literotica, and who knows where else... It ensures that Nemiegs does what it needs to do and doesn't fall into analysis paralysis. This department also provides ideas for a "hot" event if Nemiegs has reached an artistic dead end. The Art Department is still responsible for the game and activities on Patreon and Discord – that's still me.
And finally, let's take a glimpse into the future. The Marketing Department has promised me a year of routine for the upcoming year. On my end, I've fine-tuned the game, bringing my satisfaction level with it to around 80%. Since it's challenging to achieve more in this aspect, the only path is forward. Starting next year, updates will include both the full game and update patches separately. I'll likely split the full game into two archive files.
Next in line is the Tales From Afar (TFA) update, scheduled for release in January. Personally, I'm eagerly anticipating the SR v2.1 update. It promises to be intense and exciting. But! The first quest of the year is the "Hint File" for the Hall of Shame. It will be a PDF document containing the conditions for opening each scene in the game. Let's see how smoothly it goes – perhaps I'll supplement it with a description of some key events that influence the game by sending Laura down another branch.
That wraps it up for tonight. I believe my holiday speech might be longer than the one the president of my country will deliver at midnight.
Success, happiness, luck, love, joy, money, and everything your heart desires!
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Thanks for the journey together!
Nemiegs
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