I just want to add my comment to the thread, regarding the artists of the injured hand, in the case of Kainkout, I read some posts on Twitter (X) about the event, including that he planned to retire, about the other artist I have nothing to say that I know , I guess we can't blame Zion for this.
As for games, SC was the reason I followed this game, but more than anything it was the art of Kainkout, I guess I'm more of an art>plot type, no matter how much they say the plot is good, yes the I don't like the art that accompanies it or the setting, I just passed on it, I liked EC, but it was more because of Kainkout's art, the plot seemed interesting, but it was left halfway.
Of course there are exceptions to the rule like black souls 1 and 2, the takamakuran games, etc., to a point I'm playing it like any other rpg to discover its story and actively trying to avoid fights or H scenes to advance the plot.
And with SC it is in art=plot, I try to play it like any rpg because the story looks interesting to say the least and seeing the new artist I will continue to expect more from SC, because the art is good, the story is interesting.
As for WS, it's just one chapter, I don't have much to say, the art is nice, but I didn't pay attention to the story, because I'm here for SC.
Now as for the development of the game, unless you take care of EVERYTHING, art, music, programming, history, etc., well, it does take time, but the art is commissioned, the music is taken from other sources, so all that remains is programming and history, programming like any language takes time and seeing that it is 4 years old I want to believe that you have already mastered the RPG Maker tool, since it does not have advanced plugins, basic combat, basic exploration, etc., so I think there is not many excuses to make, the other would be the story, whether you have already developed it to the end or are doing it along the way, it depends on the developer.
The problem here is the lack of communication from Zion or rather the lack of updating the state of the game, you cannot simply say that the game is delayed and not give an explanation as to why.
BUT, I'm not defending it, I want the game to finish at least and I hope that with this supposed pause the rhythm improves.
Sorry about the wall of text, but I had to get it out.