This was my FIRST time playing it, EVER. Wouldn't complain, except for that.
...Uh huh... *roll eyes* Nothing wrong with being a legitimate pirate, you know. No need to fib.
I'm a bit confused. I came here to find out why the game would exit when using a Dev supplied code, only to find out that said dev is creating a single player game with anti-cheating?
Isn't it my own business how I decide to enjoy a single player game that has *no impact* on other players?
Isn't it also my own problem if I opt to use mods that end up fucking up my copy of this single player game?
Uhh, ok. Fuck that dev. Moving along.
Yes and no. Using a non-current Patreon Code will ruin saves and permanently mark your installation, preventing you from using your saves or even starting a new game. You must delete your persistent file and all saves, then retry with the latest Patreon code. A bit fucking stupid, but they're set on making the game 50% DRM and 45% grind+ and 5% content. *Never* load a save with a non-current Patreon Code, or they become ruined, permanently, same for your persistent file (which survives New games). Their DRM (poorly implemented, might I add) will prevent almost all modding. Definitely recommend passing.
As it stands (as of 9/1/21):
The game uses Patreon Code(s) to unlock some content. Nothing wrong with that, but the author's DRM is oppressive and disgustingly disruptive. If you attempt to mod some things or cheat outside their means, your save is corrupted purposefully and your Ren'Py persistent file is marked to prevent being played. If you use the latest Patreon Code (for that release!), it can unmark some saves, but only if you haven't attempted to load them with a non-current (to that release!) Patreon Code.
To reset your situation, delete the following (warning, this clears all saves and settings, required):
Windows:
%APPDATA%/RenPy/TheHardWay-1606287672
Mac OS:
~/Library/RenPy/TheHardWay-1606287672
Linux:
~/.renpy/TheHardWay-1606287672
You can then create a new game with the current (for that release) Patreon Code, and it will work. Don't bother trying to use old saves with new versions without the new version Patreon Code, or you'll get marked again. Otherwise, you'll have to redo this all over again. Developer is far more concerned with DRM to prevent piracy, as if it will force people to Patreon. ...Summertime Saga uses no DRM and makes $30k/m. Who knows wtf they're thinking. Nothing wrong with a simple DRM, but destructively ruining things (modifying and marking saves) is illegal in the US, ruled in favor of some guy in mid to early 2000s, despite them pirating). A simple messaging and exit is fine, but eh.. Anyway, I'm too busy to provide any future updates really (this was a one-off anyway for a friend, and
they've decided not to continue playing because it is just a grinder), or I'd just provide updated workarounds every month. There is a series of console commands you can use to repair a save and unmark everything and clean up, but it is just tedious. I'm just too busy to keep updating. *trying to desperately to get the fuck out of this country*