- Jul 23, 2021
- 82
- 62
Boy, there’s not enough popcorn in my grocery store for me to munch on while reading these two thread, here, and here
Seriously though, I’m glad this discussion is happening. It’s been brewing under the surface for a long time, and it feels like we’re finally addressing some important issues. This kind of dialogue is not only healthy but also necessary for growth.
I should mention that I have a vested interest in both ecosystems thriving. I am building a project/business within the adult space, and while it won't intersect with either of them just yet, Phase 3 of my plans will involve both. That’s why I want to contribute my perspective here. I’ll highlight the longstanding problems I’ve observed, both here and on the VaM hub, and propose solutions. These ideas might not be perfect, but they could serve as a starting point for something better. Either way, I hope my take adds value to the conversation.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: piracy. I agree wholeheartedly with the Gabe Newell quote someone shared by VamJamA4. You can’t fight piracy head-on and expect to win—it’s a fool’s errand. Instead, you have to adapt and accept reality. If you create something of value, people will respond to it. Sure, there will always be piracy, but a great product coupled with compelling incentives will draw in support. I think this is where VaM and its creators missed an opportunity to approach the issue differently.
Both ecosystems are deeply niche, which inherently limits the pool of successful creators. For instance, here at F95, game creators don’t necessarily need to be part of this ecosystem. Many of them are more likely to be found on other platforms like Ren'Py or RPG Maker forums when seeking technical guidance. On the other hand, the VaM forum feels more specialized. If I want to learn about a specific plugin like Body Language, I can ask a question there and find users or creators who have relevant experience. However, despite these differences, both platforms face significant hurdles that could impede their growth.
One of the most glaring issues here is the overwhelming amount of content, which leads to choice paralysis. While the tagging system is helpful, it’s far from perfect. Take the popular “big tits” tag, for example—everyone has their own definition of what qualifies as “big.” Personally, I find that what shows up under that tag is often what I consider "medium" or even "small", which means I’m seeing content I have no interest in. I’m sure others have similar experiences. Beyond that, there’s the matter of quality. Not all games should make the cut. Perhaps a curation system that tiers content based on popularity or quality could help, ensuring that well-made projects receive the visibility they deserve.
Meanwhile, VaM has made strides to address content accessibility with features like bookmarks and folders for organizing favorites. This saves time and makes it easier to keep up with updates. Still, both platforms share a larger issue: their heavy reliance on the Patreon model. I’m baffled that neither has implemented a marketplace. The current setup requires subscribing to creators’ Patreons, and if you have a question, you’re often directed to their Discord server. How about "no"? I don't want to join your Discord server, and it shouldn't be a requirement to enjoy your game, or help me with your plugin. This fragmentation isn’t sustainable. Why not centralize these interactions within the existing forums? Discord servers can become time sinks for creators, often dominated by a small, vocal group of fans. This takes time away from development, which is where creators’ energy is most needed.
The lack of marketplaces on both platforms is a missed opportunity. Imagine being able to buy a game or asset outright without needing a subscription. This could take the form of a credit system, a membership model, or something entirely different. Regardless, the current model isn’t conducive to long-term growth or accessibility.
VaM faces additional challenges due to its steep learning curve. Creating content requires advanced technical skills, which limits participation to a select few. The lack of detailed documentation for plugins, the heavy reliance on technical lingo, and the lack of examples doesn't help either. While collaboration among creators is commendable, it’s still the same handful of names driving innovation. This exclusivity isn’t sustainable, especially as VaM looks to expand its user base. If they don’t lower the barrier to entry soon, larger competitors with much deeper pockets will swoop in, offering a more user-friendly experience and leaving VaM in the dust.
For both ecosystems to thrive, they need to integrate their strengths. For example, a unified credit system could work across both platforms, enabling users to support creators seamlessly. Forums should be the central hub for community interactions, reducing the reliance on Discord. This would streamline communication and make it easier for everyone to find answers.
Ultimately, I want to see both platforms succeed. They’ve each built something remarkable, but they need to evolve to stay relevant. By addressing these issues and embracing new solutions, they can not only survive but also flourish.
Let’s keep this discussion going—it’s too important to let it fizzle out.
Seriously though, I’m glad this discussion is happening. It’s been brewing under the surface for a long time, and it feels like we’re finally addressing some important issues. This kind of dialogue is not only healthy but also necessary for growth.
I should mention that I have a vested interest in both ecosystems thriving. I am building a project/business within the adult space, and while it won't intersect with either of them just yet, Phase 3 of my plans will involve both. That’s why I want to contribute my perspective here. I’ll highlight the longstanding problems I’ve observed, both here and on the VaM hub, and propose solutions. These ideas might not be perfect, but they could serve as a starting point for something better. Either way, I hope my take adds value to the conversation.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: piracy. I agree wholeheartedly with the Gabe Newell quote someone shared by VamJamA4. You can’t fight piracy head-on and expect to win—it’s a fool’s errand. Instead, you have to adapt and accept reality. If you create something of value, people will respond to it. Sure, there will always be piracy, but a great product coupled with compelling incentives will draw in support. I think this is where VaM and its creators missed an opportunity to approach the issue differently.
Both ecosystems are deeply niche, which inherently limits the pool of successful creators. For instance, here at F95, game creators don’t necessarily need to be part of this ecosystem. Many of them are more likely to be found on other platforms like Ren'Py or RPG Maker forums when seeking technical guidance. On the other hand, the VaM forum feels more specialized. If I want to learn about a specific plugin like Body Language, I can ask a question there and find users or creators who have relevant experience. However, despite these differences, both platforms face significant hurdles that could impede their growth.
One of the most glaring issues here is the overwhelming amount of content, which leads to choice paralysis. While the tagging system is helpful, it’s far from perfect. Take the popular “big tits” tag, for example—everyone has their own definition of what qualifies as “big.” Personally, I find that what shows up under that tag is often what I consider "medium" or even "small", which means I’m seeing content I have no interest in. I’m sure others have similar experiences. Beyond that, there’s the matter of quality. Not all games should make the cut. Perhaps a curation system that tiers content based on popularity or quality could help, ensuring that well-made projects receive the visibility they deserve.
Meanwhile, VaM has made strides to address content accessibility with features like bookmarks and folders for organizing favorites. This saves time and makes it easier to keep up with updates. Still, both platforms share a larger issue: their heavy reliance on the Patreon model. I’m baffled that neither has implemented a marketplace. The current setup requires subscribing to creators’ Patreons, and if you have a question, you’re often directed to their Discord server. How about "no"? I don't want to join your Discord server, and it shouldn't be a requirement to enjoy your game, or help me with your plugin. This fragmentation isn’t sustainable. Why not centralize these interactions within the existing forums? Discord servers can become time sinks for creators, often dominated by a small, vocal group of fans. This takes time away from development, which is where creators’ energy is most needed.
The lack of marketplaces on both platforms is a missed opportunity. Imagine being able to buy a game or asset outright without needing a subscription. This could take the form of a credit system, a membership model, or something entirely different. Regardless, the current model isn’t conducive to long-term growth or accessibility.
VaM faces additional challenges due to its steep learning curve. Creating content requires advanced technical skills, which limits participation to a select few. The lack of detailed documentation for plugins, the heavy reliance on technical lingo, and the lack of examples doesn't help either. While collaboration among creators is commendable, it’s still the same handful of names driving innovation. This exclusivity isn’t sustainable, especially as VaM looks to expand its user base. If they don’t lower the barrier to entry soon, larger competitors with much deeper pockets will swoop in, offering a more user-friendly experience and leaving VaM in the dust.
For both ecosystems to thrive, they need to integrate their strengths. For example, a unified credit system could work across both platforms, enabling users to support creators seamlessly. Forums should be the central hub for community interactions, reducing the reliance on Discord. This would streamline communication and make it easier for everyone to find answers.
Ultimately, I want to see both platforms succeed. They’ve each built something remarkable, but they need to evolve to stay relevant. By addressing these issues and embracing new solutions, they can not only survive but also flourish.
Let’s keep this discussion going—it’s too important to let it fizzle out.
