In recent years, many Western adult game developers have turned what were once promising projects into “scam assets.” Popular titles like Waifu Academy and The Headmaster started strong, with consistent updates and a loyal fanbase. But as subscriber numbers soared and developers began earning incomes far exceeding those of their Japanese counterparts, the situation started to deteriorate.
Delays became endless. Excuses like car accidents, illnesses, or personal hardships began to pop up, often used to justify indefinite hiatuses. These developers live off their patrons while failing to deliver meaningful updates. Even when they manage to finish a game, most are unable to create a second one — so they simply drag out the existing project, eventually fading into obscurity with a damaged reputation.
This behavior isn't just dishonest to supporters — it tarnishes the credibility of Western adult gaming as a whole. In contrast, Japanese developers consistently deliver on content and maintain professional work ethics. Even indie creators from China and other Asia-Pacific regions are, in many cases, more reliable and deserving of support than these so-called Western "developers."
We need to stay vigilant: when a dev starts frequently claiming to be "in pain," "burned out," or facing endless personal issues as an excuse for delays, that’s often a red flag. If they truly can't continue, they should delete their accounts and release the game assets, rather than endlessly draining money from trusting fans.
If the Western adult game scene doesn’t change course, it will continue falling behind. True respect belongs to those who stay committed, deliver content, and don’t rely on pity to pay the bills.
