- Jul 22, 2021
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Dev update 17th January 2025
New
25 minutes ago
Hello folks,
Just another check-in. I've had (IMO) a really good week on WTHI, so I'm feeling positive. But then I look at what I have actually "written" and start getting a little bit nervous again regarding how much work is involved, but overall, the difference between writing a new episode when it's my sole job as opposed to trying to squeeze it in between a full-time job is like night and day, so as I said... feeling really positive and very happy with progress.
I know I'm probably harping on a little too much about this, but the relationship matrix really is KEY to close out episode 25 / end of WTHI, so it's a big deal to have it closed off.You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.
One of things (and I hope you agree) I spent a lot of time on when writing WTHI is that characters speak about OTHER characters / OTHER events that have happened in the game, rather than (compared to some other games) a character acting the exact same way/same dialog regardless of other relationships / regardless of previous decisions. I think it makes a game feel more dynamic and make choices seem more impactful. The downside is that I end up needing to account for several hundred (not an exaggeration) different paths / possibilities. But that's what I signed up, so not going to complain now.And now that I'm clear and have a finished matrix, I'm feeling good about it.
Following on from the relationship matrix, I have also closed off the marriage matrix, which is basically just who/how the MC can propose to and any knock-on effect that will have on relationships. And then the last part is the potential pregnancy matrix (similar to above). That has all pretty much been complete too. So in summary... The knocked-up and the knock-on plan has been knocked off!
Note: This is the last DEV update where I'll go into detail (bore you) about the relationship matrix, so after today, I'll talk about other stuff.
The end of episode 25 WILL tie up relationships, so it will be clear who MC will continue relationships with (including pregnancy / potential marriages), will clear up the inheritance stuff, and will pretty much tie up loose ends. Also, for multi-girl routes, by the end of episode 25, I plan on (pretty much) resolving the "risk factor" that MC has had to deal with, i.e. the risk of being caught / balancing girls without them knowing about each other, etc, so the MC will not end the game still trying to manage the balance act of life as a serial cheater.
As you can imagine, there is a lot to pack into a single episode, but it is do-able. However, there is only so much content I can get into the game to give it a valid ending...and with my current plans, that's what I think I will be providing. But just to be forewarned... if you are expecting to see a LOT more content AFTER these wrap-ups... (e.g. a scene for each girl 5 years down the line where they are happily married, with 3 kids, etc.), you might be disappointed... I won't be going that far into the future. We do have to end it at SOME point!
Although in saying that... there will definitely be some epilogues and YOU folks will get to vote on which epilogues will actually make it to print, versus which ones will only exist in our imagination. Not to get too far into the future (Let's finish the game first), but some of the epilogues I think will have high potential of being voted in will be (Non-canon: Jenna / Monica / Katie..... Canon: Monica meets Elaine. Non-canon(maybe): Jenna / Porsche / Evie, plus some closers for some of the fan-favourite side girls that won't make it into episode 25.). Or maybe, once we're done... you folks would rather we never re-visit WTHI and just concentrate on a new game (for which I have plenty of ideas). Whether you want epilogues and if so, who will feature, will be 100% based on patron votes. But please don't send me your votes / inputs yet as I want to remain focused one episode 25. Speaking of which...
In additional to the functional elements that I have to fit in (e.g. MC meets girl X (and Y or Z) for a date, discuss W, etc.), this week, I have also fleshed out some of scenes to tie down the fun elements, activity and location. This is the stuff that turns a boring matrix into something enjoyable to play. And I've come up with a few new ideas this week that will definitely make it into Episode 25 (that I hadn't previously thought of). Such as:
Also: This one isn't a new idea, it's been spoken about before, but just want to clarify. There WILL be a spa visit for some of the ladies in episode 25.
OK, probably enough details for now (some of you have probably dozed off already.)
I'll leave you with some teasers for the episode 25 scene., plus a caption competition at the end. The competition winner (based on how many likes their comment gets) will win a unique render...You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.
In this episode 25 scene below, MC has decided to round things off with Monica and bring her for a nice romantic date in the place where they enjoyed their first romantic day out.
As always, please hit me with any comments or questions in the comments below or via a Direct message and I'll get back to everyone.
Thanks,
CG
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And just for fun, let's have a caption contest for this one. Let me know your suggestions for a funny caption / title for this image (Note this image will NOT be used in episode 25 in its current state).
----Lionheart here i did not post the last image----
From the very beginning of this visual novel, I imagined Monica in a wedding dress marrying the MC and a pregnancy, and it was so exciting to me!
