VN Ren'Py Where the Heart Is [S1 Rev1] [CheekyGimp]

[QnotU]

True, but definitely a lot of factors there. Tech and folks both being involved.

For one, I can't compare WTHI to any other game I know. None of them have our level of freedom of choice that ripples out across all the characters in detail. (Something I hope you folks enjoy, because just understanding the pathing required is nuts, doing it is bat-shit insane, which thankfully we are qualified for.)

Gaining new team members isn't hard, finding ones with the proper skill set, mind set, and then getting them up to speed is...
Well it has been freaking impossible (at least for us). Even when we have a new guy, we spend as much time going over their stuff to help them get acclimated as it would be to do our ourselves... the idea being eventually they hold their own, but I've posted before how many folks we have brought on, done our best to train/acclimate, and then had things not work out for various reasons. Most of which are the work is immense for a side gig, and the pay is far from stellar. (Despite the 65k downloads of our game that are recorded here on a single tracked download site...).

And I'll end on that our updates while taking longer, almost always contain more content than anyone else putting out regular updates monthly, we just do it every 4-5 months.

Oh, and for those interested in why I'm here ranting/venting rather than hammering away at the game. (Which we have all been doing for more hours than a regular job for weeks now.)
I just tossed the final beta build to our QC team to test. Still some final things to do/test in the next few days, but the count at present...

17500 lines of code/dialog (exactly atm)
1500+ images
61 videos
88 (******)
74 (*****)

At least 25% larger than last EP, which was our largest so far... again.

For sure there are probably multiple factors other that I, and many others do not see. I apologize if my comment came off as bitchy and disrespectful.

I only said what I said because it is incredibly strange and frustrating to come from games like Being A Dik, where people complain that DrPinkCake needs to hire a team to help him since updates are taking a while (even though he is among the best AVN developers in terms of work ethic/communication), to go to other games like WTHI, Summertime Saga, etc that take multiple months to get their updates out; even though they have multiple people working on the game. Not at all a shot at you guys as developers, but more calling out people who think that getting more developers to work on a game means they will get updates faster.

 

[acewinz]

For sure there are probably multiple factors other that I, and many others do not see. I apologize if my comment came off as bitchy and disrespectful.

I only said what I said because it is incredibly strange and frustrating to come from games like Being A Dik, where people complain that DrPinkCake needs to hire a team to help him since updates are taking a while (even though he is among the best AVN developers in terms of work ethic/communication), to go to other games like WTHI, Summertime Saga, etc that take multiple months to get their updates out; even though they have multiple people working on the game. Not at all a shot at you guys as developers, but more calling out people who think that getting more developers to work on a game means they will get updates faster.

Hehe, no offense taken. People complain, but I'd rather have them complain because they want something than not. Although comparing us to Summertime Saga is fighting words. While I respect the extra time involved in their style of animated AVN, they have been milking for a long time since they made it big, they definitely don't feel like letting the golden goose give up the final egg. DPC on the other hand, can't really be accused of that from what I've seen, other things maybe, but not that. Yeah, he could expand with the kinda dough he is rolling in, but there is something to be said for being able to do it your own way.

It honestly is a miracle how closely Cheeky and I mesh, so we don't quibble about much in terms of game/character direction, and have worked together long enough to respect one another when we do have a difference of opinion. Then there are perfectly imperfect co-workers like Cell, who do everything they are told with no questions, when they remember what you told them.

We also do value our patreons and communication highly (even when talking to pirates!). While it is sad we see our biggest swells around update time, we have had a solid core of folks for a long time who trust us when we say we are going to deliver but it will take time, and we try not to let them down.

 

[HeDevil69]

True, but definitely a lot of factors there. Tech and folks both being involved.

For one, I can't compare WTHI to any other game I know. None of them have our level of freedom of choice that ripples out across all the characters in detail. (Something I hope you folks enjoy, because just understanding the pathing required is nuts, doing it is bat-shit insane, which thankfully we are qualified for.)

Gaining new team members isn't hard, finding ones with the proper skill set, mind set, and then getting them up to speed is...
Well it has been freaking impossible (at least for us). Even when we have a new guy, we spend as much time going over their stuff to help them get acclimated as it would be to do our ourselves... the idea being eventually they hold their own, but I've posted before how many folks we have brought on, done our best to train/acclimate, and then had things not work out for various reasons. Most of which are the work is immense for a side gig, and the pay is far from stellar. (Despite the 65k downloads of our game that are recorded here on a single tracked download site...).

And I'll end on that our updates while taking longer, almost always contain more content than anyone else putting out regular updates monthly, we just do it every 4-5 months.

Oh, and for those interested in why I'm here ranting/venting rather than hammering away at the game. (Which we have all been doing for more hours than a regular job for weeks now.)
I just tossed the final beta build to our QC team to test. Still some final things to do/test in the next few days, but the count at present...

17500 lines of code/dialog (exactly atm)
1500+ images
61 videos
88 (******)
74 (*****)

At least 25% larger than last EP, which was our largest so far... again.

I just made an offer to help with what I did a couple of years back before I nearly croaked from Covid. I sent the message on Patreon. You're all too busy I think to have seen it but let me know if you want me to do it again.

 

[acewinz]

I just made an offer to help with what I did a couple of years back before I nearly croaked from Covid. I sent the message on Patreon. You're all too busy I think to have seen it but let me know if you want me to do it again.

That would be Cheeky's wheelhouse, but if it was recent chances are it will be a few days before he responds. Busy working on getting the EP out this month.

 

[QnotU]

Hehe, no offense taken. People complain, but I'd rather have them complain because they want something than not. Although comparing us to Summertime Saga is fighting words. While I respect the extra time involved in their style of animated AVN, they have been milking for a long time since they made it big, they definitely don't feel like letting the golden goose give up the final egg. DPC on the other hand, can't really be accused of that from what I've seen, other things maybe, but not that. Yeah, he could expand with the kinda dough he is rolling in, but there is something to be said for being able to do it your own way.

It honestly is a miracle how closely Cheeky and I mesh, so we don't quibble about much in terms of game/character direction, and have worked together long enough to respect one another when we do have a difference of opinion. Then there are perfectly imperfect co-workers like Cell, who do everything they are told with no questions, when they remember what you told them.

We also do value our patreons and communication highly (even when talking to pirates!). While it is sad we see our biggest swells around update time, we have had a solid core of folks for a long time who trust us when we say we are going to deliver but it will take time, and we try not to let them down.

LMAO would never say you guys are on the level of DarkCookie. I really do not understand what the hold up is with their updates.

DPC I cant fault either. Its clear the project is deeply personal to him, and he wants it to be entirely him. It sucks having to wait months for an update, but given his communication and quality I cannot complain.


tl;dr excited for the update thanks for the communication with pirates (im poor im sorry )

 

[joe2012]

 

[acewinz]

88 (sounds)
74 (odors)

Since Cheeky announced it on patreon. I can confirm, you were half right.
88 sounds (unredacted)
74 songs/musical pieces (declassified)
and an intro piece/theme it took us awhile to settle on, along with an optional sequence at the start to go with it

The inclusion and upgrades aren't half-assed, but understand they won't be for everyone. We also did a bit of an experiment with the sounds (which are throughout), but through two scenes they are... different, in a way we hope is immersive and positive, but feedback will determine how we proceed. Feedback from patreons that is

 

[G27111]

I dont understand people complaining about update time tbh.. We are 22 episodes in and are still getting them in good time. Im not sure exactly how long each one takes but ive never thought that its taken way too long or anything. If anything sometimes ive been surprised by how quick the next update has came around.

I think people complaining about updates is when its close to the release and they expect it on the 14th but then it gets to the end of the month and they're still waiting. Thats not on the devs though thats on your impatience. Devs putting a game out when its ready and bug free is way better than getting a broken or rushed game. The last thing you want when a game is getting closer to its end is rushed content.. Its like weed growers who spend months making it perfect then rushing the cutting and curing process. Be patient, we get this shit for free for the most part and we get a lot of info from the devs compared to other games. the last thing you want to do is drive more devs away from this site for being spoiled entitled children.

 

[Deleted member 1183607]

I'm complaining because Elaine won't love me.

 

[Eorzorian]

Although comparing us to Summertime Saga is fighting words

Why would you even comment on people comparing it to that trash can of game? That game has cartoonish characters, the story is non-existent and overall the character's development is the same. Get to know, fck, get them pregnant and forget that they existed.

WTHI has been alone through the way with paths complex to make. Sometimes it is better to not create so many characters which cross each other at one point and ofc the developer has to make the result of it even though not many will see/play that particular path. But it is what it is and the game was developed like this from the beginning, so everyone was fully aware of this and this makes the development time consuming. Also no one should expect here a game being produced as a full-time job because it isnt making much after taxes, payment of workers, patreon cut etc.
The communication mostly from your side has been clear and also there wasnt a fixed date for release, only this month was called out. No need to justify because anyone following this thread or anyone who has a memory of more than 3 months or anyone who didnt fap out his brain cells knew what to expect or when to expect.

Gj so far, i wish that i could support the game but my economic situation sadly doesnt allow it.

 

[acewinz]

Why would you even comment on people comparing it to that trash can of game? That game has cartoonish characters, the story is non-existent and overall the character's development is the same. Get to know, fck, get them pregnant and forget that they existed.

WTHI has been alone through the way with paths complex to make. Sometimes it is better to not create so many characters which cross each other at one point and ofc the developer has to make the result of it even though not many will see/play that particular path. But it is what it is and the game was developed like this from the beginning, so everyone was fully aware of this and this makes the development time consuming. Also no one should expect here a game being produced as a full-time job because it isnt making much after taxes, payment of workers, patreon cut etc.
The communication mostly from your side has been clear and also there wasnt a fixed date for release, only this month was called out. No need to justify because anyone following this thread or anyone who has a memory of more than 3 months or anyone who didnt fap out his brain cells knew what to expect or when to expect.

Gj so far, i wish that i could support the game but my economic situation sadly doesnt allow it.

Hehe, I don't think he meant it seriously and at one time it was a top tier producer, especially for the art required. But that has been sometime... and I never thought they did a good job with their needing fresh saves every update for so long. I mean, if we can manage WTHI without that, surely anyone else can.

 

[Zerorox]

Since Cheeky announced it on patreon. I can confirm, you were half right.
88 sounds (unredacted)
74 songs/musical pieces (declassified)
and an intro piece/theme it took us awhile to settle on, along with an optional sequence at the start to go with it

The inclusion and upgrades aren't half-assed, but understand they won't be for everyone. We also did a bit of an experiment with the sounds (which are throughout), but through two scenes they are... different, in a way we hope is immersive and positive, but feedback will determine how we proceed. Feedback from patreons that is

Only totally awful soundtrack is worse then total silence... so I'll be glad for even not perfect music/sounds in the game.
It's scary when girl gives You silent treatment, same shit with games LOL

 

[Deleted member 1961891]

Spoiler: My essay on comparing VNs

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[QnotU]

Why would you even comment on people comparing it to that trash can of game? That game has cartoonish characters, the story is non-existent and overall the character's development is the same. Get to know, fck, get them pregnant and forget that they existed.

WTHI has been alone through the way with paths complex to make. Sometimes it is better to not create so many characters which cross each other at one point and ofc the developer has to make the result of it even though not many will see/play that particular path. But it is what it is and the game was developed like this from the beginning, so everyone was fully aware of this and this makes the development time consuming. Also no one should expect here a game being produced as a full-time job because it isnt making much after taxes, payment of workers, patreon cut etc.
The communication mostly from your side has been clear and also there wasnt a fixed date for release, only this month was called out. No need to justify because anyone following this thread or anyone who has a memory of more than 3 months or anyone who didnt fap out his brain cells knew what to expect or when to expect.

Gj so far, i wish that i could support the game but my economic situation sadly doesnt allow it.

I was not at all comparing the games on a gameplay, art, story, or quality level. I merely used it as a way to show that having multiple developers on your team does not automatically equal faster updates like many people believe. If you go back and read the conversation you would see that.

 

[acewinz]

Spoiler: My essay on comparing VNs

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Spoiler: Non WTHI Spoilers

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[dkatryl]

88 (sounds)
74 (odors)

I already play these games on my phone with the sound off.

There is no way I'm turning on the android scratch and sniff screen app.

 

[Deleted member 1961891]

Spoiler: Non WTHI Spoilers

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Spoiler: Another essay

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[ename144]

Since Cheeky announced it on patreon. I can confirm, you were half right.
88 sounds (unredacted)
74 songs/musical pieces (declassified)
and an intro piece/theme it took us awhile to settle on, along with an optional sequence at the start to go with it

The inclusion and upgrades aren't half-assed, but understand they won't be for everyone. We also did a bit of an experiment with the sounds (which are throughout), but through two scenes they are... different, in a way we hope is immersive and positive, but feedback will determine how we proceed. Feedback from patreons that is

Hmmm. If the sounds include moans and the like for sex scenes I sincerely hope there's a separate volume slider to mute them. I hate when they get bundled with Music.

But other than that potential exception I'm definitely looking forward to the update. I have high hopes for the dramatic reveal. Of course Jenna's and Jolina's scenes will be nice, too.

 

[Zerorox]

I do think this game needs some more drama (Just a bit, not total tragedy to scare off an average player), in my humble opinion it makes plot a bit more believable and spicy. Too lighthearted stories are not intended for long playthrough, player needs some emotional punch to be not bored to death after a while.
But ofc People are different, so I understand it's not working the same for all

 

[Bloodguard]

They are adding music and sound to the game? Nice!
Not having that was the reason I quit playing a few years back, as games with no audio at all are not really worth my time.
Might be time to check it out again.