Corporate Development Memo (11/6/2022)

Hello everyone!

As I am now crossing 4 months, I am going to do a public post, as I like to do this once in a while!

I am trying to be careful with images because of Patreon public post rules, so it's possible I might edit out an image or two if I feel they aren't quite right.  But I'm trying to be careful.  In particular, the sub path is hard to provide images because Kane is usually not wearing clothes very often!  (Ah, two images I tried to post gave me the "warning" about maybe a bit close for comfort for publication, so I think the site itself is making sure!)  I apologize for any repeat images for Patrons, I am not super great about that given the number of adult previews mixed with a few "public" style ones I have used in Patron posts.

I am currently at 1,491 renders, 60,700 words, and maybe 20-25 animations being used out of the 50ish I have created so far.  The script is very far along now, and I feel fairly good about where I am with everything!  

The dom path is very far along now, and most of this month will be work on the sub paths which are farther behind.  I have normally written it in this order because of how narrative exposition flows for each version of Kane.

As a minor side hint, the very first choice in Episode 7 is fairly big, so that's all I will say on that...a prior big decision I would say is what Olivia decides about Seth in the office with Elena.  Episode 7 has some impact from Episode 6, but for the most part, there are less game changing decisions than Episode 8, which will have multiple "can't turn back" choices so I suggest multiple saves when the time comes.  

Karlsson's Gambit has turned out very different than I expected.  I started it as a fun thing and really did not expect it lead to some other opportunities to do things...but it has, so I can't really articulate well how much I appreciate the support and love (and especially waiting patiently for my busy workload!) I'd never give up interior design as a passion, but I'm really enjoying the people I have now gotten to meet and interact with besides KG...as being a game dev in this way (kind of indie/solo mostly) is sometimes hard for me compared to client facing/extroverted type of work.  This understanding has made me think about what to do post KG, and someday I will talk more about that as I have a good idea what I am going to do, etc.

As a last minor side note, this game did lead me to an opportunity to work on a AAA game (non-adult) releasing next year and I've been cranking away on that at times too.  I am under a very strict NDA on it so all I can really say about it is that I am writing some stuff for it, but that it is almost done as they are moving now past that stage to fixing/testing.  But this won't have much impact moving forward on Episodes 7 and 8 given the timelines/release date hopes that I now know for it.

I am also exploring how to use Steam and put something together for that, but I am not focused too hard on it while I try and finish this update.  It is my intent to put the game after Episode 7 on there if possible.  I am super unfamiliar with Steam, so it's a learning curve for me much like starting this game, etc.  Any Steam experts would be appreciated out there, haha!

One minor concern I am pondering too: In Episode 2, I put a femdom scene (not on Kane but a random person) and gave the choice to allow dom path players to skip it.  In Episode 6, with dom players, I skipped a femdom scene entirely for these players (Olivia bathroom scene with the two guys, but not on Kane) without even showing the scene at all.  So my question to myself is whether I should consider an option to skip or just skipping entirely?  (2 vs. 6 handling)  Any thoughts on this appreciated.

Given the current 1,500ish renders/60000ish word count, I would say the script is very far along, and the renders are over halfway done as well.  I really speed up near the end as I tend to only have to work on renders and am no longer tweaking the script anymore.

I still have one more big sub poll image set to do, and I also want to ask the Patrons about sets versus just work on the game near the end.  I will do that soon.

Also, our office usually slows down December (people planning more vacations/Christmas/holidays stuff than designs) and my business partner and I will likely cut down hours and even give a week off.  I plan to go pretty hard during this time while also dealing with family coming!  Everyone is heading my way this time...

Patrons, I might post in a bit the "adult" images rejected for this post.  I actually don't think they are adult, but the site thinks so.  But I will likely put them on Discord  first.  (just a few)

As always, words can't say how much I appreciate the support and patience.  I know I'm not a full-time 24/7 hardcore dev and am juggling so many things in life, but I do think I would honestly burn out and make a worse game ONLY doing this game too, so it's a balance.  But I promise I am always working hard and trying my best to provide a fun experience for everyone!  Thank you so much, and have a great day/week/holiday season!