Update finished...
Added 2024-12-15 08:39:29 +0000 UTCHi everyone...
I... I need to be honest with you all. I'm really unhappy with how this update turned out. Not because of the story - that's actually progressing well and is better structured than before. It's the visual aspect that's killing me.
When I finally animated the frames I'd made, everything looked inconsistent because of the AI texture improvements. When I realized this... I was furious. So many hours just... wasted. I had to choose between scrapping all the animated work or salvaging what I could by keeping only select frames. I went with the latter. That's why if you check the changelog, you'll notice the animations are gone.
Between the PC issues and everything else, this project has really consumed me. And financially... it hasn't been going well. I've had to look for another job because I'm drowning in debt...
You know what's ironic? The AI stuff that I was so excited about at first... watching it animated just made me so angry. The only positive things I got from this experiment were learning new Lightroom and Photoshop techniques, plus AI training and prompting. But I definitely overcomplicated everything.
While figuring out what to do next, I discovered I could improve things using Normal Maps, Render SubD level, and other techniques I stupidly wasn't using before! 😅 This update did teach me more about coding (thanks to Cursor too!), and I learned a lot of technical stuff that you can see in the changelog.
This episode closes Arc 1! I have 5 arcs planned (4 episodes each). And no, I won't do what I did before with seasons and new clients - it'll stay the same client, same system. Maybe I'll group everything under one button in the next update... or maybe I'll wait until I figure something better out.
Now I need your help with something important! I have two options:
Continue with AI + 3D blending
Go back to pure 3D, but with improved textures (using upscaling, normal maps, bumps, higher render SubD)
I want to learn animation for two reasons... I love learning new things, and I've noticed it attracts more people. Beyond being a passion project, this needs to support me financially. Right now, I'm stressed with two jobs, tired of life, but... I keep going because I don't want my dog (the one from the logo - it's basically a copy-paste of his face) and my two cats to go hungry...
I've also removed two tiers - there weren't many people in them, and I couldn't deliver what I promised. I'm considering opening Boosty for Russian users since PayPal might still be blocked there... or maybe creating a PayPal.me for anyone who wants to contribute whatever they can without joining a tier. Just thoughts running through my head.
All I ask is this: please play the game and tell me what to do. Should I continue with AI and forget about animation, or go back to pure 3D and try animation? Both have pros and cons, but I need you to play the latest update to see if it's worth it or not.
Thank you all for your incredible patience with this project. Take care 🤗and Merry Christmas🎄, I love you all.
~YUKANA 💋
Comments
back to 3D ! miss , pls . dont need fxxk AI .
titshunter
2025-01-01 11:55:57 +0000 UTCI like the recent look, but I also like animations when done well. I would go with whichever is easier and less time consuming. You can always go back later and remaster or add-in non-essential parts.
HattyFlan
2024-12-16 20:21:41 +0000 UTCUpped my tier support in light of your difficulties. And I'm fine with you abandoning AI animation if it isn't working, although I hope you don't abandon animations entirely because I thought your previous animations before the remake were fine and good enough if it would be easier to use something similar moving forward instead.
KrimzonHawka
2024-12-16 19:47:57 +0000 UTCI'm sorry about your current situation. I hope it gets better for you. I wish you the best wishes on your well-being and finances. As for the question: honestly, I love both versions. I'm a simple guy; I'm here to play. I think you should do whatever makes you happy. While I do enjoy the remake, I thought your previous work before the remake was excellent (I still have both seasons in my storage). The moment I started it, I was hooked by the art style. You definitely improve overall, though. Also, Happy Holidays to you and everyone ☃🎄🎁!
Jonathan Hang
2024-12-16 18:40:48 +0000 UTCnice
Xeron_Xr
2024-12-16 12:37:17 +0000 UTCHello, first of all I thought that something happened to you but the long period you disappeared you did not appear! Well, that's it then, the important thing is that you are healthy and present and nothing bad happened to you.No problem, everyone is currently relying on artificial intelligence, right? It's not always the solution, I see it that way. AI is not always a solution to every problem, and the situation may become more complicated than that. If you see that this has become a problem and the problems have increased and the situation has become more difficult than before, it is okay to return to the previous (3d animation ) There is no difference for me, it is normal, taking into account the many mistakes AI , if that is good for you.As you said, we learn something new every day! The most important thing is health and maintaining your mind. Stay well and good luck in your continued wonderful work.
Obada Ahmad
2024-12-16 12:27:57 +0000 UTCI am not really sure if animations attract more people. I think as long as the quality of the images is good and you have a good story people will want to play the game. There are some examples of games with 0 animations that are pretty successful. I think you should go with whatever it's easier for you and your mental heath. It seems like this is taking a big toll on your mental health. A.I seems to be something that it is still not viewed very positively when it comes to adult games so maybe it's just better to go with pure 3D. But like I said you should probably go with whatever is better for your overall well-being.
Keldar
2024-12-16 06:57:41 +0000 UTCI prefer the animations, even though I do appreciate the AI quality of the pics. Still the animations have my preference.
Dutch
2024-12-16 04:13:31 +0000 UTCYeah, the updated Maddie is awesome, but that's the only upside of the AI, regarding textures there's too much instability in that approach.
BukikuB
2024-12-16 00:35:34 +0000 UTCGo back to pure 3D, but with improved textures (using upscaling, normal maps, bumps, higher render SubD)
BukikuB
2024-12-16 00:32:15 +0000 UTCI may be one of the few who like AI content (I really liked the change of Elizabeth and Madison) but if it's going to make animations more difficult, it's better to discard it.
Juan D. Lugo
2024-12-16 00:25:00 +0000 UTCI'm really sorry but I think everybody agrees that the game was better without AI
MLink
2024-12-16 00:20:27 +0000 UTCI'm not going anywhere, do what ya think is best. Fun either way lol
BigFloppy
2024-12-15 20:07:13 +0000 UTCgo back to pure 3D and try animation
dev1mple
2024-12-15 17:37:22 +0000 UTC3D with animation without use IA
Lucius Logan
2024-12-15 13:18:30 +0000 UTCWe are all here as you created a great and captivating story/VN, and sorry to hear about the frustrations and struggles. First and foremost, take care of yourself, those who depend on you, and our pets, whether that be AI/3d blending or back to pure 3D. Both looked good, know some prefer one or the other, but in the end, this is yours. Animations make things better, and perhaps as you like learning new things, add that once you are happy with how they come out. Thank you for all the work you put into this; it's greatly appreciated.
Scott31
2024-12-15 12:55:00 +0000 UTCThis update will have been really complicated for you between the hardware problems and the technical aspects of the visuals... It saddens me to know that this project puts you in a difficult financial and mental health situation. Even if I love what you have created, I prefer that the development takes all the time it needs if it allows you and your animals to be safe. As for the question of mixing AI + 3D or returning to pure 3D, but with improved textures, I have no preference. I have gotten used to the current rendering and it has become complicated to choose between the two. The result is superb in all cases. Ideally I would just like it to be consistent throughout the project, but I do not realize the work that it represents for you to redo this first arc if the community's choice is to return to pure 3D. I hope your situation improves as soon as possible.
Loishy
2024-12-15 10:06:56 +0000 UTC
