Saturday Pics III - June 2024 (Status + Wall of Text!)

--- GAME STATUS ---

IMAGES: 1.686 (100% Finished)

ANIMATIONS: 503!!! 🤩 (100% Finished)
I pushed myself to reach this number; now we have more cameras than Fred! 😎🎥

TEXT/STORY: 100% Finished

CODING: 95% Finished

TRANSLATIONS: 25% Finished

SOUNDS: 20% FInished

--- WALL OF TEXT (PLEASE READ 🙂) ----

Hello people! As we stand on the brink of releasing Season 2 of Innocence Or Money, I wanted to share some heartfelt thoughts and a crucial decision regarding the launch.

You might be aware that while IoM has found a supportive community here on Patreon, it's also available on several other platforms, including Steam, Itch, and Subscribestar. Steam and Patreon have indeed become the main platforms, and I've cherished the engagement I've had here. In recent weeks, it's come to my attention that the Steam players feel a bit sidelined, seeing Patreon receive exclusive updates and not having the same experience. I completely understand their perspective, and I apologize for my absence in responding to Steam messages lately; my focus has been entirely on completing the first episode of the new season.

Herein lies the dilemma: Season 2 is essentially ready to go. I am faced with the option to release it on all platforms except Steam almost immediately. Steam requires a more complex process to ensure the game meets their standards, which understandably takes more time. (I've to send the game to them, and they take some time to check that it follows the guidelines, that everything works correctly, etc., and then they tell me if I can launch it or if I've to make some changes)

I've given this considerable thought, weighing the anticipation and excitement each of you have shown against the potential frustrations of the IoM Steam community. The last thing I want is to contribute to any feeling of imbalance within the IoM family.

Adding to the challenge are the inevitable game leaks. Websites like F95, known for their swift pirating of games, also serve as a double-edged sword attracting new players who appreciate the effort put into IoM, yet simultaneously undermining the integrity of the fair release schedule. With IoM's growing popularity, having achieved a spot in the top 100 adult games on Patreon, leaks are likely to happen even faster than before. (The last launch was pirated in less than 24 hours, and even some low-tier supporters here were mad at me, telling me how it was possible that the pirate version was already out there and they still had to wait to play the game... I can't control piracy, and I'm only one person, so I just give my best into developing and hope people appreciate it and support, I prefer to focus on that than trying to stop something that is almost unstopable)

I want to take a moment to address a critical and delicate issue. There is a considerable number of players eagerly awaiting the game's release on Steam, and every day I receive messages expressing their anticipation. It's critical for me to consider the scenario if I were to release the game here on Patreon this week. Within 24 hours, it could be pirated and appear on sites like F95... Imagine the avalanche of frustration of Steam users seeing the game pirated elsewhere while it's not even available on their preferred platform. The situation is not only illogical but would also be deeply troubling to me, both on a professional and personal level. My supporters, who are prepared to back me, would have every right to voice their concerns.

With these considerations in mind, I have made the decision to synchronize launches across all platforms. This means we will all experience the beginning of Season 2's journey together, on the same day, at the same hour. It's not a choice made lightly, knowing how eager many of you are to dive into the new content and the already long wait. Yet, ensuring a unified release is paramount in preventing a fragmented and possibly negative experience for any portion of the IoM community.

Months of dedication have been poured into Season 2, and I am confident that you will find it to be an extraordinary continuation of the story. The new season has been crafted with great care, and I believe it sets the stage for taking Innocence Or Money to greater heights. 🙂

Finally, I'd like to convey the importance of rest and well-being in the midst of this shared journey. The development of Season 2 has been an uninterrupted marathon of dedication over recent months, and the passion I have for bringing you an incredible installment has never waned. I am truly proud of the groundwork laid that promises to elevate Innocence Or Money to new heights.

As I prepare to submit the game to Steam for their review process, this also presents me with an opportunity to take a much-needed breather. These moments to recharge are critical for maintaining my physical and mental health. It is at moments like these that I am reminded of the importance of balance, not only for the continued success of IoM but for my ability to keep creating and innovating for years to come.

This grants me the space to release the stress of constant work and to ensure that I can sustainably offer you the best gaming experience possible. You people deserve nothing but the best.

Thank you for understanding and for standing by me through this process. Your belief in this project and in me as a developer means the world. 🌍🙂

--- TODAY IMAGES ----

Wait Marci! Where are today pics! 😱

Tomorrow I will make a cross-platform-post (Patreon - Subscribestar - Steam) So expect a long post with pics, it will be a post for all tiers. I haven't posted anything on Steam for over a month, so I want to do something for all the platforms to let them know that I am alive and IoMing.😉

As always, I wish you a happy weekend, and see you tomorrow. 🙂🍺