Original Short Stories Poll
Added 2019-04-18 22:59:15 +0000 UTCFor the original short stories I post each month, how do you feel about reading information about a character not revealed in the game? For example, if a story revealed that Madison and Brody were actually cousins, not twins but this is not revealed in-game, how would you feel?
I see two sides to this. On one side, readers want a complete picture from my games and don't want to search elsewhere for more character details. On the other side, if I would like to share original stories with my supporters, why should I hold back. Patreon is accessible to all, and if anyone wants to read everything, they can find it in my games, website, and Patreon.
My goal of revealing information outside of my games is to explore backgrounds and give insight into the larger world. It is not to entice people to become Patrons. However, my opinion is secondary here. I want to hear from you.
Disclaimer: Madison and Brody are twins.
Comments
Rachel is not a cousin of Vince she was his bodyguard, when he researched Zeta DAMDAMDAAAAAM
Yari Vahle
2019-04-26 08:59:03 +0000 UTCI guess this is mostly about Rachel and Vince, likely the next short story. I can make some interesting reveals but wonder if it is too big. Your opinion really helps.
Jim Dattilo
2019-04-19 00:16:49 +0000 UTCTo be fair, I don't think anyone would be upset with more, or additional, content being on Patreon, as it is a subscription of sorts. It's no different than paying to go to the cinema while others wait to see the movie on TV and I think most people would understand that. If whatever is revealed about a character through these additional stories has a direct impact on the game or how people would play, then it's tricky. An example would be if you wrote a psychological profile on Tom before releasing ZE 1, then that would have definate repercussions on my gameplay. But it would still make for an interesting read! If it makes you feel any better, my opinion is that anyone who has interacted with you, either through fb or choice of games forum, knows that you don't make content with profit as a priority, and that you feel uncomfortable with that perception. No one adds content and ideas from fans, or listens to their opinions in the same way you do, and this additional content on Patreon is more like sharing your passion for writing and a 'thank you' to dedicated fans, rather than something just to make money, so I wouldn't worry about any backlash too much. The only alternative I can think of is to not have any information revealed that would impact gameplay. If Brody and Madison being something other than siblings doesn't have any influence on playing the game, then go fo it!
Sarah Winters
2019-04-19 00:14:12 +0000 UTCHmm. This is tough. I want to use this platform to write stories and not be constrained by who can read it. I look at Patreon as my dedicated readers and want to give them a reason to keep supporting me. One way would be to reveal really cool details about characters. But I see your point that people outside of here may get upset that I reveal something here before the game. Right now, I also only have time for writing ZE:SH Part 3, Vampire Fiction, and my Patreon content. So writing free stories is unfortunately going to be very rare.
Jim Dattilo
2019-04-18 23:38:24 +0000 UTCI like the stories. The benefits of them are that you can expand on the Zombie Exodus universe without time constraints or deadlines to appease, and I feel deeper immersion in the story and an emotional bond with the characters knowing what they think and go through when the MC isn't around. They also help me make decisions about who to send on what duties and how to interact with them to gain better relationship bonuses. If there are revelations made outside of gameplay that doesn't necessarily impact the story, then I don't see any harm in it. If, however, whatever revelation is made does affect plot, then it may be helpful to add a character profile in the stats menu with a note that players can read a more in depth background on your Patreon without any monthly fee.
Sarah Winters
2019-04-18 23:23:59 +0000 UTCI definitely agree.
Jim Dattilo
2019-04-18 23:22:34 +0000 UTCLike you said, I think that it it would be a great to expand the Zombie Exodus universe with these stories whether or not its from a character not revealed.
Matthew Quinn
2019-04-18 23:14:57 +0000 UTC
