Devlog Update

Yo!

So I wanted to check-in and give a more comprehensive review of the next update as I've been kinda spotty with updates. End of the semester is coming up so I've been hit and miss on some stuff. However, I'm happy to say that things are coming along on v0.9 so far. 

v0.9

First off: If I had to put a numerical value on my progress, I'd say I'm about 50% through with the rough draft writing and CGs for the next version--maybe a little more. Basically, I lot of the previous CGs and poses were still applicable to normal conversation and stuff. So basically, this let me burn through the writing and dropping images in at a much faster clip than I normally get to. This has been kindof a pattern in the past, too, usually my game progress slows down when I have outfit changes and have to redo a lot of the old ones (like when Braden switched from boxers to undies). So I'm not being lazy, I've done this multiple times before. This also allowed me a bit of free time to experiment with some lighting--one of the biggest learning curves with the DAZ3D art studio program that I use for all the graphics. I'm still not content with the final version of the images but I think you'll notice a bit more accurate lighting as I still toy around with things and learn as I go. Ultimately, once the game is complete, I plan to go back through and redo every CG once I know what I'm doing. This will essentially upgrade the graphics through the entire game (that's my long-term goal anyway).

While I was able to use a significant number of old CGs for this update, don't worry, I'm adding new ones, too. I don't have a final count yet but I'm expecting the typical amount. I did quite a few over the weekend here (as of this writing there's like 36 in the queue plus a decent amount already in the game) and just need to start rendering to see where I'm at again.

New Stuff

The teaser should have clued you in a bit but I'll drop some more information. I'm going to avoid spoilers but I feel that more information on the coming update is warranted because of the long absence in new content; I'm trying to strike a balance here.

The previous CG showed Zack and Mikhail walking at the pool. We can expect things with the swim team to pick up where they left off a few updates ago. Some of the focus will be on Mikhail's character here. While we've met Mikhail and briefly interacted with him, this update will drop some new information and background for him.

So before I go any further: Team Braden--chill the fuck out! Mikhail's character will have a prominent role in our story that will still impact both Zack and Braden. So while I'm introducing a new person, it's still all about the current Zack/Braden story (for now). 

 The real challenge for me is introducing a new character more seriously and making him relatable. Given the significant conversation and character development we've learned about Zack and Braden so far, introducing another character and making them likeable is probably going to be a difficult task this late. Moving forward, this is one of the things I'm probably the most interested in feedback about. Some of you have expressed concern that our story takes place in a vacuum, primarily only focusing on two characters with little other characters around, I'm going to do some testing with that in this update if my video cards doesn't fucking melt.

Lil bonus...

So in writing the story, I've noticed this update has a bit more skin than our previous ones have so stay tuned for that... :p

Release Date

So some of you will want to know a release date and basically I don't have it yet. Given that I took this restructure break, it messed up my previous release schedule. So moving forward, to try and hit that as a date will either do one of two things: 1) rush me, or 2) screw you guys over by delaying the update until the usual release date. For now, I'm going to just release it when it's done. I'm tentatively hoping before the end of the month, though.

Hit me up with questions if ya got em.

-Aaryn-