XCentric Labs

Patron update: Pausing patreon + bonus renders

Added 2021-09-28 21:03:33 +0000 UTC

Hey all,

After brainstorming Chapter 6 again and again, and trying to analyze what really worked and didn't with previous chapters, and seeing that I already have 2 really strong scenes in chapter 6 (I like them better than any of the scenes I've made before!), but also a few weak scenes, I've decided a few things:

1/ I will pause billing until Chapter 6 is complete.
I really want to take my time to do it well, and it doesn't seem fair to charge you guys without an estimate of how long things will take. I will re-enable patreon billing when I publish it.

2/ Using my time more productively
Unfortunately, this project takes a lot of my time, and doesn't generate a lot of money. At time of writing, replicator tech hasn't been invented yet so I do need money to live!
So I'll be dedicating a lot more time to projects that make me money, while sneaking in as much time as I can into this one.
Because I'll give it less time, I'll have to be more efficient, which brings me to point 3

3/Drastically reduce complexity
The only way I can make this work with less time is to go full Visual Novel, and remove gaming features.
It's the complete opposite of what I initially set out to do, I wanted to build something that would become increasingly interactive, but I think it's the right decision.

4/ Figure out more efficient ways to monetize
#1 on my list is to make the VN more exciting. But there are a few other things I will try.

Unfortunately, I can't give an estimate of when Chap 6 will be out, but I'm excited to have more time to build this right, at no cost to you.

Let me know what you think.

That being said, here are a few bonus renders!

These are NOT part of the story.

"I've made contact with the slaving guild, but they are refusing to trust me. They are not sure what the Federation uniform stands for, and they know our reputation. They've decided to put me and the crew to the test: If we can train one of their recently captured slaves, they will show us some of their merchandise. I'm not sure how I feel about that. Surely it's worth the sacrifice if we can take down the whole syndicate? The needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the few? I wonder if I can keep her once all this is over..."