Dev Update 9/5/22

Hey, friends! Hope you're having a good week!

By now, all patron tiers have gotten access to some version of the Alpha for Chapter 3. The finished Beta will be available in the next few days, followed by the public release a short while after that. I intend to release the Beta with all images and choices fully implemented, though the animations may have to wait until the public release.

At present, I've completed 1200 images for Chapter Three, which finishes out the last scene of the game. But, I still need to complete the renders taking place in the MC's condo lobby. I already have 12 posed for the first scene, but I need to tweak Carolina's face a bit. Then I'll need another 20 or so for the other scene taking place in that environment.

It's been a long road, but the end is finally in sight!

I think this update has definitely taught me to temper my ambitions a bit. As much as I like putting out big, content-stuffed updates, I'm going to try to focus on more concise updates in the future, which come out on a more reliable schedule.  So instead of the 1000+ images of the last two updates, it'll be more like.. 600-800, depending on the needs of the script.

I haven't let the bimonthly release slip by that much, but I could have avoided a little stress and anxiety by splitting the chapter into two smaller chapters, and devoting more time to the images, coding, etc. Still, I'm incredibly proud of this chapter, and I think it'll be the best yet.

By the way, none of that anxiety is coming from external pressure. It's just me being kind of a Type A personality that doesn't like falling short of my goals. Sincerely, you folks have been lovely. I've received so many messages urging me not to stress myself out, to take my time, etc. Your interest and enthusiasm really drive me to do my best, and keep delays to a minimum.

I've gotten a good jump on Chapter Four, writing roughly 500 lines of code/script, which comprises the opening scene. On that note, I've added a new benefit to the $15 tier of this patreon, where I share script samples and "vision board" art for future updates. Patrons at that level will begin getting script and gameplay samples each week, as I complete them. This will help me collect early feedback, and catch bugs before they become a problem later. So, if you're at that level, you'll get an early look at Chapter Four tomorrow.

I'm also working on the Discord, which will launch alongside Chapter Three. My intention is to make it a invite-only/private Discord for patrons of all tiers, while still using the Patreon to push out these public weekly updates, patron benefits, and official news/announcements. The Discord will be more for for casual chats, disseminating links to stuff like compressed and non-English language versions of the game, etc.

Also, I'm completing those signature images for various FiN characters, for use on forums. I've had the raw art sitting on my hard drive for a while, but just haven't had the time to get them put together. So, I'm going to try to do that today, while I'm stuck at my day job.

I haven't had a lot of time to work on the next mini-game, but I have the full plot vaguely mapped out. Just need to write it, now.. I'm still really excited about that idea, but you folks are here for Friends in Need, so that remains the priority.

That's all for now! Chapter Three will be here this week, and I can't wait for everyone to play it.