Philosophy #40 - Something About Vanessa

Philosophy #40 - Something About Vanessa

The general opinion on Vanessa to me was always something I found interesting. After the first release, I think Vanessa was the most polarizing character. I got the general sense that most people didn't like her attitude and her potential role in the story. A lot of people didn't like the idea that she was going to walk all over the MC. And they didn't like that the MC was going to be willingly walked over like a welcome mat. I actually had to go back and re-write some scenes to make it clear that wasn't going to happen. Of course, it's still interpreted that way because of the nature of the deal they've made. But the MC is not going to be a pushover for the sake of being a pushover.

As episodes were released, there were more people who warmed-up to her but she was still far from a fan favorite. Eventually, she became more popular. And judging from the results of the latest character poll, now she appears to be the most popular character.

I assume it's a combination of factors with Vanessa that come into play. Finally being able to see her face that she's hidden for half the game certainly changed opinions. Obviously, I think most people like her because she's pretty. There's also the MC's more frequent interactions with her, which have given their encounters a more expected dynamic. Even though at times it might seem like Vanessa is simply tolerating you, there's more to your relationship than what was there initially.

I'd like to think that as you've played through Vanessa's story and learned more about her, you've also been able to find at least one thing that you might appreciate about her. I spoke in an earlier Philosophy post about empathy and Vanessa isn't an exception to that. I'm happy and proud that there are some people who see that there is some depth to Vanessa. Don't get me wrong. I considered the cold, ice queen, 'tsundere' archetype when creating Vanessa. But I do my best to paint outside the lines, especially when I'm using such an obvious template.

A lot has happened in Vanessa's story but there's still a lot more to come. I've had all these years to think about it and I'll continue thinking about it until it's finally complete. I've said this before and I'll say it again as we get closer to the releases of the next few updates.

I'm going to be taking a lot of risks in the story. Sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right decision. You're putting a lot of faith and trust in me. And some of that faith is blind because you don't know what's going to happen. I want to take a moment to say thank you for your blind faith in me. There are times when I think about playing it safe and just doing what everybody else is doing. But I want to tell the story that I've always wanted to tell. I want Vanessa to be the character I've written since the beginning. I'm not going to change or compromise what I have planned for her. Your trust has given me the conviction I needed to go through with everything that I have planned.

So, what is planned for Vanessa? Let me start by saying that my intention isn't to sound ominous. There's nothing to be fearful about what will happen in Vanessa's story. But there are some things that might happen that I'm certain you won't expect. Whatever happens, I will say that I will stay true to the character. Everything Vanessa does or how she acts is logical to the character she's always been since the beginning.

I can't spoil anything. I wouldn't want to. And if you're a Vanessa fan, you wouldn't want me to. There is something about Vanessa though. Something about Vanessa that makes her so special. Have you figured out what that might be?

I assumed everybody would pick their favorites from the start. I'm surprised and not surprised that Vanessa is as popular as she is, if that makes. Popular or not, I still treat all characters with the same amount of high respect. Because in the end, they're all special to me.

And finally, for those of you who just don't like Vanessa and never will, don't worry. Your opinions are taken into consideration, too.

On Episode 16

I've been a little sick this week, so production has been kinda slow. I'm finishing up an important scene and moving on to some smaller scenes. Getting to animations before the end of the month is going to be close depending on how much I can get done. No guarantees on that. There may be a lot of sex in this episode, so we'll see where I'm at when I get through the non-sex scenes. The non-sex scenes are big in terms of story, so I want to take my time and get those right. It's getting done though, one render at a time. Progress update will be at the end of the month.

That's all I have for this week. Nothing really interesting to report. Just business as usual. Thanks to those of you taking the time to read my walls of text and thanks for your support. I'll see you all again soon. Take care.

Choosing only one, which would you say is the MAIN reason you like Vanessa?