February Update

Hi everyone.

With much contemplation these past months, I've finally decided to take the first major step forward with my projects and begin learning a new platform for creating them. This may come as sudden news for some, but know this is something that has been on my mind for the last few years. This is good news ultimately, but it does mean I'll need to take some time to familiarize myself with some new tools. In this update I will clearly explain the reasoning, and what this means for the future.

The Problem

As it has been known for awhile, .SWF files won't be supported in browsers next year, and that has left me with two pretty clear options. Learn AS3 and use HTML5-based flash games or switch over to a new client (like Unity) - both which requires me to learn a new programming language and/or interface. I'll also probably have to familiarize myself with new animation and drawing software too. It will still be possible to download the games and view them on your desktop, but one of the biggest appeals to Flash in the first place was the ability to conveniently view it on your browser.

I know making the switch is an inevitability, and it's been a somewhat daunting realization. I feel like I've invested a lot of time mastering the current tools I have, and although I'm confident that I'll be able to quickly master the new ones (since skills will transfer between the platforms), I wish I could just stick with what I know and not have to adapt. On the other hand, while I am very familiar with and used to Flash, it's honestly a really outdated piece of junk that I'll be happy to move away from. It would also probably make collaborating with others easier, since they won't have to use Flash either.

Because of this, working in Flash has seemed like a waste of time recently. I wish I could just drop everything and start learning the new platform. However, because of the regular support I receive on Patreon, I feel obligated to continue working in Flash and put out new projects. I feel like if I just stop working on projects so I can relearn a new program, I'd waste a lot of time that I have invested into half-finished projects. Flash's assets are unique to Flash, and cannot be used in any other software, not even adobe illustrator.

The Solution

These past couple of months I've been casually researching these things here and there, weighing my options and thinking about what's the best direction to head in. But after talking to Tiarawhy and some other friends recently, it's made me realize I've been a fool to stick with Flash as long as I have, and I think the sooner I start learning a new platform, the better. Everyone I know that's moved away from Flash to try out new platforms is doing fantastically. With 2020 marking the absolute end of .SWF support in browsers, I really can't wait any longer.

Does this mean all of my current projects are cancelled? Not exactly. Some of the projects may be reenvisioned/recreated in the new platform I switch to, and some may be dropped in favor of similar but better projects. I know that my fans will be happy with my upcoming work, and if they're not I will be ready to read their feedback, take surveys and polls, and adapt as I've always tried to. Being transparent with my fans and staying in constant touch with them is very important to me, and if I don't post a monthly update it's because I genuinely don't have anything to say. It's been a struggle, I've been feeling a lot of anxiety over this situation, and I'm legitimately sorry that I didn't make a monthly post in January.

I understand this may be upsetting news for some people who've been waiting to see a new or completed project by me for some time, and if it means you will drop your Patron support until I get myself back into gear, I fully respect and understand that decision. I have no intentions on stopping what I do, believe me I think every day and every night about working on these projects. Even 5+ years from now I can easily see myself still creating projects, this is truly my passion. I can only hope that my fans believe in me and continue to support me even during this period of downtime.

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask! ? (Discord or PM)