Regarding the Future of the Avatar

Greetings Patrons,

We've had several questions regarding updates to the avatar on posts recently, so I figured the best way to handle all the questions was in a new post, especially considering how many new patrons we have.  We are aware that the options on the avatar are currently a bit limited, and we do want to add to it as we continue development.  However, there is a problem.

In the recent leadership change, we lost our primary artists.  Naturally, this creates some issues when an Avatar is one of them main patreon benefits (the other being helping us keep making the game at the current rate, of course). Without an artist, it is pretty difficult for us to keep the avatar updated, so we are in search of a new artist.  

For the next update, I have already started discussing a commission for cheerleader uniforms for the existing avatar with an artist, but this poll is about the future beyond that.

Finding a new artist puts us in a unique position regarding the avatar.  Some of the response to the current one has been divisive to say the least.  Since we are looking for a new artist anyways, this may be an opportunity for us to create an all-new avatar in a new art style.  This new avatar would not replace the existing avatar, but be a new addition alongside the current one.  

If we decide to go with a new avatar, it is likely that these cheerleader uniforms would be the final update for the existing avatar.  Also, the new avatar may take a little while to catch up to the current avatar in terms of clothing options.  Of course, given enough time, that would change as we would eventually like to add variations similar to the ones included in the images version of the game.  Of course, we would keep you guys updated on the progress of the new avatar every step of the way.

If we decide to extend the existing avatar instead, we can use all of the existing art as a starting point and not lose progress.  However, we may be get better results if we do not restrict the creative freedom of our new artist by asking them to stick to the existing avatar's style.  Additionally, those who dislike the current art style will not have a second option to choose from when playing the game.  Again, focusing on a new avatar does not mean the current one will disappear, just that it will not receive many future updates and will be considered "legacy content."

It's a lot to think about, so I have added the poll below to get feedback from all of you.  What is your preferred method: extend the existing avatar or redo the avatar from scratch?  Feedback from this poll will not wholly dictate the team's final decision, but it will definitely be taken into account.  We will likely make a decision regarding the avatar in a meeting on the 8th.  Thank you for your responses!

~X~