Titan is coming to my country for the Summer. We would be house-mates and try to finish the game once and for all. Well, we have to wait for his visa to arrive and book tickets and deal with all that procedural crap that wastes time. But this is a huge step toward finishing. Coming from America to Europe for 2 months (or more) requires huge sacrifices but this had to be done. Titan ended up being completely unreliable for the past 2 years due to personal issues and this was the only way to deal with the game's crisis. I hope that he will actually manage to come... I won't believe it until I see him in person!
The bad news:
It's stuff you already know. No updates, no Beta, nothing. We got some messages in the last post, of people tired of waiting. I know, I feel the same way. Actually even more so, because I'm here every single day talking to Titan, asking him for updates. He is constantly a few hours away from finishing the Beta. But always something happens. On March 1st he told me he wants 5 hours to finish it. Today, 52 days later.... oh man, it feels ridiculous to even continue that sentence, so I won't! Fuck my fucking life.....
Titan found new 2 level designers and I also found new 2 level designers (currently we only got 1 active designer right now). All of them are waiting on Titan to finish the Beta. His work is pilling up, and we need those designers to finish levels so that when he comes here (where his time would be limited), we wont be wasting time waiting for the levels to be done!
I write all that here, not just because we promised transparency, but as a desperate way of mine to force Titan to work. Titan knows all that, but writing all that here it's like having all my thoughts gathered. I have to believe that he does everything in his power to get shit done, but it's obviously not enough. We lose fans, we lose support, we lose faith in ourselves. Apart from that, the rushed work shows. I want the game to be better, but if there is no time to finish a basic fucking beta, then how can there be any time to do small fixes that really matter?
And it's more than that. level designers are waiting on us, people who love the game are waiting on us. The partnership between me and Titan gets shaky... when he returns to America, surely he will return to the current pace of doing things. And then, how can I trust him on some new project? At this moment, I don't see that happening. I hope I'm wrong. I may find other partners or I may learn programing and make games on my own... I don't know. But there are options.
The future seems uncertain. Once more, it all depends on Titan. I hope he comes to my country as he promised (I can't be sure of anything anymore). When he comes, we work hard. When it is time for him to leave... then we reevaluate the situation. Fuck, if this fails.. I'm running out of ideas to save this project. Worst comes to worst, I would have to find a legit company to finish the game. But that entails a whole new world of risks, management and expenses, and it would be a nightmare to handle. But I need to bury all that for now and stay positive as Titan plans his trip here.
The ugly news:
You won't like it but I have no art or updates for the game this month. I took a small break from MoGi, to avoid getting mad on waiting for things to happen. Also it bothered me that there were only 1 or 2 comments on the Succubus sex animation (which was highly anticipated), and on the Wild West game. Frustrated from all that, and my personal life as well, and tired of waiting on others to make games, I decided to make a game on my own... a game that I started in a Game Jam 2 years ago, with a team of four (supposedly) award-winning programmers. They were utterly useless and abandoned the project, so I never got to finish it until now. I haven't done any Ucogi games in years, so yeah, this game is about Ucogi's first story. I made this game to fix my mood, and feel that I finally finished a damn platform game! I just have to find some fitting music to complete it.
I understand that this may be a game that you don't care about, because it's an asexual game about Chibi Ucogi. But if you think about it, in the long-run these are actually good news. I proved to myself that I can make a game on my own, and that if I ever want to go solo and make platform games with story, cut-scenes and riddles, I fucking can! (I just need to learn a new program to do games, because Flash gaming is kinda dead).
Thanks for the update, I hope everything works out fine.
ReplyDeleteIt's admirable how determined you are to finish this, I hope the summer thing works out. And the game does seem to have been losing following over time, but once the next beta comes out just make sure the word gets out there, new people will see it and old fans will likely return and hopefully from there it'll be smooth sailing with titan, the completion of the game, and the fanbase. I would also like to see the orphanarium game, it looks cute and sounds fun. I can't make a comment on the wild west game because I don't have access to it. But overall just keep your head up and stay positive, everything will turn out fine
ReplyDeleteI'm determined because a lot are riding on this. Success, reputation, a life long dream, the time we invested, the money people invested, my future. It's hard to stay positive, but I try to be with all my might. If I'm not positive, then the only path is sinking to depression and then... I don't think it would be a driving force to push this game forward. So I have to stay with my chin up for the game's shake.
DeleteI am sorry to hear that all Veins and actually sorry to say I didn't comment on Succubus animation because I rarely check the website anymore... I am hyped for it, but I am waiting for the news of it actually in the game. But I know you need some support too and for that I thank you, for hearing your fans and adding the animation to the game for a fan favorite MoGi and to even go as far as having Ucogi and Alice naked versions of her :)
ReplyDeletePlease dont be like that, i know its easy to say, but you got support, people are just quiet for the same reason as you mentioned. Sometimes i feel its better to stay silent than saying hurtful words. But again, thank you for your hard work. I can't wait for Succubus, Succogi and Succalice as the game to be finished too!
Thanks. I do understand that people are focusing on the game itself. But if the game goes slow for any reason, at least I'm trying to compensate by giving them sexy animations and secondary sexy games while the main game is being made. There is only so much do I can do on my own. That's why I made Wild West and Orphanarium and also why I'm making card games, because I dont need to rely on others to program them. But being all alone, only gets you this far.
DeleteI dont regretting working on this game, but as the main designer, having all these stories and details in my head for years, it's tiring. I wish I could work on other sexy games... I got many ideas regarding Ucogi and expanding her Universe.
A month ago I had a proposition to make a point and click game and I wrote 40 missions for Rudy... but well, the guy who wanted to do the game is a programmer. I try my hardest not to be biased with the programmers. But he was yet another programmer that abandoned the project. I do have serious problem with programmers. Well, I dont know, maybe it's me. But seriously, I cant see what I do wrong, when they quit before we even start the project!
Back on topic, people want MoGi and they focus on that. And its easier to be negative. So I have to fight this battle as well, here, in the front lines, where anyone can fire at the game. The only thing keeping this together is the Patreon support. The people there are silent as well, but the numbers do show a devoted silent support.
Regardless being frustrated at this silence, I can understand why it happens. People want the damn game finished, not to see by-products of it. The game is seemingly inactive for almost a year and people cant wait or get scared of the uncertain fate the game has. This creates tension. But in a way, even people saying negative things now, it's because at some point they cared about the game. So, we have to take their negativity as a positive thing. They only react like that because of their interest for the game.
In response to the lack of a reaction to the succubus animation, I am personally unaware of how to find it. I know this page is my bookmarked page that I always check. Perhaps including more mini-updates on the blog would be helpful for the anticipation of everybody! Hope the move helps.
DeleteWild West and Succ animation is available only in Patreon. We need the support there because... they pay for Titan's airplane ticket >_<
DeleteAs a game creator, I can confirm how hopeless the majority of self stated programmers are, having stopped counting how many I've tried in the 10s. I'm sorry it's an experience you've shared, good help is hard to find.
DeleteMy recommendation is you start to learn coding, so you're not so dependent on other people who are provenly unreliable. I believe it's a better option than paying a company to finish things for you, as you'll most likely have a repeat of your last multiple attempts down that avenue.
As for Adobe Flash: Plug ins in web browsers may be largely dead, but Adobe Flash products can be compiled to executeables for many platforms. So, if it's a technology you're comfortable with: You can continue to safely use it. It'll just mean people have to download from a link and play it like any other normal program.
I agree. Actually a friend of mine made a "Flash wrapper" for me, that can run flash files as .exe
DeleteLearnign a new coding language it's a huge pain. I might end up using something easy, like GameMaker2 if it comes to that. I know how to program basic stuff, but doing both art and programing splits my brain into two. And it's always nicer to be able to share what you created with a partner.
Adobe AIR is a tool which allows Adobe Flash based executeables to be created more directly. As it's not a wrap around, it gives better access to things normally untouchable by ActionScript, like the computer's folder/file structure (Useful for saving/loading).
DeleteIt really depends on the type of game though, as physics based things (What a platformer like Mogi Origins needs) can be difficult to do on your own (Something Game Maker helps with, but ActionScript doesn't, by default (Libraries exist, but it means even more learning, and having to tie such systems in)). Stuff like the older games you have on the Ucogi site though? Far more doable.
Basically base your approach on what you want to make. A lot of what you learn about coding is reuseable as different languages though, so any options you take won't be a complete waste. I wish you the best of luck with which ever way you go.
I mean even if you don't see/read comments about something (lets say about the succubus animation) it doesn't mean there is no enthusiasm about it or you don't have any support... people want to say something supportive but all that zeal is being burdened by the stagnation of this main project. I read the updates you put out and i would love to show support but most of what i could say has already been said and my frustrations have already been expressed by you yourself and reiterating that negativity isn't going to help so just staying quiet and having hope is one way people try to show that nothing is better than complaints. You've got a silent backing and they still have faith and you know that for a fact. though pardon me if this comment is of no value, i just wanted to share an opinion.
ReplyDeleteYeah you are right. We are lucky that the game gained a big momentum when we started, enough to fuel the support, up until now. Having this "silent support" is a big deal and it shows in Patreon pledges.
DeleteI don't complain... but I guess I'm expressing my frustration as many of the fans do. It pains me to have done so much and not being able to share it with you guys. It's like I'm doing stuff that only I can see and then get blamed that I don't do my job. This sometimes gets to me. The game has updates, just not in the programming department. And no matter how hard I try to be positive, it hurts me. Sometimes we just need a smile to get us going.
Making the Orphanarium game... it's the type of game I wanted to do for 20 years! Seriously, since 1998. They only thing standing in my way was the programmers. I only managed to finish it now because I made it myself and while I'm waiting on other programmers to do their job on other games I'm involved with. I'm sure I can name 20 programmers that abandoned projects that I started with them. It's a constant frustration and yet, I keep going.
nice so that means the game will be done soon? since i rarely check the blog and a couple of times i forgot about it but i did bookmark it so i never 100% forgot since i was a backer so i am super hyped to finally play it. the only ver i played was the public one how ever long ago that was.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those silent (and anonymous) supporters. :) I hope Titan can actually visit you. I'm optimistic that it's going to turn things around.
ReplyDeleteHey mate. I've been following this project for damn long time. I learned programming and I'm majoring in software development. I kind of want to see this thing get finished already (but to be honest I never donated money cause I was skeptical on progress). What engine do you guys use now? Still gamemaker?
ReplyDeleteYeah, GameMaker Studio 1. We can't change that because that would mean restarting from scratch.
DeleteEveryone wants this project finished. Just yesterday I had an outburst of anger because I'm tired of waiting on others to do their job. I'm unlucky in that department... I was thinking of starting making a new mini game on my own while waiting.
The only news I got is that Titan is still waiting for his passport and that he plans to finish the Beta on Sunday. But I will believe that when I see it.
If you're at a point in which you're stuck on your work until the people you're relying on to code more: It may be worth it to spend such idle time learning some coding, so said people hold you up less.
DeleteRight now I'm at a very low point in my life. Exhausted of waiting on everyone. I dont have the patience to learn something new. This is just a phase that will pass, hopefully. I did made Orphanarium on my own to feel better, but I still feel hollow inside. I do want to start a new sexy Ucogi game but it will need a lot of dedication. I'm hitting a psychological dead end.
DeleteTitan is close to release the Beta, and hopefully this will cheer me up. But I'm done relying on promises. I will know when I see it with my own 2 eyes. Until then... I will try to fix my mood and carry on. But I'm like this depressing mode for over 2 weeks now. Usually this lasts for a few days at max. I hope it gets away soon.
I think I'm scared of how the new beta will be... usually it has bugs to be fixed. But after 11 months... people would want to see something amazing. (...silence...)
You shouldn't be too shook up, obviously people are getting antsy because the game is taking a long time, but what we get from your almost daily updates and the stuff on patreon is that your work is pretty much done, people don't blame you for these hold ups. The radio silence from titan is actually more telling imo, he has been "close to releasing the beta" for almost three months now, its not your job to make excuses.
DeleteI remember backing a few games on offbeatr, and yours is literally the only one that delivered more than one update, so it says a lot that you guys even did that when all the other developers just took money and ran. The only two games I even check anymore are this one and the zell23 one. Don't get discouraged from some minor delays and setbacks because you guys are still doing better than many other projects, and you still interact with us enough to have our support behind you and I think that is what is most important.
I'm not shook up because people are getting antsy because the game is taking a long time. I'm shook up because the game is taking a long time.
DeleteI dont want to compare my self or this project with the worst examples out there. We have to be better than this and look at the best examples to follow. What we have is not a minor delay but a colossal one.
Sorry, my mood is plain bad lately. I wish I had something good to say.
Hey man this is the guy who offered some help earlier. I did some research and unfortunately it seems like GameMaker studio's "language" is not object oriented. I've dabbled with some javascript, but even that used node.js which makes it a bit more like an object based language. However, as that other guy said this seems like a fairly simple language so I'd recommend trying to learn it.
DeleteI wish you well, most importantly for your mental health, if nothing else. I know how difficult these things can be.
ReplyDeletedid you ever tried using rpg maker? you can pretty much do any type of game with scripts you find online or make your own then you can create your own sprites pictures music animation and import them into rpg maker i saw some crazy stuff you can do in rpg maker with the right scripts
ReplyDeleteI think they would have thought about this and
Deletethere are better game engines imo...
For example take a look at godot engine.
Whatever I try next, it needs dedication and appetite for work. I can't decide about this now so I will let it rest in my head and see how things work out. All I can say at this point is that I prefer (playing and making) platform games from RPGS.
DeleteI have programming knowledge but I'm not patient with it. To go through 800 lines of programming, character by character just to discover that a dot is missing.... not my kind of fun. So this path will only make me do half-assed games.
It's good to hear from you from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI hope for you two that the visit will be a success in the dev aspect! So i was wondering if you plan to release your game under Linux in the future? In any case please explain your decision. I would love to hear your plans on that topic! Ofc keep up the good work!
I'm always here to reply.
DeleteThe visit is the last real hope for this game. Still waiting on Titans passport tho.
Titan is best suited to reply to technical aspects, but I dont think we can release on Linux. We make this game for Windows, so any other platform release would cause trouble. I'm not sure if it's possible but even if it is... Linus users are less that 1%. Same way we wont release on Mac, Iphone, Android etc. Too much hassle without payoff.
GameMaker Studio only supports Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X, but not Linux, so doing Linux would mean doubling up the work with a different game engine.
DeleteWell the developers claim to support ubuntu atleast.
Deletesrc: https://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/features
In most cases it is just recompiling the game for another platform with just a few clicks...
So this won't cause any more effort.
Afterall it's Titans and Victors free decision if they even want to or not.