The Last Release v0.9.3 (Patreon)

This is an addendum to the previously released v0.9 version. I managed to fix a bunch of bugs and also smooth out some gameplay. I added some new features such as playing with a ball, chicken cooking, basic construction, and feeding strawberries. However, with this release I have decided to end Viva today. Download available on https://shinobuproject.itch.io/game

Since 2017 I had a vision with Shinobu at the height of my waifudom: To create a small game without a linear end where you can just kinda hang out with a character and merely simulate living with an anime character. I believe I achieved that thoroughly and many people (including myself) feel that the project peaked at around v0.75. It was truly a lot of fun, infinitely educational, and novel in terms of implementation.

As my ambition grew, so did the requests of people; custom characters, custom clothing, custom items, etc.. With that, the project grew in complexity. It became difficult to maintain as a single developer and thus I decided to merely release it with an open ending (mod support), before closing the project.

Retrospectively, Viva offered a lot of people a companion. Waifus represent the internal needs of a person, especially in this generation. And even though I was able to partially satiate some of those feelings for many people, Viva was meant to be a temporary escape, an enjoyable teaser for a true destination.

How many people enjoyed Viva from 2017 to 2022? Analytics say 400,000 Downloads. We also produced roughly 58 custom characters (split amongst different versions) and ENDLESS custom clothing cards.

So for all the support that pushed the project to reach this far, I want to say Thank you. There are a few people in here who have been with the project since the very start, you know who you are (RIP 8chan). I truly had a lot of fun developing this game and as usual, it is amazing reaching popularity. There truly is a need for character driven interaction based games.

The project will be maintained for a couple more weeks for any potential disastrous gameplay bugs and glitches. I will be moving on to different game related projects and will be formatting my Patreon to reflect new projects. Working on the scary easter egg of v0.8 made me realized I had an affinity for horror themed games so if you like horror games, stay tuned.

Lastly, I want to use these final moments to say: Reach new platforms. Right now we are in a resurgence of technological opportunity, branch out to new technologies to learn about related projects that you won't find on here or YouTube anymore. The internet is changing! Suggestions: (Rumble, Odyssey, SubscribeStar, etc.)

If you are a developer and wish to gain access to the source code of v0.9 or v0.75, contact me in the Discord.

Sayonara