Tickle Magnet Video game roadmap update (Patreon)

Synopsis

Since I last posted an update, several things have moved.  I've been head's down, really focused on getting the game where I want it for the alpha testing.  I felt like I've been behind for several months now, but am finally catching up.

Steam hasn't approved my page yet, it's still in review.  It failed the first time because I didn't realize they're somewhat strict on mature content on some of the assets used to market the game.  Makes sense, since they cater to a broad audience, but my inexperienced showed here.  Regardless, I addressed their notes and asked for a re-review.  Hopefully it goes well.

Alpha testing is chugging along well.  There's a lot of optional content I've added to the game since alpha dropped.  That was always the intent was to ensure the base game was stable, then slowly start adding to it, and that's the phase I'm in now.  I added 10 new side quests into the game, which is a bunch more optional tickling content.  The side quests are akin to the Bea's quest to hop over the small creek and finding Mister Snickers from The Cyriaan Chronicles #10.  They're fun, silly little quests.  In Cyriaan Chronicles, they would usually net you rewards to help your adventure go smoothly.  In Tickle Magnet, while there are rewards and further optional content you can open up through the quests, one of the main perks is being able to tickle the quest giver.  These won't be long, elaborate scenes, but cute fun little pokes.

Featherscape made a good case to market the game as just "Tickle Magnet" on Steam instead of "Tickle Magnet #11" as people may get confused where the first 10 games are at, and potential customers might not even know a Tickle Magnet comic book line exists.  Fantastic idea as always, so it will be on Steam under that name.

I will reach out to the alpha testers today to see how they feel about the game.  My tentative plan was to launch beta testing in December, but it depends on how much work there is left to do.

January

Define scope of the game [COMPLETED]

Procure art assets [COMPLETED]

Commission first set of inner circle characters [COMPLETED]

Test UI [COMPLETED]

February

Main storyline drafted [COMPLETED]

March

Inner circle character story arcs drafted [COMPLETED]

April

Secondary characters interactions drafted [COMPLETED]

Coding of the main storyline [COMPLETED]

Battle system created [COMPLETED]

Character sprites of characters in game [COMPLETED]

Finalize UI  [COMPLETED]

May

Voice acting recorded for main storyline [COMPLETED]

Voice acting for inner circle story arcs [COMPLETED]

June

Optional content coded into game [COMPLETED]

Artwork (busts) finalized [COMPLETED]

Voice acting touch-ups [COMPLETED]

July

First playthrough on test server [COMPLETED]

August

Second playthrough on test server [COMPLETED]

September

Alpha version launch [PUSHED TO NOVEMBER]

Third playthrough on test server [NOT STARTED, PUSHED TO NOVEMBER]

October

No milestones

November

Beta version launch [PUSHED TO DECEMBER]

Re-tool the combat system

Revisit audio files and adjust volume/clarity

Add more side missions in the game

December

No milestones

January

No milestones

February

Game launch