Dev Blog: A Year In Review (Patreon)

Greetings, Smokeshank here! As we bid adieu to 2023, I thought it would be insightful to take a look back at the year that was a roller coaster of challenges, victories, and pivotal moments for the GG team. So, let's dive into the whirlwind that was our "2023 Year in Review."

Setting the Stage: February Kickoff and April Realities

The official start of 2023 is the end of February for us, a period when expectations ran high for our Jan/Feb cycle. Unfortunately, we stumbled out of the gate, missing the target release date and setting the stage for a crucial April delivery. With patrons seeking a fresh start, a post-January, on time delivery was paramount to erase any lingering memories of late updates in 2022.

However, in March we had the green light from Henshin for a complete Android build which brought renewed excitement after keeping it under wraps for over a year. April's on time delivery set the stage for June  to be a make-or-break month. Regrettably, July 10th saw the release of the June build, missing both the delivery date and the promised window. The stakes were high, and 2023 was not looking favourable.

July: A Turning Point

As July's billing cycle ended, late metrics revealed a 10% Year-over-Year decline. Recognizing a deeper issue, I proposed a standalone SU experience revolving around events on August 17th, it was initially met with resistance. This sparked a realization our problem wasn't a content or product problem, but a cultural one. July 17th marked the beginning of a cultural shift.

SU Android launched on July 21st, accompanied by the inception of our itch.io account, and overall changes to our Patreon account, a major team meeting on July 28th which introduced more crucial direction changes. Standalone events became a reality, a new communication schedule was established, and a cultural shift toward open-mindedness took hold from the July 28th meeting.

August: Reversing Trends

The August build, delivered on time and bug-free, which signalled a positive turnaround. SU Android gained momentum, but didn't meet our download expectations. A bug fix was released for Android to bridge the gap until the next major update (Nov), and October's Unity build became the next focal point.

Meanwhile, SR7 proposed a the biggest shift of 2023, completing characters before introducing them. Gotham's launch, though a day late, was a massive success. Tools were implemented to ensure promises were kept, and an email blast to 3400 patrons emphasized accountability. We continued to improve internally which was the most important metric.

November and Beyond: Adapting and Evolving

November saw an Android build update, and a focus on our itch.io account. The result was SU Android began to outpace SU Unity 2:1 as we began delivering the SU Unity builds on itch.io. , The Themyscira stand alone was announced and with it Henshin's was given the spotlight for his first official release window. SR7 and Henshin began collaborating on the project, which is presenting new challenges that the team has to actively address. Henshin aimed to complete the base content by December, with additional content being incorporated in the new year, much of which is already completed.

Finally, a "bug fix" Unity build coming in late December, which will be smaller in size, but is intentional. This was designed to accommodate the evolving workflow between SR7 and Henshin, ensuring a seamless experience leading up to February.

Gratitude and Wishes

As we wrap up 2023, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support through our highs and lows. GG wouldn't be the same without you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our incredible community!

Smokeshank