Dev Update 06/07/2019 (Patreon)
Content
Update time!
I have to say, the decision to postpone the endings implementation has made a significant difference to my overall mood (and therefore, productivity). Turns out I'm affected by stress just like everyone else, who knew :)
This week was fairly productive. I integrated all the new clothes Chris made, all the art for existing actions Phoenix made, and a new order and related content. I've started work on a new date, got Phoenix started on a commission to go with the new order, and even got a solid hour of pre production done for the next game.
I've also started the process of making devotion level 7 (i.e. the "master" level) officially optional. Players will get a message warning them of the whole master thing and allowing them to stay at devotion 6 if they don't like that kind of content. As part of this process, I've been going over some of the existing content and adding non-master variants, and making sure as little content as possible is gated by devotion 7. The endings (when they happen) will also register devotion 6 as full training. Of course, all devotion 7 content will stay in the game, so if you like that, you have nothing to worry about.
I know I mentioned using a nickname system as a solution for this issue, but having looked at what that would really mean in terms of making it work with my home grown dialog system, I've decided that going the extra mile and making non master variants as needed would give a much better result, and isn't too much additional work. A nickname system might still happen down the line, but its back on the "after the final release" feature list.
I will be on a business trip next week so I may not be around as much. Despite that, release is still projected for the end of July. Have a great week!