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A ❤️Heart-to-Heart❤️: The Development Plan & Honest Thoughts on Steps 4 Happiness
Hello, everyone,
I want to start by thanking you from the bottom of my heart for your patience and belief in this project. Today, I'm sharing a detailed look at the development roadmap for the next major update, Version 0.3.1.0, along with some honest reflections on the journey so far.
The "0.3" represents the current, stable state of the game's systems. The upcoming work is a full remake of Chapter 1 ("Step 1"), which will include:
New characters and subplots.
Deeper character development for everyone.
The ability to replay the entire chapter from Nicole's perspective, experiencing different storylines and meeting different characters.
I've mapped out a clear, 7-stage plan. A lot of the work is already done and just needs to be adapted to the new, stable system.
At the end of each stage, I'll make a post on Discord explaining what was accomplished and what comes next. I won't give specific time estimates for each stage because there are too many variables, but this structure will keep you all informed of the progress.
Stage 1 (The Text Work):
📝Synopsis: Organizing the entire story and defining all necessary scenes.
📓Screenplay: Adapting and expanding the existing script with new inclusions.
👓Logic 1: Defining the flow of conversations and story branching.
🪛Tests/Fixes 1: All above results in a playable, text-only game (like an interactive novel) to test all story paths for flaws.
"Will you get stuck in development like before?"
The three public demos, while taking longer than expected, helped me refine the game's systems to a point of stability. The code is now modular enough that future changes won't require rebuilding the entire game. I'm confident we're past the major technical roadblocks.
But…
I also need to be honest about my time. I had more free time on weekends, but I will have to sacrifice some of that during the holiday season to take on a temporary job. Despite this, I will continue working on the game almost every day, as I always have. I believe it's possible to accelerate the process from here, but not without sacrifice, and I continue to rely on your understanding.
"Will there be no content until Step 1 is released?"
I have to be honest about this, too. I had planned two types of non-playable content to share: simple comic(ish)s previews of the script while presenting the characters, and fun "photoshoots" with the characters, taking advantage of the scenarios (just like my last Halloween post with Misty and Penny). I love making these, and they even help me build a library of poses for animations to use in the game.
However, I lose supporters every time I post something that isn't a playable build. Posting technical updates or art seems to hurt support more than posting anything. Therefore, if I create any extra content like this, I will likely post it on Discord or another platform to avoid negatively impacting.
"What about the minigames?"
Minigames are the exception. The release of "Sympathy for Halloween" onItch was received much better than the three S4H demos. It might be worth dedicating some time to these smaller projects, trying to convert that attention into support for S4H, which is an area where I've been struggling.
An Honest Look Forward & A Necessary Plan B
Let's face reality: Steps 4 Happiness will never be a commercial success. Even if it turns out to be the best game it can be, there's no way to recover the time and money already invested.
For a while now, I've been considering a Plan B: using the knowledge, systems, and assets I've developed to create another project aimed at an established audience. The goal would be to generate some financial return and so continue developing S4H.
"But will you take time away for another project?"
The truth is, I'm already juggling multiple jobs and can't even cover my basic needs. If I could monetize another project and get myself some financial stability, it would actually give me more time to work on Steps 4 Happiness.
I apologize for being less optimistic than usual; it's not how I like to communicate with you. But I felt I owed you this honesty. I've been sick for a good part of this year. I need better food and regular check-ups that I currently can't afford. The hard truth is that I need to start making money from games if I want to keep pushing this path.
Thank you so, so much for your interest and support. I hope you'll choose to continue this journey with me, and only if that is satisfactory to you.
Just in time for the spooky season, an update for Sympathy for Halloween is here! Version 0.3.1, bringing it in line with the recent "Steps 4 Happiness" demos. This is a significant under-the-hood upgrade that makes things look and feel a little better.
- Enhanced Graphics: Improved post-processing and color grading.
- Revamped Cutscene Sequencer: Instead of just triggering animations, the sequencer now controls them in real-time, leading to much smoother and better-synchronized scenes.
- Performance Improvements.
🎮 New Features & Fixes:
- Save & Load System: You can now save your progress and load it later, or simply hit the Backspace key to rewind to a previous moment.
- Procedural Audio: Breathing and moaning sounds have been added during the "happy moments" (The moans also trigger movements and expressions, so this part is cool if you pay attention.)
I also fixed some system issues that are still present in the published demos, for example:
- The mouse cursor sometimes does not appear when the game is paused.
- The HUD occasionally does not load correctly after loading a saved game.
What's new?
For the time being, it has not been possible to make any major additions to the content. The main script remains the same, but I've added two small "takes" to the happy ending. Tiffany even had to hold her tail in one of them. 😉
A Small Request:
The save system, in particular, is complex and might have some issues I couldn't detect. If you encounter any bugs or have suggestions, please let me know in the #bug-reports channel on my Discord. Your feedback is invaluable!
If you like my games and want me to keep making them, please consider becoming a supporter if you aren't already. As a solo developer facing financial difficulties, an increase in support would not only save me but also give me the peace of mind to continue creating games for you all.
A massive thank you to everyone who plays and supports my work. You are what makes this possible.
So from me to you, have a Happy Halloween filled with more treats than tricks.
[Public Demo Release] "Steps 4 Happiness Demo 03 - Not Related" is OUT NOW!
Hello again. Thank you to everyone who has followed this journey, and an extra-special thank you to my amazing supporters. I'm excited to share the next chapter with you all: Demo 03 - "Not Related"!
Ever seen Natural Born Killers? Or that episode of Mr. Robot with an ALF cameo? Well, no spoilers from me. This demo features a unique scene where you get to watch and interact with an episode of a 90s sitcom, preserved on the finest, deteriorated VHS tape of the era.
If the jokes aren't funny, let me assure you: that's not a bug, it's a deliberate stylistic choice for the satire. (Although, in testing, some of you actually liked my jokes, so maybe I won't need to use that excuse after all! 😄)
This demo isn't about introducing new mechanics. Instead, it's about immersing you in a cinematic sequence with multiple branches. There are two different endings, with variations along the way based entirely on your choices. It's absolutely worth playing through multiple times to see the other outcomes.
So, grab some popcorn and enjoy this episode of "Not Related"...
...On second thought, forget the popcorn. Maybe don't eat anything before you wash your hands.
Thank you all for being part of this adventure. To my supporters: you are the backbone of this project, and I am endlessly grateful.
[Public Demo Release] "Steps 4 Happiness Demo 02 - The Besties" is HERE!
Hello again! A special and heartfelt shoutout to my supporters. I'm thrilled to present the next public demo of "Steps 4 Happiness," titled "The Besties"!
This demo focuses on a fun and flirty conversation with the charming Angel, featuring multiple dialogue paths that let you steer the interaction.
What's New in This Demo? (For those who are not in the know)
Interaction and reaction: In the scene where Nicole and Angel kiss, you can hover your mouse over their faces to make them react. For an even more interesting control, try clicking and holding in the right spot to influence the animation directly!
The All-New Photo & Messaging System: During the cutscene, Nicole and Angel will take pictures of each other under your control. The big deal is that you will be able to send these pictures to other characters to spark conversations and build relationships.Sending pictures on Visual Novel mode.
A Quick Guide to Mastering the Photo System
I've heard your feedback from the test version! To make it easier, I've made some key improvements:
The on-screen markers on the phone are now red when the camera is out of focus, and the markers will move.
Focus is now instantaneous as soon as the camera is positioned in the correct location, and the animation of the markers stops.
How it works is simple:
Take the Photo: Move your phone around until the image becomes clear and the markers stop moving (this is usually right in the center of the screen).
Send the Photo: After the cutscene, access your phone and photo gallery, click on the photo you want to send, then tap the share button below and choose a receiver.
Pro Tip: Nicole has standards! She will refuse to send the wrong photo. Start with more casual pictures. If you're unsure, check the yellow notepad in the top-left corner of the HUD, it often gives a hint about which photo to send and to whom.
This system is an important part of the game, affecting character development and unlocking new story branches, so have fun experimenting!
Thank you all for your enthusiasm and feedback. To my supporters, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You make this possible.
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Creator Stats
4 subscribers
112 posts
Goals
$22 of $200
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From this goal, I will start a series of S4H spin-off games with content that cannot be distributed on other platforms.
To get started, subscribers will be able to choose between a game with the Nutter family, where Jason needs to help his sister Choe earn money while outsmarting their mother Lisa, or a game with the Crankshaw family, where Angel's father tries to save his marriage, despite Honey, his other daughter, is willing to get in the way.
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