This month's voting poll could help shape how Messy Academy as a game is like! So, we'd like to firstly thank everyone for taking the time to provide any feedback, thoughts, suggestions, but simply voting gives us a general basis takeaway too! <3

April's voting poll is focused on asking the simple question about your personal experience with typical visual novel style games. 

"Do you prefer VN's that have very little prose/descriptive, internal thoughts, etc. In favor of pure dialogue? Or perhaps you enjoy a middle-ground between prose and dialogue text? Maybe you really enjoy getting lost in text, and favor prose/descriptive text, etc?"

We're love to know what you personally enjoy when it comes to VN's and how they handle written content. 

In Messy Academy, we've gone from early development where a typical written scene consisted of around 1,000-1,500 word count with a heavy focus on pure character interaction through dialogue, dropping very light internal thoughts or prose when it made sense, but a lot more rare.. to more modern updates, where a typical scene can range between 4-5k word count or higher, but there's a lot more descriptive/prose text, possibly overdoing it.

We've tried investigating into what others enjoy in VN's and of course it varies from person to person. ^^"

Some people really love getting lost in prose and want a ton of play by play of what characters are actively doing, what's going on around them, setting up a more colorful descriptive detail of how the world is like, etc. Mainly for games that have a larger story to tell.

On the flip side of that, some prefer the more direct approach with having a very brief scene setup, getting right into the action of letting characters chat and showcase what's taking place more with that as the center point and less about prose/descriptive text, etc. It seems that's more typical experience with slice of life style games.

In short, we're curious what kind of experience you personally expect or seek when it comes to visual novels? Do you like heavy dialogue focus, with less focus on prose/descriptive text? Do you sit somewhere in the middle? Do you prefer heavy focus on prose/descriptive text?

For our example, we'll provide some sample written script content to help give a better idea.

(1) - Dialogue focused, brief descriptive/prose text approach.

 (2) - Prose heavy focus, more broken up dialogue approach.

Based on those two sample written scripts, which approach do you favor more? Do you sit in the middle, maybe wanting a little bit of both mixed? More dialogue, but a little less prose? Maybe you prefer the first approach, or perhaps you enjoy the more prose heavy second approach?

Whatever your preferences! We'd love to know, as it'll help shape what our finalized approach will look like with future quality adjustments being done now!~ ^^

NEW: Starting from this point forward, we're trying to condense down on posts, while ensuring the quality of our posts are there. We've decided to condense both public and support newsletters into one post moving forward.
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---{Section 1 - When's the next Update?}---

Hiya everyone! Welcome back to yet another Pembroke Academy Newsletter! Let's get right into recent events, and where the next game updates are sitting for everyone.

If you've read our last newsletters in March, I've been juggling a number of things since the year began. The major thing is being a new home owner, and I say "home" lightly.. Because the place is more like a mobile home with a lanai addition. The place still needs some work done and the state of the place is a mess of storage bins and items just laying around until I get some shelving and cheap stuff to organize everything. ^^"

I plan on doing a personal blog post sometime in May or June, once there's been more progress made on the place, to showcase how it looked originally and after. A little home tour of sorts! :P

Anyways! The days have been a complete blur, blending into one another while juggling home improvements, project work, and other personal chores, etc. (Which is why I've fallen behind a good bit on posts made, plus last month's uncertainty with censorship fears.) :S

I wanted to get this newsletter out yesterday, but I was waiting to hear back from our programmer for a while and with our time differences, and how busy things have been lately, It's been hard to catch them and figure out what's the status on the new update for supporters. (v0.24)

Even more so, as I threw out the idea that we'd have this update ready sometime between April 18-19th.. <.< And that was already delaying things a bit, since v0.24 for supporters and v0.23 for public was due for late March originally.

Well, I've heard back from the programmer, but it's not exactly the news break I want to share.. Heck, just reading about it originally made me unsure what to do next...

The programmer's computer was hit by a power surge, and since then.. His computer won't boot up, so he's been working on getting replacement parts to troubleshoot what all can be saved from his computer. He was able to take his storage devices out of his computer and hook them up to his laptop to at least continue work there, but the drive with the project files isn't reading anything?

Which sounds like we're back at step one for programming v0.24's content.. Unless they manage to recover the files, or find a backup of the project files they were working on hosted on the cloud or somewhere else.

What's this mean for the next game updates?

Well.. As of right now, I've provided them with the latest project files from v0.23, before they began working on v0.24's programming tasks. So, at the very least.. We just need to get v0.24's content programming done from scratch before it's ready.

The bad news with that being, it took them easily 3-4 weeks to get the programming work on v0.24 done in the first place.. So, unless they pull through with finding saved copies of the project files during v0.24, even partially completed for the update.. We're looking at having the update ready sometime between May 9-16th (3-4 weeks).

I'd like to apologize for this, even though it was really unexpected and it doesn't make things look good on our part.. I've talked with the programmer about providing me with the project files at least in 3 parts moving forward, so we can prevent losing work like that again. >.<

(When the programmer gets about 1/3rd of the new content done, I'll receive a copy of that state of the game. Then again at 2/3rd of the way done, then of course when it's fully completed.)

Another thing I'd like to do isn't much, but we hope it'll be appreciated. Anyone who's an active supporter at $5+ tier or above from March/April will receive v0.24 for "free" given you've expected the update during these months and it's the least we can do, but on top of that... We want to also provide everyone with the return of "godmode" for free this one time.

Godmode automatically unlocks certain requirements to witness unlocked content. This covers CG art variants that take place only if you've made certain choices prior to the moment, or written scenes and dialogue that appears based on similar requirements. This includes the option to jump back, right before choices were made or during CG scenes, in order to witness everything.

(Example: Upon reaching a CG scene that has default variants play out in sequence, before the CG begins. Godmode will kick in and display additional player choices, letting you witness the default CG, or you'll be able to choose from other options to see those unlocked CG variants play out without having to worry about having the requirement conditions normally.)

In short, Godmode is ideal for those who might not want to deal with typical visual novel requirements to see everything, not wishing to replay through content you've seen once before or more, just to enjoy some of the unlocked or other content within the heat of the moment! :P

As for the public version of the game, v0.23 and those waiting publicly for new content. We're going to provide the game update on May 2nd, in 2 weeks. That way the public doesn't have to wait until May 9-16th. It isn't much, given everyone's been waiting.. But that's why we're sweetening the deal!

Public fans will not only gain access to v0.23 content on May 2nd. They'll also receive a demo for v0.24 on May 9-16th when the support version out as well!

The demo will cover the beginning of episode 1's first three scenes, the introduction to Pembroke Academy, Acceptance of the rules & meeting Tara, and the first class period with Erika! This content will feature both male and female protag options, and we know how extremely patient the feMC fans have been...

So! We hope these offerings outlined below for public and supporters will make up for the delay and unexpected events. <3

[Public Version Content]
-V0.23 = May 2nd release.
-v0.24 demo = May 9-16th release.

[Support Version Content]
-V0.24 = May 9-16th release. (Free for $5+ supporters from March/April)
-Godmode activated! (Included for all $5+ supporters this one time)

---{Section 2 - Dev Team Mentions}---

Writing - Editing - Programming

Despite our unfortunate news today with the delay, it also has some upsides.. ^^" One being that, I've been chipping away on a mix of episode 2's content for both protag gender differences and additions, etc. Along with lightly continuing on the last two scenes for episode 5, so we might be able to have it so v0.25 set for June will provide a mix of content for supporters.

Of course public would gain access to episode 1 fully with the FeMC and everything else by that point in June.

In short, I'm staying ahead and creating a buffer between myself, our future editor and the programmer to keep our important cycle flowing.

Speaking of editor! I have two people who reached out a while ago about the editing position and if you're reading this, I haven't forgotten! ^^" I'll be looking over that stuff tomorrow (Sunday) and getting back to you both.

We'd still love to hear anyone's thoughts on the game content lately, mainly with later content introduced in episode 5. We're trying to strike a balance between prose and dialogue without overdoing it on the prose, descriptive details, etc. :S We're just curious how fans think about that sort of stuff in visual novels.

Do you prefer VN's with lots of prose? Middle-ground approach? Very little to none? Let us know! <3

CG Art - Sprite Art - Live2D

Things have been amazing with the art team lately! Our CG artists, Ajose and Marxe are working on some optional branching path CG art as we move into Summer. We'd love to know if there's any fan favorite side characters we should possibly tackle their content next! :P

You might've seen the latest CG previews a few days ago already, which feature Miki's cousin, named Juni. That's one of two CG's for Juni as a character expected, with Ajose wrapping up his work on Juni's second CG art, and I have a feeling it'll be a big hit for many!

We've been trying to squeeze in extra fun unlocked versions of CG scenes with these, in our next CG we'll be sharing previews of for Miki's Mom, named Mika.. It takes place in the bathhouse at Pembroke, and let's just say clothing isn't permitted in the bathhouse.. 0///0

Despite that, there's still two unlocked versions that'll display Mika wearing a diaper, and one version with her undies on, even though logically it wouldn't make sense in the context.. But, we're fully aware that options are fun! So.. We hope you'll all love those! ^^

Marxe is currently working on this CG for Mika as we speak, and it's almost done! So, we'll be putting out the concept previews in the coming days, followed by the finished previews later next week!

We've already got ideas for the next CG to feature Mika, that way we can wrap up the 2 CG's for Juni and Mika expected for the base game. Of course in the future, once the base game's needs are complete and there's demands for DLC. We'll take those CG's and expand on them, adding additional new CG moments and story, etc.

Moving into sprite stuff, Lisa's been doing awesome work in April! We recently shared her work on Primrose, Tara, Karissa, and Nurse Bell's uniforms. Since then, she finished up some work needed on Karissa, Nurse Bell, and a character named Marigold who we'll meet during the game.

Sadly we can't share much right now for what that work is on those characters, since it's linked to the main story. But, v0.24 will give us our first glimpse into what to expect with the mysterious setup at this school, and we're really excited for it!

Technically Lisa finished her sprite work for April early, but she has some other characters to work on for some additions for May. We'll also be seeing work done on the idol outfit for characters, that'll be featured during the festival that's been hinted at during episode 5 here and there. :P

Lastly, Live2D stuff. We're paying off the work done for Miki and getting everything tested in-game to show off her functions in a showcase, but I'd be lying if I didn't say this might just be a little too over our heads.. ^^"

Not really the task of getting the Live2D stuff working in Ren'py, but more so the costs involved and applying that to the large cast for the game? Yeah.. We're not pouring anymore money into Live2D at this moment, more or less we're going to see how Miki's test area with her Live2D stuff turns out, if there's enough hype and support to realistically continue down the path of Live2D or simply scrap the idea and save it for a future project.

(Just for reference, Miki's Live2D costs is easily a little over $1,000usd. So, imagine doing that for just the 9 main girls alone on our monthly budget and it begins to make sense that, we'd need a huuuge increase of support to make that a reality.. ^^" )

---{Section 3 - Release Roadmap}---

Below is our expected dates for the next two releases, v0.24 in May, and v0.25 in June.

[Game Update/Release Date]
V0.23 - May 2nd (Public Version)
V0.24 Demo - May 9-16th (Public Version)
V0.24 - May 9-16th (Support Version)

[Game Update/Release Date]
V0.24 - June ?? (Public Version)
V0.25 - June ?? (Support Version)

(v0.24 will consist of episode 1 QoL additions/fixes, providing many scenes. Around 18,000 word count in total or better + new CG art added, some old CG art being updated with new art and variants. Female protagonist playable, new gameplay systems added, new player choices that impact events, and more!)

(v0.25 should consist of either the last two scenes for episode 5's content to finish that up, or continuing with episode 2's QoL content. We'll be asking fans and supporters directly upon the release of v0.24, if there's a majority that wants us to continue with QoL stuff at that time, or if taking a break to finish episode 5 feels better to people. We're trying to engage with everyone on this and do the best approach! <3 )
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---{Closing Statements}---

It's been a bit crazy lately and the unexpected event with the programmer really didn't help. >.< But, I really hope everyone understands and our offerings for May will be enough. We'll continue beyond that regardless and keep things moving along steadily, but we'll try to be more vocal about any slight delays or issues that could push things back a bit too. <3

Last minute mention! Subscribestar has recently added a new wallet feature, where you can purchase points through a number of payment options and sources, much more than they did in the past! On top of new payment options and better support for international support! 

If you've had issues with using Subscribestar in the past due to payment options, region, etc. You may want to check out their new options and see if the experience is better now. ^^ 

First time with us? Consider joining our Discord community and hang out, or follow us on Twitter!~ Of course Subscribestar is our main place for posts, so if you aren't there already. Consider following for free, or possibly support the project and team if you're able to!~

Discord Server Invite
https://discord.gg/UgkUnd5cEV

Twitter Page
https://x.com/MessyStudios1

Subscribestar Page
https://subscribestar.adult/messyacademy
https://subscribestar.art/messyacademy

Thanks everyone, until our next newsletter, stay awesome!~
-Messy Studios   

This was meant to be put out yesterday, but I've had very little time to sit at my computer lately with the moving process, so I apologize for that!

Speaking of which! This will be the last post prior to the move! There will be two other posts that are set to automatically be posted for me, one for Thursday and then again on Saturday. One of those will be bg art previews, while the other will be previews for showing off recent work done on ep 5's Bridget gaming cg moment updated in the new artstyle!

Since those posts will be posted automatically, they won't appear in the Discord's #project-news channel. It will be updated when I can gain access to internet.

The road trip will begin Thursday morning and the goal is to be at the new place by Saturday night, with Easter Sunday being our full day in the new state and overall starting the process of moving things in, getting the internet sorted out and getting everything prepped for our pets, etc.

During the trip and when I have time during the next week or so, I'll continue work on the project from my work laptop using my phone's hotspot when possible. I still don't have a date set for v0.22 as of this news post, but I have to imagine we're very close and its a matter of seeing the GitHub updated and let the programmer know if everything is fine. 

v0.23 will consist of the female protagonist being playable for episodes 1 & 2, along with the overall QoL additions and improvements being made to those earlier episodes mostly in the form of offering better gameplay choices and pacing of such things. There are some new written scenes fitted in-between existing ones, one of these without spoiling too much.. Is our introduction to the headmistress running the school!

While that might seem like it'll ruin some aspects of the mystery unfolding, I ensure you, it'll only leave more questions and help spark the protagonist's curious nature into trying to discover the truth!

We'll also see John take a backseat in the story, his role won't be visually around as much outside of being connected to one route and possibly some light main story mentions. But in his place, we'll be introduced to Tara! She will take over as John's role as the main teacher the protagonist and buddies are introduced to, and she is quite a interesting character! One that should be fun and I'm sure the replacement of John's role as a teacher with her won't be a hurtful one for many once they get the chance to see how she comes across.

I don't want to ramble on about v0.23 much more than that for now, but I will say this, work on episodes 1 & 2 has been underway for a while now. So, the ideal plan is that once we get the ball rolling with one release, the next will follow on a set schedule with it being pretty much ready outside of the programming needs. 

We'd like to really push to deliver consistent content in a timely manner beyond that, but of course first we'll need to showcase that we can prove it with actual results. So, naturally take that as lightly as needed.

To wrap things up, there's some really big and exciting things for MA coming up, it's mainly just getting them actually out to everyone of course! But once we do, we're really hopeful that the work that's been sunk into these updates will met with excitement, mainly v0.23 with the number of gameplay additions and we'll continue to take feedback on these systems introduced to tweak them, add to areas based on suggestions and really.. We want to provide players with a more personal unique experience, while knowing our limits of how far to push the boundaries.

With that said, I wish I had some screenshot previews to share today. But clearly those will be in my hands to provide sometime later this month ideally. I chatted with the programmer yesterday briefly while I had the chance to sit at my computer and they're hard at work still. Soon as I hear from them with updates, I'll provide updates for everyone that same day! 

Thank you for being more than patient with us and we're excited for the next chapter in MA's game development!~