Hi!

It's finally happened. Today marks the completion of the visuals for the upcoming game update. I've amassed 531 images and 66 animations, making this update larger than the last. However, some fine-tuning details remain, particularly concerning my new post-processing strategy. While the pictures look fantastic, I've noticed that their file sizes have increased compared to before. Additionally, some animations require re-rendering, which will be my focus next week. I'll also commence coding the update and plan to involve several testers to iron out as many bugs as possible before the early access release.

Let's continue our weekly reflection segment, "Nemiegs Ranting"🥱🙂 .

It's become apparent that much of the exclusive content offered here may no longer be as relevant. At least, it seems so now. Interest in monthly HD wallpapers has dwindled, and the Behind The Scenes videos showcasing my work in DAZ3D have also seen declining engagement. As these videos require extra time, I have been producing them less frequently. Following a Patreon poll on desired creator content, there's still an appetite for exclusive material. I presume it is the same on Subscribestar. I'd like to ask you: What kind of exclusive content would you like to see here, and how often? I focus on game development, so I have yet to explore what other developers offer. Perhaps you've seen something elsewhere that you'd like to see here, too?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Have a great weekend!

Regards,

Nemiegs

Hi!

It's been another routine week of creating images and animations. I've added 107 new images and 25 animations to the collection.

Looking ahead, I'll be continuing to work on visuals next week. It's shaping up that the early access for the next game update will be available on May 10th.

The rest of the post was dedicated to my Patreon supporters, but I leave it here, too, as it concerns the project as a whole.

This week, I've been grappling with some heavy thoughts. I've observed another Patreon witch-hunt, and it's left me wondering about the future of my project. The idea of it being targeted fills me with dread, as I fear it would mean instant death for the project. While I've considered inviting supporters to switch to SubscribeStar, I've seen that this solution doesn't work for everyone for various reasons.

Other developers have staunchly declared their commitment to their games, citing passion as their driving force. While I share that passion, I find myself grappling with certain realities. In this equation of my life, where I juggle between work, Nemiegs project, family, and social obligations, this game remains a passion project for me alone. While some might categorize it as a hobby, given the considerable time it demands, that label doesn't fully capture its significance. I've struck a relatively healthy balance among these competing aspects of my life. However, there are moments when I see my wife eyeing my screen time, and I know she wishes it could be redirected to other endeavours.

The only rationale I can offer my wife to justify my extended hours away from my family is the support of our dedicated paid members. I am profoundly grateful to each of you. Many of you have been steadfast supporters since the inception of this project. Nevertheless, this project poses challenges that cannot be overlooked from a broader economic perspective.

Last year, when the project began to decline, I set a threshold for myself—a point where if the project dropped below, it would no longer be viable for me to continue. Sort of a “Stop Loss Order”. That threshold was reached shortly before the previous SR update, and we're approaching it again this month. However, with the upcoming game update, I can reassure my wife that things aren't as dire as they seem. I have accepted this reality, and I am okay with it as long as it continues this way.

But if I imagine a world where Patreon disappears overnight. The next day, I find myself with a screwdriver in hand, my wife behind me, and for the first time in years, I'm tending to tasks at home that have long been neglected.

My journey has been challenging, and your unwavering support has meant everything to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing by me. Despite these challenges, I'm passionate about creating games like SR. I like everything about the process. That's why I'm still here, navigating the uncertainties. While I still need a clear, long-term solution, I'm committed to continuing as long as I'm on this platform. Will see what comes next.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. It means the world to me.

Have a great weekend!

Nemiegs

Welcome to this week's update!

I've been busy with routine work, preparing 136 more images for the upcoming update. This week, I hit a personal record by creating 89 pictures and 12 animations in a single day, which happened on Tuesday. While I've become more efficient lately, typically, I don't exceed 50 pictures a day. This limitation affects the size of significant events in recent game updates, which hover around 50 images because I can't dedicate more than two days to a single event. One day is spent writing dialogue and preparing poses, animations and unique event-related subsets; the next is committed to turning them into images. On Tuesday, I finally had 5.5 continuous hours to work in DAZ3D, achieving an average rate of 18 images per hour. It's not my biggest because of some pretty tricky poses.

Additionally, I began working on Laura's appearance over the weekend. This process usually takes time, but on Wednesday, I achieved a result with the first attempt that I'm pretty pleased with and don't intend to change. You recently saw a picture showcasing Laura's holiday look and her new pubic hairstyle. In the upcoming two updates, Laura will have slightly more hair down there as I prepare her for some hairdressing.

That's all for today. Have a fantastic weekend!

Regards,

Nemiegs

Hi!

Following last week's update, some insightful comments and valuable suggestions were shared on my Patreon. I recommend revisiting the previous week's update comments for those seeking in-depth discussion here (it is public).

For the first couple of days this week, I dedicated myself to the feedback, considering changes, and planning the future course for the game. Here's a summary of the discussions and the decisions I've made:

Event Management: I'm considering slightly reducing the number of storylines per update. This approach would allow me to increase visuals on significant events slightly.

Character Development: To avoid over-reliance on the main character, Laura, and add variety, I consider incorporating more events with other female characters.

Storyline Adjustments: Specific storylines (e.g., circus, priest, detective in the Park) were discussed, with decisions made to discontinue or adjust specific plots to better align with the game's direction and player feedback.

Future Plans: I have planned to conclude or merge various storylines (e.g., Ritvar, Harvey, Lolita; Beatrice; circus; officer Pecker in the Park) based on their relevance and player reception, aiming to streamline the narrative.

Game Development Progress: To maintain transparency, I've migrated my game planning to a platform that allows me to visualize and refine the story's interconnectedness more effectively. This follows the introduction of a new subtitle, "In the Web of Corruption," which perfectly captures the complexity and intrigue of my evolving narrative.

Moving forward, I've continued working on the next game update this week and will keep doing so next week.

Thank you once again for your support, engagement, and constructive criticism. Together, we're crafting a game we can all be proud of.

Warm regards,

Nemiegs

Hi!

The weekly update has arrived!

This week, I delved into creating visuals for the upcoming game update. Initially, I contemplated leaving it at that, but I can't overlook our engaging brainstorming session. Many of you actively participated, making it a delightful experience. During my absence last weekend, the marketing team conducted a small survey revealing that the title "Special Request" lacks significance for those unfamiliar with the game. This realization threw me into an analysis paralysis as I pondered potential titles. The discussions on Discord were instrumental, and the tipping point came with the poll. While the options didn't quite resonate with me, your collective preference for the keyword "corruption" was unmistakable. Although pairing it with the MC name felt somewhat clichéd, the perfect solution emerged from the comments. Therefore, SR's full title today is "Special Request: In the Web of Corruption". A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to the Discord discussions, voted, and shared their opinions! Your support has been invaluable.

Another essential aspect is my overall thoughts on the game SR.

Firstly, in recent updates, the length of events in the game has been shortened, typically comprising around 40-60 images along with some animations. This adjustment is primarily influenced by my full-time job, which serves as my primary source of income. Consequently, my time for game development is limited, restricting the number of images I can include in each update to around 400-500. Additionally, the game features a considerable number of events per update. If I were to allocate approximately 100 images to each event, the development cycle for each update would extend to around four months. However, given that 3.5 game weeks remain, such an approach would indefinitely prolong the time needed to reach the end game.

Secondly, the protagonist, Laura, is experienced; therefore, extensive introductions detailing her feelings for each event are no longer necessary.

Am I concerned about shorter events? Yes and no. On one hand, it enables me to maintain a sustainable work-life balance. Gone are the gruelling 16-hour workdays, allowing me to enjoy quality time with my family during holidays. However, I do yearn for more substantial events in the game.

Next, I'm considering integrating other female characters, such as Laura's colleagues, into the game. I aim to showcase events involving them outside of the typical office routine and unrelated to Laura's personal story. While this may not be necessary from a strictly story-driven perspective, it could enrich the gaming experience. Considering the narrative coherence, I'm brainstorming how to execute this seamlessly.

I know how to add colleagues to the NTR series (I acknowledge that the term might not sit well with everyone, but it's an element I enjoy. It will remain optional). However, I'm also open to involving colleagues outside the NTR context.

Lastly, I anticipate that some players may advocate for Beatrice's return. While I have planned some events involving him, I'll be transparent - I dislike this character. It's a sentiment I find challenging to articulate.

Reflecting on the abovementioned considerations, I face a dilemma - the need for more images per update that I simply cannot accommodate. So, what's the solution? Should I reduce the number of events? Perhaps opt for fewer events but make at least one per update longer? These questions weigh heavily on my mind, and I'm unsure of the best course of action.

Which events should I consider eliminating? I intended to launch a poll today to gather your feedback on your favourite event series. This would have provided valuable insights into the room temperature. Unfortunately, I won't be able to do so today as my wife is eager to take advantage of the beautiful weather outside and put me to work.

Therefore, I'll postpone the poll for a few days. In the meantime, I encourage you to share your thoughts and insights in the comments. Your input is precious to me as I navigate these challenges.

Have a great holiday!

Nemiegs

Hey hey!

It looks like preparations for the next SR update are all set, and I'll kick off rendering images next week. So, expect the usual weekly preview pictures starting next Friday.

The images in this weekly update aren't from the game; I was simply experimenting with some new post-processing techniques on Laura.

Next week, I'll also deliver the promised HD wallpapers.

For those who might not know, Laura was once printed on a 3D printer, and I have a copy standing on my desk, too. Here's a link to a video of the printing process.

Have a fantastic weekend, and I'll catch you all next week!

Regards,

Nemiegs