Dev Update! 4/7/25

Hey folks, hope your week's off to a great start! I've been ducking tornadoes and floods all week, and dealing with intermittent power outages. Challenges abound! But, Mother Nature's finally chilled out, and it seems like I'll have clear skies for the next week.

Despite the nonsense, I've been picking away at the update when I can. I had to re-render some stuff for the sake of visual clarity -- which is a nice way of saying the scene was too poorly lit to adequately show the sexy stuff. But, I'll be ready to start rolling out the finished Chapter 1 builds to patrons this month. Thanks for hanging in there.

I've previously mentioned that I already wrote much of Chapter 11, which has left the writing part of my schedule a bit vacant. I've outlined Chapter 12, but I'm holding off on committing too much to the actual script, just in case I add anything to Chapter 11 that I might want to follow up on. That's left me with a little bit of free writing time. So, I decided to do a couple more prose/text short stories. One continues the short story I did for Madison, some months ago. The other spotlights Isabella Bellino, Brittani's mom. We'll be seeing more of her in Chapter 12, so I thought I'd explore her past a bit, and see what makes her tick before then.

I'm always hesitant about creating too much story content outside the main game—I don't want any critical narrative information to exist outside the game itself. Yet if these text short stories aren't meaningful, they feel like empty fluff. It's a difficult balance to strike. I think these Madison and Isabella stories thread that needle pretty well, though. They each take place 10+ years ago, featuring material I'd likely never highlight in-game, while still providing valuable character background. Plus? Sexy renders of Madison and Isabella. I'll be posting those later this month as part of the Wanton Weekends feature. I slacked off on that in March, so I'd like to make up for it.

Dev Update! 4/1/25

Friends in Need: Stick-On Collection

Bring the charm, chaos, and unforgettable personalities of Friends in Need to life with this vibrant stick-on collection featuring the entire cast! From Gabby’s fiery attitude to Nicki’s razor-sharp wit, Brittani’s bombshell allure to Ashe’s playful edge, every sticker and magnet captures the essence of your favorite characters in bold, eye-catching designs.

Perfect for decorating laptops, journals, or any surface that needs a little extra spice, these stickers are as versatile as they are fun. Whether you’re showing off your love for the game or just looking to add a touch of drama to your day-to-day life, this collection is guaranteed to turn heads and spark conversations.

Stick with the crew—because who wouldn’t want a little Friends in Need flair wherever they go?

Neon Ghosts' Lewd Dog™: Unleash Your Inner Animal

Step into Guy Harrison’s shoes—or, more accurately, his unapologetically bold wardrobe—with the Lewd Dog™ Shirt, the ultimate statement piece for anyone who knows how to bark up the right tree. This bright yellow masterpiece features a cheeky white cartoon dog pointing at those around you and declaring, “Lewd!”—because subtlety is overrated and you’re here to make everyone wag their tails.

Key Features:

• Eye-Catching Design: The vibrant yellow fabric ensures you’ll stand out in any crowd, while the bold character guarantees second glances (and maybe a few raised eyebrows).
• Playfully Provocative Message: Whether you’re calling out someone’s spicy behavior or owning your own, this shirt says it all without saying too much.
• Comfort Meets Chaos: Made from soft, breathable material that feels as good as it looks. Perfect for long gaming sessions or nights where things might get a little… lewd.

Wear it loud, wear it proud—this isn’t just a shirt; it’s a personality. Whether you’re Guy Harrison or just a guy looking to make an impression, the Lewd Dog Shirt™ is your ticket to turning heads and sparking conversations that might start innocent but won’t stay that way for long.

Warning: Wearing this shirt may result in unsolicited finger-pointing, knowing smirks, and an undeniable urge to embrace your wild side. Proceed with caution—or don’t.

Friends in Need: Bikini Beauties Resin Figure Collection™

Bring the sizzling allure of Friends in Need to your shelf with the Bikini Beauties Resin Figure Collection™, a tantalizing lineup of 6" resin figures featuring Gabby Barron, Nicki Merrill, Ashe Kinney, and all the other beauties of FI. Each figure is meticulously crafted to capture every curve, every smirk, and every bit of their undeniable charm—because why settle for subtle when you can have scandalously stunning?

Key Features:

• Lifelike Details: From Gabby's sultry confidence to Ashe's playful edge, each figure is a masterpiece of resin artistry.
• Barely-There Bikinis: These ladies (and Mason!) are dressed (or undressed) for maximum impact—string bikinis so skimpy they might as well be a suggestion.
• Customizable Display: Each figure arrives with a sturdy base, but let’s be honest—you’ll probably want to get hands-on with some "personal touches."

And here’s the kicker: these beauties might need a little help staying picture-perfect. That’s where your hot glue comes in. Whether it’s securing delicate straps or adding your own “finishing touches,” this collection invites you to get creative with your craftsmanship.

Warning: Excessive "gluing" may lead to sticky situations. Keep tissues and a steady hand nearby—these figures deserve your utmost care and attention!

Friends in Need: Choose Your Own Adventure Series
Published by Cockwalk Press

The Friends in Need Choose Your Own Adventure series kicks off with a bang—and a flashbulb—in Shuttered Secrets: The Case of the Sinister Snapshot, a gripping tale of intrigue, danger, and deadly artistry. Published by the daring minds at Cockwalk Press, this new line of interactive novels puts you in control of the drama, where every choice you make shapes the fate of your favorite characters and the outcome of their perilous journeys.

In this first installment, you step into the shoes of Guy Harrison, a clever yet unassuming philanthropist drawn into a chilling mystery that begins with missing models and ends in a labyrinth of dark secrets. Alongside your sharp-tongued best friend Nicki Merrill and the enigmatic Risa Rhodenbarr—whose past holds a haunting connection to the case—you must uncover the truth behind Lucien, a charming yet sinister photographer whose obsession with perfection hides a horrifying reality.

Lucien’s studio is no ordinary workspace—it’s a trap, a gallery of manipulation and cruelty where promises of fame lead to unspeakable fates. His henchmen lurk in the shadows, enforcing his twisted vision with whispers of menace and brute force. As you navigate this world of glamour masking evil, every decision brings you closer to—or further from—the truth. Will you infiltrate Lucien’s studio under false pretenses? Confront his enforcers head-on? Or fall victim to his macabre collection?

With multiple endings shaped by your choices, Shuttered Secrets invites you to explore the delicate balance between heroism and danger. Will you expose Lucien’s crimes before he sets his sights on you—or will your story end as another tragic frame in his dark gallery?

The Friends in Need series promises unforgettable adventures packed with intrigue, danger, and just the right amount of heat. Cockwalk Press dares you to take control, make bold choices, and discover just how far you're willing to go when everything’s on the line.

Neon Ghosts' Orc Exchange
Published by Ironclad Manga

Ironclad Manga proudly presents Orc Exchange, a heartfelt and provocative series inspired by the visionary mind of Neon Ghosts and the wildly popular visual novel Friends in Need. With two volumes slated for release by year’s end, this medieval fantasy tale delivers a captivating blend of cultural tension, personal transformation, and the delicate dance between unity and destruction.

The story begins with Nikolai, a stoic and solitary merchant whose quiet life is upended when he agrees to host Oola, a buxom and bashful orc maiden sent to live with him as part of an ambitious cultural exchange program. Determined to prove that orcs are more than the savage stereotypes humans believe them to be, Oola must navigate human customs without losing herself, while Nikolai’s silence hints at a complicated past he’d rather keep buried.

As Oola struggles to adapt to her new role as Nikolai’s live-in maid and assistant, tensions simmer across the land. Whispers of rebellion grow louder, and prejudice threatens the fragile peace holding their world together. Oola’s presence draws attention—both curious and dangerous—from those who would rather see the divide between humans and orcs widen into chaos. And as their bond deepens, Nikolai must confront his own buried prejudices while protecting Oola from forces that seek to reignite old wars.

Will their unlikely companionship bridge the gap between two divided peoples? Or will it crumble under the weight of centuries-old hatred? Orc Exchange is a poignant tale of trust, transformation, and the power of connection in a fractured world.

Inspired by Friends in Need's rich storytelling and Neon Ghosts' visionary creativity, Ironclad Manga invites you to witness this compelling journey where every step could tip the scales toward peace—or plunge them back into conflict. Volumes 1 and 2 arrive this year—don’t miss your chance to discover a story as tender as it is tumultuous!

Friends in Need: All-Nicki Everything DLC™
Developed by Velvet Vortex Studios

What if Friends in Need was all Nicki, all the time? The visionary team at Velvet Vortex Studios has made that fever dream a reality with the All-Nicki Everything DLC™, a game-changing patch that transforms your favorite visual novel into a one-woman extravaganza of sass, smolder, and seductive energy.

Every character, from Gabby to Carolina, Risa to Ashe—even the random NPCs—has been reimagined as Nicki Merrill. Different outfits? Sure. Different personalities? Who needs them when every interaction is infused with Nicki’s bold charm and flirtatious style? Dialogue has been completely rewritten to reflect her unapologetically acerbic nature, ensuring every heartfelt confession or casual greeting now comes with a wink and a suggestive undertone. Even the world itself feels like it’s been dipped in Nicki’s essence—it’s Nickis all the way down.

Dive into this surreal fever dream where every glance is sultry, every laugh is teasing, and every moment is dripping with her irresistible allure. You’ll never have to choose between characters again—because now they’re all her.

Needless to say, the future of Neon Ghosts Studio is bright! As always, take care of yourselves -- and thank you for your support!