Time for a quick update.

I’ve made a few minor adjustments behind the scenes. In the next update - or the one after that - there’ll be a new way to put more pressure on Trixie than was possible before. I’ve been thinking for a long time about how I could create situations where she might be forced, in one way or another, to cooperate, and I’ve found a way that stays realistic without immediately turning our protagonist into a whore. I’m curious to hear what you think.

My real-life job, on the other hand, hasn’t made things easy for me in recent weeks. My team grew from 8 to 25 people practically overnight, and I had to incorporate a completely new role into my schedule. That was quite a challenge that demanded everything from me. I’m actually supposed to be on vacation from today through Wednesday, but we’re spending that time renovating and redecorating a few rooms. So, once again, no time to work on the game. As far as the renders go, I haven’t really made any progress. But I’m assuming the storm is slowly subsiding now and things will gradually return to normal, and then I’ll finally be able to get back to working on the next chapter.

What does this mean for the next update?

Well, I don't think it's realistic that I'll be able to finish it in September. So if you're supporting me because you're expecting an update soon, feel free to pause your subscription. I'll post an update here as soon as the update is on the horizon. ;)

Thanks for your continued support!

Public release 0.4.0

I'm happy to give it to the public today.

PC: https://mega.nz/file/p6lhhbKY#-nR1Wo3Vx_ESZRGNKskxKq-kdqS7O-YcMNmJIh69O_0

Mac: https://mega.nz/file/t2MBkZoL#2SXAGNcmicv7dpSD42DxGs5aQRUW7b8BDAhii2NT_r8

Android: https://mega.nz/file/szkXCD6a#qzFDelcRvOm-S5DplgjgOM6hvGswp13hghQDPOJZ9bo

Work on 0.5 already started btw.

Of course the cheat code remains subscriber exclusive.

0.4.0 is here — the full release

Yeah, it's been a while, and honestly, no one is less happy about that than I am. Which is exactly why I'm so glad to finally hand you 0.4.0 — and this time it's not a preview, it's the full release. You can play one or more paths all the way through to the end of this version.

https://subscribestar.adult/posts/2500355

This is the biggest update yet. The focus was on the time between the story beats — the drive itself, and where it ends up taking everyone.

Driving Hub: You're actually in the car now. Between story beats you can spend time with your two travel companions — conversations, small moments, optional scenes. What's on offer depends on how far you've come and the choices you've made, and the talks now react to the road you've taken. There are quieter beats too: stretch, change the station, or just close your eyes for a while.

Status Screen: Open it any time from the quick menu. It shows each character's mood, how they feel about you and about each other, and what's currently going through their heads.

Inner Thoughts: Everyone now has a visible inner monologue that shifts as the story moves on.

Choice Hints: Not sure what a decision means? Certain choices now come with an optional hint.

Main Menu & End Screen: New intro with short film sequences, direct links to Discord and SubscribeStar right in the menu, and a cleaner end-of-build screen for when you want to leave feedback or report a bug.

New character model for the second character: This was a huge amount of work — I estimate I had to re-create at least 50% of all the renders. I explained the why in earlier posts.

New story section "Motel": After a minor mishap, the group ends up in the car of some helpful strangers and eventually at a motel — all of them sharing a single room.

Since the alpha I also went deeper on the in-car conversations (more threads, more reactive to your route and your choices), added a few quieter optional moments, did a full pass over the writing, and squashed a pile of bugs.

What's next?

I'm still missing a few pieces for V4. Right now every path ends fairly abruptly — the goal is to finish the day, so there's still a lot left to happen at the motel before anyone goes to sleep.

I'm still hugely grateful for your support. Thanks, guys! Want to follow the development? Join my Discord — I post anything noteworthy in #dev-log. And of course, feel free to drop bugs, feedback and suggestions here or on Discord (the link's in the game).

Hey, at least there's some new content again

Yeah, it's been a while since the last version of the game. And I can tell you, no one is less happy about that than I am. That makes me all the more excited to be able to release a preview version today that lets you play through the game - at least on one or more paths - until the end of this version.

Here is the link for the highest supporter tier: https://subscribestar.adult/posts/2499912

What's new in 0.4.0-alpha

This is the biggest update yet. The focus was on the time between story beats - the drive itself.

• Driving Hub: You're actually in the car now. While driving, you can interact with Buddy and Ali - conversations, small moments, optional scenes. What's available depends on your progress and the choices you've made so far.
• Status Screen: Accessible from the quick menu at any time. Shows each character's mood, their relationship to you and each other, and what they're currently thinking. Inner Thoughts: Every character now has a visible inner monologue that shifts as the story progresses.
• Choice Hints: Certain decisions now have optional hints if you're unsure what a choice means. Main Menu: New intro with short film sequences, plus direct links to Discord and SubscribeStar right in the menu.
• End of Build Screen: Cleaner end screen with social links in case you want to leave feedback or report a bug.
• New character model for the second character: That was really a lot of work. I estimate that I had to re-create at least 50% of all the renders. I explain why I did that in earlier posts.
• New story section “Motel”: After a minor mishap, our group ends up in the car of some helpful people and eventually at a motel - all sharing a single room.

What’s next?

I’m still missing a few snippets for V4. Every path currently ends very abruptly. The goal is to finish the day. So a lot will still happen at the motel before it’s time for bed. Also, the Carl path is currently missing most of its images. That will be the next step.

I’ll be posting updates on these next steps more frequently for the highest backer tier until V4 is completely finished. Only then will versions be released for the other backers. And as promised, for all former backers as well—I haven’t forgotten you and am still very grateful for your support! Thanks, guys!

If you want to follow the development... join my Discord. I always post here when there’s something noteworthy in the #dev-log channel.

Otherwise—feel free to share bugs, feedback, and suggestions for improvement here or on Discord. You’ll find the link in the game.