Development Blog - Sep 2025

Monthly blog time! It feels a bit weird doing one right in the middle of a release rollout, but I’ll miss a September one if I don’t. So, I’ll probably keep it short and avoid talking too much about chapter 8.

The main thing I’ll say about it so far is that everyone seems to love it, which I’m super hyped about. I was very anxious about how people were going to take it, but I’ll save talking about why that is until next time, so I don’t spoil it. Regarding spoilers, thank you to those who have been keeping quiet but unfortunately there are a lot of them floating around now, so if you haven’t played it yet, avoid anywhere you think you might see some, I guess.

I’ll also take this as an opportunity to say that during the rollout, a couple of bugs and render issues have been pointed out to me, nothing game breaking but it’s stuff I wanted to get fixed sooner rather than later, when more people are playing. Plus, there’s a variable check bug that was skipping a few funny renders I enjoy, and we can’t have that. So, the Trainee release on Oct 2nd will include links to v0.8.2 with these bugs fixed. The Gods, Legends and Heroes can all grab it again there if so desired.

Thanks to everyone who went on a bit of a mission to drop reviews and word of mouth after my call for help a couple of weeks ago. I certainly saw a boost in the ratings and numbers over those few days, so I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I still need a LOT more wishlists, so please don’t stop spreading the word.

More wishlists means more visibility on release means bigger success means JDOR might be able to cut his hours at his full-time job down means faster updates and more content (and happier and less exhausted JDOR). Just about every developer I have spoken to about Steam is recommending me to hold off releasing there until I have a certain number of wishlists. The figures they have all said vary, but I’m nowhere near even the lowest one yet. Here’s hoping the big “WISHLIST ON STEAM” button on the main menu helps.

Obviously, the biggest question I’m being asked now is “when steam release?” and the only I answer I can give now is… a while. I’m sorry I can’t give you anything more definitive right now.

In the meantime, I’m working hard on Chapter 9. Though I’m already 700 renders into it, this is officially the closest the game has ever been to catching up with me. It was inevitable, but that doesn’t make it suck any less. I can’t talk about what CH9 entails without maybe giving away CH8 so I’ll save that for next time too… but after that preview it’s a safe bet that at least Emerald’s going to be in it.

And that’s it for now. Get your thinking caps on for the post Season One “Favorite Girl” poll that I’ll post in a few weeks. The fate of the lowest-rated girl could depend on it. It won’t… but it could! You never know.

Peace.