Developer's Journal 5:1

Wow, I can't believe I finally finished Episode Four. And you can't believe it, either! Development of this episode was much longer than I anticipated, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Yes, it's dark, but come on, the game opens with a woman being beaten to death in front of her child, so I think I've appropriately set the tone.

Anyway, the Biggest Supporters got the game a few days ago, and the rest of you will get it Tuesday. I really hope you enjoy playing it. Or if you don't enjoy it, I hope you are at least engaged enough that you'll come back to see what happens next. (Is watching Schindler's List enjoyable? Okay, Episode Four isn't THAT dark...)

In the meantime, if you're looking for something else to play this weekend while you wait for Episode Four, I do want to say thank you to a few of my fellow developers who have been my Patrons for a long time now. This is not a cross promotional post, I've always respectfully declined offers from other developers to do those. This is just a thank you and a shoutout to a few of my longtime supporters who are also making awesome games.

I hope my supporters won't mind my making this post public to get more eyes on these other developer's games.

TakoYuh - developer of Westview Academy

This is one of the most beautiful AVNs out there. It almost pains me to play through Westview with the constant reminder of how much better Tako is with Daz than I am. Westview lets you date and have fun with a lot of gorgeous women, but I actually think I might be in love, like real life in love, with Brooklyn (choose the music path to get time with her). There are also a lot of really funny moments in Westview, some of which I actually laughed out loud at. Westview is a game that actually wants you to have fun while playing it, and it's hugely successful in doing so. So if you're looking for a fun, laidback slice of life AVN with stunning renders, check out Westview Academy.

Ezy - developer of Alpha, Omega

Ezy brings a professional touch to his 3D art that most of us can't match. His environments are custom made and honestly far better than in pretty much any other AVN. His use of lighting is top tier, and his character models are perhaps the most unique in the AVN world. But he also does a great job of bringing those characters to life with their own complex personalities and drama. The tone of this AVN is not all sunshine and rainbows, but if you like that darker aspect of Leaving DNA then Alpha, Omega is a must play.

TakMycket - developer of Tides of Succession

Tides of Succession is a new AVN, but Tak has already surpassed me for render quality and he's frankly also about to pass me for render quantity. He's churning out between 200 to 300+ renders per week, which is incredible production speed (I averaged about 75 per week for Episode Four). This is a fantasy/pirate themed story getting rave reviews early on for its plot and characterization, and I honestly can't think of another AVN I've played with such extensive worldbuilding.  It's fantastic stuff. Tak also does a great job of visual storytelling, with a focus on using character expressions to communicate inner thoughts and feelings to the player. Visual storytelling is a foundational element of Leaving DNA, so if you like that aspect of LDNA then you should definitely check out Tides of Succession.