EE - Swimsuits / Beach Event + Crowdfunding Update
Added 2019-06-24 14:24:22 +0000 UTCHello Patrons,
Hope everyone had an amazing weekend! Before getting started, I'd like to thank you guys for your patience with the post drought this month... it's been a wild June but everything is now set in motion and we finally have a breather! More details will be below.
First things first, we have the main character swimsuit designs available for you to check out!:
Of course with this reveal, you can look forward to a beach event in EE! ;^)
So as I'm sure you guys have noticed, Live2D does take a strenuous amount of resources and time to create with layering and rigging. Sunimu has basically been working on Live2D models one after another (school outfit, summer outfit, Eri's princess outfit, swimsuits) and since we gave each one unique flairs and even hairstyles, it is a much longer process than we originally anticipated. This is where there has been a slower amount of CG previews at this time then we normally were had during Crystalline's development. That being said, Live2D workload is front loaded meaning once they are done, the models are usable for the rest of the game and we are already on the home stretch!
Once Live2D models are completed, you guys can expect a healthy amount of CG artwork previews from then on! :)
The second update is that we opened the Kickstarter campaign for EE!:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2081517796/ethereal-enigma-visual-novel-game
For the inevitable question, EE will be developed regardless of the EE Kickstarter campaign, however a successful EE campaign means we can develop the game not only with more content (since a larger budget), but also faster (more working capital so we won't be restricted to monthly payouts to then do commissions afterward).
On that note, we really appreciate all the support you guys provide to us, so as part of your trust in us, you will be given the following KS rewards for free as part of your Patreon support:
PF Level 2 (blue) - Digital Package Rewards
PF Level 3 (purple) - Alpha Tester Rewards
We have also completed all the steps for EE to be on Steam and are currently just waiting for the final approval. Steam keys will be sent out most likely in July so it is very important that you have an active subscription at that time to be picked up by the key distribution script!
That's all the news for the time being, thank you guys again for your support and patience. Please look forward to July as we have a lot of awesome stuff in the pipeline right after these last Live2D model rigs are complete!!
As always, please feel free to ask any questions below. :)
- Dishu
Comments
Live2D is definitely a staple of our projects and we plan to continue using it as the immersion gained is very significant for most readers! We are experienced with the tech now, what I meant is that we have A LOT of Live2D models (in sheer quantity) to process. Crystalline had multiple characters, KAS had multiple outfits, EE is multiple characters with multiple outfits so that is what I mean by the workload. :^) Basically there is no issue; we are just taking our time to do each model instead of reaching for shortcuts (like re-using same hair or outfit frame for physics)!!
PixelFade Studio
2019-07-01 13:26:04 +0000 UTCSwitching back to Ren'Py (The technology behind ACE Academy) would be a very time-consuming thing to do. Also PF have a full two games experience with Utage (the Live2D Supported Engine) in Crystalline and KAS. In addition to this, I (and I would say many others) find Live2D a large quality improvement over the flat 2D Ren'Py games, and it also gives Pixelfade games a uniqueness to a lot of other VN's on the market. The fact they have already produced a full game of EE's scale (Crystalline) using an L2D workflow shows they are capable to do so, and they are even more experienced now, so I don't believe there is anything to worry about.
2019-07-01 13:16:40 +0000 UTCYeah, me too. I've just seen good projects by small groups go under because the small group got all perfectionist and bit off *way* more than they can chew, whether it's comic artists underpricing stretch goals (and then having to damn near kill themselves trying to meet stretch goals when most of us would have gladly funded them just to keep them doing what they're doing) or whatever. Also, I feel like sometimes there's a prejudice in favor of "new" for the sake of "new". I just hope they're not pointlessly killing themselves trying to make this new thing work when the old thing was more than fine... it was fantastic.
Daryl Sawyer
2019-06-26 04:13:28 +0000 UTCI think it's a matter of perspective and experience. You could say that their application of the technology was limited in Crystalline since I think that was the first time they used Live2D. Yes, I can imagine the utilization of this tech does make their job with their visual novels harder since it’s another thing they have to do and it’s likely very demanding to their staff but I’m sure they’re becoming more experienced day by day and it would show in their work. Pixelfade has shown that they want to strive and exceed, grow as a company. It might be tough for an indie dev like Pixelfade but the fact they’re willing to go this far for us, the fans, it’s to be commended. I don’t mind if it makes the game take longer (and let’s be honest, I don’t want Pixelfade to burn their staff to death by overworking like say EA when they demand triple AAA games every single year.) if the quality of their games is higher as a result. I love Ace Academy, it introduced me to Pixelfade and turned me into a mega fan. Crystalline was a breath of fresh air that I didn’t exactly expect when they had done sci-fi and switched to fantasy. Like I said, I’ve grown wary of the gaming industry outside a few different companies but Pixelfade has my undying loyalty.
Eclipse Productions
2019-06-25 01:34:10 +0000 UTCGuys. is Live2d making things harder? Technology is supposed to make things easier, faster, cheaper, or at least better. From my perspective, it isn't doing that fourth thing ( though I feel like it's caught up in quality as of this title). If it isn't doing the other three, either, you might consider going back to the old way of doing things.
Daryl Sawyer
2019-06-24 22:03:59 +0000 UTCAwesome ^^. Looking forward to the full release, and lemme tell ya, I pretty much found out about the kickstarter remarkably quickly and gave a pledge there just as fast. It's funny that I pretty much WANT to throw money to you guys, hahaha. And this is an industry I've become incredibly wary about.
Eclipse Productions
2019-06-24 16:56:09 +0000 UTCThanks a lot for the response!
2019-06-24 15:36:31 +0000 UTCPlease take a look at the reply!!
PixelFade Studio
2019-06-24 15:35:39 +0000 UTCPF3 (regardless of how long you've been a PF3) will get the Alpha Tester package ANY Patreon is eligible for the Pocket Pango, so long as your lifetime contribution is $75 (so even a PF1 could get!)
PixelFade Studio
2019-06-24 15:35:26 +0000 UTC^ wondering the same
Michael Lubker
2019-06-24 15:22:10 +0000 UTCJust looking for a clarification on reward teirs mentioned here. So the Alpha Tester is given only to those in *PF Level 3* with a lifetime contribution of $75 or more?
2019-06-24 14:42:28 +0000 UTCObligatory beach episode!! But on a serious note the models are looking great and I hope you guys can reach the ultimate goal in Kickstarter.
HEY HEY
2019-06-24 14:27:20 +0000 UTC
