so, not sure who checks this still but i woke up to an email that the game is back on. i've copy + pasted the text for y'all.
"Hi, long time no see!
We've been waiting for the ink to dry on some developments and have some great news to share. Due to the major nature of it, I opted to err on the side of caution until I saw for sure that the timeline proposed to me was actually being fulfilled.
The game is essentially back on and prepared for a FULL GAME late 2024 release! We've been working since last year with a partner company to help finish and fulfill a version of the game.
I have no direct hand in the game besides offering a base outline, most of the original soundtrack, and offering a few suggestions that they were free to consider.
Here's a list of some of the changes:
- The new character artist is TATA, and all the backgrounds have been redrawn as well.
- The demo includes Japanese voices. Some of the cast includes: Kojyo Rin, Hozuki Kaoru, Uduki Hana and Utamaru.
The script has also been rewritten from the ground up, as well as parts of the overall plot, and the protagonist is completely brand new. (However, I still think she's as charming as Diana! I hope you do too.)
You'll still receive a free steam key to this game, a digital art book, and the new team also currently plans to also provide a voice acting bonus. The soundtrack has already been provided a few kickstarter updates ago.
We reached out to as many special backers as possible regarding their character slots and create-a-dates so that those features could still be fulfillable. While the deadline for those has technically past, if you hadn't received the e-mail or our reminders, please feel free to reach out at swtkickstarter@gmail.com and the new team can help assist you in that regard.
Unfortunately, physical merchandise still isn't feasible after material costs skyrocketing from COVID. Everything from the acrylic for the keychains to the paper of the books means that everything costs substantially more from the manufacturers were were planning to use, making it unfeasible, especially after the growing issues we had encountered during original game development.
It's been a long and surprising road, but as the original creator, I've been impressed at how quickly Studio Everium has progressed, as well as -- even more importantly -- the fact that they're already so close to the finish line. They've given me periodic updates, and while some design choices are different, I believe the core ideas and concept of the game will still be fulfilled.
Right now, the game is also being featured in Otome Jam 2024 [https://itch.io/jam/otome-jam-2024], and you can view the demo below!"
link to the kickstarter update is here (not sure if its locked)
did not have this on my 2024 bingo!