Well, it makes me really happy to hear you enjoyed it :3 Especially since, as LPB recently reminded me, not everyone likes meta elements in stuff, haha. Heck, when I see it in things, sometimes I love it, and other times I just find it cringy and irritating x3 So I did wonder whether or not it might fall into the realm of cringy or irritating when I tried to give it a go in this project!
I mean, despite the stress, it was still a blast to work on the project, and now that I've had time to distance myself from the aftermath, I can view it in a positive light again.
When we managed to get it all together and submit it, I was overjoyed and so proud of everyone for making it. And when postive comments from players and fellow devs started to show up on the page, I was over the moon and super grateful to have had the opportunity to make something for the jam in general.
I just wasn't expecting to be blindsided by an issue I didn't even really know I had x3 I'm so glad I happened to be seeing a professional at the time who could help me understand that it was an actual thing with a name! I'd literally never heard anyone ever mention RSD before >.<
It also doesn't help that while it was suggested I was on the autistic spectrum around 5 years ago, I only got an actual diagnosis in October this year. In all that time, I was told I pretty much was, but that I had to wait for an official diagnosis appointment before I could get any help or advice. So in all that time, I was cautious about looking into stuff to do with ASD too much on the tiny chance they'd say I wasn't autistic after all whenever the diagnosis appointment did come >.<
Now that it's actually confirmed that I'm on the autistic spectrum, I'm in this strange sorta situation where it's like I'm learning how to actually be myself for the first time in my life even though I'm an adult x3 I'm definitely learning a lot!
There was a point where my emotions were just so overwhelming that I was afraid I'd never get past the hurt. So I'm extremely relieved to have come through it and back to the point where I can just be happy we managed to make a game again :3
I just hope that anyone else who had a hard time with the judging is able to get out of the negative headspace and see the light cos there were so many great games in the jam and so many incredible creators!
Thank you for playing, for your kind words, and for reading this long ol' ramble too x3 I really thought that with it being so long, no one would actually read it, haha. I hope you have a happy rest of the year filled with good times and tasty treats :3