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Teasers are a nuisance

A topic by Gerry_theViking created Dec 17, 2023 Views: 254 Replies: 5
Viewing posts 1 to 5
(1 edit)

Since several months I' playing those visual novels from the Itch.io platform.  I usually go for free versions and refuse a payment to move on to the "just take me to the downloads option". The reason why I'm doing this is those many teasers, that are not even worth 1-5 $. I have some games that I bought and I dont regret paying for them. I have some games, I'm supporting on Patreon but they have to be worth supporting. I hate games with a promising start and several promising paths that stop far to early to be really enjoyable. I understand, that the DEVs want oder need some payment for their works but they should be more clever with what they offer to attract longtime customers or supporters. PS: The last game that really pissed me off was "Love next door". 

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As they say; great dissatisfaction can lead to a spark of creativity. Itch has lots of very talented people, sometimes people are willing to assist with projects.

Would you be interested in writing the plot for a visual novel of your own?

If you'd like to give it a try, some points to consider:
* What theme would you like to set your game world in?
*What is it that the player needs to do in the game world? (In what way does the player discover the world? Searching locations? Observing characters to make correct dialogue choices - in asking questions or giving gifts?)
*How does the player affect the game world? (Do you save NPC lives by getting them to go to safe locations? Do you manage to set upmatchmaking between NPCs?)
*If an event happens or fails to happen, what are the consequences for each outcome?
*Focus on a plot of no more than 5 different things to get started on your first try.

I'd be most happy to help you brainstorm and make a flowchart or two.

There are plenty of assets on itch to make a quick playable rough draft on Ren'Py. Evn if it's just for your own amusement.

Anyway, just a thought.

(1 edit) (+1)

Thank you for your message. I will think about it. I actually have no experience in programming but some good ideas how to make a game interesting.  Would it be possible to exchange some ideas by direct mail ?

You can contact me on GameMasterCaddy@ProtonMail.com

Just be sure, not to tease your audience ;-)

But joking aside, I do not really get what you are talking about. You can try first and pay later or not at all for those free pay what you want games. So it is actually in the best interest for the devs to give the players a satisfactory game experience.

Are you maybe talking about the very, very long release process, like vn being in the work for years and years to come, always teasing with small updates and letting players starve? While it might be annoying, just pay for what is there, if you are inclined to support the dev. And not for what is to come. There is always the sad risk that the dev will abandon or has to abandon the game. I saw some where this happened; the devs are in war country.

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Even though the dev spent little time and effort on the game they too require little support. I think you should suggest to the dev how they game is lacking and provide support for them to make progress.