I originally thought I would wait until October 31st to do my first  proper devlog but I decided I wanted to post an update as I feel I've made some progress I can be proud of! For now on, I'll post at least once a month with an update, but not force myself to stick to a certain date as I may want to post updates weekly or bi-weekly. Anyway, to the good stuff....

Script Progress

The script is obviously a significant part of the game and I am almost finished with the Common Route where the main characters and love interests are introduced. As I was writing this, I've thought a lot about how players will end up on routes and what significance choices will have. Here are my tentative thoughts regarding the choices:

• Certain choices would provide or subtract affection points for the LIs. Therefore, there will be no option to "choose" the route you want to go on, it will be based on choices made. I feel like this provides a more natural progression and, at least during a first play through, allows players to choose what feels more in line with the decisions they would make. 
• I want players to have an opportunity to get a feel for what kind of person the LI is and their relationship in relation to the MC. 
• I'm still working on endings, as I want there to be some that come naturally as I write. I do want there to be 2-3 per LI route. 

Coding

In the beginning, I jumped back and forth between using Ren'Py, then Twine, and then I was like "this story needs visuals" or at least, I want there to be (aha). I've been gathering a lot of Ren'Py resources and testing code to find what I need. My day job sometimes entails working with web developers and data analysts, so this has been a fun and insight experience (frustrating too). That being said, I have some ideas for the game that surely need a more advanced skillset and I hope that at some point, I can bring on a proper developer!

But, I did work on the GUI some. This is subject to change, but I wanted to change the GUI so I can really begin to envision the demo! Here's what the main menu looks like right now:

Assets

Yeah, so, there's no movement in terms of CGs, BGs, etc. I'm a writer, not an artist. I don't have anyone in mind right now and honestly, I don't have funds to commission someone now. I work a full time job to pay my bills and this is a passion project. To be able to get to the  point of assets, my goal is to finish writing and developing a demo. Then, I'll see what can be done with assets. I do have somewhat of a "vision" in mind for certain scenes + characters,  but it's on the back burner until I get more writing and a demo set up. I am working on GUI assets for a demo. I did use Canva and create some short character stories which I shared on Lemmasoft:

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment or reach out to me!

-Victoria