Devlog #1: Demo Release Follow-up

Hey everyone! Here's something of a wordy follow-up to the demo release. I'll be posting a devlog update at the start of each month to get some updates out and in order.

What now? I plan on completing the VN before I continue university in October. I’m estimating that the full length of the game will be close to 40,000 words but luckily most of the art assets and coding are complete. I just need to focus on writing.

Can we…romance the characters? When I completed the demo script I still didn't know how to approach the endings. Branching routes? Common route? I ended up settling for implementing free time events into a canon story line. Throughout the game you can explore different places with the characters and enter mini scenarios. You’ll have the choice to flirt with the characters (or not) –whether it’s the right choice or not is situational so there’s an element of reading into your surroundings, I guess? I promise even the wrong choices will be fun.

How do you get a platonic end? An in-game event will decide whether flirt options will be available for given character(s), but in every meaningful event there will always be one or two right answers. One that adds points into a romantic end and/or one that adds points into a platonic end. The endings occur post-game and there’s just enough events where it’s possible to get two endings in one playthrough! It’s also possible to fail every scenario and get no endings.

Is there going to be a Michael route? Shut up. Shut up right now.

Goal is to wrap up script writing by September and then focus on CG’s, art and coding. 

If you'd like to support the development of A Cottage Story (and maybe vote for certain free-time events to occur...) please consider supporting me on Patreon! The Patreon features bonus art, wips, lore and behind-the scenes content for those interested~ 

That’s kind of all I have for this month. Thank you so so much for all the kind comments and support thus far!!