Where does one begin when you find yourself nearing the end of a project that has gone from what you meant to be a quick jam submission to a greater part of your life in the last 4 yrs? I wish I could say I'd been updating my devlog on a consistent basis for the greater part of this journey, but really- I was swept away in the process from day one, completely unprepared. 

What can I say of the game? From the time of its conception in the Fall of 2019, TCD has undergone five UI design overhauls, three sprite overhauls for the main cast, has accumulated new sprites bringing the overall total to 18 sprites. I've added a number of backgrounds, overhauled a lot of my first backgrounds since my skill set improved by 1.0000001% and I thought the backgrounds could benefit from this. I have added more CGs and Mini CGs because I think I may be a draw-a-holic- (hey, art is therapeutic for me, what can I say?) The story has undergone complete rewrite- not once, but twice for the routes. I've added music files that I can license for commercial use, or already bought those licenses, or commissioned music and sound effects for the game. I've updated and revamped the code more times than I can speak (it's probably still a hot mess- sigh) and gone through at least 3 or 4 Ren'py (Ren'py is the software engine I currently use for this game) updates and code changes to accommodate redesigned and sometimes unsupported programming features. I've thanked my lucky stars in the last few weeks that I didn't just overhaul the game to Unity- at least for now. With the help of my friends and developer peers in the indie visual novel scene- the ones who actually know how to code- as well as Feniks' amazing Ren'py tools , I have been able to polish the game a teenie bit with some cool features and smoother user interface than I originally had in the game's demo.  And of course, I've added in at least five Easter eggs from games of friends, because that was one of the most fun experiences- including my friends and the works that inspired me in my game. 

But that leads me to my next topic: This wasn't just about the technical aspect. The game is about friendship.

And so was creating it. Guys, I'm a sensitive soul. I jumped into game dev and I didn't realize how difficult it would be to create a visual novel, and didn't realize how much thick skin you'd need to share your work with the world. If not for the friendships I'd forged throughout the past five years, I don't think I'd have come this far- in fact I know I wouldn't. To be honest with you, I wouldn't have posted this today. It was one of my best friends that cheered me up and encouraged me to share today after having a pretty crappy dev week. I've always advocated having support groups/communities where you feel safe and appreciated so that you can grow and create in a healthy supportive environment. It has been crucial for me as life's challenges have been facing me headfirst at every turn. I think I'll talk about that if I ever do a post mortem, but I just wanted to say- friends that helped me become a better developer and a better and more informed person- I have them to thank for TCD. It just wasn't possible without their influence in my life. 

So what is happening now?? Now it's time to see what's happening behind the curtain. 

I've been working on the Tuff Mallow Website which has undergone its own overhaul several times. But with the release of TCD, I'd like it to be accessible... FINALLY. So I'll be launching it sometime this week. I'll share a quick update when it goes live here and on  Tuff MallowTumblr. 

I'm also working on an overhaul for the Patreon. Yes! Tuff Mallow has a Patreon! But I'd like to talk more about that when the website goes live because spoilers...

The trailer for TCD will be voiced. I'm working on putting that together this week or next- it will be uploaded as soon as I have it completed. Eventually I do intend to voice the entire game, whether partial or fully- and though it is an ambitious endeavor, I can at least introduce you all to the main character's voices in a trailer that will be used as an opening (yes a skippable one if you choose!)

Last but definitely not least- About my plans when I release The Closet Door in November:

Some of you may know that I planned a couple DLCs for TCD. Lake of Reflection is actually one of them, being a story tied to the ice dragons and a part of the lore of Myst- the magical realm the story takes place in.  But did you know I made another story called The Closet Door: Fall Harvest?  Uggh- i wanted to share it so much, because fall and Halloween! But I decided to wait until after I actually release TCD to do any major DLCs. But there is maybe a Christmas game planned, hee hee hee... In total, there will be three DLCs released after the release of the full game over the course of the next year. If I can, I will have all DLCs fully voiced. So fingers crossed, as I am still a solo dev with a scope creep addiction, lol. Working on that one, heh. 

Well thank you for checking in with me- I'm glad I was able to check in with you! A quick recap:

• I've been on a wild ride and a lot of updates for the development of the game- but we're still on schedule!
• This would not be possible without the help of friends, fellow developers and viewers like you! Thank you!
• I will be finalizing the Tuff Mallow website and airing it live this week- I will update here and on Tumblr. 
• The trailer will be updated with a voiced trailer/game opening that will also be featured in game. 
• There are three Closet Door DLCs in the works after the game's release, and a madman (me) who wants to fully voice them- stay tuned!

Anyhow! Thanks so much for reading this far and my next devlog will be much shorter I promise!