Routes underway

Just stating that this game is still in progress! I hope to get the main story out this year, but currently I'm sidetracked by the route stories. I think those are 35% done, at least the first draft...? I've found out that, since I know how I want it to end, it's easier to write backwards... this strategy isn't going as well for the main story. But! I think I've got plenty of material to pad out the events.

I guess one conundrum I have is... what "obvious" events am I missing? I wonder if there are any interactions people want to see for any of the characters? Since there isn't enough enticing gameplay to get anyone to beta test it, my plan is to finish an "incomplete" route for everyone, and maybe add in one more event per character after that's published, if there's any feedback.

I have concerns about putting the final game for free on itch.io due to generative AI scraping. I think I will leave some of the CGs off of the final itch.io version (if I even decide to post the final story here; the "interest check" phase is convincing me otherwise 😅). I'm less skilled at writing, so I'd be content damaging gen AI algorithms that scrape my awkward story text. :) Perhaps I'll paywall the finished CG version on Steam, or put the full game for free on my main website in the future.

Speaking of art, enjoy this art I spent way too long researching guitars for.