[DevLog#12]Demo release, and a handful of information

Hello everyone, Robertoz here !

It's it a big day today, as we are releasing the first demo version of Spearhead Through Your Heart ! As it was released an hour ago, major bug have been hotfixed, and later on the week, some corrective updates will be uploaded for all writing mistakes or incoherencies. Feel free to enjoy the game and share it to your friends. Donations are now possible through itch.io.

First of all, I wish to present you Bubba, our new writer, who did excellent work on the demo :

"After several lifetimes across time and space, Bubba reached a point where the concepts of despot/tyrant/hive mind/overlord/goddess of war&ferility began to ring hollow. No pain was ever exquisitely painful, no godly gift as divinely sweet as he had meant to bestow. Life would always throw the concept of free will in his face, undoing his creation. One day, though, an idea popped up. Why? Why bother, when you could not. So he became a writer... because... Well because what else is a thirty-something-year-old virgin gonna do. Obviously, he accepts pitty reads (https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/) and commissions (george.puscuta@gmail.com) (edited)"

Secondly, there is several points I wanted to share with you today.

About the demo version 

Please remember that what I am releasing later to day is the demo of the alpha version of the game. I will be updated in the coming days for UI additions, and alongside all the development process. I say that especially to remind that for now, we did not go into all the different face expressions for the sprites, and it will come in due time in the coming months. All is of course subject to change in the artworks, as we evolve into the designing and illustration. 

Donations and backer rewards 

As you might guess from an independent game, we need you players to make it work. The counterpart for your trust and donations will be : - An early access to the game beta on the June 14th (8 month milestone) if the beta is not up before this date. - A digital copy of the game's artbook, containing pretty much everything about the game, and the pieces of art from our artists. Also as much as we can, insights on our development process. - A nice and cozy place in the credits of the game. 

Game features to be added 

This features are likely not gonna appear in the demo, but you can expect them at the full release. As for most games of the sort, a gallery will be available as you advance through the game and unlock the scenes. You'll need to make sure that you complete all the possible routes. Also, we're certainly not giving out the branching, you'll have to discover it yourselves. You would also have to find some collectables in order to get all the information that will be available in the Extras. It includes mostly a more thorough background explanation for the characters, as well as info about the historical context. Finally, an achievement system will be in place, for different feats completing the game. Note that I will figure out a way to patch the game and keep the progress, saves, and achievements, but that's likely not relevant to the demo. When the beta version is out (likely close to finished scenario wise), I will not guarantee that saves and progress will be kept, and for sure you'll have to make a reset for the release. 

Not safe for work material 

No matter what, this game will be tagged as NSFW. However, erotic and nudity scenes are not my priority. If they are not ready by release day, they will come later on as a free patch. Be aware that this game will likely contain physical and psychological violence, written or graphic. 

Divide and Conquer 

If you have to say anything about the itch page, or the Reddit page, you can address the Guardians on Discord, they are mostly responsible for the content. I am too, that is. 

With blackjack and hookers 

As it has appeared, even though it is justified, while your criticism is absolutely welcome, with the financial responsibility, the decisions boils down to me in the end. I still read out and consider all the feedback I get, but it is my right to implement it or not. So, to quote someone that will not be named and as a friendly reminder, if reading this makes bleed your eyes, well you can go and make your own VN, with blackjack and hookers.

See you in two weeks !