We can still make educated guesses based on the reports we receive late. It's generally taken about three months to complete a chapter. Given that they completed Chapter 7 in July, it stands to reason that January would be a reasonable estimate. Combined with the fact that they still haven't adjusted their projection of "sometime in 2025," I'd guess their pace has accelerated and/or the later chapters are shorter such that they expect to be done in December.
Very true but they also wanted to add some extra content I believe too. Chapters are one thing but dating routes also require development time, same with jobs and the progression system there. I didn't explore the jobs much but I know the tavern tends to cap out at 2 stars or if not then I am missing the trick to advancing it. They planned for all these features to be in for release so that will add development time ontop of the story chapter segments.
Yep. But if we're taking that into account without accounting for any acceleration in development, the estimate would be February or March, which would be unexpected without any updated projection.
I think a lot of these things can and should be added at the same time as working on the chapters. I mean, they're not distinctly separate from the chapter progression -- in some cases, chapter progression requires hearts, and job unlocks are a core part of narrative progression.
Fair point, they are likely linked in development but if they are not included the development sprint they may be on hold until they finish the golden path.
Regardless I think you are right, it will likely be a Q1 2026 release, maybe we may get an updated build for Patreon supporters at Xmas though.
We will have to see, either way I am okay with waiting, still have many playthrough variations I can explore and thankfully, save files seem to be transferrable.
Agree to disagree then, I think for them to commit for end of year release in 2025 would be difficult and require some crunch. I hope the dev team do not do this since they are planning to release the game for free.
My hope is also that they take their experience from this project and consider doing a future game and sell it on Itch or Steam. The talent is here clearly and I want to see more NSFW Furry Themed games on the market!