BBBen
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Update - Iku bent over, tsundere Kim pretends to be annoyed and some fan art!
🕑 Added 2021-05-23 22:01:00 +0000 UTCtl;dr - I'm testing out a new possible solution to the long running "NOW LOADING" bug and I've been trying to go deep on some work for the future game project.
This week's images
The first of these images is just something I made for fun - Iku bending over a table. I might end up trying something similar with one of the PAT ladies, since I think it's a pretty good pose. The second, third, fourth and are maybe a possible start of the scene. Kenji and Hiroshi (and Fumi!) finally finding something they can all enjoy - ogling shy Iku and tsundere Kimiko, who've just stripped off for their entertainment!
The latter two images are fan art by DynamiteJoe, a Daz creator (and patron here, so he'll see your comments below!) and I asked permission to include them here to show to you. The second is just a test, but the first of the two is fantastic in my opinion - I hope you agree!
Bug fix news too good to be true...?
I've been doing a heap of bug fixing recently, particularly in the last day, but I'll talk about some of the details next time, possibly. In the meantime...
I've had a couple of reports this week of a method that might finally fix the huge "now loading" bug that's plagued the game ever since I added the dating mechanics.
You may or may not recall that with some help from Conash from Bad Kitty Games I tracked down the apparent cause of that bug - the AudioBuffer code seems to trigger some kind of weird memory leak on some specific systems, although nobody knows why it's on some and not others (the power of the machine seems to make no difference). Finding that answer did not provide a solution, however, and our clever work-around ideas to solve it haven't worked so far.
Anyway, a player tried replacing the NWJS files in the game (some underlying code for the engine) with an updated version and that has apparently worked for them to resolve the bug. I'm holding off from getting too excited about this, because I've been excited about fixes only to have my heart broken before, but if it's true and it actually works this could be a nice simple thing that I could do before releasing the game each time that would then make it playable for a whole bunch of people that couldn't before.
Now, the big problem is that I cannot test this myself. That's because none of my own machines actually trigger this bug; not my current desktop, not my previous desktop, not even my ancient, janky laptop. Therefore I'll have to rely on the scattered reports I get from people who get the bug trying it out. It's worth a try, though!
If you want to test this version for me, here's the links: Win 64, Win 32.
I have to point out this testing is only useful if you have been getting the "NOW LOADING" bug. If you haven't been getting that bug then thanks, but your testing wouldn't be relevant at all and I assume that's most of you, because if the game is unplayable for you, you're less likely to be pledging to me.
Still, if you do get the bug and want to test it, all I need to know is whether you can play the game normally (skip intro or have an accelerated start to get to the apartment if you want to speed this up) and not get the game freezing on loading. I will also note that you shouldn't use an old saved game for this test, as sometimes old saves are broken and can also freeze the loading screen for entirely different reasons.
Work this week
It feels like this last week has just blown by without me really getting much done, but that's the way it goes sometimes. I've been trying to focus on the future project and I want to stay in that mode for a little bit longer before switching back to PAT; especially as I've had day job stuff and migraine issues getting in the way of me really achieving as much as I've wanted anyway.
I do feel like I'm on the brink of cracking some great developments in the future game and making it feel cohesive and intentional in how the story and gameplay fit together, but in order to do that I have to be able to actually focus on it for a while and not get too distracted.
As usual, the game is still unannounced (and will be run through a different Patreon, for various reasons) but if you have any general questions about it I'm happy to hear them.
What do you think of the PAL pictures this week? And isn't the fan art great? DynamiteJoe might see your comments if you put them below! Also, are you able to test for the bug? And do you have any questions about the future project? Let me know in the comments below!
Comments
BBBen
Yeah, I've been thinking for a while it's time I diversified and got a bit more professional, even if I remained my own boss. :)
Hank Rillek
Ooh, that sounds elaborate! I'm looking forward to the next step in your game development! You've come a long way from those AIF games a decade ago.
BBBen
It's a much more extensive collaboration, actually. I'm working with 2D artists for characters, environments, UI and animation, as well as a programmer (and voice actors too, of course). For this one I'm primarily the writer & team leader, as well as funding it.
BBBen
(That was Chiemi, in PAF) Yeah, I think the cast of characters worked out really well in PAL, so I still enjoy making some pictures of them from time to time.
Hank Rillek
The maids in PAL are still my favourite characters in all your games. Although Chimie (sp?) from PAF was amazing as well.
Hank Rillek
Is the future game made in the same way you make your other games i.e.: You're the main artist/programmer and get help from some voice actors. Or are you doing a more extensive colaboration with other creators?
BBBen
Thanks very much! I've tried a lot and nothing's worked so far, so I'm prepared for this not to work, but it's at least worth a try.
Vitreous Humour
God I hope that solution works. Timelapse is such a good game and is so hamstrung by game-breaking problem. Crossing fingers for you!
