Pledged update, Chapter 1 and Hunter's Quest PLEASE READ! (Patreon)

Hello everyone!

Been 10 days since I posted an update... holy balls Batman! As I mentioned in a easy to miss comment on the last update, I've been pouring my time into Aylia's Story. I also had a nice sump pump failure last week and a partially flooded basement, but what the Hell, that is par the course for me I guess.

Right to business, as this is important. I've also been prepping things for the upcoming releases on the Patreon front. Answering messages, preparing updated graphics, figuring out a release plan, etc. In that regard, there will be a PLEDGED UPDATE on April 29th. This update IS NOT the release of chapter 1. The pledge is technically for the Hunter's Quest release, and is a result of the last poll where the vast majority said they'd be okay with a pledged update. The Chapter 1 and Hunter's Quest releases are going to work like this (NOTE: I anticipate sending out the chapter 1 beta around mid-May):

• 1. I'll be releasing beta versions to $10+ supporters, as is specified on the front page. The beta period will most likely last between 1-3 days, and I'll actively work to solve any issues that arise. Rest assured, I test the shit out of my games, so hopefully no game-breaking bugs.
• 2. Once the initial period is done, I'll release the final version to all patrons to further testing. 
• 3. For Chapter 1 and Hunter's Quest, I'll release them both publicly 1-2 days after the full Patreon release.

When I do send out the betas in May, I ask that you refrain from sharing the beta versions. I know, people like to share, it's what we do, but hear me out. Once Aylia's Story goes public, it is out of my hands. I'd really, really like for the public version to be the final (not the beta) version, so potential supporters can experience the final product. I'd rather not have buggy, incomplete versions spreading around. I'm really only asking that you refrain from sharing the game for 3-5 days, then, have at it--the more sharing, the merrier.

Now, back to the pledged update. If you support other Patreons, you probably know that Patreon only charges once per month (at the beginning). This leaves me in a predicament. If I want to release both Hunter's Quest and Chapter 1 in May, I'd either have to run the pledged update after the fact, hold off on the releases, or run the pledge beforehand. I've decided to run the pledge beforehand so that 1) I can spread out the pledged updates a bit (I anticipate the chapter 2 pledged update to be in June), 2) I can deliver beta versions to actual paying patrons, and 3) I can see how accurate the $8,000 pledge number really is. That last one is kind of important, given that I've moved part-time and am transitioning from my previous employment. I need to know if this level of support is real.

That said, I want you to remember, control is always in your court. You can, and should, decline to pay for this pledged update if you are not comfortable. I want people to always be comfortable supporting me, and I never want anyone to regret a dollar spent. In that regard, I'll always offer a money-back guarantee for your last pledge if you are unsatisfied. Therefore, if you pledge this month, get the game next month and think, "What is this shit?" Message me, and I'll reimburse you the pledged amount. You have my word, which on the Internet is always trustworthy... right? All jokes aside, I do hope I've earned a modicum of your trust in the fact that I've been developing this for over a year and have not ran any pledged updates. This Patreon is not a money grab (if it was, it is the worst money grab in history).

Whew, lastly, when can you expect the beta? Good question. I'll be sending out the betas when chapter 1 is finished, around mid-May. I've still got a few kinks to work through (one in particular recently sprang up), so I don't have an exact release date. I can tell you, I am very, very confident you'll get the game at some point in May. I would not run a pledged update if I wasn't. I'm also confident that you'll be satisfied. I'm really pleased with how it is shaping up, and I'm a nitpicky bastard who generally hates his creative work. I've recently played a few Japanese DLSite games, and while I enjoyed them, I can tell you that chapter 1 of Aylia's Story has more CGs than either of those complete games. Hurrah for titties!

I think that covers everything. I'll be actively answering any comment or questions that you might have. I'll respond to any message with concerns, etc. Don't be shy if you'd like further explanations. I also have a 1,000 patron bonus pic I'll post this weekend for patrons. Just a little thank you for that awesome achievement. Finally, I've said countless times that this Patreon thing will start rolling when the pledges begin. That means that once this pledged update runs, May is essentially the first true month of YT Gaming. There will be at least one content poll, and lots of other goodies. I'm really excited to see where things end up this year!

Thanks!

YT