Development Update #73 (Patreon)

Just a quick progress update here on American Thanksgiving. Chapter 10 continues to expand. I started with an estimate of around 900 renders for this release. I am now estimating around 1400, thanks to some scenes that I had to add. And that was with me moving out other planned scenes from this chapter. This is going to be the largest chapter since Chapter 5.

Good news is that very few renders have needed to be cut after they were already setup and rendered. Downside is that this enormous growth in render count is certainly making for a lot of work. I wish this was a release where I could just push things to another chapter, but there really is a lot we need to cover and setup, as future chapters are not getting any smaller. Believe me when I say I have been ruthless in cutting where I can. It is a shame that Chapter 10 is having distinct George R.R. Martin vibes (except this will be out before hell freezes over).

I cannot completely promise a December release right now, as there are so many renders here, and it's possible that some issue arises either with a specific scene or in the beta. What I can say is that, short of some unexpected issue, a December 20 release date seems very doable right now. I keep reminding myself that this is only 5 weeks past my original goal. Longer than I wanted to have to miss a projected release date, for sure, but still nothing extreme. When you all play this release, I think you'll understand why this one took a bit longer.

There were several massive changes to the code base and UI also, and the good news is that I got those changes over to my beta team to test early. Good thing I did, because there were, as expected with such a significant change, several problems found. Those are getting their final corrections now, leaving a hopefully short beta for Chapter 10. Hope springs eternal.

I'm not a fan of December releases, given that most people are busy with many other things. To Be A King isn't the type of game you are going to try and get some time to play at a family gathering. Or maybe you are, and I applaud either your family's understanding and tolerance or your boldness. However, it sure looks like a release before Christmas is in the cards. Then it is right on to Chapter 11. That one already has an estimated 700 renders, with only a few scenes written, so yeah. Might be looking at slightly longer release cycles here for awhile. Some major story elements, along with very demanding love interests, make for a lot of content.

Have a great holiday season, if you celebrate, and I'll be back with an update once we have a beta.