Okay, two items of business this week!
First, I was unaware until recently, but someone put up an entry for TLS on the GOG Dreamlist, so if you use GOG please consider upvoting:
https://www.gog.com/dreamlist/game/the-last-sovereign
Back during the crisis regarding adult games, I actually jumped through all the hoops to apply for GOG... crickets. I don't know whether that means soft rejection or if they just haven't gotten to it. In any case, it can't hurt to have higher numbers showing that people are interested, so if you want to help me get my games backed up in more reliable places, please vote for TLS!
Second, I guess I should talk about TLS DLC in greater detail. Some general guidelines for DLC based on my overall goals:
No balance-changing content, especially anything that could be perceived as pay to win.
Nothing that makes the core game feel incomplete. I promised that TLS would always be free and I want to stick to that, so I can't lock away major content.
The goal is to give people who don't want to use Patreon a method to give me money if they enjoy TLS.
Right now I'm looking for DLC that can be completed prior to launch, not massive expansions that would require a ton of time from me or Annikath.
This is the overall plan for DLC:
Yarra's Thanks: Pure donation DLC that already exists.
???: I'd like to have something else to capitalize on the launch.
???: If I did create a substantial expansion, it would have to be scheduled many months after the launch. This is possible, but not certain/promised.
Ultimate TLS Companion: In the future, when TLS is not just complete but wrapped up, I intend to make a final DLC that includes all the bonus artwork, a developer's commentary, and other things that would appeal to hardcore fans of the game. This requires a lot of time to develop and wouldn't be appropriate now anyway.
I hope that makes the scope and limitations clearer! Some pointed out that there may be no DLC options that actually fit my restrictive requirements, and it's possible that I've put myself in a corner here. Nonetheless, I do think there are some options to consider.
By far the simplest option would be to bundle the higher resolution artwork as a DLC. I had considered making this part of the final "companion" DLC, but there's enough content that perhaps this would be justified. Unsure on price, as it's similar to the art pack here.
I think "Broom DLC" is a funny idea, but I'm not sure what effect it should actually have. I don't want to remove the running joke, I just think people might chuckle over a cheap DLC that lets you interact with all the broom requests.
One of the most obvious ideas would be custom outfits, the problem there is just avoiding it getting out of hand. Someone suggested specific sets, for example a "succubus outfit" DLC that would give Yarra, Qum, Nalili, and Riala new outfits. I think that makes sense conceptually, though even there it would be more of an investment than you might think due to all the battle busts.
Of course, there's an additional limitation: I haven't done involved DLC before and don't know how it works. DLC that just includes art assets goes in the game folder and presumably I can figure it out. DLC that launches a separate executable (like a bonus/side episode) should also be possible. But having the game check for DLC and then make changes? I honestly have no idea how to do that or if it's even possible in RPG Maker, much less VX Ace.
So yes, that's the situation overall in greater detail than I gave last post. If anyone has brilliant ideas that navigate all the variables, fire away, but otherwise I am inclined to go for the thanks/artwork/companion model I described above.
That's all for this week. Please vote for TLS on GOG if possible, and I'll see you next time!