Hello everyone,
I want to take a moment to talk with you honestly about v0.13 and the future of the game.
About v0.13's reception:
I've noticed this update didn't have the reception I expected. We lost some patrons, and I've read your comments both here and on other platforms. This has given me a lot to think about, and I want you to know that I'm listening.
I understand that many felt Sereneth's story lost tension after her "surrender" to Olgrun, and that introducing Elara as the main focus didn't resonate with everyone. I also see there was division about Jorik vs. Olgrun, and that Elianne's route didn't generate the interest I anticipated.
I feel discouraged about losing your support, but also grateful to the 287 of you who are still here. Your loyalty means everything to me.
Changes I'm implementing:
After reflecting, I've decided to make important adjustments for the final updates:
1. Elianne's Route - Completed but shorter I won't cancel it, but it will be a secondary route of 2-3 scenes that can be played optionally. I want to fulfill what was promised, though in a more condensed form.
2. Elara - Optional route system (Olgrun vs. Jorik) You'll be able to choose which route you want to follow:
Olgrun Route: Continues the current story with him corrupting Elara
Jorik Route: Jorik returns and resumes Elara's corruption
Both routes will be complete and satisfying. If you don't want to see Jorik, simply choose Olgrun's route. Everyone happy.
3. Sereneth/Caelen - More events from Caelen's perspective. The next updates will focus HEAVILY on Caelen's perspective:
Moments where he almost discovers the truth
His painful ignorance vs. the reality the player knows
More tension, more dramatic irony, more classic NTR
The goal is to recover that tension that made you fall in love with this story from the beginning.
BONUS - Next project demo
While developing these final updates, I've also been working on my NEXT NTR game.
I'll soon release a PLAYABLE DEMO so you can see the direction I'm taking. It will be something different but with the same focus on narrative, psychological tension, and well executed NTR that (I hope) you appreciated in Thorns.
More details coming soon.
My commitment to you:
I'll finish Thorns Beneath the Wings with the quality it deserves
I'll listen to your feedback but maintain my artistic vision
I'll be transparent about development
I'll learn from this project to make the next one even better
For those who decided to leave: I understand. I hope my next project makes you consider coming back.
For those who stayed: Thank you. Your support allows me to keep creating, and I'll make it worth your while.
What do you think of these changes? Your comments are welcome.