#i don't think i had anything on any wishlists anyways so I'm all good

[transgender-catboy]

Hm... Maybe not on the soup. Might go to the dollar store and grab luncheon meat + spices tomorrow... If I can get outta bed early enough and shower

[celestialcrownsvn]

October Update

Hi guys! Thanks again for all the support regarding my last update. Stopping the marketing has been great for my mental health and I've finally been able to make progress on the game. 

Backgrounds

All the backgrounds are... done 😰I feel like that can't be right. But, I've got them all, and barring any issues where I need to commission a couple more, we should be all set.

Programming

I have programmed 1750/7255 lines of Aalam's route so far (Scene 5 of 30)! This includes voice, music, animations, etc. Once I get through this round of programming, it'll be ready for testing. Last time I asked for volunteers for beta testers, but due to mixed results as far as people keeping deadlines, I don't think I'll be doing that again. I might ask a select group of people and see if there's anything left in the budget I can offer as payment.

Writing

Most of the new writing for Aalam's route is in later chapters, so I didn't do much this month aside from some editing of typos, etc., as I started from the beginning to program/polish all at once.

CGs

Good news and bad news on this front. The good news is that my CG artist is okay and isn't in any danger as far as we know. The bad news is that she has decided to leave the project. I am going to reach out to another artist once I finish taking in all the sketches/finished pieces she's done and seeing how much work is actually left.

Voice Acting

I hit a snag when someone asked me about the VA strike. I wasn't aware of it, as I haven't been keeping up with current events due to life stuff. But we came to an arrangement, and I'll be sending the VA scripts out soon, hopefully today. Essentially, I'm making a commitment not to use any of the voice lines received for AI training, now or in the future. Which I think is a very simple thing to promise and I can't believe people are having to strike for what seems like common sense. Anyway.

Conclusion and Timeline

That's it for me folks! Your support has been so uplifting, so thank you again.

I've been very busy with IRL work lately so I haven't had as much time to work on CC as I wanted, but I'm hoping to finish Aalam's route and send it to testing by the end of November. Slow and steady wins the race. 💪🏾

As a side note... my birthday is Friday, a great present would be to wishlist the game!

[thewakingcloak]

The State of Things Yet to Come

The Ghost of Spacefarer Things Yet to Come is a hard guy to get ahold of, but I have at last wrangled him and tied him down until he wrote the blog post he promised:

The blog post he promised

I have looked into the future… where I am from… and ok yeah let's start off with the big news first! In the future… ProtoDungeon: Episode III will be on Steam!

That means you can wishlist ProtoDungeon: Episode III on Steam!!!!

And here's a little mini announcement trailer for just this occasion :) (and turn up the sound! I made a lil tune for this!)

So please go give it a wishlist!

Steam's inner machinations are something of a secret to everybody, but wishlists absolutely help the folks who make games. It's one of the most important ways you can help me, even if you're not sure you'll ever buy it. Wishlists get games seen, so please wishlist!

I'm really excited about this. This one actually my original plan for ProtoDungeon, to put each individual episode up on Steam and use the experience to improve… but I was talked out of it by a guy who was mad that Episode I wasn't a full-length game, and by his predictions of my failure. I switched to only publishing for free on Itch and decided The Waking Cloak and ProtoDungeon DX would be the only games I put on Steam.

I wish I'd never listened to that guy. He clearly didn't care about me, and I let his words and attitude control me.

The future is ever-shifting

There's a lot of things I've been doing because I felt like (and have been told) I should be doing. So for the future, I had been intending to really hit the ground running on all fronts, posting to social medias everywhere, launching tiktok and insta reels and youtube shorts, and generally pouring my efforts into "marketing."

I don't think there's anything wrong with this, but it's also… not me? It's not really what I want for my future. I've thought long and hard about this hobby, and I want to enjoy the parts I enjoy, and not let pride prevent me from letting other people take over the parts that I'm not really good at and don't have the time for anyway. Let's face it: my plate is full with my job, my kids, my house, taking care of my wife, chronic illness/pain, etc.

On top of that, I've been off social media for a long time now, and it's been so restorative. I don't fault anyone for being on any of them, and I'll poke my head up every now and then, but… I'm letting go of "making it" on socials. I can't keep up with the sacrificial requirements of the Algorithms. I can't keep up with the comparison game with everyone else making stuff on there. I had spent a lot of time curating my feed(s) so that I saw only wonderful people making wonderful art, and I still felt like I was always "coming up short."

The new plan: just post here on the devlog… just things I want to post. Focus on making my games and having fun doing it. I'm not gonna spend time finding the opportune moment to generate traffic or to say just the right things to sell people on playing my games or learn all the metrics and stuff. I won't post in every conceivable space hoping I'll get enough momentum to go viral or even just noticed.

Will that mean fewer wishlists, fewer followers, fewer people playing my games? Yes. And I'm content with that. I just want to enjoy the act of making games. I don't need to "make it big" anymore. I look up to folks like ConcernedApe (solo dev of Stardew Valley) and Team Cherry (small team behind Hollow Knight) and their lovely games and experiences, but I don't need to BE them anymore. I'm me, and I like being me.

Okay but what am I actually doing…?

Practically speaking, the plan is now as follows:

Publish ProtoDungeon 3 on Steam/Itch for $8.99, with a two-week launch discount of 15% (so, $7.64). I'd like this to be in Q1 of 2025, but I'm keeping things loosey goosey here

Publish PD1 and PD2 on Steam for $4.99 each, with the same builds as on Itch now (so they won't have Steam achievements). These might come before 3 is released, we'll see!

Continue with episodes 4 and 5, also on Steam/Itch--these will be significantly quicker to develop than 3, as they will be smaller and also will not require fundamental changes as 3 did. Pricing will probably be lower than for episode 3 and likely higher than episodes 1 and 2.

All of the above will be self-published!

Once those are complete, I will be working on The Waking Cloak, and it's here that I'm seriously considering looking into a publisher. I do want my games to be played by more people, and having professionals handle all the marketing and socials and console porting and other fine details would be such a burden off my shoulders. I've got my eye on a few in particular, but I'm putting more thought into this before I say anything else.

What about…?

Why are you working on ProtoDungeon and not The Waking Cloak? Trick question! (You didn't know you were asking a trick question, did you?) I say this a lot but it bears repeating: ProtoDungeon is helping me build up the mechanics and assets for The Waking Cloak, and is helping me get lots of practice with game design, as well as with art and publishing and so forth.

Will ProtoDungeon have spoilers for The Waking Cloak? Nope! The only spoilers will be purely mechanical, but I'm holding back a lot of puzzle concepts and a few mechanics for TWC itself. ProtoDungeon is a separate prequel story and has unique dungeons that will not show up in TWC.

What is ProtoDungeon DX? This will be the combination of all the ProtoDungeon episodes, with the early episodes rebuilt, and with additional content (like an overworld). I'm planning on working on this after The Waking Cloak. There will be some kind of discount based on your collection of individual ProtoDungeon episodes. I don't know how that works yet, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Whatever happens, I want to make sure it benefits y'all.

Why isn't ProtoDungeon free anymore? Simply put, because I think they're worth it. I've put a lot of time and effort and love into them. Also, I have a family to support, and this hobby is not free either! The episodes are short, yes, and that's why they'll cost less than a movie ticket.

Patreon? Development will be open and free as always, but patrons will get a first look (like with this post!) There are other goodies at higher tiers, too. And I should mention: funds go towards stuff like key art, publishing fees, and other minor operating costs. I was able to commission some wonderful art for ProtoDungeon: Episode III with y'all's support, but I've also bought some music tools (such as Chipsynth SFC), and I have a Studio Spacefarer P.O. box as an official address for legal reasons when publishing newsletters. I also am able to keep the main site, https://studiospacefarer.com, up with these funds. So, thank you!

To the future!

ProtoDungeon: Episode III has been a difficult beast to tame, partly because of fundamental changes to all the systems, but also because of where it fell in my life, amidst the pandemic and grief and changes and moving. It's become more important to me because of that, because it's a way to process everything. I had always known ProtoDungeon was about grief, but now it's much more personal.

I'm excited to work on things again. I look forward to sitting down and working out the details and adding the new ideas. I can't wait for y'all to experience it. Thank you for following along, and here's to future days!

Oh and did I mention…? please wishlist ProtoDungeon: Episode III on Steam :)

[couldnt-think-of-a-funny-name]

Comments on your upcoming birthday (unasked for) PART 1

I'd never heard of the "golden birthday" before and now I'm mad because I passed that 10 years ago without any fanfare at all >:( are you doing anything fun for it?

You share a birthday with my roommate/best friend's little sister so I actually remember your birthday on my own because of that. I though you shared a birthday with my dad too but learned a couple of years ago that he's October 27th :( he gives me crap for it but it's UNDESERVED because he thinks my birthday is July 16th (it's July 18th) and he was PRESENT during my birth so I feel like he should remember it better than me anyway.

Sure, I'll admit that I have an internet crush on you! You're very funny and sweet and I think that you're an excellent storyteller (both in your fandom AUs and true stories of your real life) I also admire your fucked up sleep schedule (I swear, regardless of when I get on you've always been active within the last 2~ hours at most!) and am jealous of your curly hair + desperately wish that I was rich so I could have you coordinate my closet/fashion style because tbh you have good taste. Plus you're frequently bringing up stuff you baked :')

Internet crush would probably pretty easily become a real crush if we lived closer together and I was better at striking up (and maintaining) online friendships/relationships BUT if you ever end up in the Pacific Northwest for whatever reason let me know and I'll take you to dinner :) if I ever land in Philly I'll let you know and if you want we could meet up and do something fun too!

Do you have an Amazon wishlist or something? Etsy? I don't think you're much of a gamer or I'd suggest steam but I'd like to buy you a small birthday present if you're comfortable with it! Idk how etsy handles addresses though so I could just send you gift card

I think you remember saying something about wishing you could get a better job but don't really have a paper trail of job history--just wanted to give you a heads up that I used to do some freelance work in crafting resumes and coverletters for people (and was pretty good at it--I stopped though when I started my current job) so if you ever want my help to finangle something together for you let me know---most employers don't require tax returns or "proof" of prior jobs--if you just ask one of your coworkers to be a reference and say that yeah you've been working there for x years and are a great employee for x y z reasons then that'll generally be enough for them! I've never had anyone follow up on my education credentials either tbh (though of course that changes if you're going for something that needs like a masters.)

Uhhhhhh I think that's everything I could possibly think of! Hope you're having a good week and I'll be back with a time-appropriate wish (and gift, if you accept) on the actual day

you are ridiculously sweet 😭😭

I'm hoping to go to like, one of those corny halloween-themed bars the friday beforehand! my friend also has a costume party that saturday that I'm going to, but the actual Day Of, probably just dinner with my mom lmao. not much to do on a tuesday 😂 although if ever there were a time for me to disobey the psychic and go to the vampire museum.....

my mother Continuously forgets what year I was born lmfao I fear parents might be lying when they say their children's births are the best days of their lives

3/4)🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

5. you're so sweet to offer!!! I just dk how to not feel awkward about accepting tho lmao

6. thanks!!! I actually literally just heard back from a great place tho so I'm hoping it'll work out there lol

hope YOU'RE having a great week!! 💜💜

[sassykattery]

Celebrations of the Heart, Pt. 3

If you saw me accidentally upload the wrong part, no, you didn't. Thank you to one of my readers for pointing it out. I was incredibly tired today, so let's blame it on that. I apologize for it nonetheless. I'll be reposting Part 4 on Saturday as planned, I'm very sorry for the mistake

Anyway, moving on.

CW: MC is afab, uses she/her pronouns. MC is a demon and poly. Not much to warn for, there is use for fem gendered term of endearment.

Themes: Romance.

Characters: MC="you", Mammon, Asmo, Beel, Satan, Levi, Belphie, Lucifer, Diavolo, Barbatos

Minors and ageless blogs DNI

18+ only

Masterlist

Enjoy

"So, MC, anything tickle your fancy lately? We could go to Majolish and see if there's anythin' new in stock. I haven't been shoppin' in a while," Mammon said, stretched out on the couch next to you.

"MC! Darling! What do you think of this makeup set? You like it yeah? Also, when's the last time you've been to a spa?" Asmo chirped, showing you his D.D.D.

"Hey, MC, would you rather have Devildom food or human world food?" Beel asked you over a call. "No reason, I just want to know if your tastes have changed," he said.

"You definitely need some more books in your collection, MC," Satan mused, looking in your room. "I've read just about everything in here! Any new ones you want?"

"Hey, MC, I noticed you haven't updated your Akuzon wishlist in a while, maybe you should do that," Levi said as you two played Devil Kart. "Also, you and I haven't hung out, like outside the house in a while."

"I've noticed your pillows are getting kind of flat, MC, have you thought about getting new ones? Also, there's a new space exhibit opening up that I think might be cool to check out together, what do you think?" Belphie asked, sprawled out on your bedroom floor.

This had been going on for several days now, and the headache that threatened to take root only became more and more menacing with each question.

"Ah, MC," Lucifer's low voice smoothly called out to you, seeing your bedroom door open and you lying face down on your bed.

"If you are about to ask what I want for my birthday by circumventing it and saying I need something, followed by the suggestion we go do something, save it. Your brothers already ran that strategy to the ground," you growled.

Lucifer raised a delicate brow, stunned by your mood. Also, he was a tad disappointed because his brothers already ruined his ideas. Did they all really think that much alike? So instead, he changed the direction.

"No, I merely wanted to know if you wanted to come help me with dinner, since it's my turn," Lucifer replied coolly.

"I suppose," you groaned, getting off your bed. Lucifer leaned against the door frame and watched you, adoring your grumpy appearance. He held out his arms for you and you walked over like a zombie and merely shoved your head into his chest.

"Now, now, I know they can be exhausting, but it is to do something nice for you," he murmured to you. His voice rumbled in his chest, soothing your grouchy self.

"I know," you replied quietly into his waistcoat. He pulled away and took your hand, leading you to the kitchen as you two prepared that night's dinner.

"Tell me then, what have they dreamt up so far?" Lucifer inquired.

"Well, I'm fairly sure Asmo is getting me makeup. Satan will probably fill my room with new books. Belphie seems interested in getting me a new pillow? Beel is probably getting me... food?" You said, raising a brow in confusion.

Lucifer chuckled, "You don't seem terribly happy with any of those."

"Oh, quite the opposite. It's endearing, it's just they make everything into such a hassle. I just wish we could all have a good time together, no fights, no drama," you replied.

Lucifer raised his brow in surprise. It meant a lot that you still wished to celebrate with everyone, even if it occasionally ended it slight disaster. You two continued working together to make dinner, and you smiled, thinking about your vacation and making breakfast with him.

"Something humorous?" He inquired.

"Not at all, I was just remembering our flour fight that turned into something else," you stated, humming happily. Lucifer smiled too, also remembering the scene. He looked down at you, picturing you on the counter again and pounding into you.

He cleared his throat and turned, not wanting to get too caught up in those thoughts.

"I shall come out and simply ask, what would you like for your birthday, dove?" Lucifer asked, facing the fridge as he looked for something.

"From you? Nothing," you replied.

Lucifer stood straight and snapped his head at you. "Nothing? From me?"

You smiled and nodded, facing him. "You've given me a lot, more than I can recount, since we've met. I don't think you really need to give me anything at this point," you clarified.

Lucifer instantly knew what he was going to get you in that moment. He simply nodded and replied, "I'll have to figure something on my own then, won't I?"

You narrowed your eyes at him, suspicious. "That sounds concerning," you stated.

"Well, maybe if you had suggested something, you wouldn't have to be," he retorted. You rolled your eyes and helped him finish dinner.

-

After dinner, you and Lucifer cleaned up, you stewed on what it is he was going to get you. Now it somewhat drove you mad not knowing what it was, and he was going to tease you about it.

"Is it a pony?" You asked impishly.

"If that's what you want," Lucifer said over his shoulder. You put your hands on your hips and stared at his backside.

"A new car?"

"That would be intriguing, wouldn't it?" He replied.

"Tell me," you pleaded, wrapping your arms around his waist, pressing your head into his back.

"No, you had your chance. Now I know what I'm getting and will be keeping it a secret, so you'd best stop asking, little demoness," he said in a warning tone.

You huffed, letting it go for now. Lucifer smirked as you walked away, and he put the last plate away. What a brat, he thought, though, it was out of fondness for your behavior. It wasn't anything he couldn't handle.

As you walked into your bedroom, you looked at your study materials. With a sigh, you sat and began working, though your thoughts drifted elsewhere. Dinner went well, seemingly your new schedule working to keep everyone content as they got their time with you. You couldn't help but miss the castle, Diavolo in particular.

-

Diavolo raked his hands through his hair, rereading what he wrote in his book. He looked over at his picture of you and sighed, putting his pen down in favor of holding the frame. His thumb ran over your face. It was back when you were human, and though you didn't look terribly different, except for the eyes, he often thought back to those times when you and Diavolo first started dating.

"Young Master?" Barbatos said from the doorway.

"Ah, Barbatos, come in," Diavolo said, putting the photo back.

"Thinking about MC?" Barbatos asked, knowing which photo belonged in the frame he was holding.

"Indeed. It seems your advice has helped me considerably," Diavolo replied.

"Ah, but what were you thinking just now? You looked rather nostalgic. Might I guess it's something about when MC was human?"

"Always on the nose, Barbatos. I couldn't help but think about how easy things were back then, when we first started dating," Diavolo said.

The butler tilted his head in thought. "Maybe so, my lord, but I seem to recall there being a different set of struggles back then too. So why is it you are unable to focus?"

Diavolo's face dropped, a rather serious frown taking over. "You said I always make the right decision. I tell myself that with every move I make, but I feel like when it comes to her, I often make the wrong one."

"My young lord, might I remind you no one has ever said love isn't complicated? This is the first time you are having to consider someone else as much as yourself. It's different, is it not? She's her own person with thoughts and feelings, much different than our own. It takes time, but you two will learn to acknowledge these differences for what they are, and navigate them with grace and mutual understanding," Barbatos explained.

Diavolo was silent after that, deeply considering his butler's words. They hit home, again, something he didn't consider. He looked down at his book again and smiled. "Once again, I owe you my thanks," he stated.

"I am in favor of this being successful, just as much as you are, my lord," Barbatos stated. The prince nodded. Barbatos left Diavolo to continue working late into the night.

---

Thank you for reading <3

Post made by sassykattery. Do not repost. Reblogs and comments appreciated.

Tags: @delphi-dreamin @leavesandflowers @itsmeninerz @flemmingbamse @obeymediasimp @frozengoldie @marvelous-maniac