Hi folks!

Happy start of spring, everyone. While we’re hard at work on the Mirana update (here’s a few sketches), we decided to try something new in our free time by recreating some familiar scenes in a new format – with an animation update. It seems that many of you are happy with this new approach, so we’re going to keep releasing more animated scenes. The next one will be out very soon – in the first half of March; and if everything goes according to plan, you can expect the Mirana update in the second half!

Creating animations like this is somewhat similar to creating a new scene. The most difficult thing about it is the smoothness – ensuring there are no seams at any moment: when the animation restarts, when it loops or when the cream comes out. Also, every animation is, in a sense, a unique, custom solution because it requires a unique interface each time. We do a lot of UI testing and make sure the buttons don’t conflict, for example, when one button has to be disabled while another is active, but the right effects must be playing on screen at the same time.

Some of those things might seem simple and even banal; however, the game runs on our own custom engine. It allows us perfect control of every element, but also requires manual work for every new element. 

Also, in the last post I suggested you ask any questions you might have and I’m happy to answer them here. 

>How often do you have to “argue” with Flamie about a game design decision or how a scene should look?

Not often. We make most of the decisions together, but we both understand and respect each other’s skills. Flamie has the final say on technical and design decisions while I have the final say on graphical and narrative decisions. 

>How many days off do you have per month?

It depends. Running a Patreon is like riding a bicycle - you either keep pedaling or fall down. 

>Do you feel like you’re improving as professionals, or do you feel stuck at your current level?

We have both improved massively. Flamie started out as a designer and front-end developer, and now she has an entire custom engine and some quality websites up and running under her belt. I grew as an artist and a writer. Flamie says the difference is very noticeable between scenes from the beginning of Luna in the Tavern and those from chapters 4 and 5. I guess it’s true. I am now capable of creating a tighter, denser narrative, which is the reason why every chapter is bigger than the previous one. This might sound strange, but I’m very proud of the scenes where Luna and Lanaya drink cream. >How much does this kind of work affect your physical and mental health?

Like any other sedentary job. On the creative side, I sometimes need a mental restart after coming up with a series of scenes. 

That’s it for now. Don’t hesitate to ask us more questions. I’d like to remind you that all of our work and any new content is only possible thanks to your support! Thank you for subscribing!