Monster XXXperiment
Recent Challenges
This is gonna be kind of a long one, I can TL;DR the core bits at the end, but I think the whole thing is worth a read.
Lets get Translucent
So it’s been a bit since the last devlog, a little over a month, and unfortunately It’s been really stressful behind the scenes.
It’s no big surprise if you’re someone interested in adult games on itch.io you know there was a huge shift in how itch.io handles adult content on the platform.
For the 3 of you who aren’t aware the long and short is itch.io recently made a decision to delist all paid Adult content from the platform.
That obviously includes us, and so we’ve been quiet since then seeing how things were playing out and waiting for more information.
Recently they updated us with this post about getting adult games reindexed and the long and short of it is:
Games with adult content must be marked as free in order to be visible in the algorithm on itch.io
This means in order to get re-listed we will need to remove the paid content here. We have emails and stuff for everyone who bought the game, but we will need to.
The effects of the delisting
So prior to this I put together the early redesign prototype content to get feedback and such and see how the community would react to a possible change to make the game more of a management game.
I did this part of the work for free in my spare time with the idea that at some point we’d actually start development of the full game.
Kaen and I had talked about using a portion of the Patreon funding to pay me while I worked on the game, this income would allow me to put down my other contract work, my own game, and my IRL job to work full time to finish the new version of the game as fast as possible.
However this relied on the Patreon funding to remain at the revenue it was at, and unfortunately the game disappearing from itch.io meant that our primary way of advertising the Patreon effectively disappeared overnight.
With the Patreon losing a third of the funding in the last month, and us losing any future itch.io funding, It meant that I wouldn’t be able to work on the game full time like planned. So over the last month I reconfirmed my schedule with my IRL job, took new contract jobs and began spending more time working IRL than on the game.
College Life
As for Kaen, he made the decision to go back to college after a layoff from his day job in order to expand his skill set. This happened, unfortunately, right around the itch.io announcement. He spent the last month or so very busy with getting all the college paperwork ironed out and so, for at least a while, he will also have a limited time working on the game while he does college and looks for a new day job limited time to work on the game.
Where do we go from here?
Step 1 is getting the game re-listed We have a couple options we’re trying to decide on:
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Try and get this page re-listed by removing all the paid content, and then marking the game as a free game.
- The cons of this would be that anyone who wanted to download the game after the page was re-listed would be unable to.
- We may have to put a system together to try and do tickets or something through Discord or Email for anyone who’s looking to re-download the current version.
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We could also create a whole new page that has no content but instead just advertises the Patreon since we can’t sell the game on itch.io.
- In this scenario, this page would stay up for people who bought the game already but will remain delisted.
Either way we’re going to try and grow the Patreon again, if the Patreon returns to where it was then things will speed back up!
We’ve also been throwing around ideas over the last few weeks for more long term solutions:
A Side Project
I’ve tossed around the idea that I could release something smaller in scope with a smaller budget, as a stop-gap on the way to the full release. I have a few prototype projects I worked on that I could polish up and turn into a smaller scope game.
We aren’t sure what game it will be yet, but Discussions will happen over on the Discord for sure!
Some current suggestions from Patrons in the subscriber chat have been potentially doing a spin-off arcade game featuring a character from MonXXX.
We’ve also possibly discussed a new IP to keep it from getting tangled in the MonXXX lore and such, but anything and everything is still on the table.
SFW
One thing we’ve been looking at is making the game SFW this would make the game monetizable and allow us to push the game on more platforms. This would mean cutting some things like NSFW activities, or rewriting others to make themSFW.
We have also considered doing this and then providing a patch to restore NSFW content to the kin scenes. This would mean the game could be sold in it’s SFW form on itch.io, and a NSFW patch could be provided for those interested.
There are challenges with this approach a big one being we’re unsure if this is in line with the new set of rules for itch.io. If the rules beecome more strict or if the rules are enforced or interpreted in a way that providing the the NSFW patch is breaking the rules, the game could be delisted again or even fully removed.
The upside to this approach however is that in the case of the worst possible outcome(a full adult content ban) we could stop providing the NSFW patch, and continue the game in it’s SFW state where it would continue it’s life as a time management dating sim, minus the adult content.
A Steam Release
A big part of the plan since I joined the team was to release on Steam. Unfortunately Steam seems to be slowly phasing out adult games on steam with them recently not allowing adult games into Early Access(Something we would have likely done as soon as the game loop was complete with at least 1 kin)
We still want to release on steam if possible but we’re still seeing how things go. All the stuff above about the SFW stuff applies here as well, Steam already has plenty of Adult games that offer 18+ patches and so this is in line with what we know now about games on Steam. However if the anti porn sentiment continues and Steam starts banning all NSFW content including those with patches, then we can again just go full SFW dating/management sim.
TL;DR:
- Itch delisted the game, preventing the game from being found organically
- Itch was our primary way of advertising the Patreon
- Patreon funding decreased by over a third in a month
- Because of funding work on Monster XXXPeriment has slowed down
- We are still working to move forward but updates will be slower unless funding goes back up
- We will be re-listed and/or make a new page for the game to advertise the Patreon soon
Thanks to everyone who’s still supporting us! We appreciate you!
TechTsundere
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Comments
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I'm curious if making the free version shorter with SFW content on the page and then directing people to the patreon where they can pay for the NSFW version would work for you guys?
I'm not gonna lie, the whole reason I got interested in the game in the first place was the NSFW approach. The premise offered something new and original in the market of +18 games. Seeing that part go would heavily drop my interest, and I'm guessing some others as well.
When buying something, the consumer asks himself: where would I get the best experience for my particular interest with this amount of money? Games follow the same logic, as does porn. It sells, and the proof is all the unrest that stems from all this BS censorship happening lately.
Now, what kind of experience offers the game in a SFW environment? Dating sim/management you say. The former genre already oversaturated, and the latter not exactly popular. Adding the +18 content wouldn't make things much different usually, but the premise of the game being "monster creatures" adds a little spice that makes the whole combo of genres unique in itself. Remove one of the parts, and the rest will struggle to hold on, I think.
So what I'm trying to say is, if you envision this project from a selling standpoint, I believe you're considering the wrong approach. And if you wanted to make a game because you're passionate about it and the ideas that drove you to do it, then you shouldn't sacrifice any of those ideas.
My suggestion would be to keep the game as is, then offering a free "Demo" (like up to a certain update patch, or a certain story point, maybe have it be just a full loop of the first monster) on Itch, like a lot of other creators are doing. And using that to promote your Patreon where you would sell the full updated version with everything included.
Win win for all.
We definitely know that the 18+ aspect is a major draw for the game, we’re not ignoring that, we will continue to provide ways to get the NFSW version where possible.
The plan we have is already basically what you suggested, make the itch.io page free leaving the demo as is for now, and use the page to promote the Patreon. The future updated demo version will also include the 18+ content on itch but again will promote other platforms to get the full version.
The change to SFW is a minor one, only replacing the explicit relationship scenes with non-explicit suggestive lewd scenes(M rating vs AO rating)and would allow us to be on other platforms besides just Patreon.
Both Steam and GOG allow SFW games with 18+ patches, which is a common practice on those platforms, and so we’d provide the patches like many other games do.
The SFW version would also allow us to get on platforms that can’t/won’t/don’t allow this type of graphic explicit content(whether that be payment processors, or other reasons) but do allow strong sexual themes, like the Epic Games and console stores.
The only reason the game would ever become 100% SFW, is if there were a “porn ban” a.k.a. A law that made it illegal to produce/distribute 18+ content in the US.
I heard somewhere that Steam is considering passing a stricter ToS against games with +18 external patches. I hope this doesn't come to be, but lately I've hoped for many things that unfortunately have happened anyway.
Which is why I get a little apprehensive when I see creators, specially smaller ones, fold under this oppression and censorship. IMO we should be fighting more to keep our freedom, both of speech/creation and consumption, rather than accepting things like these as they come and try to mold around them. And I get it, I get the "but what can someone alone do for a change?" feeling. It's safer to adapt than to stand one's ground. Still doesn't mean it feels less shitty that the power/control-hungry corps are getting the win, you know?
Sfw version not only solves the issue with monetisation, but also potentially increase the number of people that will actually try/buy the game. More people=more money (¥•¥)
Yeah, that’s one thing we considered when talking about a SFW version. Focusing on leaning into the SFW dating sim aspect would let people who aren’t particularly interested in the sex aspect to pick up the game and enjoy the plot and romance stuff more.
If we go the SFW route we’ll continue to provide a NSFW patch as long as it doesn’t affect the ability for us to sell the game on various platforms. I mentioned one issue might be that providing a patch may still be skirting around the rules and may be cracked down on at some point. But for now if we do move to make the game SFW, we’ll try and get a NSFW patch for people interested.
So DLC may turn down whole project. Well then eliminating DLC will solve the issue.
I think it is better to make a main game SFW and make romance the main thing, then it will serve as multiplicator for NSFW stuff.
Free demo, paid main SFW, and paid NSFW DLC.
Therefore you minimise the risk of ban, and have a possibility to abandon the NSFW for safety of the project.
Exactly, you get the idea!
It truly breaks my heart watching passion projects take a turn downhill because of outside influences, or rather in this case a whole entire new policy that millions around the world (including me) are against, a similar thing happened to an NSFW game I've been waiting for any sort of dev news on ever since its large update, but the creator has been silent for I believe a year, give or take, and the last I looked, game was fully gone. I can seriously only hope things go better from here then on but that's too hopeful for the state of the world at this moment..
Yeah Since I’ve joined I’ve been trying as best as I can to keep things open about where we are, we’re human, stuff happens, but I am a believer that if you’re honest about stuff that’s all part of the journey for people. We hope things get better too!
i really enjoyed the game and made my purchase of it here on itch will i be able to get any future content and updates without subscribeing on patreon?
We have the email list of everyone who bought the game on itch so when updates that would have been posted on itch are released, they will be made available. We are still working on exactly how they will be distributed. When a steam version is released existing purchasers will get the option of getting a steam key.
Patreon is only for those who want to participate in the Subscriber only chat on discord(where I’m actively discussing a lot of the changes in real time) or if you want access to alpha and beta builds of the new version. The first release of the new version that Itch purchasers will get is the new version that has all of Flares content only, which will eventually be the demo version as the rest of the content gets added.
TL;DR: We will have ways for you to get the new one if you purchased it on itch.
this is a huge relief. honestly i love this game so much. having paid for it here on itch (because i can't afford to pay monthly on patreon) i'm grateful to know that i'll still get access to the game even though itch has this new stupid policy about nsfw games. still here, still supporting y'all the best i can. love and hugs to everyone involved.
It’s totally fair, and we know it’s the case that not everyone can do Patreon which is why we have both options the way they are.
I 've bought the game and thoroughly enjoy it. Even though I don't have enough money to support you monthly through Patreon, I'd still love to purchase the game once it's out on any platform. Also, have you considered GOG as an alternative to Steam? Some NSFW devs have decided to release their game there to avoid payment processors' censorship.
I’m glad you enjoy the game, it’s okay we know not everyone can afford to do monthly, we appreciate everyone who’s supported the game financially!
GOG is an option, I have considered GOG cause I personally LOVE GOG a lot. One issue is I have some friends who have great games that tried to get on GOG and couldn’t. GOG is more curated than Steam is, each submission gets reviewed for quality and those I know who couldn’t get on GOG had really high quality games.
The second thing is GOG still uses the same payment processors, so they’re not immune, so unfortunately if a full ban comes through GOG will probably also cave to the pressure of payment processors. GOG did recently a free pack of NSFW games, which was awesome and I’m glad they’re showing support, but the fact that it was free helped them get around the payment processor stuff and also got them good press so they ate the cost there. In the end though they are just a smaller target than steam, but they need to effectively follow the same rules they’re just under less scrutiny. Either way I’d love to try and get the game on GOG!
sorry about this, i've played the game and it's amazing
Thank you, we appreciate it! I’m still trying to keep working on the game despite not having budget it’s just more of a hobby project now than diving full time into finishing the game. I’ll be posting updates here, I’m aiming for at least once a month with updates even if the update is small or insignificant, so keep an eye out for those!
When I get these things...
Anyway, we're still here. And I already bought the game, which is fun :D
Glad you like it! We’re still going to be trying to work on the game over time, and I’m pushing to keep posting stuff, I’m going to try and post at least once a month to keep people updated. And I’ll be chatting over in the discord about potentially shipping some small side projects to steam to try and build funding for MonXXX
We are still here, a lot of us. And were eishing you all the best with work and college and these projects. You're super great at the writing youve done so far, and i would hate for Itch getting railed from behind to cause all of it to not work out. Here's to a better future and easier project management system (hopefully)
Yeah we really believe in the game so we’re trying our hardest to salvage what we can! I have been trying to be as transparent as I can because I want the game to succeed! I joined knowing the game’s progress was at a total standstill before, so I’ll continue to post updates and stuff even if things are moving slowly!
We’re hoping things go up from here for sure! We have a plan and we’re working toward it!
The content ban really took the entire community out at the knees, I hate those moralizing busybody fucks with a passion. Don't like the content? You don't have to engage with it. Instead of ruining the livelihoods and passion of thousands of people, maybe do something productive with your time? But then that would mean actually exerting effort for something other than faux moralistic brownie points, and you and I both know that isn't going to fucking happen.
Sorry to hear how heavily this has hit you and AK Tech, don't blame y'all in the least for looking for alternatives after this shitshow, guy's gotta eat and pay his bills somehow. Personally I'd go the route of removing paid content for now, then offer the full experience on Patreon, SubStar, etc., give everyone on Itch a taste of the game then get them to buy it elsewhere. Basically the demo situation the game had in its prior incarnation. For paid users prior to the idiots crusade, the ticket system sounds like a wonderful idea, plus it'd mean minimal work regarding the main page itself.
Whatever you both end up doing, you have my support and I'm certain the rest of the community as well. Can't predict the future of course, but here's hoping it works out in the end.
Yep 100% I don’t know why people care so heavily about what others do in their personal lives, but here we are.
We’re really trying to move forward and find solutions because we believe in the game. We spent tonight discussing what I mentioned about shipping something small, and we’re trying to see if we even have the funding to buy some lewd gallery art for a small arcade game and ship that on steam to try and offset and build a tail of smaller games.
I think it makes a lot of sense to convert this to free and move the paid traffic to Patreon and SubscribeStar as well, and I think generally it’d be confusing to have 2 pages, and need to update both. Add on the fact that Dev Logs get emailed to people who follow the game, so we’d be losing ways to keep in contact with people, or at least make it more tedious(needing to post dev logs in 2 places?)
We appreciate it I’m committed to at least keeping things transparent in the community even if we’re moving slowly things will keep happening in the background and I’ll keep posting stuff!