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Illustrated Dev Diary, December 10th, 2021
🕑 Added 2021-12-10 12:59:35 +0000 UTCThese are hectic weeks before the release and Christmas, but I've been pushing hard all week, and I'm en route for the release.
I wont give any render numbers from now until release, but I can say that Leap of Faith has rounded another milestone, surpassed the 10k render mark which is todays preview image above (and 60k animation frames) for all chapters. Hopefully your choices won't lead you to see that image in the game though.
Instead of the normal dev diary I thought I'd give you a little insight about how the pre release days are.
I try to give the testers 7 days of testing, due to the pathing, proof reading and of course this is pre Christmas so they might not be available at all times due to irl business. That means they need the release around 15th, or 5 days from now. Normally I give myself a week of testing before that, but there's absolutely no time for it for this release.
Before handing out the Beta, I also have to post process and compress all the images and animations, and insert the beta menu which gives the testers a somewhat easier time testing, before lastly run the current script through a spell checker to remove the most obvious Driftys-after-midnight-typing-freak-accidents.
From testing starts until the day before release it's all about correcting feedback, playing through the release, insert new art where needed, and making sure the game works well and the flow is good, in addition to making the 'cover art' - or the release images.
On the day before the release I compile the different versions of the game (full game pc/linux/max, and the patch version pc/linux/mac), and re-package the distribution package with better compression.
I always have the day off from my normal job on release day itself, so I sit down with a good cup of coffee in the morning and play through the chapter one last time to see if there's anything obvious I've missed.
Then I move on to uploading, which is one full version pc/linux/mac and one patch version pc/linux/mac. All of those 4 versions are uploaded to duplicate Gdrive and Mega accounts (around 90gb total) so I can change links quickly if a site is taken down due to traffic overload.
While uploading is in process I compose the release post with all changelog information and download links.
And that's pretty much it. It's a hectic few weeks, but I wouldn't want it any other way. After the release post I just sit down and relax while Discord turns silent, because I know that means you're playing through the game, and (hopefully) enjoying yourself. It's what makes it all worth while.
Lastly, if you're in the $20 or above tier, look out for the credits post where you can add your name to the credits if you haven't already done so.
Cheers everyone, have a nice weekend, and stay safe out there.
// Drifty
Comments
Haehnchen
So, release is done, i played some playthroughs, didnt get this scene in the picture.. :D but now im curious, as i see it, its kinda bad to get this scene (maybe a breakup?) anybody figured out to get this? yeah i want to see everything once in the end :) Even the sad options.
Kevin Allan
I have to say this VN is the best out there. It is a roller coaster of emotions with a fantastic soundtrack. The work you have done on this Drifty is second to none and I look forward to the next chapter of this amazing story. Many thanks for this wonderful piece of art.
Bob Fink
From the sounds of things, I hope I don't see that render in the game either.
Marcase
Thank you for this insight; I'm still fairly new to these renpy AVNs and your pre-release schedule is a great look 'behind the curtain'. I echo the others in that we prefer quality over quantity; take your time needed and don't stress out too much trying to hit a specific date. Even with the best of intentions and planning Murphy's Law will always strike regardless. Thanks for all your efforts Drifty! Greetings from the Netherlands and Happy Holidays to all.
Mr. Cranky
10K renders, 60K animation frames! Incredible, but it's an incredible story and effort. Kudos Drifty.
Drifty
Thank you very much for your concern. Appreciate it. Though, releases will always be stressful, even if I plan for delays. But I promise I'll take a few days off between Christmas and New Years Eve.
Kuke
That sounds like a lot, and pretty stressful. This is just a friendly reminder that if pushing the release date ahead a bit means less stress physically and mentally for you overall, no one would mind! Thank you for a great game.
Drifty
The render today isn't randomly selected. It's the 10,000nd render of LoF in total, and as written in the post, hopefully you won't see it in the game itself. :)
Gie Silverback
that MC and Lexi scene looks serious though hopes it's just a casual scene anyway thanks, Drifty looking forward to the release
