Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! A look back over the year...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!!

Here's a little pic of Hannah offering you a special gift! I wonder what it is...

Patrons get these Christmas pics, plus another of Hannah in a threesome with MC and BFF,, all in 4k with no logos, here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/holidays-2023-in-94869300

I also wanted to take this opportunity to look back over 2023. This has been a rollercoaster of a year for me,  but let's focus on YU for now:

Game progress

In 2023 I released 4 major updates, including over 1,000 new images and 200 animations!

First, v0.56 was released in February. This added Ashley's relationship level 5 scene at the swimming pool, the second RPG scene and a few small scenes of characters visiting each other's rooms. It was also missing Ashley's new scene from the replay gallery, whoopsie!

Then v0.57 released in April. This included Ezri's level 5 scene at the beach, the third film night with BFF and Ezri and a new morning event with BFF. There was also an error on Android were the game would crash the first time you tried to replay Ashley's 5th scene! Poor Ashley, she had a rough time :(

At the end of May/early June, I put out v0.58. This added the last remaining relationship level 5 scene, for Hannah. In it she shared a fantasy, and she became the second character you could call your girlfriend. The update also added the third scenes with each teacher, and a new morning event for Scarlett.

v0.59 was a smaller update, released in September. This added the first outfits, which you could buy for each character to wear during photo sessions. It also included the second morning telly scene with Ashley and Hannah, as well as adding cheats as a patreon reward for the first time.

In regards to YU, I'm really proud of what I was able to accomplish this year. I think these updates included some of my best scenes, and now that each main character has their relationship level 5 scene, has set the stage for the next step of the game. The patreon also reached new heights this year, which I'm incredibly grateful for. It's helped not only game development, but in my private life too.

Personal events

For me personally, the year was a lot more mixed. Early in the year, my wife and I lost someone close to us. I didn't mention it at the time, as it happened shortly after I'd just released an update, and somehow, I don't really remember how, I was able to get the next one out with only a small delay.

Later in the year, we found out my wife had cancer. I did talk about this at the time, since it impacted development significantly and I felt it was only fair to let you all know what was going on. Although she still has lasting effects from the surgery, things are going okay now.

On the other hand, this was the year my wife finally became... my wife! After many years together, we got married. She has been incredibly supportive of my foray into making this game, and I feel so lucky to be with her.

The events of the year meant that v0.60 has been impacted pretty heavily. I've scaled back my plans for it, but it's still a big undertaking that took the brunt of personal events. Still, let me tell you a little about it, and what else is to come!

Looking ahead

The main features of v0.60 will be the extension of the max day from 50 to 80, and the addition of the day 60 exam and after-party. This party is what's taking so much time. It's a much more ambitious undertaking than even the truth or dare and sleepover parties before it. It can be broadly broken up into 5 parts. The first section I finished many weeks ago. The second section is the largest, with many options and variations to make. I'd hoped to finish this section before Christmas, and I'm pleased to say that I have now achieved that goal!

The third and fourth sections will be comparitively simpler, though will still be a lot of work. The fifth section is the aftermath of the party, and won't take too long. I now have almost 750 images captured, and over 100 animations recorded. It's looking like this single update might have as many new pics and animations as this whole year combined!

Other than that, I can confirm that v0.60 will include a new UI for displaying your character's stats, a spruced up main menu and a revamped introduction. I'm hoping to improve the beginning of the game a little, for new and returning players alike. Patrons have already seen several previews of these, but allow me to share a little taste for you all.

Here's what a scene from the prologue currently looks like:

And here's the revamped version that will be included in v0.60:

I hope you'll agree that this is an improvement, and should bring the introduction closer to my current standards.

I'm tentatively planning v0.60 to release in March next year; I'll keep you updated.

After v0.60, I'll be returning to my previous release model. Each odd-numbered update will include two minor scenes, such as a side character or side event scene, as voted for by the patrons. Then each even-numbered update will include one of those, and a major scene with a main character, bringing their relationship level up - again, patrons vote on who will get their scene next. Between v0.60 and v0.70, I'm planning on having each main character get their relationship level 6 scene.

Wrap-up

I'm really looking forward to getting v0.60 out for you all, and continuing development and seeing where it goes! I'm also hopeful that 2024 will be at least a somewhat easier year than this one!

I wish all of you a happy and peaceful holiday season. Take care of yourselves and each other, and I'll see you in 2024!

<3