Decided to try doing this to help me understand better. It has honestly been one of my biggest WTF. I mean, I could see why some of my other games didn't do well (like Vera Blanc ). But this one, was a bit of a shock. If I was one of those indies who do 1 game every 2-3 years, I would have had to quit after such a hit

Note that I didn't include anything about price, since with the frequent discounts I don't consider it a valid reason anymore

(besides, the game is longer than Loren and costs $5 less... so I honestly wouldn't take seriously anything about price!)

Of course it's not like I can have everyone who didn't buy vote, or explain, so as always will take the results with a grain of salt, but for example from the other poll I did a while ago for Vera Blanc I discovered some interesting things. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Bad timing, as far as I'm concerned. This is competing for my money with Far Cry, The Division... essentially Ubisoft pushed a few months later the big xmas release window.

Another friend (unrelated to PSCD) is complaining that this month there are about 4 or 5 games being released in japan that he's interested into.

Nah I don't think that matters a lot honestly. I released Loren on Steam after Banner Saga and if I remember correctly Dragon Age (maybe was later though, not sure, but there was some more top AAA games out) and it did well. Even if had SOME impact, definitely can't be so big

Kills me seeing this topic! PSCD was so fun.

I'm not sure if this would have anything to do with sales but I noticed just now that there isn't an initial price discount a.k.a. opening sale for PSCD. I'm not sure if having one would have made a difference.



Other than that, I kind of agree with one of the posters that there's just a lot of new good game releases on Steam and so there's a lot of competition.

Yes of course could be just the indieapocalypse, since it has been a while from my last Steam release! In this case I will discover it soon once I officially release C14 Dating.

If that's the case unfortunately I'll need to try making smaller/cheaper games or something else... but we'll see

Well, duh, because it's not available for Linux, and I...

Hang on... it is?? I thought you said something about this being a Windows-only engine?

Must've missed that update. Or confused myself.

Very well then, here's your money. Don't spend it all at once!



- peregrin



(Apologies for deviating from my usual writing style, but this stream-of-consciousness text accurately captured my reasoning process here.)

Haha no, all my games are always available on linux thanks!

I have to Agree with Alex, For me it has been bad timing. All the holiday sales last year completely wiped out what little buffer I had in my hobby budget and since then other things keep taking my money. I keep saying "I'll be able to buy PSCD next pay check." but it hasn't worked out that way so far. I was going to buy it this week but the Power Supply in my PC died and I had to buy a new one,but I'll be able to buy PSCD next pay check...

Lol I'm not sure what's worse. PSCD not selling for some whatever reason, or too much competition. In first case would be my fault so could fix it in future games, in the latter there would be nothing I can do, if people don't have money/there a competition too fierce

I'll need to make some fanservice game for $9.99 !!

I'll honestly buy it. I just haven't got around to it yet with paying back student loans, surviving and saving up for Fallout 4 DLC, XCOM 2 etc etc. I don't know what could be a contributing factor to the stagnating sales. Personally I have bought most of your games on release and play them until every achievement is done. I don't see why other people like me(returning customers) would treat PSCD any differently compared to say; Heileen, Roommates and Planet Stronghold 1. They all had niché playstyles that didn't neccessarily cater to everyone.

In regards to fanservice; the Sakura Spirit franchise is very popular on Steam for its blatant fanservice and "japanese waifu" syndrome. Despite it, most of the people I know who played them either pirated it because they didn't want to spend money on a "porn game" or didn't get any lasting impact from the game because the stories are often rather cliché.

Just my two cents, anyways. Best of luck to you dear creator of wonderful games.

Thanks!

It seems really that I've underestimated the issue of "too many good games released recently" and the poor finances status. Don't worry I understand completely since I've been in that situation too.

Regarding the fanservice idea, IF I really make it, I would do it in a such absurd way that it would be more on the fun side, than sexy. Like Roommates, but even worse

Haha. Just make a porn game already if youre gonna go fanvervicey! Sexy games do sell well. One of the best parts of Loren was the steamy romances. I VERY rarely go for 'all the romances' but I pretty much did for Loren. >.>

Heh you already know my feelings on PSCD's art, do not like at all, hence my doubts about purchasing Roger Steele, you stated that the art from is better this time around (I am still doubtful but giving you the benefit of doubt here and is awaiting more art before deciding), but I have seen good artist change their style depending on what is needed for that story.



For example same artist:

Show Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/pgDtUM8.png" style="max-width:100%">http://i.imgur.com/eZnvZZy.jpg" style="max-width:100%">

One is more raw and works well within the story, the other is more polished and again works with that story too. I will be buying both those games on day one, even support the artist through patreon ^_^



Let us compare PS art (Which is one of my all time favorites and PSCD) The difference is jarring it is day and night. With spin offs people do tend to expect things to remain fairly similar. I understand that the previous artist was slower than molasses in winter, but I would have been willing to wait longer and pay more for the same art quality. I even understand why you want a quicker development time, it lowers costs keeps money coming so you can keep development going and the lights on, with a few good meals in-between XD .



I am almost half tempted to, hmm. Well you could think of an alternate sprite pack for PSCD, to see if it was the art. (Yah I know that is a lot of work and costs A LOT for seeing if it is the character art or not)



It is to early to glean any information from this poll as of yet due to the small sample size, but if the trend does continue, I would say I rest my case.

While I didn't think PSCD art would have been such an issue (I mean OK, some people didn't like it, but it wasn't BAD, just different from usual manga) one of the main reasons I was able to finish PSCD so quickly was the artist, together with the writer.



Anyway, of course if the art is really the problem, I won't use this artist (or this art style, painted art) again in future since even if I personally I like it (and many other people too) I need to think at the overall picture



Roger Steel as you know had another artist, but even that one wasn't able to keep working on it and quit. Sometimes stuff happens, it's not like I can pay to have 3-4 versions of all the characters/CGs of a game!! However since I have the old sprites of the main cast already done, I could perhaps allow players to choose the two styles (the CGs though will be done only in the PSCD artist style). That's a possibility.



Just for my curiosity, what you think of an art style like Vinegaria (Moacube's artist) ? that is better? (I think is amazing but at this point I wonder about my tastes haha).

While I didn't think PSCD art would have been such an issue (I mean OK, some people didn't like it, but it wasn't BAD, just different from usual manga) one of the main reasons I was able to finish PSCD so quickly was the artist, together with the writer.



Anyway, of course if the art is really the problem, I won't use this artist (or this art style, painted art) again in future since even if I personally I like it (and many other people too) I need to think at the overall picture



Roger Steel as you know had another artist, but even that one wasn't able to keep working on it and quit. Sometimes stuff happens, it's not like I can pay to have 3-4 versions of all the characters/CGs of a game!! However since I have the old sprites of the main cast already done, I could perhaps allow players to choose the two styles (the CGs though will be done only in the PSCD artist style). That's a possibility.



Just for my curiosity, what you think of an art style like Vinegaria (Moacube's artist) ? that is better? (I think is amazing but at this point I wonder about my tastes haha).

Nice compromise, and if that is the case, you Roger Steele is back on must buy list, and me poking you is it ready yet? I haz money!



As in http://vinegaria.com/ ? absoluty goregous....

Show Spoiler

http://i.imgur.com/POxmfNu.jpg" style="max-width:100%">

This artist....hire them noa! XD

I voted on other since I will eventually buy it but not for a month or more since I've been on a shopping spree. I don't mind the art, setting, gameplay nor writing.

I actually spoke to Vinegaria in the past and was considering using her for an horror game. But of course depends on her availability, etc. So for now nothing is official

I actually spoke to Vinegaria in the past and was considering using her for an horror game. But of course depends on her availability, etc. So for now nothing is official

Now. This. Is. The. Biggest. Tease. Ever. Not. Fair. Jack!



Mystery game, in the background, mate you are evil, and horror story, color me intrigued!

I didn't vote because I bought the game, but I will admit I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did because the premise kinda bored me, so setting. Also if I was buying, I would not have gotten it if I did not get the first one. I think Season of the Wolf was a good title because sequels always pressure the consumer and make them feel they need to get the others and that can be a major tipping point. (look at the recent games that try to avoid the number label)



Also PS was an older game so many of the people who originally bought it may not still be watching? Finally, I get that the overall line means going back to other styles, but I just want to say that I felt PSCD's art was the best I have ever seen in your games.