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So, this is what I am planning to do: the game story is finished as you know, and also all the art (for the base game of course, not DLC).
Since several people expressed interest in having a "visual novel mode", in which they can play the game without the battles, I thought to release the game first in that mode, and then add the card gameplay.

Releasing the game "story only" first would let me know about typos or other problems while I finish the card gameplay part. Not like the card part is far from being done: but I want to take it easy and test the various mechanics well before starting the beta, and not rush the GUI artist much.
The visual novel part is almost all coded: the scripter has only to do the main plot missions and then it's done. I still need to add all the missing CG plus some effects and check everything, but all things considered I believe might be ready around mid-November.

Then, as said, while people play that part I go on with the card and then integrate everything. I might even keep the "visual novel mode" in the final game. I think the card battles are quite fun, but if some people are put off by it, who am I to judge?
(I remember many people asking such a mode for SOTW too, but sadly for that game was too much of a mess to add)

I'll wait for the full game, thanks, but I guess some people can get their itch scratched this way.

Well seems that most people would actually prefer to wait For me is not a problem either way. Though I surely don't want to start rumors like "releasing unfinished games"... so probably I'll wait.

If the question is would I buy It the answer is yes.
If the question is do I think it's a good Idea I'm more undecided.

Well the thing is: I'm in a weird situation where both PSCD, C14 Dating, and Queen Of Thieves could theoretically have a beta out before end of year (QoT is a bit more unsure because of all the scripting left to do in the story scenes and romance CGs). Since I can send one newsletter a month, I wanted also to start preorders for A GAME (FINALLY ) but I hate starting preorders without a beta demo, so I thought to do this, since the beta could be out sooner this way.

To be honest though I think could have a beta of the full game (with gameplay) next month, at least with the first 10 tutorial missions, which should already give me some feedback about the game.

Maybe I should just do that, allow preorders for anyone who wants to do it and then try to finish the beta next month. After all with SOTW, people who preordered it had to wait 6 months before the final game was out... and nobody complained, since after all preordering is only a way to support the developer, but in the end you get the same game.

Okay made my mind: I just opened preorders, since worse case the game as VN/Dating sim is already done (so those who want that part, can already safely preorders if they want). For the gameplay part, I'm aiming to finish the first 10 missions and do a demo of it next month. I have tested 3 missions already, so I think shouldn't be a hard deadline to met
So I won't make a VN mode only since could have been bad for several reasons. But the final game beta should be close. Then of course, there could be 2 months of testing, that I can't know in advance

Though I will almost certainly buy this game, I have a strict policy against pre-ordering anymore. I have been burned far too many times in the past. The last game that I pre-order and was satisfied with Guild Wars 2.

I look forward to the games release, and would love to hear from those who get to beta test it, as that will probably influence my decision to buy or not buy more than anything else.

A third point is that I agree with not just releasing a VN mode first. Give the people the whole game, and then let them decide whether or not the card play is for them. I personally think giving the option in the full game to go either VN or not is a good option, but I for one would feel like something is missing without the battles.

Again looking forward to this game and QoT an awful lot.

Yes, no problems, I understand completely. Today worked a bit on the interface, since I want to put a demo out soon. I think a demo is the best way to judge if you like a game or not since is based on personal tastes and such

As long as there's card gameplay that will reflect what's intended for the final game, I'll be happy to buy it pre-release and do beta testing. I just don't want to play it as a VN first, then with added CCG later.

No that option was completely discarded now. I have already the first 5 battles working. I'm mostly adjusting the battle GUI right now