crescencestudio

[crescencestudio]

i am not immune to jinu propaganda

[crescencestudio]

Hi! I was wondering, will the full game cost money? I’m assuming yes because of how much work is being poured into this. Also, do you have a price range for the full game?

SO...... THIS IS ACTUALLY SOMETHING I WANTED TO TALK TO U ALL ABOUT AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SUMMON THE COURAGE FOR IT FOR LITERALLY THE PAST IDK HOW MANY MONTHS...... I WAS GONNA TELL U ALL ON MY BDAY NEXT WEEK SO U COULDNT BE MEAN TO ME WHEN I ANNOUNCE IT SKXISOOSOS BUT I GUESS ILL JUST SAY IT NOW...... (sorry anon im using ur question as an excuse to make an important announcement)

Yes, Alaris will be paid, and it will be $15 USD ($12 USD for Early Access)

NOW..... FOR THOSE OF U WHO HAVE BEEN HERE A LONG TIME..... i know i have said in the past i was planning on alaris being $5-$7 but i cant emphasize how many times i was told by gamers and dev friends alike to increase the price. ppl literally BEGGED me bc i was Severely underselling myself and my work. even now with me making the price $15, ppl have been telling me its still undervaluing the worth of the game.

i know $15 is much more than i said the game would be and for a long time, i wanted to keep the price low for accessibility reasons. but as time has gone on and the amount of work i've put into this game has increased, it seemed less and less fair for me to price the game at $5-$7. having worked on the game for 5 years now, that price would literally be compensating me $1/year which just kinda..,.,. feels like someone spit in my face KXKSOSOSSO.

on top of that, i'm at a different point as a developer than when i first started alaris. when i first started the game, it was my first game ever, i wasn't in it for any kind of commercial success and i just wanted to make a silly little game with my little fingies. but five years down the road, a lot has changed. i've invested way more time and effort into this game than i originally had expected, the player base has gotten bigger than i would've imagined, and my experience as a dev has come a long way. the product is just different from what i had first imagined, and as someone no longer completely inexperienced, i also see myself differently (in a good way)!

alaris has always been my child but it's more than that now. it represents five years of growing as a developer, and i think the art assets and writing rly showcase that. i honestly think $15 is an extremely fair price for the game given the amount of content in it. it's partially voice acted, has 60+ backgrounds, will have 50+ CGs, 15 character sprites, 350k words, 6 routes, like... the list goes on ykwim. and compared to other vns of similar lengths/quality, $15 is more than reasonable.

i know some ppl will say they can't afford this which is totally fair, and i do plan on eventually having sales on the game so that it can be around that $5-$7 price (much later down the road). but i hope you all can understand where i'm coming from as a developer and someone who does have their own bills and life expenses to pay for. and more than that, i hope you can support this decision as a player who also sees the same value in the game that i do <3

[crescencestudio]

๋࣭⭑ Devlog #49 | 6.24.25 ๋࣭⭑

bb i did fckn WORK THIS MONTH U LITERALLY DONT EVEN KNOWWWWWW (but now u will)

MONTHLY DEVLOG TIME!!!

And I have been EAGER FOR THIS ONE. When I say I locked THE FUCK in this month..... OUGGHHHHH.... LET ME SHOW YOU!!!

This month, we had the usual progress on Kuna'a's dev edits (slow but steady) and Etza's line edits. But ON TOP of those edits going on in the background w the editing team, I also had time to go through every single route in the EA build and do the final edits on them. Just to give context, this means I edited 200k words this month, AND BOY WAS IT WORTH IT.

This editing journey included A LOT of things, not just little tweaks to wording here and there. It included polishing the prose, really strengthening character voices, adding more personality branches/choices, and A LOT of reworking for different scenes that I was okay with, but not completely happy with, in the beta versions of the individual routes. On top of reworking scenes, a lot of the routes also got some extra tiny scenes to showcase more cast dynamics, AND because I implemented a shiny new communicator system (which I'll talk about later), there's a lot more messaging conversations going on that I think add a lot more fun and character to your interactions with different LIs.

sneak peek of a new chat convo as an example

I'm really, really, really happy with the writing of the routes now. The characters feel stronger, scenes feel more organic and natural, and the pacing feels much more intentional. And overall the routes just feel a lot more fun!! While I don't think the writing was bad, by any means, before, I do think it's a lot stronger and cohesive now!

I was also able to calculate word counts across routes within the game script, using a Lint feature by another dev. It was a lifesaver because Google Docs gave me just an estimate, but by calculating the word counts within Ren'Py, I have a more accurate word count across the routes. Using this, I adjusted different routes so that the word count is much more even and there's no one route that feels significantly longer than another!

If you think I was making cracked progress on writing, ehehehhee.......................... WAIT UNTIL I TELL YOU ABOUT THIS!!!!

First art accomplishment: I finished THREE sprites for the game!!! (so I only have TWO left now!!!!). I'll showcase one here since I've featured them before, actually. A long, long time ago for those who were here during the Kickstarter ages.

everyone, meet KILUM

Kilum was a stretch goal to have their own route. Unfortunately (for you, but fortunately for me LMAOOOO), we didn't meet that stretch goal. You might remember they look a bit different from the original concept art, and that's because I reworked their color palette after finishing the rest of the Dusk Court's characters so that side of the cast looked a little more cohesive. I'm in love with their design (thanks to bestie @/saffein-e as always), and I hope you're excited to meet them in game! They are certainly A Character!

The other two sprites I finished were actually our two queens HEEH. You will not be meeting them, sorry! Guess you'll have to wait for EA to drop \o/ Anyways, I was really nervous about finishing the sprites in time for the EA build since I had 5 sprites to make, and before this month I had only finished 2 sprites in the span of like 4 years aofsdjaiosjdfaiojsdfioajsdf. So I'm really proud of myself for the sprite progress this month (I always hate making sprites)!

sneak peek feat. eyes. my beautiful children....

We also made CG progress. A LOT of CG progress HEHEHE. Before this month, I had only finished about 26 CGs and that was over the course of like 2 years. That being said, that was while balancing coding beta routes, writing routes, editing, and whatever else I had going on. Now, because I'm locked in on art progress, we have.... *drumroll please*....... 38 CGS FINISHED!!! And that is actually ALL of the ones we need to have done for the EA build!!! So this month, on top of sprite and editing progress, I also finished 12 CGs YEEEAAAAAAAAAA.

Finally, I made some headway on other things this month: one of the biggest being a revamp of the communicator.

my children..... stop fighting....

Big thank you to (@/robobarbie and @/windchimesgames) for the messaging system asset HEHE. now in the game, you will be able to have separate chats for each character and group chats!! I'm still ironing out some kinks with the system and figuring out how to best implement it in the game, but for now, here's a sneak peek of what it's looking like!!!

We also have finally reached a point where we can move forward with voice acting in the game!!! I'll be preparing the lines to send out to the VAs over the next couple of days, but it's so exciting to reach this point since VA is usually what i associate with the Final Stages of production.

I've played a couple of games recently but honestly, so much of my time has been dedicated to Alaris that I haven't had time to do anything like fanart. It's been an ALARIS MONTH BABY!!!

CGs and sprites were the biggest things that I was worried about finishing on time, and given the amount of progress I made on them this month, I think we're in really good shape for EA release!!!

All that's really left for me to do with both editing and like 85% of the art assets out of the way are to finish up the last two character sprites, flesh out the sprite expressions and code those in, and VA! After that, it'll be cleaning for bugs and polishing, so I'm extremely ecstatic over EA progress this past month and hope you all are excited to have it in your hands Very Soon! ^^

Until next time, hopefully I'll bring more exciting news then. Stay cool, especially for those getting hit by the heat waves and general summer heat! <3

[crescencestudio]

What does romance mean to the LIs?

this is a rly sick question. i don't want to answer it in depth since i do feel like the game explores this but in honor of the EA releasing soon and im in a good mood ill give a little peek as a TREAT

ONE WORD ANSWERS ONLY

✨ Romance to the LIs

Kayn: acceptance

Druk: strength

Fenir: courage

Etza: safety

Kuna'a: freedom

Aisa: passion

[crescencestudio]

im a bit late to the party but i just finished Intertwine recently and i loveeeeeee it so much 😭 i adore how you approached the concept of reincarnation and soulmates in it! and the writing is very evocative. i love Van with all my heart 🥺❤️ thank you so much for making such an incredible game!!! im looking forward to your future projects :D

OUGHHHH thank you anon!!!!!! it's crazy that it's been two years since i released it now. it feels so recent to me still. but i'm glad ppl still play and enjoy it--i'm still rly proud of the concept and design for that game. van deserves ALL THE LOVE!!!

[crescencestudio]

Idk if you know about LAD GFWIIW well they apparently have a period tracker thingy 💀 and I was wondering if Alaris had one in a crack sense how would the Li react when Fem mC has her period soon 😭😭 lmao

✨ Period Tracker

Kayn: has things like flowers and ur favorite treats ready for when the cravings strike and so u have a little gift before mother nature comes for ur ass

Druk: takes you out to eat kbbq or hotpot or burgers or whatever you like that's protein dense so ur nice and prepared for when the period strikes and the iron loss doesn't take u out

Fenir: has ur fave movies or shows or whatever prepared so u have something to enjoy while ur going thru it. makes sure to watch them all w u so ur not lonely either

Etza: prepares their own personal herbal mixes, medication, etc. that'll help you get thru the worst of the period in peace and comfort

Kuna'a: just kinda encourages u to take it easy. if ur feeling stressed, is there to listen and reassure u that u don't need to push urself, etc.

Aisa: is kinda just at ur beck and call leading up to ur period/during it. if u r craving something, they'll get it. if u have to lift something or do anything, they'll do it instead for u, etc.

[crescencestudio]

Would any of the LI’s like dancing in the rain?

(plssayetzadoesplssayetzadoesplssayetzadoesplssayetzadoesplssayetzadoesplssayetza-)

✨ Dancing in the Rain

Yes: Kayn, Etza, Kuna'a

No: Fenir

Fine, but only because it's you: Druk, Aisa

[crescencestudio]

*boops all LIs on the nose and runs away*

HEY COME BACK HERE!!!!!!

[crescencestudio]

If the LIs had a spouse room in the house they shared with MC (think Stardew Valley or Coral Island style) what would it look like?

✨ LIs Spouse Rooms

Kayn: honestly having sm trouble thinking of something bro.... i'm so sorry kayn fans but straight up idk what their spouse room would be aside from just like a normal casual hangout spot w a couch and stuff. if tvs existed in alaris that would be there too but KXKKSOS

Druk: GYM RAT. definitely a bench press there. one of those gym mat things for his pushups and sit-ups and stuff. little fridge area for his protein shakes and stuff

Fenir: little reading nook. mini library. big open window. couple of plants. a cozy rug and comfy pillows/blankets

Etza: personal office. nice little standing desk with their setup and papers and stuff. there's a comfy chair nearby that you claim as your own when you wanna hang out w them here

Kuna'a: it's just kinda like a man cave. kinda dark. minimal furniture. tbh i don't imagine him hanging out here often or using it LOL

Aisa: imagining like an indoor garden kinda thing. big window for lots of light and a lot of little plants around the area. there's a place for their sink and watering can too

[crescencestudio]

current EA build statistics:

238,458 words

270 choice menus

666 individual choices

470 personality variations

64 backgrounds

14 sprites (6 LIs, 8 side characters)

36 CGs

31 codex entries

a brand spanking new communicator system, complete with group chats, side convos, and more

all of crescence's blood sweat and tears

[crescencestudio]

I’ve fallen for Cirrus so hard that even the sight of his hair roots feels obscenely erotic to me.

I’m not proud of it. But if he ever allowed it… I’d probably lick them.

"My hair roots?"

(he is baffled)

"Your reaction is unconventional, although utterly fascinating. Come here and explain to me why that is, hmm?"

[crescencestudio]

Now I'd like to know which VNs are your favourite and/or possibly inspired alaris, if you don't mind sharing.

i'm p sure i answered this before actually but it was a while ago so i can update it hehe! these r some of my biggest current inspos for alaris

✨ VN Inspos

Changeling (@steamberrystudio): urban fantasy romance and it's a CLASSIC. one of my first inspos and will prob forever be an inspo in anything i make. influences how i think about cast interactions, dialogue, and character depth

Snow White Ashes (@endys): dark fantasy romance. in general endysis games r cracked and they r one of my biggest writing inspos. the prose in all their games is top tier fr, i literally sometimes open their game while i'm writing to just let the mastery soak in LFJASIDF

Keyframes (@blank-house): we know this one.... i even helped w it LCKDOOE. but the level of personality and customization in this game is crazy. the level of detail marina and the rest of the team puts into the game always inspires me to think about how i can add just a little extra something whether its ui, personality variations, etc.

Someone Stole MY LUNCH (@studioclump): i loved this game bro. it has sm character in such a condensed amount of time. i love the little touches like the text effects, narration, and how everything feels so intentional to build a specific fun little experience. another game that inspires how i think about ~little touches~

Collar x Malice: classic. and one of my forever obsessions probably. love the cast in this one (SHIRAISHI BELOVED) and how each route contributes to your understanding of the plot. it's just classic romance visual novel done right ykwim. def inspired how i write the routes in relation to the greater plot, intertwining character arc and plot development, etc.

Tokimeki Memorial Girls Side: AUGHHHH MY ALL TIME FAVE EVER PROBABLY. this changed my BRAIN CHEMISTRY. it inspired everything i do and it's just so special to me. everyone in the cast is so fun. i love how mcs personality and stats can trigger small character interactions variations. so good..... best inspo for how LIs perceive ur personality

Baldurs Gate 3: a newer classic but a classic nonetheless. everyone moved on from this game but i am STILL HERE. i just love the character customization in it and how the personality and RNG system works. the cast is so heartfelt and just everything is done so well. top tier epic fantasy and character customization inspo. for me, it def shaped things like small personality checks and how i conceptualize that entire system in alaris

[crescencestudio]

I recently got a sentimental tattoo and was wondering how the ROs feel about tattoos? Both on other people/aesthetically and if they’d ever get one (or more) themselves and if so, what?

✨ LIs and Tattoos

Kayn: moreso likes the excitement that comes w finding all the tattoos u have and learning about them. commits each of ur tattoos to memory. surprisingly i don't rly see them getting a tattoo tbh

Druk: loves tattoos. thinks sleeves and intricate designs that span across entire body parts r the coolest. would def get multiple tattoos (i drew him w a tattoo once actually)

Fenir: likes sentimental ones or ones w some kind of meaning. would ask a lot about them. might get a small delicate tattoo like his finger or behind his ear or on his shoulder blade or something

Etza: thinks they're nice to look at but otherwise relatively neutral about them. don't rly see them getting a tattoo not bc they don't like them but moreso bc they wouldn't feel strongly enough about them to get one. could be convinced to get a flower or herb tattoo tho

Kuna'a: thinks they're cool. would def wanna know the stories behind the tattoos. likes the ones that aren't that deep the most, like impulsive ones or ones u got just for the aesthetic. would definitely get a tattoo. in another life they'd prob be inked up

Aisa: would be really drawn to the idea of having something permanent on you. asks you about all your tattoos w keen interest. the idea of getting a tattoo that isn't that deep would completely baffle them. could see them getting a tattoo, like one on their rib cage

[crescencestudio]

If this isn't too personal, since I've never seen you disclose this before, do you have a representative of yourself, in case we want to send you fanarts of YOU?

fanarts of ME??????

i never thought i'd have to answer this kind of question......

i do not actually have a representative for myself. my main icons r either etza or van but otherwise i am a nebulous blob of chaos and kindness...... i like moons tho hence ✨crescence✨ and i identify as agender so i would honestly accept any depiction of me. someone's literally drawn me as a peanut before KXKOWSKOSPS

[crescencestudio]

((full CG on patreon))

GUESS WHO FINISHED ALL 38 CGS FOR THE EARLY ACCESS BUILD ⁉️

[crescencestudio]

Would the love interests do couples costumes with the MC if say MC wanted to be a weiner and it's bun? 😇

THIS IS SO SPECIFICLAKXOWLSKSKAMA

✨ Weiners and Buns

No: Fenir (you could convince him), Kuna'a (you can not convince them)

Ok, I'll Be the Bun: Kayn, Etza, Aisa

No, I Want to be the Weiner: Druk

[crescencestudio]

Out of Jamie, Percy and Elio, who is the most protective friend of the boys?

@blank-house COME AND GET UR BOYS ⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️