nightlotus-studios

[nightlotus-studios]

Loveless Dev Blog 1: Introduction

Hello there! I'm Ezra, and welcome to our first dev blog! Today, we're going to be covering the basics of Loveless's lore, plot, and characters.

For those that didn't get to see the first post about Loveless, it's an aromantic dating sim where the main character must both discover and come to terms with their aromanticism in an amatonormative world.

The Plot

As I said before, the main plot of Loveless will be about the main character discovering the aromantic spectrum, the fact that they are on it, and how they come to terms with that. They only realize this about halfway through the dating sim plot line, and must decide whether to tell their "love" interest(s) if they're aromantic or not. Before you ask - don't worry, the "solo" ending is as happy as any other, with some slight difference depending on your choices during the game.

The Place

Loveless is set in the relatively small, completely fictional town of Honeydale, Oregon, USA. It's an idyllic, peaceful place, with picturesque landscapes and being only a short trip from the west coast. It has a tight-knit community, with half the cast having been born and raised there. Thankfully for us all, Loveless is not a horror game, otherwise Honeydale would be equally suitable for that sort of setting. In our timeline, it's a cozy, small town with very few secrets and little drama to speak of.

The People

There will be a more in-depth introduction post for each character as we approach release, with character art and more extensive descriptions. Hopefully without giving too much away! Each character was based on a certain role, archetype, or trope, with full intent to break, bend, and subvert both those tropes and stereotypes in general. Kat, the Leader (she/her) D'andre, the Jock (he/him) Connie, the Artist (they/them) Moss, the Loner (they/them) Edward, the Exchange Student (he/him) Journey, the Shy Bookworm (she/her) Val, the Rebel (they/them) You will be able to romance, quite technically, all of them simultaneously. At this current stage, there's no reason in restricting access to one or two routes, or so I say. However, polyamorous endings will only account for two partners at this time.

That's all I have for now, but you're welcome to drop into our ask box. Follow this blog or join our discord server to stay updated!

[nightlotus-studios]

Nightlotus Studios: A Summary

Hello, this is Nightlotus Studios, an indie game dev team with a passion for unique stories told through traditional genres. We are not technically a professional team, and all work is currently done by volunteers.

We were founded in July 2024. More information about the team and our projects can be found below.

Meet the Team

I'm Ezra, but you can call me Dusk, too. My pronouns are they/them. I live in the USA with two cats, and my most important blog (writing and other art) can be found at @duskforged. While deeply affectionate, I am aromantic.

I'm Willow! My pronouns are she/her, and I also live in the USA. I am obsessed with axolotls the normal amount. My main blog is @marathefallen , and I'll be helping code the game. I identify as demisexual.

I'm Ren! My pronouns are he/they and I am from Brazil, where I live with two cats and (occasionally) a younger brother. My main blog for creative things is @writingmoth. I am aromantic & grayasexual.

Current Projects

Loveless is a dating sim through the eyes of an aromantic who doesn't realize it yet. 'Romance' seven different characters while coming to terms with the fact you don't feel the same way they feel about you.

This game is written by and for aromantics of all stripes, as well as people curious to know what being aromantic is like in an amatonormative world.

Coded in Ren'py, Loveless is currently in pre-alpha. You can fill out an interest form, even if you do not wish to contribute anything to the production of the game. Potential volunteers will be contacted as needed.

Tag: #game: loveless

[nightlotus-studios]

Hey folks! Apparently, I'm nuts, and working for serious on an actual game! This form is to do a quick interest check for those that may be curious about it.

Loveless is a dating sim through the eyes of an aromantic. Get to know seven different characters, their stories and their interests, and watch them get to know each other too! Grapple with amatonormativity in a world built for romantic relationships, make wise choices to garner affection, and figure out if partnering is really best for you.* Includes (plans to include): - Play as male, female, or non-binary. - Choose your own name (first and last)! - Multiple endings, including partnered and non-partnered endings. - A diverse cast. Currently developed by one person, this form is just an interest check to see if people would be interested in participating in. Please note that at current there is no way for me to pay for an entire team, so unfortunately it would have to consist of volunteering. Short of straight up commissioning for the work, but even then it would break my bank. Therefore, no pressure to say yes to anything! * = this description is liable to change. Game is currently in early alpha.

I may or may not end up making social media accounts for this specifically as well, we'll see how it goes.

Non-aromantics are welcome to reblog and contribute, but please do not derail.