The Crunch

Hi folks, awkward conversation time.

Those of you who have been following some time will know that I kickstarted Ravager's development out of my savings. Since the lockdown started, I've drawn on those savings further to allow me to work on Ravager full time. Unfortunately, my savings are now running out, and I need to do something about that before the month ends.

Normally, my approach here would be to pick some contract work back up - I can cover bills on three or four days' work a week, leaving me a couple free to continue work on Ravager. That would mean we'd have the full budget free for game assets, but it would also create a chokepoint in our development process. Realistically speaking, the media would continue to pour in, but the core development - adding new scenes, progressing the plot, that kind of thing - would be slowed to a half or third of what it was.

However, I do have another option. Because the game has garnered so much support over the last few months (thanks to you, and all the people like you), it's possible for me to draw down some of the budget to pay my bills. I've crunched the numbers: I would still be able to afford Lubbio and Amon Ra's services, so art and animations will continue to pour in. But I'd have to stop commissioning voice acting, sound effects, UI elements, and other peripheral spend. For a little while, at least - the game is growing fast, and normality would be restored soon.

I'm conflicted. I only ever set out to make Ravager as a passion project, and I'm naturally reticent to accept money. But at the same time, I've had an amazing time making it, and being a 'professional' H-game dev would be super-awesome. So I thought I'd put the question to you - the people who make all this possible.

Which would you prefer? Don't worry about what it means to me - both options are fully viable for me and my living arrangements. And if you'd like to understand more before making your decision, talk to me on Discord. Let me know what you think!