"Grandmother's Garden" ($1000 Milestone Game!!)

hello, little birds!

so, remember that time, a good while back, seriously like I think almost two years ago, when you all got me to my milestone goal of $1,000 a month?  and how it was such an incredible and momentous thing, and I promised to make a very particular and special game for all of you as a reward for it?

well.  that game was fuck-awful.  seriously, I spent months trying and ditching and trying again REALLY hard to make that game, but the idea was just so fundamentally lame and no longer the kind of thing I vibed with, and it just didn't happen.  BUT!  later on, I had a better idea for a game for this occasion, one that's very VERY close to my heart, for reasons that will become obvious.  and it took me months, but I FINALLY finished it, and here it is.

you'll kindly notice that among the usual uploads, there's a PDF file.  it's a letter, to you, from me, talking a little bit about this game and the events that led up to it and just how wonderful you are and how thankful I am.  I'd love it if you read it, but if you don't, just know that you are all collectively one of the best things that's ever happened to me and I'm grateful to you every day of my life, and that I am where I am and I do what I do because of all of you.  Thank you.

I'll let the game and the letter speak for themselves.  as usual, please be sure to check the readme for controls and content warnings.

On a personal note, thank you all SO MUCH for your outpouring of support in response to my last update.  It has been an UNBELIEVABLE relief knowing that you've all got my back even if I go a while without posting something.  my work stress has gone down substantially, I feel like this game got all the time it deserved and really shines as a result, and I'm feeling better about the immediate future of my creativity just overall.  how the hell did I get this lucky?  it's going to be a tough year, and I'm going to have to focus my efforts on projects I can actually sell because money things are dire, and knowing that I have more freedom to do that without the immense burden of self-punishment for every missed deadline is tremendous.   i keep saying it but you are all the true and actual best.

and on a final note, a fun announcement: MY PARTNER JUST FINISHED HER FIRST GAME!!  that's right, a new witchy weirdgame lady is emerging onto the scene and I would absolutely love it if you'd check her out:

 https://valerie-dusk.itch.io/desert-dreams

if you're into dreamy, surreal, meditative walks through mysterious virtual environments, I think you're going to enjoy her work.  I'm incredibly proud of her, so please be sure to show her all the love and kindness you show me.  and maybe kick some money her way if you can so she can come visit me!  plane tickets are hella expensive, turns out!

that's all for this time, little birds.  i love you so, so much.  thank you for getting me this far.  now gather your things and let's keep moving.  the way is long, and we have many worlds yet to make together.

mama crow loves you

<3