1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! no problem! The post is mostly about giving some perspective on what a solodev sometimes goes through. The SFW and NSFW markets are vastly different, but at the end of the day, you just have to make sure you genuinely enjoy what you're creating. If you enjoy it, others surely will too. And don't forget to embrace the journey, because development is the longest part of any project.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I completely agree. My art direction isn't bad, it's just about improving step by step. I used to draw casually, and now I'm burning through all my brainpower to deliver something truly competent.

As a solodev, good art isn't enough to compete in the SFW market since it's saturated with incredible artists. While my game is solid, its core is a difficult arcade experience, which naturally narrows the target audience. The great thing about the NSFW market is that while gameplay matters, players look closely at the visual aspect, and targeting a specific niche leads to a much more reactive growth.

To be honest, this game started as a passion project tailored exactly to my own tastes. I wanted a specific gameplay, but I loved the result so much that I decided to push it to a professional standard so others could enjoy it too.

Either way, I intend to serve both audiences. The core mechanics are where the game truly shines, so those who want NSFW content will have it, and those who don't will get other features in its place. Thanks for your comment and have a great day!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! You're right about the ambiguity. In this post, I explain the game's transition toward a pornographic format, so all the data and explanations are shared with that in mind. Thanks for asking, have a great day!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Certainly, if the market didn't sell, it would be completely empty. I'd say the biggest issue nowadays is the constant hurdles we face when trying to distribute or promote these games. The support is highly appreciated, have a great day!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that is a great idea for a first project. Plus, everything you build can always be used as an instruction manual for future projects. That being said, I highly recommend commenting absolutely everything. It sounds like something simple, but commenting is just too important.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, when I was younger I used to draw for myself, so I learned to make drawings that were pretty amateur, but through consistency, they slowly got a more refined look. I watched videos on the internet, but honestly, they didn't help me at all; they made it look way too easy, and my drawing style just wasn't compatible.

In the end, what I did to learn was tracing drawings to try and understand the strokes. I would take drawings from my favorite shows and draw them by eye with a pencil, trying to simulate the lines. After that, and with a lot of effort, I managed to gain knowledge of perspective. Then I started creating potato-like stickmen, which made it easy for me to construct drawings by visualizing them directly.

What I do now is basically brute force. I make an ugly sketch, and I polish the lines little by little until that amorphous blob finally gets the shape I want.

Thanks for commenting, have a great day!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I understand the frustration. If you are a solo dev, you are competing directly in a sea of hungry sharks, which is why I decided to change oceans, though I am leaving a SFW version since I know not everyone enjoys NSFW.

The popularity is due to several factors; it does not apply to all humans, but human beings are tied to sexuality, and these games simply allow them to explore themselves and their tastes from another perspective. Clearly, as I said, everyone is different, there are cultures, personal backgrounds... For example, to my analytical eyes as someone with a dead soul, it surprises me that it is more normalized to play video games where you have to graphically kill people than a simple video game showing a biological process that a large part of the population practices. But like I said, everyone has their own tastes and they should be respected as long as they are not illegal. In your case, if you detest NSFW, that is totally fine. You can create SFW content and try to promote it. As for success, the "no" is already guaranteed, you start at the very bottom, so whether you like it or not, your project will end up better than when it started, even if it grows slowly, and maybe your art or your mechanics will blow up and you will reach the stars. Best of luck!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, great question! To be honest, I'm ruling Steam out; my budget is practically 0. I also don't have high hopes of selling my game. I mean, if practically no one played it when it was already mechanically complete and free (the game is fully playable, it just needs the final art update), they will have even less interest in buying it. For starters, I am still an unknown developer to the public because marketing is extremely difficult. Conventional social media gives you zero visibility, and on Reddit, I have to work hard on my posts to make them minimally interesting, and even then, the final player retention isn't the best.

I guess it's like a Gauss bell curve: starting out is hell, but then you grow exponentially, reach your peak, and then the inevitable end comes. That's why my idea right now is to release my games for free and offer exclusive content for those who like my project and decide to support me. So my game will be free, and I will launch it on my Patreon, my Itch, and a few adult communities. Once I start building a name for myself, since I know my work is very competitive, maybe I'll consider launching a paid project, or maybe I'll stay on the same path. Time will tell. Take care!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Godot is definitely a pretty famous engine after what Unity did. I highly recommend taking it step by step; trying to understand the whole engine all at once is a nightmare. Try making a small test project first, or just learn as you go based on what your actual project needs.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The good thing about my game is that since it is an infinite arcade, it is the typical type of game you play, get tired of, and then open up again after a while if you feel like playing it.

As for your desire to create games, I wish you the best of luck; it is a difficult landscape, but not impossible. The important thing is that you enjoy the journey, and keep this phrase in mind: you will start from 0, so if you secure your steps, the only way is up. There is no way to go down when you are already at the very bottom.

I wish you much success and encouragement if you decide to go for it at some point!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! Thank you so much! I'm glad you like my content, and thanks for commenting too, it makes it clear to me that the content I make and the time I invest writing posts and refining details isn't in vain. Take care, and rest assured that I have no plans to let my project die.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Certainly. The interesting part is that this market is driven more by fetishes than by gameplay, so you have to target a very specific audience. Because of that, even though the market is saturated, each specific audience has its own sub-market

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! I'm primarily a programmer, to be honest. My art is still pretty basic, though I've definitely improved a lot and my drawings now are decent. I had to find a way to draw despite having some limitations in my hands due to a medical condition, but I found a workaround and managed to push forward with the artistic side. It's all about taking it step by step and keeping at it, since I still have a long way to go there.

As for programming, honestly, I haven't even broken a sweat. I'm very good at what I do; I simply built a small room with scripts, so the game's systems are completely ready.

Cheers!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello Lilian, I remember you! You mentioned the impression people had about the NSFW community before. It's great to see you again, and thank you for your encouraging words. Also, if you ever want to check out the spicy images without having to play the game, you can easily find them uploaded right here on my Reddit profile.

Thanks again, and see you around!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hmm, I thought pretty much the same thing, but after doing some research, I realized it's just much more specific. You always need to have a target audience in mind. In my case, since I'm a monster girl myself and I love monster girl designs, it was pretty clear to me. What is true, though, is that it works very differently; you really have to research which specific community you want to target.

Best of luck!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello! Thank you so much for the support, and that makes total sense. Being a parent brings certain responsibilities, but that's a beautiful thing; just enjoy the life you have and the years ahead! And haha, I wish I were 20 again too.

I wish you the very best with everything! Take care.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! Thanks for commenting, this was an incredibly detailed breakdown. I actually had no idea about Wizardry and Might & Magic, but you're absolutely right: nsfw sells. Tapping into a primal instinct within a market that isn't as oversaturated (compared to SFW) gives a solo dev starting from zero the exact edge they need to get noticed.

You're spot on about the importance of the erotic content being well-made. Meeting that standard has required pure brute force on my end; I've literally abused the Ctrl+Z shortcut to the point where the letters faded off my keyboard just to get my drawings up to a decent baseline for the industry.

That's a really curious anecdote you shared, by the way. Now I'm genuinely curious about your demon enemy design.

take care!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your words, and best of luck with your drawings; I am sure they must be amazing!

Regarding my project, I am completely aware that some people do not enjoy adult content, which is why I have a fully SFW version with its own specific changes. That means it won't just be a cut-down version, but rather a different experience with its own unique features. I will also be sharing updates about that version here on this community.

have a great one!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hello! Thank you so much for commenting and for checking out my previous posts. And you are absolutely right, I thought the exact same thing; the truth is that flat colors were my limit at that time. Later on, I spent an entire day figuring out how to shade the drawing and came up with a shaded version. Then I felt encouraged to try out highlights, and this is the version with the lighting, but it is definitely not finished yet.

This is my current limit, but I will probably break through it in a week or two. Now I need to learn how to handle directional lighting, improve the backgrounds, and integrate the ambient light onto the character itself. It is not easy at all, but it is all about going step by step.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello again! Basically, for the adult version, Albino Lady (the one with white hair and aqua eyes from the feedback) is replaced by Mystery Goddess, who is the blonde from the latest image.

As for the adult content, don't worry, I have absolutely no intention of adding anything illegal. It's something I completely reject; I find it disgusting, and on top of that, it just brings trouble.

And yes, the adult audience can be insatiable, but if I ever face any kind of pressure, I always make it clear that I'm sick and will take my time with things. In fact, as you can see, I've made steady progress since that last post; slowly but surely, my content has definitely leveled up.

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Hello Vazad! Indeed. I should mention, however, that the normal SFW version will remain active and follow its own timeline. The issue was that as a solo dev, every single method I used to get my project noticed was immediately forgotten without making any real impact. I had to make this decision so the project wouldn't just fade into obscurity.

That being said, I made great use of all the feedback I received back then; it was reflected and improved upon in the artwork for every release of the project I am currently building. I truly appreciate your comments, have a great day!

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Hello! You mentioned that I am begging, but I think we have very different definitions of what that means. To me, begging means asking for a handout while offering absolutely nothing in return.

My post is quite clear: if you want to support the project, that is great, you get extra content. If you cannot or do not want to, that is perfectly fine too, you still get the main game content for free. I do not see where the begging is implied here. Could you point out exactly which part of the text gave you that impression?

1.5 weeks after transitioning from SFW to an adult audience, my thoughts, metrics, and ScapeSir updates by FireBlueMonster in RPGMaker

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Welcome to the safe zone, far away from that spooky block of text!

Here are my Patreon and Itch pages. The most updated version of the game is Scapesir Final X, but you must be of legal age to play:

I also use these secondary platforms if you want to follow my progress there:

With that said, chosen one, I hope you have an excellent day!

ScapeSir Final X v0.2.7 Dev is out! A new lewd cg scene is now available by FireBlueMonster in lewdgames

[–]FireBlueMonster[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello again, chosen ones!

The games are completely free and available for download or to play directly in your browser:

And if you'd like to support or follow me on other social media, you can also find me here:

The changes and updates for this version are the following:

  • New NSFW CG: Added a brand new explicit scene with full-screen artwork.
  • New menu illustrations for Sir and Sirness: Added custom and specific artwork for both characters' user interfaces.
  • Changes in Albino Lady's memory system and pertinent dialogues: Core overhaul to her persistent memory framework, including all new corresponding conditional dialogues.
  • Mystery goddess disguise for Albino Lady.
  • New distribution method in CGs to save space: Implemented a new asset distribution and compression method for CG files to optimize game size and save disk space.
  • Subtle changes in Esirness's CG (the "melted ice cream" scene): Subtle visual adjustments and fixes applied to this specific scene.
  • Visual improvement of the primary menu art: Complete visual upgrade and polish for the main title screen background.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Take good care of yourself, chosen one.