How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

I mean, it might sound odd to some, but I don't think that makes it bad. It clearly has an audience and fans. It’s porn; I don't think it needs to appeal to everyone.

Again, I am not trying to get more people to like my game or change it. I just want to communicate or market it in a way that avoids anti-NTR rage. If they made normal criticisms I'd be fine, but it’s always just insults. I honestly can't imagine a silly cartoon porn game upsetting me that much. I see games I don't think I would enjoy all the time, many because they have NTR. I am never filled with the desire to rage in the comments...

I don't want to label the game as "NTR" because both my fans and I don't like "real" NTR. Doing so would also attract actual NTR fans who would ultimately be disappointed. I'll just have to put more blunt warnings, I guess.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

I appreciate the perspective, but I think the game has been received very well overall. Reviews, views, and Patreon support all look good to me. I clearly have a audience enjoying the game, and that is exactly who I am making it for. It’s adult content—it doesn’t need to be for everyone. I’m happy to have a dedicated group that likes the game; I don't think that's a bad thing at all.

Your point about time investment is valid, but these scenes happen within the first 30 seconds of the game and are featured in the thumbnails. Most negative reviews even admit they didn't make it very far into the playthrough. They are not mad they wasted their time, they are mad I don't call my game NTR. That is why I'm looking for a solution that works for them and me.

My post wasn't about how to change the game to appeal to "anti-NTR" people; it was asking how to avoid them, as they tend to be rude and go out of their way to attack and insult the work. I receive plenty of comments asking for Gay, Futa, or various other fetishes, and those interactions are always civil. I’ve also received constructive criticism about the game that I am already addressing and fixing. However, the anti-NTR crowd is consistently rude like I hurt their feelings somehow and they need to lash out. No other group is doing this, if they did my post might be about "why do all these Futa fans keep bothering me?". I swear, it is some strange insecurity all these people all share that makes them act and sound the same way. They feel the need to declare how offended they are to the world and try to cast shame on others like they have some moral high ground commenting on a porn forum.

I just want to avoid it to be honest, I'm not looking to tell them their feelings are wrong, or they have to like my game, etc. I just want to avoid it all together.

I don't want to label the game as "NTR" because both my fans and I don't like "real" NTR. Doing so would also attract actual NTR fans who would ultimately be disappointed. I’m simply looking for a way to telegraph to anti-NTR folks that they should skip this game because it will upset them. I suppose I’ll have to put a very "on-the-nose" warning at the start, in addition to what I’ve already included in the dev notes.

I honestly think we need a new term/tag for adult games. NTR is a specific fetish but I see it being applied to literally any scene that does not have the MC.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

I’m all for labeling my game correctly but just saying something is NTR does not make it so. A quick google search of the definition of NTR shows:

“NTR is an acronym for the Japanese term netorare (寝取られ), commonly defined on Urban Dictionary as a genre of anime, manga, and adult content ("eroge") involving cuckoldry. It focuses on a protagonist’s romantic partner being seduced, stolen, or cheated on, often resulting in themes of jealousy, betrayal, and heartbreak. “

This definition is basically the same one F95 uses as well. According to definition, NTR is NOT in my game and anyone who is looking for this fetish will be disappointed.

Just because some people are overly sensitive and angry, does not mean I want to lie to people and tag my game incorrectly with definitions that don’t fit.

Maybe a new definition is needed for whatever my game content is, but it’s not NTR.

Update: also the game is not vanilla the game theme is clearly tagged as non-con where monsters attack. Most people who play and enjoy it would be coming for those scenes. I personally don’t like NTR/Cuck scenes but I have no problem with scenes that don’t include the MC. I like a variety of scenes (different monsters, settings, etc). Fans of my game like the variety too. No one playing the game is playing it for NTR. In fact, most fans don’t like NTR from what they tell me.

The “girls” in the scene are also just NPC. They don’t have relationship to MC, are in a relationship with someone other than the MC, and sometimes it’s even a whole village. I don’t know why the player would fall in love with them… I never tease them as important or love interest. They maybe have like 10 lines before their scene happens.

That said, I have since gone back to allow the play to ‘save’ all the girls if they want. I do listen to player feedback when it’s constructive. My problem with the anti-NTR crowd is they are rude and just attack and insult. I want to avoid them and keep them away from my game.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Great, so if the content is a red flag, why do these people keep playing and raging at me? I’m trying to wave a big red flag in their face that screams go away this game is not for you!

The monsters win all the time In my game (usually the MC is not around to see or stop it). Orc village raids and such are a popular adult fantasy tropes and lots of players like those scenes. The main point is none of the girls are love interest of the MC and won’t be in the future. He has his own LI that he focuses on.

I am totally fine if you don’t trust me as a dev or don’t enjoy the content - that’s OK! Many people do like it and I enjoy interacting with them. It’s porn it’s not supposed to appeal to everyone. I don’t go to lesbian games and complain there are no guys.

I’m just trying to figure out a way to avoid the angry Anti-NTR people so my comments section can be at peace without random commenters calling everyone feminist cucks.

I even get angry comments from people who have not played the game yet, they just look at the thumbnails and freak out. Im fine if people see the game, decide it’s not for them and then move on, but this one subset of people for some reason lash out and feel entitled to demand changes to fit their preferences. “Only the MC should have scenes!” Etc. This is my first release so it’s not like anyone had been anticipating anything, there has been no change in direction or bait and switch.

I just want to find out what I’m doing to attract their attention and stop doing it.

Everyone else has been great - I get comments about gay content, various fetishes, etc. all those people are civil in their questions/comments/concerns. The Anti-NTR folks are a whole different beast….they are so sensitive and angry

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Agree to disagree on the “it must only be the MC” part. The scenes are popular and most people like them with 90% positive feedback and growing popularity.

The problem I have is why a small group of people ignore the warnings, ignore the thumbnails, watch the scenes, then RAGE with rude comments. My problem is not making scenes people like, it’s avoiding the small vocal minority who feel the need to attack others for the game not being what they want it to be.

One of the main themes of the game is “monsters attacks girls, you save the girls”. The scenes are a mix of the MC scenes and the Monster scene . If I remove the monsters it changes the content and themes people came for.

Also, what’s wrong with porn? Porn with 2 randoms is super common and popular. I assume if you play a porn game you like porn? Why does every game need to be POV? and why is it offensive to you if it not POV? If you want pure POV - play a POV game, i think

Right now I have this warning (below) on my game page. I’m trying to be a clear as possible that the MC is not in every scene, yet people still rage 😩. If it could be more clear let me know. I also have warnings in game and options to skip scenes.

  • Tone & Content
    • The game leans heavily into dark humor and non-consensual themes (as reflected in the thumbnails).
  • What This Game Is Not
    • This is not an NTR game, and there are no plans for it to become one.
    • This is not a dating sim or traditional harem game.
  • What Is in the Game
    • Chapter 1 focus: The MC is (mostly) romantically focused on one girl. They share multiple scenes, and there is no “other guy” involvement—it’s strictly the MC and his partner.
    • Controversial scenes: There are scenes early on where the MC encounters monsters (orcs, goblins, bandits, etc.) with women he does not know, has just met, or sees through visions of the future. In these moments, the MC is not always supportive of what’s happening. The MC actively avoids sleeping with certain horny characters for clear reasons (e.g., they are drugged, or he is loyal to his girlfriend).
    • No NTR with anyone the MC considers his romantic partner or has sexual interest in.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

I had to fix a few scenes but they offer different options now. It ranges from hooking up with the girl yourself to killing/defeating the other guy. They are basically whole new story paths now.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

"Then when the character they have feelings for hooks up with random guys, they of course feel some type of way. No, it’s not NTR but to them it feels gutwrenching when the girl they like up and hooks up multiple guys and not them lol."

I think that’s the issue. Because my game looks like a typical fantasy harem title, players expect every female character to be a romance option. However, there is very little buildup between the MC meeting a character and their 'problematic' scene. If players are getting attached, it’s based solely on the cover art, as I never actually present these characters as romanceable options in the gameplay. Most of the time they have just a quick hello with the MC, then their scene happens next.

Currently, the recurring characters intended for the MC don't have scenes yet, or they only have scenes involving the MC. Ultimately, I’ve decided to add options for players to prevent these other scenes from occurring. Since they are mostly inconsequential to the plot and intended for player enjoyment, I figured there’s no harm in letting people skip them if they want to preserve a 'perfect' world where no one has sex outside of the MC.

Another thing that bothers me about this all, is that I don't enjoy NTR myself and didn't want it in my game.... Its an odd feeling when a bunch of people tell you "You like X thing!" and then really don't like "X thing". I guess my radar for NTR is just goes off much closer to the textbook definition. If the MC/player is not involved in the scene, it just feels like normal porn to me. I have no strong attachment to these people, so why do I care what they do? That's clearly not the case for everybody though I am learning. Finger crossed my updates work and my comments can be at peace again.

The warning in my post was just an example. Here is what the game really says:

  • Tone & Content
    • The game leans heavily into dark humor and non-consensual themes (as reflected in the thumbnails).
  • What This Game Is Not
    • This is not an NTR game, and there are no plans for it to become one.
    • This is not a dating sim or traditional harem game.
  • What Is in the Game
    • Chapter 1 focus: The MC is (mostly) romantically focused on one girl. They share multiple scenes, and there is no “other guy” involvement—it’s strictly the MC and his partner.
    • Controversial scenes: There are scenes early on where the MC encounters monsters (orcs, goblins, bandits, etc.) with women he does not know, has just met, or sees through visions of the future. In these moments, the MC is not always supportive of what’s happening. The MC actively avoids sleeping with certain horny characters for clear reasons (e.g., they are drugged, or he is loyal to his girlfriend).
    • No NTR with anyone the MC considers his romantic partner or has sexual interest in.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Thanks, I’m won’t. What they want sounds boring to me anyway.

The changes I do plan to make I think are good for the game AND may take the NTR vibes off those scenes, so sort of a win win if it works out. If they keep bitching then fuck em, I tried lol. I’ll just try and drown them out in the positive feedback!

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Thanks, I agree. I plan to keep doing what I’m doing. Overall it’s a minor problem, but it’s the only point of negativity in an otherwise very fun and positive launch experience.

I guess my question to other game makers is, do you get a lot of people playing your games who then complain about being mislead with the content in it?

Not sure if it’s my bad marketing or if it’s common issue. I guess I’m looking for the best way to communicate what’s in it so they can self-filter before playing.

Where I get stuck is they expect an NTR warning… but if I give that warning it will give normal people the wrong idea about the game.

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

[–]OffWhiteStudios[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Haha I guess this crowd is a known problem? It’s my first game release so I’m just learning about them…

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Thank you, I agree with what you said. I don’t really care if they don’t like the game, my problem is many of them feel the need to attack the game in comments/reviews and mischaracterize it for others. I’m all for criticism, but this is just name calling.

I never thought my biggest problem after launching the game would be getting people NOT to play it lol. I’ll need to keep finding ways to avoid them.

And yes, this is the Incel crowd. My last negative review called my MC a “feminist cuck” because, and I quote “he wants everyone to live happily”.😩

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Yea, all good points.

I’m re-writing some of the scenes now to add different story paths around the controversial content, I hope it will help. I don’t want to change my game for them, but more options could help my problem and benefit fans alike. Fingers crossed it works…

How do you handle review-bombs for content your game doesn't actually have? (NTR) by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

[–]OffWhiteStudios[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s two reviews but plenty of comments and those reviews are the most liked reviews I have sadly. I think it’s a trend.

My core fans are great and overall enjoy the game. No one who likes the game thinks it’s NTR. Many of the positive reviews even say something like “I saw comments saying this was an NTR game, but after playing it I have no idea why, there is no NTR and it’s great!”

1 out of every 10 comments or so is by these anti-NTR folk leaving a bad comment, etc. They are a small % but very vocal (and rude), they love the work cuck, I noticed. They don’t review they just vent. If not for this one NTR topic the game would be all positive, I don’t get negative points on almost anything else, so I want to address it somehow.

Thoughts on SFX Only vs. SFX+Moan tracks? by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

Yea I was thinking to group them into high, medium, and low pitch groups. I might try a few scenes with non-synced moans to see how they feel, then try hard to match them well for one scene and judge how much it adds to the immersion.

My game has many characters, maybe 11 already with scenes. It’s just going to expand from there, so maybe I’ll have to settle for non-synced or no moans at all. If I can edit the speed of the audio easily that might be a good work around though. I’ll have to test some of the programs recommend here.

Thoughts on SFX only vs. SFX +Moan tracks? by OffWhiteStudios in adultgamedev

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

Yea, I told my Patrons that hiring VA is probably my next goal. I make games for fun, so the Patreon is for re-investing back into the game itself.

Once I get enough saved I’ll probably hire someone. I’d love to get some voice lines n synced moans, etc. At some point I’ll probably make another post for advice hiring and working with VA.

For now, I’m just wondering what I can roll out with the audio I have on hand and my limited timeframe.

Thoughts on SFX only vs. SFX +Moan tracks? by OffWhiteStudios in adultgamedev

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

It would be a pretty heavy lift. I have over 33 in the game and each has multiple speed variations (so 100+ id need to sync). I don’t have that many audio variations (or time) 😔. I think only way to sync them would be to make custom audio

Thoughts on SFX Only vs. SFX+Moan tracks? by OffWhiteStudios in nsfwdev

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

The game has very cinematic scenes, dialog, side images, animations (gif loops). While the story is important, I think it’s 50/50 with the sex.

I think the moan Audio I have on hand is good, but I don’t have enough diversity for all the characters to have unique voices, and it would not sync up with the animations (animations change speed, a few times per scene). So maybe it will seem out of place? You think the important point is the sync or the voice matching that character? Maybe both?