Here's BBQ, still suffering from the continuous headaches.
As previously mentioned, the doujinshi by our artist社會人, initially slated for release at Shanghai CP, has now been postponed and will instead debut at the Hangzhou Manga Expo on February 3rd.
The expo is named "Zhejiang Blue Archive Only", and 社會人will also be participating. If you're interested, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the teacher there~
By the way, Shanghai CP30 is said to be postponed until the Qingming Festival, which is... well, hosting a manga expo during Qingming is like being laid off during Labor Day.
Good evening~ This is BBQ, who has been delaying updates due to a headache.
Today, I bring you progress related to the Cleric RPG.
A few days ago, the recording of the cleric's voice was completed, and the recording of daily phrases in the game was also carried out.
So today, I'd like to share with you some content of the cleric's voice and CG screenshots. I hope you all will like them~
Happy New Year~ How did everyone spend their New Year?
As for me... I... I... I've been working all the time...
But don't worry, it wasn't just me, a few of my author friends were also working hard.
The audio editor guy had it the worst, working overnight on January 1st. At least I got to see the sunrise (although it was because of working through the night).
Anyway, to celebrate the full release of our first three works on Steam and the New Year, we are launching a week-long bundle discount on Steam! We also got the permission for trading cards for "Nebel" and "5 Days," and I will be working on these unique trading cards soon, hoping you all will like them.
As for other updates:
For "Kabukicho," we're just missing the introduction of H scenes, 2 sets of CGs, and some main storyline content and fun events. However, the events can be added gradually, and the main storyline is very short with almost no content. So, we are getting closer to completion.
The script for the second part of "Nebel" audio is almost done, and after circulating it internally, everyone is very satisfied.
The ending will surely amaze everyone~ At the same time, I plan to add a set of CGs as a gift in the audio for "Nebel" when it's released.
The recording for the "Priest" audio and some game voices will start in the next few days. I'm really happy that the voice actor has recovered from illness. It's 2024 now, but everyone still needs to be cautious about COVID-19~ (I can't forget how terrible I felt when "Nebel" was released...)
The second version of the model for our heroine in the FPS is completed. This model is mainly for R18 content and the later part of the game.
I'll give you a little preview.
I'm also planning to visit Kyoto soon. A special friend from Kyoto invited me for a meal, and I'm going to try Kaiseki cuisine to see if the rumored best cuisine in Japan is really that good (many of my Japanese friends haven't tried it). Additionally, I'm planning to visit shrines and temples to meet the Japanese fox sisters.
Friend: When you come, let's go for Kaiseki cuisine.
Me: Didn't you say it's not tasty?
Friend: Just because I don't like it, you have to try it!
Me: Alright then.
Regarding last year's lack of game releases, the criticism is well-deserved. The primary reason is that BBQ applied for a business visa to stabilize life in Japan. The process, including purchasing a rural house for proof, significantly drained BBQ's energy and time, diverting attention from game development. (I'm truly sorry for using Nebel's earnings on the house instead of more game development.)
From applying for the company to getting the new visa, and moving from Tokyo to the new house, it was a busy time until August.
After getting the visa, BBQ had to learn various tax laws and faced substantial financial pressure (mainly initial company expenses, including the house). Running a company is exhausting, especially when dealing with tax issues. Monthly expenditure calculations and receipt sorting can take a whole day, and poor management means losing a lot of income to taxes. (In fact, in 2022, without a company, more than half of my income went to taxes, which was very disheartening.)
After a few months, I've finally adapted to this lifestyle, but the immense pressure has significantly reduced my creative time. Writing became a chore, constantly interrupted by various emails, artwork previews, model confirmations... Additionally, there were many tasks at the circle level that needed my attention. In 2023, I learned that stress can indeed cause physical pain, like stomachaches.
On Christmas Day, I was calculating the month-end financials while chatting on Line. Seeing the festive Line interface, I realized that this was not the life I wanted; I just want to make games...
However, all this wasn't in vain. Now, BBQ is stable and living freely in Japan. After overcoming the first fiscal year's difficulties, I will have more time to focus on game development. With my connections in Japan, I can create better games and stories. The hardships of 2023 were necessary, and I'm almost through them, although the first fiscal year's data is already a write-off.
BTW: The inefficiency of the Japanese government in dealing with foreigners is astonishing. If they were even a bit faster, at least Kabukicho could have been completed by 2023...
