Introduction to "The Violets"

Welcome to the first devlog entry for "The Violets"!

In this game, you'll explore a visual novel set in the early 90s, immersed in the supernatural events unfolding in the small, secluded town of Elmridge Pines.As a real estate developer, you've recently acquired a mansion in Elmridge Pines, situated far away from civilization. Little do you know, your journey in this secluded town will lead you to meet new people, form relationships, and uncover dark mysteries surrounding the town and the secret of the mansion.

Origin 

"The Violets" is the creation of two developers over a two-month period, marking our first venture into adult visual novels.The concept for "The Violets" was influenced by our love for horror, particularly the creepy and mysterious elements found in creepypasta stories and the works of Stephen King. We wanted to capture the atmosphere of small-town horror while adding adult visual novel elements to create a unique gaming experience.

Early Development Insights

In the initial stages, we considered a pixelated art style but ultimately opted for 2D art to better convey our vision.We underwent multiple character redesigns, even for released characters, to refine their visual identity.Each area in the game features a distinct color theme, such as violet for the Violet Mansion and Charcoal Cove, and red for the Crimson Carnival.Our visual style is crafted to resonate with the plot and evoke emotions in the player.

Development Challenges

Throughout development, our small team of just two developers faced significant challenges due to limited funds and manpower. We had to wear multiple hats, juggling roles as artists, animators, story writers, and programmers simultaneously.

Compounding these challenges was the ambitious goal we set for ourselves: completing the project within a mere two-month timeframe. This tight deadline forced us to make tough decisions about which features to prioritize, leading to the postponement of ideas such as a freeroam UI, minigames, and additional choices.

However, despite these obstacles, we remain dedicated to the vision of "The Violets." Looking ahead, we're actively exploring ways to incorporate these deferred features in future updates.

Progress

Despite the challenges we encountered, significant progress has been made on "The Violets." We've developed an intriguing plot filled with interesting characters, laying the foundation for an immersive gaming experience.

The core gameplay mechanics have been implemented, providing a solid framework for players to explore the mysteries of Elmridge Pines and uncover the secrets of the mansion.

Moving forward, our focus will be on adding more content, refining existing features, and polishing the game to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for players.

Looking Ahead:  Future Updates

As we launch "The Violets" and prepare for the journey ahead, we're incredibly excited to witness the evolution and growth of the game. Our top priority is player engagement, and we're committed to delivering an experience that captivates and immerses our audience.

In the upcoming updates, we'll be placing a greater emphasis on two key aspects: the plot and the romantic elements of the game. Currently, the game focuses on three main characters, but we're eager to expand upon this and provide players with even more opportunities for romantic engagement.

As we continue to develop "The Violets," your feedback and input will be invaluable in shaping the direction of the game. We're dedicated to listening to our community and incorporating your suggestions to ensure that each update enhances the overall experience.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we can't wait to see how "The Violets" evolves and grows with your support!