Shiba Sweet Release Date

01 Sep 2026Developer post

Aug. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update + Announce the Release Date

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the Jul. game development update for Shiba Sweet, which will also be our final entry! I am thrilled to announce that the official release date is set for September 17 (Americas & Europe) / September 18 (Asia). The game unlocks sim

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the Jul. game development update for Shiba Sweet, which will also be our final entry! I am thrilled to announce that the official release date is set for September 17 (Americas & Europe) / September 18 (Asia). The game unlocks simultaneously worldwide; the date difference is purely due to time zone variances.

This month's game development progress includes crafting a new launch trailer, completing two full playthrough playtests, continuous debugging to polish the user experience, and updating my official website with a brand-new Press Kit.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Creating the New Launch Trailer

During the planning phase, I storyboarded the video and recorded all necessary gameplay footage. After writing and finalizing the voiceover script, I completed the voice recording, video editing, and subtitling. As planned, the final trailer will be released in five languages: English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

(2) Completing 2 Full Playthrough Playtests

For playtesting, I put myself in the player’s shoes and did two complete playthroughs. That means no debug shortcuts, just completing the entire game using standard player speed and decision-making. I really love how Shiba Sweet is designed to let players speed up or slow down at their own comfortable pace while experiencing their growth as a pastry chef.

(3) Continuous Debugging & Polishing

Throughout testing, I kept a quick running list of bugs to fix in the game engine. I resolved numerous issues, including missing localization characters, missing sound effects, audio reset bugs, button transparency and line-break errors, and incorrect display logic for the bento list.

(4) Updating the Website & Adding a Press Kit

Near the end of the month, I dedicated time to review the official website. I compiled materials and created a dedicated Press Kit page, consolidating key information such as game overviews, release dates, and media assets onto a single page for easy press access.

2. Wrapping up

For a long time, I worked alone behind my computer screen, fully dedicated to making an adorable, heart-warming Shiba game. My dream was to hand over a freshly baked game to players and offer them a delightful, comforting experience.

I will always remember bringing the game demo to a physical gaming expo for the first time last year. Seeing the sparkle in players' eyes as they played and hearing them exclaim how cute the Shibas and desserts were deeply moved me as a developer. Although I always knew I would finish the game, that very moment gave me the ultimate fuel to carry it across the finish line.

Thank you for reading all the way here, and a massive thank you to everyone who has followed my journey! While the devlogs for Shiba Sweet end here, ideas for my next game are already brewing. Please consider following Maowoo Games on Steam so you’ll get notified when my next title drops.

Since we all share a deep love for games, I'm sure we will meet again!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

01 Aug 2026Developer post

Jul. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the Jul. game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month's game development progress includes setting up Steam Achievements, adding a Tips page to the Pause Menu, introducing a Bookmark feature to the Recipe Book, adding free cof

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the Jul. game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month's game development progress includes setting up Steam Achievements, adding a Tips page to the Pause Menu, introducing a Bookmark feature to the Recipe Book, adding free coffee to the Chef Star Challenges, and implementing a Kitchenware Rotation feature.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Steam Achievements Setup

In addition to reviewing and redrawing the missing achievement icons, I’ve linked the game's code with the Steam system. Now, fulfilling specific conditions during gameplay will trigger Steam achievements, giving you a cute, shiny notification in real time!

(2) Added Tips Page in Pause Menu

Based on feedback from previous playtests and the demo, I noticed some players were confused about how to mix ingredients on the table or handle certain controls. To fix this, I added a Tips page. Players can now open the pause menu to quickly browse all unlocked tips for a smoother gameplay experience.

(3) Added Bookmark Feature to the Recipe Book

The Recipe Book bookmark feature lets players pin the pages they need based on their playstyle. As more recipes are unlocked, this makes it much faster to jump straight to new dessert pages without having to flip through from the beginning every time.

(4) Free Coffee in Chef Star Challenges

In the higher-level Chef Star Challenges, as different grades of coffee beans are unlocked, players can grab a cup of free coffee provided on the field before starting. This temporary speed boost cuts down running time when fetching ingredients, helping you beat the cute challenges faster!

(5) Kitchenware Rotation Feature

This was another highly requested feature from playtest feedback. Since the kitchen camera has a fixed angle, some players felt that rotating kitchenware to face our Shiba Inu character would make the cooking animations look much more natural, even if the tools were already functional from any direction.

2. Wrapping up

July’s development is back on track! My recovery is going well, giving me more time to plan and execute tasks. I've also been able to dive into focused playtesting to log bugs that need fixing.

The release window on our Steam page has been updated to 2026, meaning the full version of the game will meet everyone in just a few months! I hope playing this cozy and adorable Shiba game brings you warm and lovely memories.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

01 Jul 2026Developer post

Jun. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the Jun. game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month's game development progress includes ensuring proper launch and gameplay support on Steam Deck, adjusting the UI layout for the exterior decoration system, adding a continu

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the Jun. game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month's game development progress includes ensuring proper launch and gameplay support on Steam Deck, adjusting the UI layout for the exterior decoration system, adding a continuous selection feature for controllers, creating extended functionality for the egg separator, and finalizing the purchase and equipping logic for the apron shop.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Steam Deck Compatibility and Optimization

This month, we adjusted the Steam backend settings and the game build so that players can enjoy the game on Steam Deck in addition to PC. Although continuous optimization for programming and rendering is still required to ease the hardware load on the Steam Deck, the game can now launch and run completely fine without any issues.

(2) UI Layout Adjustments for the Shop Decoration System

Based on feedback from the previous Playtest, some players mentioned that the exterior decoration UI was slightly cut off on the left and right sides when playing on Steam Deck. To address this, we shifted the layout slightly toward the center this month and fixed the controller support to ensure the directional navigation of the selection buttons works correctly.

(3) Continuous Selection Support for Controllers

Players can now hold down directional buttons to move continuously across the main menu, ingredient cabinet, dessert showcase, and mailbox interface. This eliminates the need to press the button repeatedly and makes browsing much faster and more convenient. Additionally, we implemented an automatic scrolling adjustment feature for lists that require scrolling.

(4) Extended Features for the Egg Separator

By default, the egg separator only collects egg yolks. However, as new recipes are unlocked, egg whites may be required in later dessert-making processes. Therefore, when the corresponding recipes are unlocked, the option to collect egg whites will also become available. Players can freely toggle this feature off if it is not needed.

(5) Purchase and Equipping Logic for the Apron Shop

We successfully established the core functionality of the apron shop this month. While players can obtain a cute apron for free in the Demo, the full game will allow players to purchase new aprons with a small amount of Shiba Coins and freely choose which apron to wear while baking.

2. Wrapping up

Development progress in June was a bit slow as my body is still recovering. There were times when I could not even sit properly in front of the computer to develop the game, but I still worked very hard to complete the items on the development checklist one by one.

I know that every time I reach a milestone, the game gets a little bit closer to everyone. I truly miss seeing the happy and surprised expressions of players during the playtest. No matter what, I will remain fully dedicated to completing this game. Let us look forward to the official release day together. Thank you so much for your patience.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

01 Jun 2026Developer post

May. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the May game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month's game development milestones include programming the logic for Grandma's postcards, setting up all Chef Star challenge levels, implementing an item name display feature, ad

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the May game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month's game development milestones include programming the logic for Grandma's postcards, setting up all Chef Star challenge levels, implementing an item name display feature, adding ingredient shop categories, and finalizing the wall and floor decoration system.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Programming Grandma's Postcard Logic

While all the postcard artwork was finished last month, this month focused on the backend logic for delivering them to the player. Grandma’s postcards and gifts will now trigger based on game progression, helping players smoothly advance on their journey to becoming a 5-Star Dessert Master.

(2) Setting Up All Chef Star Challenge Levels

During the demo phase, only the environment for the first challenge level was completed. This month, the environments for all remaining levels were built. Additionally, the code was implemented to accurately evaluate the desserts crafted by players, and various unique environment models were designed to give each level a distinct feel.

(3) Implementing the Item Name Display Feature

Given the vast number of ingredients, semi-finished goods, and final desserts in the game, players might get confused about what they are holding in the later stages. To address this, a toggleable display feature was added. Players can now choose to show the names of held items, ensuring clarity and a smoother gameplay experience.

(4) Adding Ingredient Shop Categories

The original ingredient shop lacked a categorization system. This month, three new categories were introduced: General Ingredients, Coffee Beans, and Material Packs. This change helps players quickly find what they need and keeps the UI clean and organized, removing the clutter of having everything mixed together.

(5) Finalizing the Wall and Floor Decoration System

The kitchen decoration system for walls and floors is finally complete. Players can now purchase new wallpapers and floor patterns, granting them more freedom to customize the kitchen to their liking. Development for this feature included adjusting color saturation and brightness, drawing new icons for walls and floors, programming the purchase and decoration logic, and implementing controller optimization.

2. Wrapping up

Since mid-May, I have been feeling physically weak and spent many days unable to use the computer, confined to resting in bed. Despite this, game development was always on my mind. As soon as I recovered a bit of energy, I couldn't wait to power up my computer and push the project forward. I truly hope to bring this lovely game into the warm hands of players as soon as possible.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

02 May 2026Developer post

Apr. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the April game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month’s development focused on designing new autumn and winter outfits for the adorable NPC customers, upgrading the shop’s checkout screen to display price bonuses, adding a Mi

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the April game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month’s development focused on designing new autumn and winter outfits for the adorable NPC customers, upgrading the shop’s checkout screen to display price bonuses, adding a Mixer Pack feature for Mixer, and completing all of Grandma’s postcards.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) New Autumn/Winter Outfits for NPC customers

Previously, many spring and summer outfits were created for the game demo (set in spring). This month, I designed several new sets of autumn and winter clothing. NPCs will now change into seasonal outfits based on the temperature, giving the townspeople a more lifelike and dynamic feel.

(2) Upgraded Checkout Screen with Price Bonuses

With all the special festival posters completed last month, I’ve now ensured that dessert prices are correctly calculated with their respective festival bonuses. Additionally, I added percentage indicators above the adjusted prices on the checkout screen, making it easy for players to see exactly which desserts earned a bonus.

(3) Mixer Ingredient Pack System

To prevent the gameplay from feeling repetitive in the later stages, I’ve introduced an Ingredient Pack system. Players can now choose to unlock specific packs and purchase them pre-packaged at the ingredient shop. These packs can be dropped directly into the Mixer, streamlining the production process.

(4) Completion of Grandma’s Postcards

I am thrilled to announce that all of Grandma’s postcards have been completed this month. Since every postcard is built from scratch as a unique 3D scene, each image required significant manual effort in modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. I truly hope these cards bring warmth and joy to players when they receive them in-game.

2. Wrapping up

Due to the postcard production, more than half of this month was dedicated to 3D art and crafting distinct environments, which was an incredibly fun process. As a developer, I often imagine players experiencing this world. It would be a wonderful feeling if this game, which comes from the heart, could resonate with and touch the lives of those who play it.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

02 Apr 2026Developer post

Mar. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the March game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month’s development focused on designing all in-game festival posters, re-evaluating the game’s economy, localizing the recipe book and chalkboard hints, adding controller-frien

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the March game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month’s development focused on designing all in-game festival posters, re-evaluating the game’s economy, localizing the recipe book and chalkboard hints, adding controller-friendly features, and expanding seasonal calendar content. I also implemented several adjustments based on player feedback.

1. Detailed Development Updates

(1) Festival Poster Design & Production

To be honest, I am not naturally a 2D artist because most of my skill points are invested in 3D. However, as a solo developer with no plans for outsourcing, I poured my heart into completing these designs myself. While the process was slow, the upside is that the art style perfectly matches the game’s atmosphere and the messaging is clear and easy to read.

(2) Re-evaluating the Game Economy

The economy is the backbone of the gameplay experience. In Shiba Game, the economic system governs ingredient costs, dessert selling prices, and unlock fees, while also impacting decoration purchases and Chef XP. This month, I performed extensive calculations and cross-verified spreadsheets to fine-tune these values. Based on the results, I also adjusted the dates for several festival events.

(3) Recipe Book Localization

The recipe book textures are not driven by a standard UI. Instead, I use a custom texture system to achieve a specific look. This required preparing unique textures for every localized language and setting up the material logic. I also finalized the unlock logic this month to ensure that once a recipe is earned, the step-by-step process displays correctly in the book.

(4) Blackboard Hint Localization & Setup

Players can pin their current recipe to the top-left corner of the screen, displaying a cute little chalkboard so you do not have to keep flipping back through the book while baking. I finished the remaining textures for these hints and implemented a sequencing feature. If a recipe has multiple steps, the chalkboard will now automatically cycle through them in order.

(5) Controller Accessibility

Outside of the main kitchen area where you move your Shiba, all UI buttons are now navigable via the controller’s thumbstick. I also added a continuous scroll feature. Simply hold the direction button to glide through menu options automatically, saving you from repetitive tapping.

(6) Expanded Calendar & Seasonal Content

While the basic calendar was ready for the Demo, this month I added logic for seasonal transitions. When a new season begins, the calendar will update with distinct star icons marking special festival days. Clicking these icons will now reveal the corresponding festival posters.

(7) Community-Driven Adjustments

Thank you so much for the feedback provided through the surveys! This month, I implemented the following:

Lighting Tweaks: I brightened the overall kitchen lighting and fixed the issue where the shop exterior was too dark at night.
Seasonal Grounds: Ground textures outside the kitchen now change dynamically with the seasons.
Profit Rebalancing: I used festival events to improve the profitability of older recipes so players are not forced to only bake the newest unlocks.
Special Days: Kitty Day and Doggy Day will now grant sales bonuses for desserts.

2. Wrapping up

March felt like it flew by in the blink of an eye. Looking back at my daily logs, I am honestly surprised by how much was accomplished.

The game is steadily growing into its final form. It still needs time for complex structural work and fine-tuning, but I am putting all my time and heart into watering this project every day. I hope that when the game finally reaches your hands, you will be able to feel the warmth and cuteness that went into making it.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

03 Mar 2026Developer post

Feb. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the February game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month, I focused on several key milestones including the official demo release, the addition of an auto-exchange feature for ingredients, and a new bonus gift system for post

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the February game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month, I focused on several key milestones including the official demo release, the addition of an auto-exchange feature for ingredients, and a new bonus gift system for postcards. I also introduced new sleeping animations for Shibe, added French and German localization, and began localizing the full recipe book for the complete version of the game.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Official Demo Release

I officially launched the game demo this month and participated in the Steam Next Fest. It was a joy to see so many cozy game lovers discover my Shibe-themed adventure. Thanks to the feedback from player surveys, I have already fixed several bugs and integrated your suggestions into my future development roadmap. My goal is to make the game as polished and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

(2) Auto-Exchange Feature for Ingredients

To make cooking and baking more intuitive, I added a direct ingredient exchange feature to the kitchenware. Similar to how the small table works, this allows you to swap for the correct ingredients instantly. This quality-of-life update should noticeably improve your baking efficiency.

(3) Grandma Postcard Bonus Gifts

In the original design, Grandma’s postcards were only meant for reading. However, I noticed that some players might run low on Shibe Coins if they unlock recipes without keeping an eye on their budget. To help you through those tough times, postcards now come with small attachments such as extra coins or useful ingredients.

(4) New Sleeping Postures for Shibe

This has been on my to-do list for a while, and I finally found the time to implement it before the demo launch. Now, when you save your progress at the end of each day, you will see Shibe resting in various funny and exaggerated positions. It is a small detail, but I find it incredibly charming.

(5) French and German Localization

In addition to English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, the game now supports French and German. I wanted to respond to the requests from the international community, and I am excited to welcome more players to the world of Shibe.

(6) Full Version Recipe Book Localization

Following the demo release, I have shifted focus toward the final stretch of development for the full game. This involves expanding the current content from a one-star experience to a five-star journey. The first step is the manual layout and localization of the entire recipe book. While the process is complex, I believe hand-crafting these details ensures the highest quality.

2. Wrapping up

February felt like a non-stop sprint. Unfortunately, I fell seriously ill toward the end of the month and was bedridden for several days. Even then, reading through your demo feedback surveys gave me the strength to keep going. I am truly grateful to every player who took the time to leave a comment. Your encouragement is my greatest motivation.

Thank you for reading and for trying out the demo. The Shibe game will continue to evolve and I look forward to seeing you in next month’s report.

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

01 Feb 2026Developer post

Jan. 2026 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the January game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month, my development efforts were fully focused on launching the online Playtest and collecting player feedback through surveys. Key updates include a new "Delete Save" featu

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the January game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month, my development efforts were fully focused on launching the online Playtest and collecting player feedback through surveys. Key updates include a new "Delete Save" feature in the main menu, the implementation of Grandma’s postcard system and Demo content, and the creation of the Chef Star Challenge, including its scenes, logic, and animations.

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Playtest and Debugging

Throughout January, I received so much love and encouragement from players. The feedback has been incredibly valuable, and I am so glad I decided to host the online Playtest. A huge thank you to all the lovely players who participated! I have compiled a detailed list of reported bugs and am fixing them one by one to ensure the upcoming Demo provides a smooth and complete experience.

(2) Delete Save Functionality

Before the Playtest, the basic save system was ready, but players couldn't delete existing saves. This meant that after starting several new games, they couldn't create any more files. A week into the Playtest, I pushed an update that fixed several known bugs and added the option to delete saves directly from the menu.

(3) Grandma’s Postcard System

During the Playtest, I was still finalizing the logic and content for Grandma’s postcards. Some sharp-eyed players noticed they weren't receiving them yet, which was a great catch! I am happy to announce that the system is now fully functional. In the official Demo, players will receive postcards from Grandma as they progress. Each card features her travel footsteps, unique stamps, and encouraging messages written specifically for my Shiba players.

(4) Chef Star Challenge Content

In the Playtest, the journey ended at the application page for the Chef Star Challenge. In the official Demo, players will finally be able to take on this fun and adorable challenge. Experience the thrill of the trial and earn the prestigious title of a One-Star Dessert Chef!

2. Wrapping up

I have many hopes for the new year and am steadily working toward them one step at a time. Seeing more players falling in love with this Shiba game makes me realize my responsibility as an indie developer. I want to bring the best possible experience to players worldwide and leave a beautiful memory in your lives.

Thank you for reading and for walking this path with me. The Demo is officially launching in February. See you in the game soon!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

12 Jan 2026Developer post

Playtest Now Live: Shiba Sweet Kitchen is Open!

Hello lovely players! This is Ya Mao. Thank you so much for your patience! The Playtest is officially underway starting today. 💖 Please put on your aprons and step into the kitchen to bake the most adorable Shiba treats. During this two-week test, every piece of feedback and bug

02 Jan 2026Developer post

Dec. 2025 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the December game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month, development has been heavily focused on implementing full controller support. In addition to playing with a keyboard and mouse, players can now connect external contro

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the December game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month, development has been heavily focused on implementing full controller support. In addition to playing with a keyboard and mouse, players can now connect external controllers and enjoy the game using whatever control method feels most comfortable to them. In addition, online Playtest applications have been opened, the existing main menu has been updated, and the Chef Star Challenge application form feature has been implemented.

1. Detailed development progress for this month:

(1) Online Playtest applications are now open

The Steam page for Shiba Sweet is now open for Playtest applications. Simply click the button to join the waitlist. A short playtest period is planned to begin around mid-January, followed by the release of an official demo between late January and early February. Players who are interested are very welcome to keep an eye on the game.

(2) Main menu redesign

The previous main menu already looked quite nice, but it still felt like something was missing. This month, I spent some time refreshing the design by moving the main menu to the left side and placing Shiba on the right, busily rolling dough. The goal was to give players the immediate feeling that a dessert chef is ready to step into the kitchen and start baking as soon as they enter the game.

(3) Chef Star Challenge form and application system

At the very beginning of the game, the lovely grandma already mentions the Chef Star Challenge. This month, the challenge application form was fully designed, along with its display logic and the conditions that determine whether players are eligible to apply. Players can submit an application at any time once the required conditions are met, and successfully completing the challenge will reward them with an additional chef star.

(4) Overall controller support implementation

Part of the controller support was already implemented back in September. In December, the remaining features were completed, including the kitchen wall and floor decoration system, various action menus, dessert bento packing during shop operation, recipe book browsing, and the full beginner tutorial flow.

In addition, the controller controls for the exterior shop decoration system were refined and improved, making interactions more intuitive and allowing players to instantly view detailed descriptions for each small decoration item.

2. Wrapping up

The longer I spend working on an indie game, the more I realize that while the ultimate goal is to finish a game, the journey itself feels like completing ten thousand small, detailed tasks. It is about smoothing out every awkward interaction and uncomfortable moment. Sometimes you have to react on the fly, and some problems only start to make sense once you actually encounter them.

So far, this journey has been truly enjoyable. Of course, there are moments of exhaustion, but the thought of giving up has never crossed my mind. Instead, I keep moving forward with full energy every day, hoping to bring this fun and adorable game to players as soon as possible.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

27 Dec 2025Developer post

Playtest Waitlist Now Open

Hello, lovely players! This is Ya Mao. The Playtest for Shiba Sweet is coming soon. Please visit the store page and click Request Access to join the playtest waitlist. The main purpose of the playtest is to check whether the game runs and plays smoothly. During the test, encounte

02 Dec 2025Developer post

Nov. 2025 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the November game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month, development has been moving forward at a steady pace. I finished the discount system for the ingredient shop, added a night-time reminder feature, began building the e

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the November game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month, development has been moving forward at a steady pace. I finished the discount system for the ingredient shop, added a night-time reminder feature, began building the environment for the Chef Challenge Day, completed the long-term save system, and created many new art assets, including profile icons for the Black Shiba Merchant and the Bunny Host, as well as new outfits for the animal NPCs.

1. Detailed Development Updates

(1) Ingredient Discount System

The Black Shiba Merchant’s shop now occasionally offers sweet half-price deals, giving players a chance to stock up on ingredients at a very good price. This update includes the logic that triggers ingredient discounts along with a new discount icon that highlights special offers. These limited-time deals will help players earn even more profit from selling dessert bento boxes.

(2) Night-Time Reminder for the Ingredient Shop

In this game, any ingredients not placed in the pantry before the day ends will lose freshness and turn into trash the next morning. To prevent players from accidentally buying ingredients at night with nowhere to store them, I added a special reminder that appears the first time they enter the shop at night. This helps players review this important rule before making a purchase.

(3) Building the Chef Challenge Day Environment

This month I began constructing the full environment for the Chef Challenge Day. This includes new 3D objects such as dessert tables, judge tents, and outfits for the judges and the host. I also completed the host’s dialogue. During the challenge, players will be greeted not only by the judges and the host but also by many adorable audience NPCs who clap and cheer with genuine enthusiasm, offering heartwarming support throughout the event.

(4) Long-Term Save System

Previously, the game already had a temporary save system that helped preserve important player data when switching between maps. Building on that foundation, I implemented the full long-term save system this month. It ensures that when players close the game, all essential information is safely stored so their time and effort running the shop are never lost.

(5) New Outfits for Animal Customer NPCs

Although this wasn’t originally on my task list, developing a game alone can sometimes feel tiring. When that happens, working on something fun and refreshing helps keep the momentum going. I spent some time designing new outfit textures for the NPCs. Players will notice these cute costumes both at the shop counter and throughout the town as animals stroll by.

(6) New Icons for the Host and the Black Shiba Merchant

I would like players to feel the emotional tone of each conversation in the game. Sometimes cheerful, sometimes calm, and these moods can be conveyed through a character’s profile icon. While drawing the new icons for the Black Shiba Merchant and the Bunny Host, I added different expressions to help represent these emotional shifts more vividly.

2. Wrapping up

Recently, developing this game alone feels like hiking up a mountain in the dark, finding the path step by step and slowly carving out a road that belongs to both me and the game I am creating. The scenery along the way is difficult to describe with words. Only by experiencing it firsthand can one truly feel the warmth and atmosphere of the journey. I am very lucky to have met many wonderful players who walk alongside me, hand in hand, toward the finish line of this game.

A large playtest is planned for December. If you would like to experience the game early and help track down the little bugs hiding in the code so the game can continue moving toward a better direction, I warmly welcome you to join the test in mid-December. I will make an announcement when sign-ups open.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

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Original post

01 Nov 2025Developer post

Oct. 2025 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the October game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month’s progress has been amazing. I completed several major systems including the Recipe Unlock System, Bankruptcy Rescue System, and Ingredient-to-Trash System. I also impro

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the October game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month’s progress has been amazing. I completed several major systems including the Recipe Unlock System, Bankruptcy Rescue System, and Ingredient-to-Trash System. I also improved the Ground Decoration System, fixed many bugs, and added a brand new event called Dog Day to the demo, making the game feel much richer and more complete.

1. Detailed Development Updates

(1) Recipe Unlock System – Logic and Animation

When a recipe is unlocked, players can now enjoy a cute animation showing which new recipes, ingredients, and utensils have been unlocked. If the maximum number of desserts that can be placed has increased, that information will also appear in this animation.

Originally, I used a plugin that allowed 3D visual effects to be projected onto 2D widgets, but it caused conflicts during packaging and made the build fail repeatedly. I eventually decided to stop using the plugin and recreated the visual effects using Unreal Engine’s built-in tools instead.

(2) Major Improvements to the Ground Decoration System

The layout of the information panel has been adjusted to make it easier to read. Players can now continuously place the same type of object in build mode without having to reselect it every time, which provides a smoother building experience.

I also added anchor points for the player’s position so that decorations or furniture will not overlap with the player while building.

(3) Testing and Bug Fixing

This month I fixed many bugs of different sizes, such as the flickering icon on the mixer, button safety checks, corrected tutorial images, adjusted the ingredient box collision, and fixed the problem of ingredients clipping through the table.

I also fixed issues observed during a game exhibition earlier this month, such as an incorrect day setting that prevented the shop from progressing and unclear tutorial messages that made players confused about how to place ingredient boxes. These improvements helped the game move in a better direction.

(4) Completion of the Bankruptcy Rescue System

That’s right, the Shiba dessert shop can actually go bankrupt. When the player faces a financial crisis due to poor management, a hidden rescue system will automatically detect the situation and provide timely help. This feature allows the game to continue smoothly and prevents the shop from closing down.

(5) Ingredient-to-Trash System

To stay true to the game’s world and rules, I developed a system that turns unused ingredients into trash. If players forget to put ingredients into the storage cabinet before the day ends, they will find spoiled food the next morning that must be cleaned before the tables can be used again.

This system also applies to desserts left on the table, unfinished food in cookware, and ingredient boxes left on the ground. If these are not handled properly before closing, the kitchen will become a mess the next day.

(6) Added Japanese and Simplified Chinese Localization

In addition to English and Traditional Chinese, I added Japanese and Simplified Chinese versions this month. Each language uses carefully selected cute fonts that match the cozy and friendly atmosphere of Shiba Sweet.

Adding new languages took much more work than expected. Besides accurate translations, I needed to make sure there were no text conflicts, and I also had to redraw some UI textures for each language to ensure everything displayed correctly.

(7) New Special Event: Doggy Day

In the game, most customers are various types of cats and dogs. There was already a Kitty Day on the 12th, so I added a new Doggy Day on the 24th. On this day, all customers are dogs, and players need to prepare and pack delicious dessert bento boxes for them.

2. Summary

This has been a very productive month with lots of effort and progress. Looking back, I’m happy to see how far the game has come. The official release is getting closer, and my current focus is to finish the demo and start a playtest in December to gather valuable feedback from players.

If you would like to try the game early, please keep an eye on the upcoming announcements. A limited-time playtest is planned for December.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

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Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

06 Oct 2025Developer post

Sep. 2025 Shiba Sweet Gamedev Monthly Update

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the September game development update for Shiba Sweet . This month marked a breakthrough in development. I completed many important features, fixed bugs big and small, and poured a lot of effort into preparing for the very first physi

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the September game development update for Shiba Sweet.

This month marked a breakthrough in development. I completed many important features, fixed bugs big and small, and poured a lot of effort into preparing for the very first physical showcase of the Shiba game. The preparation was filled with anticipation and excitement. Many times I caught myself thinking how lucky I am to be a developer whose work is seen by real players.

1. Here’s a more detailed look at this month’s progress:

(1) Background music and sound effects

Audio is just as important as visuals. It enhances immersion and helps players feel truly inside the game. I spent a lot of time setting proper looping for background music and adding necessary sound effects, such as ingredients sizzling in the pan, items being placed on the table, and finished desserts being stored in the display case. I also kept tuning the balance between music and sound effects.

(2) Cross-level temp save system

Without a temp save system between levels, all actions performed in the previous area would be lost. That would make the player’s effort meaningless. To ensure meaningful progression, I implemented a temporary save system that preserves the player’s actions, so that going outside to buy decorations will not make half-baked desserts mysteriously disappear when returning to the kitchen.

(3) Bug fixing and testing

I fixed a large number of minor and major issues this month. These included incorrect line breaks in text, misaligned arrows in tutorial images, NPC behavior randomness, display issues in hints, low readability in pie chart colors, interaction problems when unlocking new ingredients, clothing clipping due to animal driving poses, and animation glitches with the merchant.

Game development is a complex process. Even after the main structure is built, countless small issues remain. Through constant testing and refinement, I believe the game will keep moving closer to its ideal form.

(4) Controller support in progress

The game is already fully playable with keyboard and mouse. However, full controller support is a must on the to-do list, especially since I personally prefer the tactile and intuitive feel of playing with a controller.

While working on controller mapping, I also re-evaluated the overall UI navigation order and improved clarity in certain areas. These changes should help players clearly see their current selection without getting confused during gameplay.

(5) Full game optimization

Besides making the game fun, I also need to consider the hardware players will use. To ensure smooth performance on all machines, optimization is essential.

I tested the game on lower-end devices, adjusting frame rate, lighting, shadows, and even global rendering settings. The goal is to maintain good visual quality while keeping the experience stable and stutter-free.

(6) Preparing everything for the physical showcase

Apart from the game build itself, the booth needed to reflect the charm of the Shiba theme. I prepared paw-print desk mats, hanging curtains, Shiba-shaped mouse pads, a small chalkboard sign, handmade mini boards, dedicated player headsets, printed flyers, and an adorable Shiba plush. I also brought a large monitor to loop the game trailer on-site.

Seeing players’ live reactions was incredibly rewarding. Their feedback through conversation and observation was invaluable. Everyone loved the Shiba plush and gently patted its head. A little girl even hugged it for a photo with a huge smile.

2. Wrapping up

Rather than staying tucked away in my small workspace, I now look forward to the day the game truly meets its players. During the showcase, I realized that Shiba Sweet is genuinely fun. Players expressed creativity in unexpected ways, and whenever they smiled at some quirky detail I hid in the game, I felt a spark of connection. It was an indescribably moving moment.

In short, September was an extremely productive month, and early October marked the first public playtest with new players, which brought back wonderful feedback.

Thank a lot for reading this far. See you in next month’s devlog!

---

Follow my development journey:

YouTube Channel: View game page

TikTok Channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@maowoo_studio

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiba__sweet/

Original post

02 Oct 2025Developer post

October 4–5 — Shiba Sweet’s First In-Person Showcase!

Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and this is Shiba Sweet’s very first in-person event announcement! Maowoo will be exhibiting at PLAY EXPO BLACKPOOL in Blackpool, UK, on October 4th and 5th for a two-day weekend showcase. We’ll be showing a playable demo for the very first time

Updates & announcements

1. Full Release vs. Demo Improvements

(1) No Time Limits

(2) Visual & Performance Optimizations

(3) Rebalanced Economy & Festive Event Days

(4) Useful Quality-of-Life Features

(5) In-Game Tips Page in the Pause Menu

(6) Expanded Settings Menu

(7) Improved Gamepad Support

(8) The Chicky Donation Box

2. Wrapping up

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Creating the New Launch Trailer

(2) Completing 2 Full Playthrough Playtests

(3) Continuous Debugging & Polishing

(4) Updating the Website & Adding a Press Kit

2. Wrapping up

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Steam Achievements Setup

(2) Added Tips Page in Pause Menu

(3) Added Bookmark Feature to the Recipe Book

(4) Free Coffee in Chef Star Challenges

(5) Kitchenware Rotation Feature

2. Wrapping up

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Steam Deck Compatibility and Optimization

(2) UI Layout Adjustments for the Shop Decoration System

(3) Continuous Selection Support for Controllers

(4) Extended Features for the Egg Separator

(5) Purchase and Equipping Logic for the Apron Shop

2. Wrapping up

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Programming Grandma's Postcard Logic

(2) Setting Up All Chef Star Challenge Levels

(3) Implementing the Item Name Display Feature

(4) Adding Ingredient Shop Categories

(5) Finalizing the Wall and Floor Decoration System

2. Wrapping up

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) New Autumn/Winter Outfits for NPC customers

(2) Upgraded Checkout Screen with Price Bonuses

(3) Mixer Ingredient Pack System

(4) Completion of Grandma’s Postcards

2. Wrapping up

1. Detailed Development Updates

(1) Festival Poster Design & Production

(2) Re-evaluating the Game Economy

(3) Recipe Book Localization

(4) Blackboard Hint Localization & Setup

(5) Controller Accessibility

(6) Expanded Calendar & Seasonal Content

(7) Community-Driven Adjustments

2. Wrapping up

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Official Demo Release

(2) Auto-Exchange Feature for Ingredients

(3) Grandma Postcard Bonus Gifts

(4) New Sleeping Postures for Shibe

(5) French and German Localization

(6) Full Version Recipe Book Localization

2. Wrapping up

1. New Kitchenware Settings

2. Visual Clarity Improvements

3. Menu Transition Animations

4. Economic Balance Adjustments

5. Two New Languages Added

6. Cursor Offset Fix

7. Audio Balancing and Polishing

8. Steam Deck Compatibility

9. Controller Responsiveness

10. Other Quick Fixes

1. Here are the detailed highlights from this month:

(1) Playtest and Debugging

(2) Delete Save Functionality

(3) Grandma’s Postcard System

(4) Chef Star Challenge Content

2. Wrapping up

1. Detailed development progress for this month:

(1) Online Playtest applications are now open

(2) Main menu redesign