OFFICIAL STATEMENT: This game contains absolutely NO LTP (Pedophilic) content. Proof will be self-evident upon the game's official release.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: This game contains absolutely NO LTP (Pedophilic) content. Proof will be self-evident upon the game's official release.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: This game contains absolutely NO LTP (Pedophilic) content. Proof will be self-evident upon the game's official release.
Amidst widespread rumors and bandwagon accusations, the truth can only be determined by examining the product itself. Further words are futile and may only exacerbate misunderstandings. Players with reason and logic will discern the facts.
The simplest reasoning is as follows:
Steam has stringent content review policies. Had our game contained even a trace of prohibited material, it would not have been approved. All content of "An Agreement with Future" passed Steam's review in early June, hence our precise release date announcement. The current delay is solely due to unfinished UI elements (temporary UI is shown in screenshots).
As an independent developer based in China, I would never risk severe legal consequences by creating content that violates laws and regulations.
While this announcement itself may be misinterpreted and manipulated, I will address necessary clarifications here openly because there is nothing to hide.
Longtime players familiar with my work know I am a solo developer. Though my previous projects haven't been commercial hits, all my communications have been transparent and honest.
Apology to Affected Streamers: To streamers mentioned in previous communications who have been unfairly targeted due to these rumors: I sincerely apologize. My previous acknowledgment was solely to thank supporters of my past work. It was grossly misrepresented by rumor-mongers and followers as endorsement of this project, leading to harassment. To those impacted, I am truly sorry.
Legal Action Against Rumormongers: I have documented instances where malicious actors publicly disclosed my private information. The internet is not a lawless space; China has a legal system. Reports have been filed, and authorities have opened cases concerning sustained harassment via illicitly obtained contact details. I will not compromise with defamers because this project, from conception to completion, has never contained any form of LTP content.
Advice to Players: Do not be misled. Ask yourselves: have you seen any concrete evidence? Any actual gameplay? Before the game is even released, lies have been fabricated with one goal – traffic farming. Many primary rumor accounts had negligible followings prior to spreading falsehoods about our game – check for yourselves. Legal representatives have been engaged to pursue actions against these defamers. Rumormongers are advised to familiarize themselves with Article 246 of China's Criminal Code (Defamation).
Response to Key Misinformation: Addressing the most circulated falsehoods:
"The game provides targets for LTPs."
Do LTPs exist? Unfortunately, yes, across various media, not just gaming (short dramas, "cute kid" videos, suggestive "teen" series). Attracting such viewers is possible for any content featuring minors. The truth: From the very start, not a single thought related to LTP intent entered the minds of the creative team. We aimed to create a healthy, normal interactive film/game about sibling bonding (a "little sister raising" concept). The content reflects this. I myself had to look up the term "LTP" after the rumors started. Some accounts even irresponsibly linked our innocent game to unrelated criminal cases. Much of the outrage stems from individuals who likely aren't even aware of platforms like Steam's standards or know how to download the official client, relying instead on dubious third-party "game box" platforms. Ultimately: Games and films are art forms. Our young actor portrayed a completely normal role. Should art avoid depicting children entirely because of potential misuse? Why aren't rumormongers targeting the multitude of actually suggestive short dramas and streamers? Is it because targeting games yields more clicks? Alarmingly, some agitators deliberately exposed the young actor's real name – putting the actual child at risk for traffic. Rumormongers care nothing for consequences, exploiting public ignorance.
"The game's endings and setting deliberately encourage 'brother complex' (兄妹嫁)."
Mainstream values: Mainstream society naturally rejects incestuous themes. Precisely to avoid malicious associations, the characters were intentionally designed as non-blood-related siblings. Ironically, this safeguard became the basis for distorted rumors.
"Emotional endings" ≠ "Romantic endings": Which defamer has played the game? Where is this alleged "romantic ending"? Since when does "emotional bond" solely mean romance? Does a defamer's claim make it fact? Does your personal interpretation define the game's content? Just because other anime-style games might have "brother/sister complex" endings doesn't mean ours does. The burden of proof lies with the accuser. The truth will be clear at launch.
Personal values: Personally, I can accept stories exploring romance between non-blood-related individuals raised as siblings – feelings can develop naturally over time (e.g., Yang Guo & Xiaolongnü were master/disciple with a deep bond akin to siblings). While I might not embrace certain non-linear family romances personally, I respect their existence in fiction. Rumormongers may attack my personal views on this, but regarding the game's actual content, accusations require evidence – not baseless slander fueled by narrow-minded assumptions.
"Blurring the line between 2D (anime) and 3D (live-action)."
The term "2D" (二次元) is relatively recent. My inspiration dates back to playing similar games in 1998, simply wishing for a live-action version for a different experience. For me, the distinction is irrelevant – it's just different mediums. Great Chinese animations (国漫) often make excellent live-action adaptations (e.g., I enjoy that live-action show about superpowers adapted from a comic). Criticize me for not seeing a rigid barrier, but I never identified solely as part of the "2D" subculture. Anime and live-action are simply different forms of artistic expression.
Final Apology & Conclusion: I deeply apologize for consuming public attention and causing confusion among players, relevant parties, and potentially even various departments. This was not my intent – it was driven by others seeking traffic and other motives. My game's store page has been public since early June. Genuine players added it to their wishlist if interested, or scrolled past if not. Who escalated this normal game into a manufactured "controversy"? Controversy stems solely from false rumors.
I am a very ordinary solo developer, focused solely on creating interactive films/games that offer unique experiences. Finding traditional "video + choice" formats monotonous, I conceived this project ("An Agreement with Future") by recalling which game concepts could offer fresh perspectives using live-action material. The unforeseen negative impact before launch is regrettable.
I reiterate: I welcome any scrutiny of the game's content. Even if regulatory authorities stood before me now, I would show them everything immediately – because there's nothing to hide. Let the defamers spread lies and followers believe them. Facts will prevail.