Good morning from the UK my beautiful, beautiful people!
Because I'm a stinky stinky Gen Z-er, when I woke up today the first thing I did was roll over to check my phone. And I got the most amazing, heart-warming email from Kickstarter.
Only roughly halfway through the project, we have hit 100% of our goal, with more time AND the ability to pledge after it ends, so I have absolutely no doubt that 'Purgatory' will get the treatment it wants and room to spare!
What do I think this means? Well, I think this means that while before I couldn't dream of doing it in a million years, myself and 'Purgatory' - throughout development - will now be able to do:
Mac and Linux ports, priority number one when the Kickstarter ends!
CONSOLE EDITIONS! Something I'm personally very excited for!!! If it's as easy as I'm hoping it is, you can expect Purgatory to be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch AND Nintendo Switch 2, what a mouthful!!!
ANIMATION! my current software, Clip Studio Pro, doesn't allow for animation, which I'm hoping to feature quite a bit, so now i can upgrade to Clip Studio Ex, with full animation capability (not sponsored i promise i just really like this software)
Translations? This is one I feel a bit obliged to add because only having the game in one language feels a little silly, but I'm not sure which languages I'd do, how many or where to begin picking any of it! It'll likely be a weigh-up of major languages and the countries where indie games like 'Purgatory' are in fashion, but all of this is very flimsy and subject to change!
Finally, the future! So spoilers, but I don't want to end my game-making career with 'Purgatory' and despite it being YEARS into the future, even have ideas for what could be next... So, when costs eventually arise, either for something I've not anticipated during 'Purgatory' or in the future with some equally ambitious - and likely costly - projects, the rest of the money, however much remains, will be kept safe and sound to prepare.
I cannot overstate how incredibly happy creating a story from nothing and watching it slowly assemble has made me over the past couple years, and to see that a few people, £500 worth of people to be exact, are just as eager to see it happen genuinely makes creating this game one of the greatest honours I've ever had and I truly, sincerely cannot wait for you all to get your money's worth.
Have a nice stay in Purgatory!
Ben