Hardenville News

[h3]Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.2)[/h3]

• Added an Achievement app to the in-game phone for tracking achievements
  
• Added more dialogues to "Never Have I Ever»
  
• Added numerous SFX to Episode 1
  
• Added a skip button for the handball minigame
  
• Added three instrumental songs
  
• Fixed the issue where 5-0 handball gallery images didn't unlock outside of Steam
  
• Gallery images or achievements from previous saves no longer trigger notifications in new playthroughs
  
• Increased the width of the choice button
  
• Introduced a new gallery image and animation with a new method to unlock them; some are hidden on objects that need to be clicked
  
• Made the quick menu and idle phone transparent to prevent OLED burn-in
  
• Moved dialogue text slightly left to prevent overlap with choices
  
• Updated password mechanism: re-entry required only with major releases
  

[h3]Upcoming Updates[/h3]
In the upcoming weeks, we'll update Hardenville to include French, German, Portuguese, and proofreading of English.

[h3]Hardenville[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[h3]Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.1)[/h3]

• Added a safe save zone after Episode 1
  
• Added a skip button to the intro animation
  
• Added more gallery images, including special and monthly renders from the past year
  
• Added Q.Save and Q.Load in the quick menu
  
• Added subtitles to the intro animation
  
• Added the ability to select which chapter to start from and which path to choose
  
• Corrected grammatical errors
  
• Improved the quality of the intro animation
  
• Included one missing image of Jasmine in the gallery
  
• Overhauled the gallery UI to better match the rest of the interface
  
• Split the audio of the intro animation into three groups: music, ambient, and voice
  

[h3]Upcoming Updates[/h3]
In the upcoming weeks, we'll update Hardenville to include French, German, Portuguese, and proofreading of English, as well as more SFX, a new and interactive way to find gallery images, and more.

Some saves from 0.1.2 are incompatible with 0.2.1.

[h3]Hardenville[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

It's been a long wait for this release. I've redone renders countless times and should have prioritized and been much more efficient.



[h2]Episode 1 Changes[/h2]
The home alone party was originally planned to be in Episode 1, which was going to include some sex scenes. However, Episode 1 is ending after the preparty and right before the main party begins. This is to avoid rushing into scenes too early. Now, we have a calmer approach to Episode 2, which will be very lewd.

[h2]Focus of Episode 2[/h2]
Episode 2 will only focus on the party, which will take place at home in one location. This should make development much faster. The planned release for Episode 2 is Fall 2024.

[h2]Music Library Overhaul[/h2]
There are many new and changed things. Unfortunately, we needed to change the music library due to their recent policy change regarding media recommended for 18+ audiences. Luckily, we've found good alternatives, but they are much more expensive. The old music provider had a flat yearly subscription for roughly $400 for unlimited songs, whereas our new music provider costs $150-$200 per song. Additionally, thousands of dollars have been spent on new assets since The Prologue, while Steam sales from the last three months have been around $300 after taxes. I strongly believe this project won't become profitable for about a year, or maybe longer. So please keep in mind that while I will finish this project no matter what and will continue to invest in it, I ask for your patience.

[h2]Upcoming Updates[/h2]
In one or two weeks, we'll update Hardenville to include French, German, Portuguese, and proofreading of English, as well as some cool new stuff.

I will likely update Hardenville with some small patches shortly to include more SFX and fix grammar mistakes.

[h3]Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.0)[/h3]

• 13 new gallery images
  
• 8 new Steam Achievements
  
• 2 new mini-games: handball shoot-out and never have I ever
  
• Added the skip option back in the preferences
  
• Can now choose whether to call the landlord and landlady by their name or relation
  
• Changed music provider, all new songs, now with song name and artist displayed
  
• Continuation of the story
  
• Corrected some screens that were not being pointed back to the correct screen
  
• Emojis in text messages
  
• Fixed a few persistent values not being saved
  
• New animations
  
• New contacts
  
• New residents
  
• Some new sound effects, with more to be added soon
  
• Slightly faster UI
  
• Slightly new UI look
  
• Twice the content of the Prologue
  

Some saves from 0.1.2 are incompatible with 0.2.0.

[h3]Hardenville[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[h3]The Final Dev Log for This Episode[/h3]

We're so close to the release of the long-awaited continuation of Hardenville. As many of you know, I aimed for the end of June as the release date for Episode 1. But to cut it short, I need one additional week to properly test everything and polish it so it's delivered in the best shape possible. There are a lot of changes in Episode 1. There has been plenty of trial and error over the last few months with renders. However, I personally feel that Episode 1 is done more professionally and also has a more professional feel than The Prologue.

As much as I hate to announce a one-week delay, I promise with all my heart that it will release in two weeks, during the week of July 1-7. I'm aiming for a Friday release, but in the worst-case scenario, I might need Saturday and/or Sunday as well. However, it will be released that weekend for sure. I had originally planned a short week off that week, but that is, of course, postponed to after the Episode 1 release that weekend. It will be good for my heart to take a break from three energy drinks every day.

Other than that, this will be the last Dev Log for Episode 1. The next Dev Log will be for Episode 2.



[h3]Hardenville[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[h3]It's almost June![/h3]

This means summer, sun, bikinis, and the long-awaited home-alone party in Hardenville Episode 1. It is set to release in week 26, which is June 24 - June 30.

Feedback is welcome regarding what is desired from the development going forward after the release of Episode 1. Currently, Dev Logs are done 1-2 times each month on all platforms (Steam, Itch.io, Discord, Patreon, and Subscriberstar), and monthly special renders are available for Patreon and Subscriberstar members.

Any suggestions on what you would like to see?

Here are a few ideas inspired by other AVN devs:

• Streams while creating renders, but pre-recorded while airing, allowing questions to be answered along the way without needing to stream the render times (30-90 minutes each render). (Open for all)
  
• An estimated progress bar. Though not 100% accurate, it will closely indicate the work completed and what remains for the current chapter. Updated every week? (Open for all)
  
• Polls with 2-3 different clothing or bikini options for some characters in the current chapter. (Only for members)
  

Feedback on these ideas and any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!



[h3]Hardenville[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/