STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS *COUGH* I mean, Merry Christmas!

[p][/p][h3]We hope all of you have a safe, happy, and wonderful Christmas this year, and we're excited to show you guys what we can bring in 2026![/h3][p][/p][p]With the new year just around the corner, we felt it was important to touch base and talk a bit about the year just gone, but more importantly, the future of the project.[/p][p]It's no secret that 2025 was both an incredible, but very challenging year for us since launching on steam. We have to admit, we were a little overwhelmed by both the incredible support, and the demand for more.[/p][p]It's also no secret that behind the scenes we did have some internal difficulties with staff leaving that were, unfortunately, out of our control - this did leave us in limbo, with the end of Act 1 update in particular taking far longer than we would have liked.[/p][p]Since then, we have hired on new, talented staff and had a complete overhaul of how we internally handle our work flow, and I believe, the results are speaking for themselves.[/p][p]... But I don't wanna focus too much on the past, not with all the incredible things in the works we have planned for the future! [/p][p][/p][p]Firstly, as some of you may know, we've long been chipping away at revamping some of the old, outdated art from the very early days of production to try to create a more consistent visual experience for you guys - hopefully, from the example image below, you'll be able to see the kind of vast improvements we've been making.[/p][p][/p][p]Shay - The bartender of the Iron Unicorn (New model left - Old model right)[/p][p][/p][p]Secondly, in the earlier days of production, we dabbled around with sprite movement in-game, (blinking, breathing, mouth opening when talking) as well as combat animations. At the time, this had to be pulled due to it causing lag issues within the game... We've since resolved those issues, so combat animations will be returning in full.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Thirdly, one thing we've always expressed, is our desire to hopefully expand upon the Parasite Black universe into new, creative ventures. This so far includes a prequel game, called Dreams Of Celeste, which we will be revealing more details on in the coming months, and, additionally, a manga.[/p][p]I want to reassure everyone reading this that these ventures in no way hinder, or delay, the production of the main game. We have hired on staff specifically for these tasks.[/p][p]Below are a couple early work in progress samples of what's to come![/p][p]Character design for the manga (above)[/p][p][/p][p]Early sketch art 1 (Above)[/p][p][/p][p]Early sketch art 2 (Above)[/p][p][/p][p]And finally, I wanted to spend a moment to discuss the upcoming latest update.[/p][p]First and foremost, I want to get out the way that our patreon/subscribestar release is likely to be delayed from 31st of Dec to around Mid-ish Jan. (I won't give an exact date till I'm sure). With Christmas holidays and such, staff have had family commitments and holidays, so, we were perhaps overconfident there - but, we live and learn and can only apologize for the inconvenience.[/p][p][/p][h3]I'd like to reiterate that our art is handmade and crafted by a team of dedicated artists, including additional artists we call in for support when necessary. We do not use AI in making our art.[/h3][p][/p][p]With that said, this update is spicy... Like, jam packed with lewdness, and we hope you guys will enjoy it when you get it into your hands.[/p][p][/p][h2]The Tarbecks... Part I[/h2][p]"After surviving the arena, once more, the Greater Trading Company now force your hand to persuade the other obstacle hindering their path... Lord Tarbeck, famed for his debauchery and lust."[/p][p]"Forced to attend one of his evening parties, you must uncover some way to persuade him to give the GTC what they want... or else."[/p][p]"But Lord Tarbeck's parties are no simple evening affair, and guests eager to get close to Lord Tarbeck must first play his twisted, perverted games."[/p][p]"With a host of lovely ladies already at your side, the only question is,"[/p][p]"Which Cinderella will you bring to the ball?"[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]... And with that, that's all we at Damned Studios have to say,[/h3][h3]Merry Christmas, [/h3][h3]and a happy new year! [/h3]