Poll: Update Split

Hello all, like we mentioned in our last dev diary, we wanted to do a poll about how to release the next update. Not to necessarily have you make the decision for us, but to get a reading on our silent majority's temperature. Please read the below context before you vote:

So, it's been roughly 8 months since the last update and we're coming up to a point in the story where I believe I can organically hang a "thanks for playing" sign. In more transparent terms, that means a place where I think I can put a cliffhanger that won't make the reader go "fuck you."

Where to end an update is a tricky thing. It's a balancing act between what we believe will make for a satisfying stand-alone reading experience and the existential dread that we'll lose relevance in the AVN world if things take too long. Basically, almost every update cycle ends with us going "man, we've got to get this out," but that is usually at the tail-end of the planned content. In this case, the 2300+ images and 77 animations we currently have is probably like 60-70% of what the update will take.

I personally believe exhibition 3 as a singular update will offer the most satisfying experience, but if we push on, it is a very real and likely possibility Ch4Up6 will release early next year. Honestly, since our last update was in December of 2024, that hard reality makes us both panic. Taking more than a year on a single dev cycle is a club of AVNs we don't wish to join. For one, the more we update, the more likely we are to both grow and hold your current interest. You guys graciously support us, and as much as I say “it takes as long as it takes,” there is a line of decency.

On the flip side, even if this one does take a year, I consider it an outlier. Exhibitions are big events we base the entire week around. Exhibition 2 took 6 months, which was our longest and biggest update at the time. And in proportion with our growing standards, that will be true of a full fledged exhibition 3. There is also the technicality that turning this into two updates will actually take longer in the grand scheme of things. Putting out the 60-70% we have now, will mean the remaining update will drop later than the singular full day one would have when you factor in proofing time and administrative tasks that come with a release.

Now, what we have so far isn’t lacking. Hana has multiple scenes, there’s something for Mina, Lucy, Kat, Sophia, and a new character you’ll meet. Plus various club girls are in the mix, both in minor and significant ways. There’s some Vicky video content too, depending on your choice at the end of last update. And that’s just the sex stuff, which I know isn’t as important to some of you. In addition, every scene leading up to Edwin getting to the club pretty much has an alternative scene or branch. Then comes the free roam, which is a whole other can of worms. While not as extreme as the lead in, it has some very distinct choices and endings.

All of this to say I suspect cutting up the update will be less satisfying for those of you with singular play throughs. Those of you who like to see everything, you’re more likely to feel like it was worth your bandwidth and time.

Anyway, I know that was a lot, but I wanted you to have a full picture of what we are considering. We’re indecisive bitches like that and are hoping you guys can help. Thanks.