Hello, lovely players! I’m Ya Mao, and here’s the January game development update for Shiba Sweet.
This month, my development efforts were fully focused on launching the online Playtest and collecting player feedback through surveys. Key updates include a new "Delete Save" feature in the main menu, the implementation of Grandma’s postcard system and Demo content, and the creation of the Chef Star Challenge, including its scenes, logic, and animations.
Throughout January, I received so much love and encouragement from players. The feedback has been incredibly valuable, and I am so glad I decided to host the online Playtest. A huge thank you to all the lovely players who participated! I have compiled a detailed list of reported bugs and am fixing them one by one to ensure the upcoming Demo provides a smooth and complete experience.
Before the Playtest, the basic save system was ready, but players couldn't delete existing saves. This meant that after starting several new games, they couldn't create any more files. A week into the Playtest, I pushed an update that fixed several known bugs and added the option to delete saves directly from the menu.
During the Playtest, I was still finalizing the logic and content for Grandma’s postcards. Some sharp-eyed players noticed they weren't receiving them yet, which was a great catch! I am happy to announce that the system is now fully functional. In the official Demo, players will receive postcards from Grandma as they progress. Each card features her travel footsteps, unique stamps, and encouraging messages written specifically for my Shiba players.
In the Playtest, the journey ended at the application page for the Chef Star Challenge. In the official Demo, players will finally be able to take on this fun and adorable challenge. Experience the thrill of the trial and earn the prestigious title of a One-Star Dessert Chef!
I have many hopes for the new year and am steadily working toward them one step at a time. Seeing more players falling in love with this Shiba game makes me realize my responsibility as an indie developer. I want to bring the best possible experience to players worldwide and leave a beautiful memory in your lives.
Thank you for reading and for walking this path with me. The Demo is officially launching in February. See you in the game soon!
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