As we reach the end of the 2nd quarter of 2026, ACT 2 approaches closer and closer. I would like to give an update on what's been happening. (Don't worry, there's no bad news!)
Announced at the end of ACT 1, the 2nd act is still projected to release in Q4 of 2026. One of the largest obstacles to ever threaten that release was financial, as voice acting is the largest expense for To Be Altered when I am solely responsible for many major aspects to the game. I'm pleased to say now that it isn't as large as a problem as it once was.
Circumstances in my life has changed positively; I have more time, more inspiration, and better tools (I now use clip studio paint, which has a better brush engine than photoshop) + improved skills to keep going. I've been quite slow at writing ACT 2 earlier this year, but I can confidently say that I'm soon to move on to writing the 3rd part of the story! Yay!
I also have projected a PREQUEL to the story to be released after TBA is complete. The formatting of this prequel is more likely to turn out as its own book or as a NVL visual novel. (NVL's have text that occupy all or most of the screen. To Be Altered is an ADV visual novel, where text occupies a small part of the screen.) If it was to be a NVL VN, it will be a linear story. No branching paths and only one ending. If fortune's by my side, it would be awesome to have it be fully narrated like an audiobook.
Some may think it's a bit early to soft-announce such a thing, but it is still an important part of the story. It is something that I have already begun writing on the side whilst I mainly work on the game.
Before I jinx anything else, thank you so much to those who have played, reviewed and shared my game to your friends or followers. It has a huge impact on me, much bigger than you would think! Now listen, I don't want to sound like a greedy a-hole that encourages you to make your friends buy my game just to give me more support, because in reality, traveling words affect me much more than money in this "career" path. Go on discord right now and stream this game for your friends and drool over the questionable and/or emotionally unavailable scare actors.
Lastly, HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! Now more than ever, Pride is so important. We must stay aware and keep uplifting and protecting each other during these scary times. It's not difficult for LGBTQ+ people to get lost in the dark when so many rights are being challenged or stripped away, so please, take care of your LGBTQ+ friends and make sure they feel safe and supported. If you feel hopeless or scared, reach out to someone. To Be Altered is all about queerness, identity, and hope, so I feel that it is important to be proactive about these issues and to celebrate Pride.