Psychic Connections
Update on the Tale of an Unending Hiatus
Welp, I've been dreading making this post, but I best just rip off the Band-Aid. I had genuinely hoped that I would be in a better position with Psychic Connections when I'd made the last devlog, a lot has happened between then and now yet from many perspectives, it may look like nothing has happened with the project. For that, I apologize. I've drafted this post a number of times, and each time I do it's never hit the right notes, and I definitely also put some pressure on myself by declaring the last devlog to be the last one I'd planned to write for the hiatus. However, these are just excuses, and that isn't fair to you all and you should be more aware of what's going on.
I've posted idle things on Twitter (Or X if you're into the rename), to highlight some of the changes we have coming, but I realize not everyone is following the project on other socials so I should take the time to properly share those details here, and perhaps a bit more.
Before that though I'll get into a bit of a personal life dump here and then sandwich some at the end. *Feel Free to Skip this Paragraph if this doesn't really interest you.) Part of the reason this hiatus took so long is my decision to prioritize my education, which I don't regret, however at some point I lost the ability to balance, and this project became completely sidelined. I still would hire the artists for work (though more infrequently as I paused the Patreon back in 2021, so I'd had to go back to out of pocket commission-work), and I was doing storyboarding for various plans, but I wasn't making any major strides on actual scene scripts like I was back in the Quarantine-Era of the project. Even now, I can't be certain that school won't be taking my time; after maintaining my grades the opportunity for a master's degree is on the table and if I pursue it, I have to factor that into my schedule as I move forward. (Though I don't think I'll be pursuing that full-time like I was with the bachelor's so I'm hoping for more availability moving forward.)
We've gotten a lot of updates to the Art by Shiuk, all of the Sprite Assets are now shaded, and in addition to that Shiuk has done some extra posing and expressions for the main lads, as well as finalized a lot of our CG work that we had initially done.
Additionally, outside of Shiuk's sprite-work, we've had a custom UI implemented which I'd mentioned in the last dev-log but wanted to highlight it again here:
Though if I'm being frank, I'm still playing around with some elements like font-size and such. But I also know a lot of those elements aren't new. I'd mentioned the UI, and the Extra Menu Screens like the Music Lounge, and other elements in the last dev-log. (Though some of those elements upon further testing needed a fair amount of tweaking to function properly.)
As I'd mentioned in the last devlog, a lot of the holdup had been me, and that's still the case. I've been doing a lot of work rescoping the story, analyzing what story I'm trying to tell, and how to tell it in a concise but fulfilling manner. I've been working on some scenes I have planned for the next build, in addition to the rewrites of earlier days. I've also been tackling a lot of personal issues within my family, too many to name as it's been a tumultuous year. However, I know I'm not the only one with struggles, and I'm handling it, and I appreciate everyone's patience despite the last update being... 4 years ago. (It's frankly miraculous if anyone even reads this post after so long.)
I'd like to turn around and tell you that the next update is the end of Summer, or Winter, or this year, and if I find myself with enough spare time it should be possible, but I made that promise in the last devlog, and truly I do not know if I can guarantee that. I'm optimistic, but I've let others and myself down with these deadlines, only to let life and other elements sideline me.
All that to say, I can assure you all of the following: The project IS still in progress and has NOT been abandoned. I am still working on things albeit at a snail's pace, and it will come out once it is in a state that I think it is ready. I do hope when the next update does come out, folks enjoy where it is at. In the meanwhile, I'm going to work on doing better about keeping folks updated on all the various platforms, and apologies again for the wait on a proper update here. (I'm hoping the next one won't be so negative and wordy.)
Comments
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as someone who done a BA Hons i understand trying to balance work and passion project is never easy.
Even this one update has given me and many others a happy moment to know that such a wonderful project is still alive like a garden snail :3
Take as long as you need rook. good things come to those who wait. And as we waited 4 years we can wait longer still -hugs-
God, I wish I could just give you a hug. You're doing wonderful, please keep doing wonderful. Some people can't have any patience and it shows. <3
Greetings! I'm still here, patiently awaiting updates. It's hard to believe it's been four years; time certainly does fly. We're all rooting for you, so please don't apologize. I appreciate the update and your openness; it's very welcoming. Thank you. I, for one, am incredibly excited for your project. You've dedicated a significant amount of time to this, and it's wonderful to see your progress.
Regarding the challenges: a lack of communication and unfulfilled promises can certainly lead to setbacks. Perhaps breaking the project into smaller, manageable steps would be beneficial. Implement checkpoints; remember, it's not a race, but a project you should enjoy. Progress, even at a slow pace, is still progress. Holding yourself accountable is crucial, although not always easy and i really do get that . Balancing your studies with this project is a significant undertaking, and your dedication is commendable and your big example of dedication and resilience💙.
It's important to remember your value, not just as the creator of this incredible visual novel, but as an artist bringing something meaningful into the world for us to experience. Through your creation, you offer us not only enjoyment but also a glimpse into your unique perspective. Believe in the significance of your work and be gentle with yourself throughout this process.✌🏻
As a Miraculous fan, I know how to deal with space between each update but I a serious note, we're glad that the story wasn't abandoned and we'll be here when you're finally able to update it. CONGRATULATIONS on getting your bachelor's degree and good luck on finishing the master's program
Take as long as you need, we're happy to wait. Life has to come first. Keep safe out there. <3
This story is so good that I am willing to wait half a decade if I need to. Take care of urself :3
FINALLY!!! It looks great! I'm so excited to play this again when it gets the update! I've been following along updates on everything whenever/I see them. I haven't left a comment here in probably 4 years or so, not sure. But thank you for a update and I hope everything gets better for you and your family.
Crazy how I was in high school when I first played it and now I'm a uni student lol
This story partially helped me mentally prepare for my life in uni and I'm grateful you haven't abandon this VN <3
It's alright that your taking your time to do this, but it's great to hear that your continuing the project.
WOOHOO!!!
I've liked your story for awhile! I'm glad it's still in progress :)
Didnt play too much of this but, the fact you still are working on this is good enough for me take your time we have to wait regardless so dont stress yourself more than you need to
I wasn't sure that I would get to read this.
I don't mind a lack of content (a sentiment many obviously share), so long as we're informed on the general state of things. Life gets busy, and it gets messy - especially when it comes to family & education. Best of luck and I hope to see an update at some point!
Long as you keep updating us all I am more than happy. Real life is always a priority, but I feel like this novel always has had a lot of worth to it even without the need for psychic part making me not want it to be abandoned.
While I may have always had my own preferences on things I cannot deny that each character had an appeal to me. For me it really came down hard on both Jude and Aiden for I saw myself in both of them and their values and beliefs and even the way they act. Yet like Mason I am stuck in the middle in reality. In the end sadly when it came to making a choice, I had to make my choice that could be based on something that even I feel is a bit shameful. YET it is mired in my wanting that, while I choose Aiden I could still somehow workout things with Jude and Aiden. My personal desire is to allow for the option to have Mason mend the unneeded rift. Even if I cannot have them both at once, I want to keep Jude close.
What I've always seen is Aiden's desire to his rich standing to give to the poor. You don't see that much for real. I also seen how Adien wants to work with Jude to find an arrangement to give Jude what he needs without it being a handout, something Jude made clear he does not want.
While I may be discarding Quinn and Sam for now, these are feelings that still linger from the last release that I still hold onto. This is all how vivid I still remember the story and characters. I may base myself in logic, but it is not without emotion. This may be a work of fiction, but I cannot help but feel for them for I see them as if they were real people.
Glad To hear the project is still alive. And good luck with your master's program
Despite the hiatus, I'm still looking forward to this game! I know how life is, and making a game is a lot of work. Take care of yourself <3
Thank you so much for your honesty and transparency. This kind of message is never easy to write, but it shows how deeply you care about this project and the community that supports it. Honestly, you have no need to apologize for putting your personal life and your studies first—it's completely understandable and even admirable.
Creating something as ambitious as a VN requires not only time but also mental, emotional, and creative energy. The fact that you continue to move forward, even at a slower pace, despite personal challenges and academic responsibilities, is already an achievement in itself.
It's great to see that despite the hiatus, you never completely gave up on the project—you just let it breathe while you took care of yourself, and that's exactly what you needed to do. What you share here gives the project even more value, because it is the result of true human commitment.
We'll be there, no matter how long it takes. Take the time you need, move at your own pace, and above all, continue to take care of yourself. The fact that you communicate with such sincerity shows how much this project means to you, and that's what makes us want to continue supporting it.
Good luck for the future, and thank you again for everything you do, take your time we will be there at the end, from a sincere fan.
ITS ALIVE!!!
Take your time and focus on your education, true fans will wait myself included. The visal aspects look so good so that's definitely worth it alone.