Hello everyone!

It's already been three weeks since the last devlog... and honestly, I didn't even notice them go by.

Right after the last devlog, there was that one big event I focused on, and before I knew it, an entire week had slipped past...

Anyway, time for a new update on Chapter 3!

What's Been Done?

• Right now, I'm at 648 renders and 32 animations.

I also have about 15 more renders mostly ready, but as I'm writing this devlog, I'm still deciding which background to use.
By this point, I expected to have more renders and fewer animations... looks like Chapter 3 might end up with a lot more animations than Chapter 2.

Note: This render count includes both vanilla and patch content, since I'm working on both at the same time.

• Rendered all Scene Scribbles.

Your messages have been properly added to their respective events. Thank you for participating!

• Set up the script so Sensei's event now uses layer-based scene renders.

This event comes back every chapter using the same visuals, with only the chalkboard changing.
Using this system will save time and space in the long run.
I'll also update the older chapters to use it starting with the Chapter 4 release.

Preview Pic

I was torn between this pic and one of Misaki, but I've got to save the better ones for the full preview!

So, what about Katsumi... and MC holding a sword? 
Maybe he's trying out a bold new speed-dating strategy?
Or maybe he finally had enough of all the rom-com nonsense and decided to commit violence on school grounds just to get this game deplatformed!
...
Ah, but don't worry, both of these fictional characters are fully consenting adults.
Aaaand, as luck would have it, we even have a respected member of a totally legitimate fictional feminist group in the background, ready to vouch for the whole thing!

On a more serious note, I also found a way to improve mob appearances (not in this preview pic). Still need to figure out if it's worth going back and applying those changes to all the Chapter 3 renders I've already done, though.

What's Next?

• More rendering and animating...

I'm getting close to the finish line, but I definitely underestimated the work needed for some events.
Like seriously, that one event that ate up a whole week? It was supposed to be quick and easy. Damn whoever wrote the script!
...Well, I might have also been a little too inspired while working on it... Tee-hee~

• Takeshi's cultured preview

Another one is coming next week for Classmate-tier subscribers. I hope this new format, shorter but more frequent than before, works well for you.

• Fixing the writing in previous chapters

Along with some other miscellaneous tasks.

About the current situation (Itch, payment processors, the E.U., censorship, etc.)

lol

Where to follow me if something happens

Check the support links displayed in the game (Patreon, Subscribestar, Boosty, Itch).

I also have a (mostly abandoned) Ko-fi page, but I at least post new releases there.

And if worst comes to worst... you can probably find the latest release on your favorite pirate site.

For each release, I'll make sure the support links displayed in the game menu are updated to wherever I'm currently active.

ETA?!!!

I won't lie, I underestimated the amount of work needed for this chapter.

Overall, I still think I've made good progress, but time is flying at a scary pace.

The 'good' news is that I've been working on this game almost full-time since last week, so I should be able to make up for some of the delay.

I'd prefer not to, but I still have options to save time, like skipping the rewritten Prologue and Chapter 1 in the early release.

Right now, I think a release in the second half of September is a realistic estimate, maybe even mid-September for the early release.

Final Word

Again, I'm fully focused on making the renders right now, so I'm sorry if I missed things.

The popularity poll will be closed somewhere around the first half of September, so if you are still yet to vote, don't wait too long!

And finally...
I hate skirts.
Next time? Every single heroine is wearing baggy pants. No exceptions. No skirts. No fighting Koikatsu to make them behave.
I mean it. I hate skirts.

And that's a wrap for this 3rd devlog.
A huge thank you to everyone supporting and following this project!
I'll ask for a bit more patience as I keep pushing forward.
I hope you'll enjoy what's coming next in RomCom: Divergence!

For Classmate-tier subscribers, I'll see you next week with another little sneak peek of Chapter 3's "plot."

As for everyone else, I'll catch you again by September 10 at the latest.

Thank you for your time!
-Haptales