Month Beginning Post: 2025 & January Plans
Added 2025-01-01 19:00:09 +0000 UTC
[Incredibly cute guest art done by sheemin on Tumblr]
Can you believe it? IT’S 2025! 🎉We hope this year is full of completed goals, fulfilled dreams, and time spent for YOU. (Perhaps with a GB Patch game? 🤭)
So, what’s the plan for OL2 this year? More below, but we can confirm that there will be at least one more major demo launch update for folks to explore. Keep an eye out for more updates and estimates on Patreon and our socials. We frequently have news to share regarding daily progress and would love for you to see them.
Let’s push on toward GB’s hopes and dreams for 2025 ✨!
2025 Schedule:
Hey everyone, it’s GB Lady writing this part of the post! Claire handled the rest of the update. However, I wanted to explain how things were going with Our Life: Now & Forever. My hope was that the base game and some DLCs would release near the very end of this very year, late November most likely. Even though 2025 has just started, I can already see that we might not hit that goal. I’ve made mistakes these past few months.
There was a certain amount of work I needed to have done by the end of 2024 to keep to the planned schedule. Step 1 needed to be fully written. That happened! The massive Step 2 prologue had to get checked off, I did that too. But I wanted to have at least four Step 2 Moments scripted out. Instead, I’m at two and a half. One and a half Moments isn’t massive in the grand scheme of the project, but it’s not that likely I’ll work fast enough to make up for being that behind. I could catch up on a few days of progress, but this being multiple weeks’ worth of work makes it more complicated. Plus, if I ever get sick during 2025 or decide to go see family, I could get even more behind. By the end of 2025, the game could still need a few months, not just to finish the writing but to then edit/proofread, program, and test the late scripts.
The problems began when I started writing those Step 2 Moments. To be honest, I haven’t been confident in creating the teenage time period. The leads are going through a tough time and I don’t know if I’m portraying it well or if any of this is enjoyable. When I feel unsure of myself, I tend to overcompensate by making things bigger, an “if it’s not quality it can at least be quantity” type of deal.
I already accounted for Step 2 scenes being longer than Step 1 in my plans since there’s more alterations to consider, yet these first few Moments have still taken more time than I ever anticipated. It’s gotta stop. In 2025 I need to get a grip. I have to be stricter with myself on designing scenes no matter how much I feel compelled to expand and expand.
So, what is either going to end up happening is there could be some Moments in Step 2 that feel unusually pared down or short to make up for the unexpectedly long ones, or we’ll have to accept the loss, keep going as normal from here, and the game ends up delayed until 2026. No matter what, we’ll keep you informed.
I’m sorry to start the year on a low note like that. In better news, there will be another public demo update coming in 2025! It will expand the Step 2 prologue more. I’ll also be sharing a lot more info on my ideas for the game coming after OL2 over the next twelve months (the project is not in development at all, it’s just me thinking about what I want to do in the future).
There will be multiple casting calls to bring VAs onto the team for OL2. You’ll finally get to hear what these characters sound like! Then perhaps 2025 will finally be the year Our Life comes out on the Google Playstore or gets verified for Macs. We’ll see. Anything could happen.
But that’s mainly it. Thank you so much for following along with this grand story adventure. We’ll keep doing our best to actually finish something. Happy new year, everybody 🥳️
Monthly Content Plans:
Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s bring it back to the start! What’s happening in January?
First, GB will finish writing the Step 2 Moment “Assistance” (though, that name may change as development progresses). Once that is wrapped up, a completely new Step 2 Moment will be drafted and writing will begin on it! Keep an eye out for posts about all three of these goals – you won’t be disappointed!
Here’s a big one! A Patreon Beta will be released with at least half of the Moment “Colorful Class” completed. And, wait, is that… ANOTHER public beta update? YOU BET IT IS! A second public beta update for January will be available, which adds back the original Step 2 preview scenes – now edited and reworked.
Lastly, there will potentially be a few new job position openings for either artists or VAs. GB would like to bring a few new folks on board to work on OL2 as development continues.
And that’s January! It’s a big month, full of updates and new content that you won’t want to miss.
Important Links from December:
Viewable at Tier 3 or higher
Viewable at Tier 5 or higher
Viewable at Tier 1 or higher
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And there you have it! Whether it’s new asset reveals, demo updates, fan contests, or reliving some OL1 throwbacks, you’re in for a treat this year. We promise to work hard to bring you the content you love, with some surprises along the way. We hope the next 365 days are everything you hope they could be – we’ll be there every step of the way. Happy New Year to you all!
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Comments
100% what makes the games so amazing is the quality! Take as much time as you need!
Estelle 🐍
2025-01-27 02:05:17 +0000 UTCTake the time you need, I would personally rahter wait s couple of extra months for great quality and something you can be hopefully be happy with.
Emi K
2025-01-15 09:02:11 +0000 UTCPlease take all the time you need! I’d rather wait an extra couple months for top notch quality than sooner for less, if that makes sense. Please don’t stress yourself
Mary Hoban
2025-01-14 02:29:54 +0000 UTCSo I'm not always best at phrasing so apologies in advance. I feel like it's generally a better idea to take a couple of extra months to be sure you're happy with the final game rather than rushing (especially with the risk of being sick/general need to avoid burnout by doing fun things occasionally). Especially since once the game is released it'll be a lot harder to make structural changes to the main game itself. EDIT: I meant to start a new paragraph and posted the comment. But essentially I think I speak for the majority of people when I say (given your track record of putting out good content) I'd rather just wait a little longer to know you'll be happy with what is released rather than rushing for the sake of a deadline
Iain Docherty
2025-01-10 14:11:36 +0000 UTCI agree with everyone else - would I love this to be out tomorrow? Of course, it's hard not to be excited with what we have seen so far and knowing the journey you took us on with Cove. However for that very reason it will be worth the wait - and worth you feeling happy with your creation. Please don't undervalue yourself as a creator - I know you are, in the end, making a product you want to sell (as well all need to make a living), this is your art too and it is important you feel able to create the story that matches your vision for it. I have played alot of interactive novels and the world you created stands out so far above any others - and some of those were really good. The depth, the customisation, the way you can really feel like you are making a chosen family for yourself is just amazing. The way the little things carry over - like being able to say 'rude' when you first see Liz in step 4 - make it feel like you really have that history with the characters. That you have characters that shine because of their imperfections - they don't have to become some idealised version of themselves to be valued and loved just as they are. Already I can see that with N&F - I recently tried a character who just didn't like talking, and the way the characters noted that as you went along and took steps to be supportive - not just the dialogue that you can choose but actual additional interactions initiated by them, however small, really made it feel like your character choices matter. I've rambled enough (what can I say, I am a geek and I do that when I am passionate), just know that you are amazing. I work with numbers and we talk about making a budget vs re-forecasting as like when you plan out a route for a ship and if there were some icebergs you wouldn't stick to your original plan, of course you would map out a different course even if it took a bit longer. Life throws up obstacles in our way, or we see new opportunities, changing your plans to accommodate them is just sensible.
Tam
2025-01-08 23:46:39 +0000 UTCPlease don't push yourself too hard. Sometimes things just take a little extra time and that's okay. The game is gonna be amazing regardless of whether it releases in 2025 or later. ❤️
Jana K
2025-01-06 16:24:29 +0000 UTCYou’re doing so much good and your stories are inspiring and heartwarming. I know I don’t mind waiting for a completed game until 2026. I think it would be an injustice to rush production on Steps 2 & 3. Step 1 is great for foundation, step 2 builds on the relationships and helps guide the characters toward their goals as adults. Step 3 tests their bonds as they prepare for a life of adulthood. Not sure how Step 3 at 18 will work, but I’m pumped to see how all of it unfolds. The wait doesn’t matter so long as you create art you are proud of. We love you and the whole GB Patch Team.
Nikkisama
2025-01-06 02:53:38 +0000 UTCGb don’t be so hard on yourself and remember you can always ask for ideas and help from this amazing community. We believe in you!
Messy
2025-01-05 09:51:53 +0000 UTCAs so many other people have said, take your time! There's so many good features thanks to the team's hard work. From how Step 2 started, I thought you were doing great and if you feel unsure of yourself, definitely take a step back if you need to, quality is a lot better in the long run! Be proud of your work by taking your time with it! (and even if you're not proud of your work after OL2 is finished, at least you can say you did your best which some companies can't say)
Doveless
2025-01-05 02:24:17 +0000 UTCThank you for being direct with us about the possible change in time frame! As others have mentioned, I don't think waiting till 2026 is an issue at all. OLNF is such a big game and we know how hard you're working on developing it. And besides our expectations, what's also important is that YOU are happy with your game. This is your work after all, your stories and your characters. It won't do if you release OLNF without being at least content with what you've created. So take the time you need!! Of course Step 2 is hard, its a hard stage to tell. God knows I have a hard time describing my grievances when I was 14, regardless whether it was just petty teenage angst or not. But I have faith in your capabilities as a storyteller so I know you'll be alright :)) It looks like January is gonna be a busy month so good luck to you and the rest of the team! Here's to a wonderful 2025 <33
Audi
2025-01-02 15:10:54 +0000 UTCTake your time!! The game is amazing and it deserves all the love, even if it comes later then expected, keep it up and try not to stress yourself out! :D If you're feeling stuck or not sure about any upcoming beta release, I'm quite sure people you know irl and a lot of us here, would be happy to help! Like supporting by suggesting ways to improve it, and sharing some experiences as teenagers to give an ideas of what Qiu and Tamarack might go through as characters.
Firefly Studios (also known as holybreadstick)
2025-01-02 10:01:56 +0000 UTCI ask that you please focus on making the game good, do NOT rush, take your time, make it meet your standards. Personally, I don't mind waiting past 2025 for a proper release. You guys are human, you all have lives, do not ignore that. This games is extraordinary but you shouldn't feel pressured to catch up on work that hasn't been completed to meet the communities' expectations. If you're really struggling with writing the teenage part of the story, you can always ask the teenage part of the community, even young adults, for input on if what you're writing/planning makes sense for teenagehood. After all, they should be able to provide an answer that a teenager would probably say. But anyway, keep up the great work and do not stress yourself out.
Destie D
2025-01-02 02:02:50 +0000 UTCIn the wise words of a certain dev " A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad." Take your time, and take care of yourself. Good things take time and we all can wait.
Ana Batista
2025-01-02 00:04:11 +0000 UTCIt is ok Kab we can wait until 2026 absolutely this is a game worth waiting for heck i could wait to 2027 if you would need extra extra time so dont feel like you have to rush or get the base game out in 2025 at all costs i think most of us agree and understand hugs
idis91
2025-01-01 22:51:08 +0000 UTCIf it takes extra time I say take it, stressing about not portraying it well and overcompensating I doubt is the reason you’re making it in the first place. It’s a labour of love, and sometimes taking a step back and giving it extra time to bake is important! In regards to your concerns about not writing the teenage scenes well, I think you did a great job last time. And I can tell you have compelling hooks for drama, Qiu’s frustration about their identity (which I sympathise with) and Tama’s difficulties with her parents, not to mention potential tension between Opal and MC, Qiu and their parents. Tama and her own grandparents with that problem from Fancy Fun we don’t understand yet. Ren and her doubts about her identity too, nevermind we haven’t met a lot of the cast still! At least to me, having everything be happy and no conflict at all feels like it doesn’t encourage seeing depth and character as much as doubts and tension sometimes. Though there are plenty of examples I’m rereading right now of you pulling off both really well. I think it’s okay to trust in yourself more, and just tell the story in the way you want to and that makes you happiest. It’ll be apparent to everyone who reads it when you do, I’m literally rereading Baxter’s epilogue right now and there is certainly plenty of tension you wrote well right there. Thank you for all that you do, I love playing your Our Life series very much. And thank you to your whole team for working on these incredible games and including the community so well too. I hope you had a great New Year!
ItaLii
2025-01-01 22:48:27 +0000 UTComg sry my eyes kinda just skipped the first few paragraphs😭! I don’t mind waiting till 2026 for the game too, what’s more important is for y’all to stay healthy and not overwork yourselves!
e_
2025-01-01 21:50:37 +0000 UTCIn my own opinion, I also do not mind waiting for 2026; These games are so worth the wait, and if that means we wait a little longer for what was originally planned then that is okay!! Even if it’s delayed, it’d be great to see your original vision for the longer scenes set in step 2 ❤️
Keith
2025-01-01 21:15:12 +0000 UTCLife rarely goes according to plan. I’m perfectly fine waiting until 2026 for a fully fleshed out project. As a gamer there’s very few things that frustrate me like feeling developers rushed things to meet a deadline. Take your time, take care of yourselves, take breaks. We’re not gonna hold being human against you I promise
Supershybutpushingthroughit
2025-01-01 20:50:22 +0000 UTCIt's probably a moot point to say not to worry. I understand the frustrations and the pressure on yourself, but this community is great and you're always transparent about things so I don't think you should worry too much about getting it out this year if it goes that way. We can be patient.
Peach
2025-01-01 20:01:40 +0000 UTCcan’t wait to hear the characters’ voices!!!😋
e_
2025-01-01 19:54:31 +0000 UTCTake breaks when you feel like you should ❤️ a late release is better than knowing the creator got burnt out. We are all here because we love your project and want to see it at its best and we can't see that without the creator being in good health
Mouse
2025-01-01 19:20:49 +0000 UTCI personally don't mind watiting till 2026- These games are so great, its worth the wait!
Generic_AC
2025-01-01 19:20:30 +0000 UTCI understand its disappointing to not meet your goals, and that youre having to think about the potential audience costs of not getting the full game out sooner rather than later, but I feel its worth sharing that its very doubtful we will see 'less quality' in these longer moments even if it feels that way to you. To the readers, we're likely going to be thrilled that there is more and more if your wonderdul writing to interact with. Thats how I feel, anyways. Really appreciative of everything you have aacomplished this year and very happy to be here for all that 2025 will bring.
theoktony
2025-01-01 19:14:42 +0000 UTCI think it’s a wonderful idea for you to take a step back. And while you may not have the time to actually take a course on scripting for video games, doing some quick reading might not hurt. I did the two masterclasses with The Narrative Department and found they gave a lot of insight and focus. They also have lots of free blogs and small cost workshops. Wishing you and the whole team the best, Kab!
Sai Aiza
2025-01-01 19:09:39 +0000 UTCThank you so much Claire and GB Patch! So excited to see your posts this year! Take care of yourselves, that’s what’s most important! Everything works out in the end, stay safe!
DaniBoo
2025-01-01 19:05:55 +0000 UTCThanks for all the hard work. Take care of yourselves this year!
Alyn Revilo
2025-01-01 19:04:33 +0000 UTC
