V0.15 Release News
Added 2024-05-11 09:02:48 +0000 UTCTL;DR
- DB has problems
- billing remains paused until further notice
- v0.15 has been split in half
- first half will be released sometime in next 24 hours
- second half will be released when finished
Hi, guys.
Firstly, I'm sorry for the delays and issues.
My life has undergone significant changes since I started Hillside four years ago, and things are just not working for me right now. I no longer enjoy making Hillside and haven't done for a long time. I'm constantly stressed and unhappy, and it's affecting my personal life, the people around me, and my health.
I am not going to abandon Hillside, so please don't worry about that. However, I can't continue like this and need to make some big changes so that I'm not making myself ill or messing Hillside's supporters and fans around with delays and other issues.
I'm not sure what those changes are yet, and I'm not going to make any decisions until after I've taken a break. Patreon and Subscribestar billing will remain paused until I've decided what I'm going to do and informed everyone of any changes I decide to make.
Unfortunately, I've been unable to fully finish v0.15 for release today, so I've split it in half. The first half will be released in the next 24 hours and the second half will be released once it is finished. Each half is roughly the size of v0.14.
Apologies,
DB
Comments
It takes courage to accept that the direction we have taken has led to discontent and unhappiness and to try to change it. It's never easy and there's a risk that things won't get better for a while, but it's the only right thing to do. I wish you all the best. And whatever the future holds, I will be forever grateful for Hillside, even if we never see another update. It has been an experience I wouldn't want to miss. Thank you.
Callisto
2024-05-13 07:58:26 +0000 UTCMost of us share a common motivation: supporting you. If taking an extended break and/or drastically slowing your work on the game is the best thing for you, I'm sure that most of us will be all in favour. I assume that enjoying the process is essential to generating that creative spark... so take care of yourself, DB. No pressure from us... I am more than happy to continue as a supporter, even if you take a hiatus.
Raife
2024-05-12 14:23:11 +0000 UTCGlad you're taking a break for your health. You've given us great content so far, and I think we're all patient enough to wait until you're ready to return. Best of luck with your health. :)
Projman
2024-05-12 06:03:26 +0000 UTCGotta say, if you are doing something that you haven't enjoyed for a long time, is causing you stress and is impacting on your personal relationships, there is only one answer: Stop Doing It!! Don't think you owe us anything and need to start it again after a break. I would prefer you abandon the game than end up in the same invidious position again.
John Boy
2024-05-12 02:58:22 +0000 UTCdon't worry db. take care of yourself. nothing else fucking matters. take some time out and come down properly.
ID3D
2024-05-11 23:45:43 +0000 UTCSo sorry to hear that, but your physical and mental well-being are an absolute number-one priority. Be well.
The Gent Perv
2024-05-11 22:05:58 +0000 UTCDude, you deal with your health first man, while i wish 0.15 came out today, but i can wait, focus on yourself first man. :-)
Lithari
2024-05-11 21:23:58 +0000 UTC( billing remains paused until further notice) bravo that is the right thing to do
danish guy
2024-05-11 21:20:00 +0000 UTCI like that idea - Season 1, then he can spend 3 month off before Season 2
Marc Chase
2024-05-11 20:55:10 +0000 UTCI agree with eveything said, take care of youself. Finish what you had planned and call this season 1. Take as much time off as you need to recharge your creative juices.
mrapierwit
2024-05-11 17:05:18 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself man. The game is very very good but for you your mental and physical health and happiness should be the priority. Not going anywhere. i support you.
Eric V
2024-05-11 15:34:19 +0000 UTCFamily and Health are always priorities, so take all the time you need, DB. I LOVE the game, but it can always wait. We support you wholeheartedly and just want what's best for you. We'll be here for you when you're ready to come back. Love and appreciate you and everything you do, DB ❤.
Jonathan Hang
2024-05-11 14:10:45 +0000 UTCFour years is a long time in a person's life and many things happen that change during this period. You are going through a very stressful and uninspiring time. Take some time to rest and recover your health and spirits, and know that we are all here to help and support you. Once you have recovered, you can return to this project and continue. The worst thing is to make decisions under stress and regret them later. Rest assured that no one here will abandon your project, and what we want most is your well-being and to support you in whatever you need, as we admire your work done so far.
Flavio Paganini
2024-05-11 13:57:52 +0000 UTCEverybody supports you, DarkBlue. 🙂
Impious Monk
2024-05-11 13:28:21 +0000 UTCI'm sorry for the news, but health is the most important thing. I hope everything goes as you wish.
Castiel
2024-05-11 11:35:22 +0000 UTCYour mental health is top priority n no game is worth that. You are very talented with what the game is so far but it's very easy to see that you r suffering from severe burnout with the game development. It is highly common and it's not your fault. Take two months away to heal n rebuild your mental fortitude. As for how to proceed honestly I think you should consider finishing up plotlines n ending the game with version 16 or 17. After that if you want to make more games you can but it has to be fun n rewarding for you n not be an albatross on your life
SithLordMethos
2024-05-11 10:48:56 +0000 UTCI'm really sorry to hear that, it's not easy to announce news like this and when you feel your mental health threatened, it's really not a good thing and it may take more than a few month to heal. I would say to put the game aside and concentrate on your health, and only when you feel at ease to continue your project to do it. Sad news
Bobbo69
2024-05-11 10:18:19 +0000 UTCTake time off - infact we don't want to hear from you for at least a month. Your health comes first, as does your family
Marc Chase
2024-05-11 10:03:35 +0000 UTCTake the time you need, your health and your family comes first! We can wait until you feel better and enjoy your work on Hillside again.
Revan
2024-05-11 09:49:10 +0000 UTCTake as much time as you need, your health comes first. I don't know about your day to day problems (because they are private things) and I don't want to know about them. But take this as a hobby and don't force yourself, in the end the important thing is to enjoy what you do. And I've noticed that every time you get close to a launch, your stress levels go through the roof. Please, don't give more release dates until you have finished the updates, it doesn't matter if it takes 6 months or 12, it's a pressure you put on yourself unnecessarily. I hope you don't take this comment the wrong way. I wish you all the best.
Bubaldo
2024-05-11 09:42:54 +0000 UTCTake your time, thank you for the work, I have followed the project since it started and I love the work and the story, give priority to your life and when you are ready, we are waiting for you here
Abraham Francisco Cetina Corona
2024-05-11 09:30:28 +0000 UTCTake a few months off then come back hopefully refreshed and ready to continue. This is one of my favourite AVN's and I appreciate all of the time and effort you have put into it. From what I've seen you hate to charge your supporters when you feel like you haven't delivered but please, leave that up to your supporters. I think that you'll find that many will still continue to support you, even while you take a break and relax.
Phil Hayes
2024-05-11 09:23:32 +0000 UTCThank you for your artistry, communication, and desire to not abandoning it despite the stress and lack of enjoyment; I hope you can find enjoyment in the process again IF it is something you wish to do. Take your time, and take care of yourself first. Without you there is no story — you and the ones you hold close are always the most important thing. I know, personally, I don’t mind waiting while you do; as much as I love a good story, your own personal story is far more important than anything.
Lou Folwell
2024-05-11 09:19:02 +0000 UTCTake care of you and yours DB, all else can wait you've always been upfront and transparent about things and that's all we can ask. I can't even imagine the weight of what you've been through and I can only hope things get better going forward wherever possible. All the best mate and take care of yourself.
Terry Latham
2024-05-11 09:17:08 +0000 UTCTake a Break DB, Family and Health is first priority. Everything else secondary.
Raminita
2024-05-11 09:06:19 +0000 UTC