Dev Logs

11/6/2025

3:54pm,Okay, everyone! This is an important (good) new!

As we're writing this dev log, we're started working on our game. We decided that this game will stay as it is, with some minor changes related to design and personality- not really detailed changes, just quirks that came from our ex. The art and the story will stay the same- maybe the drawings will be done on the phone but that's another story for another log. Reality is... My tablet lags a lot and the only app it runs is Ibis Paint, which I do not really like because of the brushes (they look too digital-like), and Infinite Painter is the laggiest app. I'm re-testing Autodesk Sketchbook to see if this one works, but I honestly can't make promises. I have used it before but it is so limited. Small advice from me; do NOT get a Samsung Tab S6 if you want to use Infitine Painter or any art app outside of Ibis Paint.

Back to the game, I will also ask you people to be patient with us. While we have broken out of it, we are still in recovery and will be extremely slow when making this game. However, the demo's script (NOT THE FULL GAME) is almost done. Just four more scenes, two per route/ending, editing the scenes, and soon I will export it to Twine-to-Ren'Py and it will be ready to work on the rest. But we NEED some time to recover.

Anyways, I'm studying right now, so... See ya later, comrades!

11/4/2025

4:14pm, Just as I said, I revamped the site with some colors and new banner and background set. Shadowwork Studios, which matches with our system name, Shadow Paradise.

Similarly, our name on our intro has changed to the new hosts of the system. I know, you probably are confused, but you can act like I'm still the same person. So don't worry, content will always be the same regardless.

About my new identity, though... I recently found out that, while I'm transmasc bodily, our system has incredibly marked gender identities per alter. To this, add that we don't want to fully transition because our body has a somewhat transmasc-aligned traits (turns out I'm likely intersex lol)... Well, we decided to label ourselves as genderfluid. But again, nothing will change when it comes to content.

As for the game, we are still in on hiatus for our own comfort. But we have been considering remaking the game plot or even change the entire project altogether. I have a lot of things to reconsider as of right now, and this story brings memories I do not like since this game had a lot of things my ex-partner suggested for it, and I want to change the story or even the concept. The annoying part is that, well, the demo is VERY CLOSE to be done on Twine. And that sole fact is a hit to our mind because our ex was our motivation. But I need to understand that this isn't their project. It's ours. And we can do anything with it.

On an entire different note, we did a Live broadcast on YouTube! Our first live, which was really fun! I got to talk to some people while doing it, which were latinos like me! That was a sweet reminded of my own roots and even a sweet memory I got. Granted, my battery from my phone decided to die amid stream, but it was the best experience I could ever imagine. I will go for more, and I will get out of this pit

11/2/2025

6:09pm, I have been busy with university and other things, as well as our grieving over the breakup. We decided to let ourselves feel this hit, but also to open up about this story.

Due to reasons I will not disclose, we broke up with our partner and we are dealing with this since day one- October 31st. Due to this, the game has been on full pause for now, and our own disorders are relapsing. For reference, we have DID and NPD, which are not the best combo.

Because to this, we have been struggling to do the game alongside other things, and even we barely got on top with university this week. This, paired with the lack of attention about our game, we have been incredibly under the weather. After all, he was our biggest support in this process but now continuing this game lost its meaning. This doesn't mean I'll stop. Absolutely not! But I believe I need some time to recover. Some words are appreciated, but it's okay if you just lurk around.

In terms of the game, there is only three quarters of a scene left before the ending, for each route. I haven't worked on the game as much because of the reasons above, but I will work on this project once I have recovered for the most part and can get proper words done. I will try to draw (even if traditionally) to keep the site updated- even if it's just vent art to cope. I also will try my best to do live streams on Youtube, starting up with probably playing a game on my 3DS, even if I have to set up the camera and not do a screenshare.

TL;DR, the game will be on a hiatus, but I will still continue to keep this site updated. So please, stand by...

10/31/2025

10:16pm, After a few hours of debating and fighting myself, I decided that I will continue this game, no matter what. But I will also do a theme revamp to the site (probably), so the memories are not so strong. I'll be ok. I know I will.

6:49pm, I have very bad news.

Due to things I cannot control, I had to break up with our partner. I'm not in the best mindset and to be honest my biggest motivation for this game was him- especially because it was a yaoi game inspired by both of our interests. But now I feel like this game has no meaning now. If I'm being honest, I would continue this game just so I can have something to be proud of. I have no reasons to continue, anyways.

This means that I'll take a hiatus. Not like people care. I'm talking to the wall here. I receive no responses, I receive nothing for this project to continue. And I'm tired. I'm so tired. I want to continue this but I don't have the will to do so, and people are not even sending us anything...

I'm sorry.

10/29/2025

5:11pm, Okay, everyone! Good news!

Yesteday was a rollercoaster of emotions due to personal situtions, so I was incredibly upset. The art thing was something that had me on a chokehold for a few days until I settled up on doing the art digitally again but done on my tablet. Maybe the insecurities I had about my art where in my head, you know? So, I put up my big boy pants and decided to learn digital and ignore that little voice in my head that criticizes everything. Very freeing, 10/10 and would recommend!

As for the story, it's progressing swiftly, albeit slower because I'm trying to make sense of thedemo/prologue by revising the story parts to prevent any plotholes and contradictions. I already said it, though. I want this game to be well done, even if it's still a beginner's work. But I'm motivated!

With that going on, I will work on the game when I can. Homework and university are taking some time and I must focus entirely on it so I can be a good teacher too.

10/28/2025

8:44pm, I have finished the first scene of the second phase of the game, and I'm trying to work on the art. Unfortunately, I'm a bit blocked and that has slowed the process of writting my next scene. I'm just tired with some real-life events and the lack of support on my posts. It's stupid, really, but I just feel like people are not checking the posts about our game on other places, as they never comment on it. That sole fact, alongside my art not being as powerful when I draw digitally and this VN community valuing the same art medium I can't really do...

If you see my YouTube posts, you will notice it. My shorts with digital art in it have more traction than any of my traditional art do. And that pains me. It pains me that they prefer me sacrificing my comfort, which isn't really the issue. It's the fact that they might turn around and exit my itch.io when they see my assets made on paper, with markers and pens. Handmade, with my own hands. That sole fact terrifies me, it scares me to know that my skills are not enough. That my game will look like it had zero resources... When there is a lot of effort put in this.

The good news are that, well, in the end with all the stress going on, I did some research on traditionally made VN sprites, and it does exist. People have done it before, so I can be okay while doing this. I'm just worried that this decision affects the traction of the game in the long run. Of course there are games like Slay the Princess, or this artist I just found out about named Alexis Royce. But the constant fear is paralyzing, and I needed to let it out. It's part of the creation process, after all.

10/27/2025

4:51pm, Missed me? (has literally no followers)

Jokes aside, hello! I am back after two long days. I was hitting the university hard, so I JUST finished my biggest project so far, and to be honest I hope I get a decent grade on it. Visiting schools isn't for the faint of heart for sure...

Leaving that aside, I have no updates for the game storywise, but I DO have updates about art. I'm currently working on an art commission (which, if you wish to commission me, just know you can find the info on my Tumblr), but I'm working on making the first official character design with a new line art style I'm developing. And by the looks of it, it's gonna be awesome. I also found about cam scanners so I'm looking for free options until I can find a good one that has no watermark. You know, me being cheap despite buying Procreate Pocket and probably not use it. Either way, I will be able to work this art style out!

10/25/2025

12:06am, I know, I know. Late as hell.

I was working on the game JUST now, but today (or yesterday?) was such a shitty day for me I even ended up venting on Tumblr. Must admit... Not my best moment. At least I was open about having NPD, thing that I was scared of opening up about. But eh... I genuinely don't want those moments to define my identity online. Much less being a lolcow over having a sad social life and mental illnesses. That is a secondary fact about me.

Going back to the main topic; the first scene from the first route is nowhere near finished. Again, I had a horrible day emotionally, but I aced my grammar test with a B+! Which is a good pick up from the horrendous test I forgot to do. My university projects are catching up, which is why I picked up the game until the time I logged this in. Regardless, progress is still progress, even if it's small!

10/23/2025

6:33pm, The first part of the demo is done! I unfortunately have to say that I must focus more on university so... I will be slow with the process until I can finally work on this game full-time during Christmas holidays. In other words, the game will still be worked on, just slower. It's not like it won't be finished earlier, though!

In a similar way, I did a quick checkup and apparently, people like my traditional art better on Tumblr (11 notes on a traditional fan art of Sei from DRAMAtical Murder vs 8 notes in another fan art of Towa from Slow Damage). So I made the decision of making the game assets traditionally, with markers and paper. It sounds a bit complex or even cheap, but trust me. I have done the test before and I will upload it on the gallery after I'm done with this log.

Oh, I also added a chat box. I got bored and I added it. Let's see how many messages I get... Or hate. My fictional taste is heinous so I'll get some nasty comments but whatever. I'm going to kill them with kindness, anyways.

As I have said before, I ask for patience, especially more than ever. This is a hobby project, not a professional job. I'm doing this solo, with paper, markers, a 4 GB computer and a whole lot of determination!

10/22/2025

4:59pm, I know guys, I posted art and didn't log it on here. Webmaster here is insanely busy and have been trying to focus on university and important adult errands. Funny, though... Google disagrees that I'm an adult so they had to verify my age. I am NOT doing that. It's asking for an ID I refuse to give!

Leaving that aside, I have been working on the artistic part of the game (character designs, mostly). I'm also doing homework as we speak because, well, I still need a job outside of art and programming. Teaching English is surprisingly fun, and it was funny how I ended up in this career, but that is for another conversation, perhaps. Back to the game...

The truth is... I only have one scene left to continue with the next batch of scenes before ending the first part of it! It would be this last scene, two or three more scenes per route and it would be done! Then I would have to go through the proofreading process and work from there. But even then, it is yet another milestone I'm hitting. Between the views on this site and the achievements I'm reaching to, I feel unequivocally grateful of God and how I'm growing as a person. Regardless, I don't want to act like this was all by myself. My partner and best friends have been supporting me for so long with this it isn't funny. Nagisa, Luciano, Rose... Ilysm! Thanks for being here with me...

10/21/2025

1:30pm, I just added some blinkes to the site! Wanted to have a divider with something cute because I may be a trans guy but the femininity in me hasn't left the crap off me. Leaving that aside, I'm studying as we speak because I honestly have nothing to do outside of coding the game. The site is done, and as much as I'm excited for this game I have duties I must fulfill, both as an adult and an uni student. So please, stand by while I get my tasks sorted out, ok?

10/20/2025

7:33pm, Sometimes having free time is a curse because I was revamping the entire site in a single day. Oops! Oh well, now you know I changed the layout in a day. Shout out to sadgrl's layout generator. Not only did I make this, I also learned how to style things! Heck ye!!!

2:37pm, It has been an eventful morning today, but I won't focus on homework today. However, I have updated my gallery with a new art concept for one of the characters for my game. It was made on my tablet (which I somehow learned how to use) and Infinite Painter. My tablet's a Samsung S6 so I brought that app way before this game was even in plans. Because you know... Infinite is the Android's Procreate. It was a quick sketch with a grey base, but I might make more in the future. I'm not fully convinced about his design though, because he looks incredibly close to Crowe from TKATB. I most probably will change his hair from a braid to a ponytail and his color palette from navy blue to sky blue, or change his design entirely. I don't want to get accused of plagiarism for thinking cowboys look hotter with braids...

I find interesting that there are people who have looked at this blog, tho! 1,046 views?! That is a huge step! Of course I can't compete with the sites that have more than a million, but that number is big for me. Incredibly big. I'm glad people like this site I made by looking for free codes out of random places, really. I might update and rework this site soon. I just need to learn how to cuz I just have a braincell and it nudges me to study better -.-! Regardless, thanks so much for checking this site and I hope you enjoy your stay!!!

10/19/2025

8:08pm, I have decided to open up a bit about what I'm doing, because I cannot keep myself quiet. I genuinely am excited, as I have finished more scenes that I had planned by now and I can't shut up. Everyone, I am making a full videogame for once. While yes, this neocities has the "game developer" tag, I was not sure about this choice at all! I have had toyed with a few game engines like Ren'Py or Twine, but I have never done anything of the sort like this. I plan on making this game short, like around four chapters or so. This is becaus I want to keep my spectations small for now because I have fluctuating motivation. I also brought Procreate Pocket so I can do proper art with better texture brushes and other fun things.

While this is happening, I do want to let people know that this is a hobby project. I will work on this project when I feel like it and when I find myself motivated. I hope you guys respect that.

10/17/2025

7:44pm, I have worked sporadically on this project, but unfortunately I was in a horrible mental state... And I still am. So my project has been frozen for a long while by now, and I have been doing my best to keep myself at bay with all of this happening, and it is all because I am genuinely struggling a LOT with my art and the lack of audience. I have tried fan arts, text posts, everything. And there is nothing that has any people looking. A few likes here and there, and also the constant bot spam from Tumblr, but nothing else. My mental health has declined significantly because of this, especially I was supposed to farm some followers before I could even start promoting my project. But this isn't the case. So, I took a break from Tumblr for now. I might probably take a break from drawing and focus on my paintings, or straight up stop doing art for a while. I will focus on the other parts of the project, which means that I will still be updating stuff.

10/9/2025

6:51pm, I have been working secretly on this project alongside university and my paintings/art business. IRL things have been taking some time from me as well, but I'm managing to have an organized schedule to fit everything in a day. It kind of sucks, because I have to keep this a secret for now, or else it won't work out. So you guys will have this to be hidden for now.

10/4/2025; IMPORTANT UPDATE

10:09pm, Important news!! I have opened MY NEW STORE! As of right now, it only has one item- a painting I'm selling. I will add more items as time passes, because my paintings take a long while to do, unfortunately. On the same track of thought, I decided to start focusing on traditional art. You may be confused, considering I want to make digital products like future games, art prints, etc... But there's nothing a bit of editing, a camera and a scanner can do! Now that this is out of the way, I also will move to another project outside of my paintings... Toodles!

10/2/2025

6:13pm, I have been incredibly busy with unpacking my things and cleaning, so my plans are slow or even on full-stop. However some new ideas have popped in my brain, but at the same time I have been mentally unwell, but I know things will be okay in the end. I will have more free time once I'm done with unpacking, so my project will be finished soon!

9/27/2025

10:46am, I had to stop my biggest secret project due to university and work, but now that I'm going back to Puerto Rico (my country), I'll be able to do it! I have two main projects as of right now, one of which is VERY close to be fully finished. The other one, not so much. I have yet to write and draw everything before I get to the rest of the job. But as of right now, I'm busy with my first milestone- the one that is incredibly near to once I step into my homeland. Unfortunately, I wanted to work on the other project... But that's okay.

9/9/2025

5:11pm, Finished my site today, so now I have it fully done, I can't give much more details other than saying I have a secret project I'm working on. I often would give details about my projects but after multiple failures in the past, I have chosen not to. So nothing will be said until I have it almost completed... And I JUST started it, so... It will have to wait.

8/31/2025

2:43pm, Currently working on looking for more themes for my gallery and game site. I'm also checking on how to change colors as we speak, since they seem incredibly clashing, the main site from this one goes from cool colors to bright and warm colors randomly, and that's not nice to look at. Similarly, I also did some homework, which it isn't irrelevant if we keep in mind that uni has me busy. Work has also taken a lot of time from me, but I'm managing to do this bread easily. Similarly, I learned how to clip the background off my traditional art.