So those of you who know me (AlwaysJmB), know I've been busy in content creation and not very public about Tuff Mallow game development. I'm still alive, and not at all giving up on game dev- but I've been struggling to make my way back to sharing this journey via social media.
Hooboy, it's not easy. As a dev, there are expectations gamers/potential consumers have for communication about games in development, and generally studio direction. But what happens when the "studio" is a solo developer?
Speaking with some of my fellow solo developers that began our journey about the same time- before the pandemic- we all set out to make longer visual novels. Epic sprawls that were the kinds of games we took great interest in. For some of us, we made the hurdle to release in a quick and timely fashion. It wasn't easy for them, but they made that transition from a game in development to a released IP. I look up to those peers and remain proud of their accomplishments. But for quite a few of us, the struggle to complete the project and release it has been the greatest challenge we have faced in the greater part of this last decade.
You'd be surprised to know I'm only one of many of my peers doggedly trudging towards the finish line with only our own motivation to spur us on, even though our IPs have been in development long enough to lose that initial electric hype that sparked our journey in the beginning.
Honestly, for me, it feels good to know I'm not alone in this.
Just knowing that there are other devs like me, people I consider friends, that didn't give up on our works, even as the world became a really hard place to create in... I find it inspiring. WE GOT THIS!
But anyway, I just want to let you know I'm back and trying to figure out an update schedule so I can share all the things that have been happening with Tuff Mallow and most recently with The Closet Door. I'm very proud of the way this game is shaping up, and I'll be excited to share more about it in the coming weeks! So keep a lookout because we are so back!
At this time, while I'm figuring out the future of Tuff Mallow Interactive and my role as a creative in the game development industry, I will be consolidating TuffMallow's online presence.
As of Monday, 7/7/25, Bluesky will be the sole platform for updates pertaining to the future of Tuff Mallow and any public announcements. All other spaces will be inactive until further notice. The Discord will also be deactivated.
Thank you so much for your patience and kindness in this matter. 💗
Mannn it's been a long time going. I have been so excited as I look at this game with fresh eyes. There's a lot of exciting things I can do with it before release, and I look forward to showing off all the shiny new changes and features!
So much to talk about- so little time. So stay tuned!
Finally have a schedule for Tuff Mallow! This Thursday, we'll be finishing (or at least making progress on) a wallpaper for The Closet Door featuring our favorite chibis!
Make sure to follow for notifications! I have more exciting news to share and some cool exclusive things planned for upcoming dates as well!
IndieOtome is about to become much more active across platforms! And even more exciting is the fact that we are undergoing a full unifying redesign!
I've wanted to figure out for quite some time how to best utilize Tumblr for IndieOtome! content. Originally I thought it would be good for a quick news brief, but I also think with IndieOtome branching into other social platforms, that Tumblr needs and deserves its own interactive vibe that fits the fandom and creatives in the Tumblr community.
Coming soon, there will be quite a few changes for IndieOtome- changes that are long overdue. And I think Tumblr would be a great platform for helping shape the changes and news that take place on all the spaces IndieOtome! can be found.
Ask away!
This account will definitely feature weekly or semi weekly community polls, updates and announcements from other IndieOtome! media and as we get into streaming on Twitch, vods such will be posted here. I'll be keeping a lookout for asks in my inbox about topics that interest us as a community, as well as games that you'd like to see someone talk about!
LOVE BLOB FOR THE WIN
I don't do reviews, but showcasing the community is totally my vibe. I'm fashioning IndieOtome around the spirit of showcasing the awesomeness that is this worldwide community. Places you'll find IndieOtome right now:
There's only one person on the task of this redesign. So you'll have to be patient with yours truly. I will work my hardest to get all of this up and going by June 1st! But I ask that you spread the word, engage and send in asks as well- I appreciate it and in the end it helps the community too!
I'm looking forward to this. A Lot. I can't wait to show up and show out and for everyone to do so as well!
"In a world where humans are born with an Affinity, the mark that gives them the power to control one of the four natural elements, Arane Kross grows up deprived of this gift.
Despite the taboos surrounding the use of technology, the young woman takes refuge in the design of machines to try to overcome her handicap until the day she inherits an orb capable of controlling nature: the Ecosphere.
Arane is then recruited by an order to protect the environment, the Green League, to fulfill her civic duty. A year full of dangers where any difference is perceived as a weakness."
"Immerse yourself in a game combining fantasy and steampunk, with different layers of storytelling: on the one hand, an adventure full of action, romance, and suspense. On the other hand, it explores mature themes like the feeling of being different, harassment, and ecology. We wanted to touch both your mind and your heart."
You can try the demo or support the Kickstarter here!
Honestly it's long overdue. I used to love streaming in Tuff Mallow Discord server, but I'd freeze up every time I considered streaming my work and development process for a more expanded audience.
I think one of the fun things about streaming is really taking a hold of sharing one's journey and bringing everyone along with them. So guess what- I'm past being nervous. I want to share. I want you to see where I'm at and know what games I'm making, commissions I take on, awesome people I get to meet and work with- I want you to see Tuff Mallow Interactive.
Finally!
We can have a conversation and talk about all the games I'm always working on behind the scenes! This is so exciting! Because YES, I'm working diligently on finishing The Closet Door, but there are so many more projects I've got lined up- some are already in production!
You encourage me to give my all. And I am asking that you support me by popping in and saying hello! By dropping an ask here or popping in stream at Tuff Mallow's Twitch with your questions! By stopping by the Tuff Mallow Discord or saying Hallo on Tuff Mallow's Blue Sky
I appreciate it all! There's so much I want to share, so much everyone has inspired me to do! And I couldn't have made it this far in the journey without you!
I'm planning my first live stream Saturday, 5/17/25, 9:00am Central Standard Time (CST)
Just to get my feet wet and plan a proper schedule- if you're up to it, stop by and say hello!
Super HYPED- and for those of you who keep up with IndieOtome! stuff, I'll be happy to make some pretty cool announcements about that as well! See ya then!
The cool thing about creative endeavors is the more your create, and work hard at, the more you learn. And the more you learn, the more you improve.
The Closet Door has undergone a lot of changes over the years. I changed and the game changed accordingly. I grew and the game, story and characters grew with me.
Like I said, we improved. But when do you get to a point where you realize this is enough?
Recently when I released A Simple Twist of Fae, I looked back at my work for The Closet Door. I thought, maybe I should update this game to reflect the visual appeal of A SImple Twist of Fae.
After all, the latter was my newest project- surely it represents the most up to date and better version of my skills, right?
Wrong.
The art for A Simple Twist is its own thing. It's uniquely its own style, story, characters and vibe. But it's different. Not better.
I was able to make it because I improved so much with The Closet Door.
(constantly working on the backgrounds!)
My games so far have been fashioned to look like books come to life:
- Lake of Reflection is an old handwritten memoire- a journal
- The Closet Door is a storybook
- A Simple Twist of Fae is a manga style comic
It's no surprise to those who've played my available works that I have fun playing on the theme of the visual novel genre.
And I like what I've made so far! All of these stories carry themes of self exploration and self redemption. Of learning to see the many ways love takes form in our lives. Themes of truly smiling from the heart and the journey to that point.
I want to complete this game. It's become a word that must be spoken, a song that must be sung, a love that must be given - it must be shared. My heart wills it so.
And as I look at the art for this game, I see how I've improved over the years. How I've learned, how I've grown. I see the distinction of a story book design and how it looks good being itself. How the style breathes its own life and exudes its own vibe.
I really do feel like TCD holds its own. And that is such a good feeling!
I'm working my butt off guys. I have no idea how quickly I can get this thing done, but know I'm working at breakneck speed and trying to build something worthy of the feelings I have for it.
I'll be updating progress here quite often and maybe on Bluesky as well, so stay tuned!
Decided it was time for an overhaul. Again. But fully this time. The Closet Door is a project that I picked apart and picked at for years. So when I finally pulled out my game ready to complete it once and for all, I noticed the big strewn about mess I've made of it. Of the script, the art and even the music.
(Remember these?)
I think I wanted to do so much with TCD, but at the same time, there was also too much I wanted to do, as well as not having the skill set to know my limits and push the right ones to move forward.
(things were pretty vague for a while)
Lake of Reflection and Simple Twist of Fae taught me a lot. And so did the testers that helped me shape my growth as a dev. I'm definitely more efficient than I was previously. And having learned, I want to apply those skills.
I'm going to forever own imperfection. There is beauty in being imperfect. In being unique. But there is necessity in striving for the best version of self. I promise to do that here. I want to update my game one last time before release. To make sure that The Closet Door is its best version of self.
Let it be said, I have always shown up. And I always will. But this is my time to show out, and I intend to with TCD!
(some folks are born to be a diva)
Today I went over the script. It was a MESS. Same goes for the organization of the completed minis CGs. 😩
But Imma get it together. Update in a few days. Let's move on this. It's time.
SO! I popped in a few days ago and dropped the news about my first commercial game, A Simple Twist of Fae. And I'm sure many of you were like... "Huh?"
So I would like to talk a little about this gem of my heart!
A Simple Twist of Fae is a small story I started working on as a jam entry for Josei After Dark 2024. I was really excited to join the jam and create something a little spicier than my normal works! In the end, I ended up only being able to submit a demo, with plans to make the full game within a few weeks.
But then the scope creep got me and I really REALLY wanted the game to be as authentic to a manga as I could make it!
I did stick to the original five sprites, but found myself drawing SO MANY PANELS. My heart goes out to manga artists and creators- they are the real heroes!
In the end, A Simple Twist of Fae missed the deadline I set for February 14th in Q1 of this year. But I stuck with it and was able to release it to the full extent of my vision this April. And I couldn't be prouder!
One of the biggest delays was the Impings scene- the whack-a-mole like minigame I was so determined to add... simply because I promised I would. I learned very quickly that I was not equipped to reprogram outdated code that I found on ancient Lemmesoft forums... I was really fortunate for the help of Applesplosion who made the code work, and the minigame possible. I am so grateful!
(they really were some nasty buggers)
This entire process was a labor of love and most definitely worth the pain. From the UI design to the music and sound effects, I definitely think this game has its own unique vibe. I really hope people play A Simple Twist of Fae and have fun and enjoy the silly moments! Kalaira and the gang are a fun bunch and it has been a pleasure sharing their story <3
A Simple Twist of Fae started out as a game entry for Josei after after Dark 2024 game jam. But you know me, it quickly became more in my eyes.
And now 50k words, 50 backgrounds, and nearly 100 manga panels big and small later... And here we are with my first commercial game!
Not gonna lie- I'm so very nervous about it! But I hope the love I put into this silly soft game about learning to open your heart and let love reaches the people who will enjoy it.
I'll be getting back to my regular grind now, but before I do-
I just want to say again, thank you for all the Vivs out there- you know who you are. Thank you for keeping me in the dev game. This year is going to be a year of releases, and A Simple Twist of Fae is only the beginning!
We are delighted to announce that our next game, Anchored Hearts: A Tale of Destiny, will be sailing onto Steam in June 2024!
A pirate on the run, La Belladonna must escape imprisonment and prove her innocence in this roguelite adventure-meets-romance novel! Navigate wild waters, fight enemy ships, and decide to whom you’ll give your heart. Through narrative choices, unravel the truth behind your cursed fate!
a lighthearted and playful fantasy story about accepting change and finding a new home.
Have you ever wanted to play as a cheeky Faerie? Ally with a goose to defeat evil idiots? Potentially steal a love interest in the most Fae-like way possible?
Well, then I recommend this game here, which was a collab with some of my favourite people.
It's got a few hours of gameplay with two LIs and a pretty funny MC so check it out!
Happy April (pretend I'm not late on this devlog)!!
April flew by in the blink of an eye. It's been a really busy month for me personally--I'm not sure about you all!
This devlog is going to be structured differently from the past devlogs for two reasons: 1) my concussion is lowkey kicking my ass and 2) I had a release going on almost every week this month because I am a Crazy Person HA!!!!
This month was filled with some kind of release every weekend, which is equal parts exciting and exhausting. Because releases always take a lot out of me, I basically spent every day this month cycling between phases of post-release euphoria, post-release depression, pre-release excitement, recovery burnout, burnout guilt, and just about every emotion in between.
THEN!! I got into an accident about a week ago and have been throwing hands with the resulting concussion since. So it's basically been a crazy month in the Crescence world.
That being said, let's run through the month in chronological order, and every weekend release :crazy eyes & hysterical laughter:
Kayn's Beta Route Out Now!
Kayn's Beta Route has been Finished!
In Extremely Exciting news, Kayn's beta route was finished during the first weekend of this month! I had put off publicly announcing it because I didn't want to clash with the demo release. But it was released quietly to patrons and beta-testers. Feedback so far has been very kind, and if you'd like to get access to Kayn's beta route, you can play it with the Hydra ($10) tier on my Patreon ^^
Creating a Silly, Little Game called Alaris
I will publicly announce the route sometime later. But for now, for those who bother reading my devlogs, here is a treat!
Enhanced Demo Release
Bro we fucking did it
Second weekend of April, we released the ENHANCED DEMO OFFICIALLY!!!! It was so exciting (and nerve-wracking) to be able to finally get this out to the public. Reception has been so nice, and it's been rewarding to see people finally be able to play the enhanced demo and see what I've been working so very hard on these past couple of months. I'm really glad you all liked it and appreciated all the details that I've painstakingly polished <3
I mentioned it before but I was really nervous for the release---I had no idea how it would go. But as always, I could not be more appreciative of the support you all give to little old me. Thank you, and I hope you all like the taste of what is to come in the Alaris world!
If you haven't gotten a chance to play the demo yet, please check it out here!
Not all mysteries can be explained by the logic of man
ALSO..... if five people want to rate the demo and haven't rated it yet...... it would make me very happy....... we are so close to 300 ratings.....
Velox Formida
Yes, I did help make a game in 36 hours.
Adding to the madness, I got sucked into this game jam by beloved and crazy @shewassaying. You have to make a game in 36 hours. It was a crazy whirlwind of an experience, but with people I always love being with. We finished a beautiful fantasy game if anyone would like to check it out!
The Doors of the Great Library rarely open-- to let anyone in, or out.
Are you tired yet? I sure am.
A Faerie's Tale
We aren't done yet gamers
Finally, to round out the marathon, I created the GUI for this beautiful little game that was submitted to Amare Fest (which you should check out, since a lot of other cool games were submitted!). I had the opportunity to work with some extremely talented devs (@steamberrystudio, @jeneara, @windchimesgames, @tuffmallowinteractive, and feniks of OL fame), some of which are like titans in the VN community to me ;_;
The game is an enchanting, short little story (and FREE!) about a Fae. Something I know many of us are suckers for nyeheh. Please feel free to check it out here
A lighthearted and playful fantasy story about accepting change and finding a new home.
That's it... Kinda.
And that's about it for this month! As you can see..... it was very much a back-to-back month. Because of that, I'm trying to use right now as a break (everyone thank my concussion for forcing me to take a break, yippee!).
Some other things that I want to highlight this month:
We released an official trailer for Alaris. She's stunning, and if you haven't seen it yet...... well, what are you waiting for....
intertwine is part of a Palestinian Relief Bundle. For only $8, you can get access to over 300 cracked games and support an important cause. If you haven't donated yet, please consider doing so. We are close to almost half a million dollars raised! Bundle ends in 4 days, so please consider buying if you haven't already
Alaris is part of a small little collaboration/cross-promotion of other magical and mystery otome. If you like sexy games by cracked devs, please check them out at the bottom of my itchio page. Some of the other games include Obscura, Lost in Limbo, The Good People, Save the Villainess, Snow White Ashes, and more! I would link them here, but I'm starting to get a headache teehee.
Anyways, that rounds out this month and a bunch of exciting news! I know it can be overwhelming to look at. Per usual, I never expect anyone to play every single game I am involved with. But if any of them catch your eye, I encourage you to check them out since many of the people I work with are very talented and you never know what new devs/games you'll get introduced to as a result!
Sorry it's a little later than usual but with Amare Fest wrapping up, it's been a little chaotic. This was a bit of a light week in terms of amare news but there are some cool new DLCs and game updates to look at so have a look through the issue to see what's going on in the amare game sphere for the last two weeks.
See you next issue!
~Amare News Team
Itch Link for Issue Download - https://amaregames.itch.io/amare-new-bulletin-2024/devlog/723831/issue-15-released-apr-15-apr-30
Tuff Mallow Interactive @tuffmallowinteractive - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
