(Where are #1-9? On my website, as well as on itch.io before I created this page. Future dev diaries will be posted here going forward.)

First off, a new build is up, including Linux! The linux build is totally untested, so be warned - I’ll get around to testing it eventually, I just figured I’d provide it now. A couple of new features in this build:

• A main menu: When you start the game, it won’t immediately jump into the game.
• Crops now visually grow when being worked.
• Resources now have a set price when trading with the train.
• Misc. bugfixes and tweaks.

Next, the topic of the diary itself: pricing. So I’ve been going back and forth on three different options: $0/Patreon, $5, and $8 (all USD). I was hoping to get some feedback on this, but here are my thoughts on these options:

$0/Patreon: Regardless of price, I’m planning on starting a Patreon. However, this option would mean that Patreon would be the sole source of income for the project. The game itself would be free on itch.io, and I might sink the $100 into putting it on Steam as well. The pros: a free game would reach more people (theoretically), and it’s a price that fits a first game. The cons: the point of this is to practice making games - releasing them for money is part of the practice. Also devalues the game market - free games shouldn’t be the expectation of the market if it is to be a viable career for anyone, and releasing a game at this price point might nudge the expectations towards that.

$5: Decently cheap price. I think it’s a good amount for a small first game, although the price may suggest a lack of quality.

$8: This is kind of what I’ve been leaning towards lately. I’m not planning on this game being a huge project (key word: planning), so my gut is saying something below $10. This also gives wiggle room to put the game on sale and still get a few bucks from it. I just don’t know if it counts as too high for what it will be.

Of course, maybe it’s too early to decide, since the game isn’t super close to a finished product yet. But if anyone has input, please let me know!