Hey folks. It's been a long time since I've checked in. Say hello to my cat, Joji.
The 'Update'
09/04/2016 - 1/11/2024
I doubt anyone is still sticking around after all these years, but I felt it was necessary to post this.
First of all, thank you for your support and for your criticism over the years. When I started playing this game, I'd learned very quickly that it wasn't successful nor popular. It was a very mediocre game, but I saw a lot of potential, and I had taken an interest in modding at the time. I suppose I wanted to put my interest in modding to use on something with a solid foundation without having to create my own game from scratch - some of us know how costly that can be. I was in high school, so I did not have enough time to keep it maintained/updated. I returned to this in 2018 but eventually had to move on due to some depression and abusive relationships. Eventually I'd lost interest altogether. While I may be open to coming back and crafting a fan-made 'expansion' for this absolutely dead and mostly forgotten game, as well as porting it to other platforms, I want to make it clear that I am very limited on what I can do.
The Issue of Copyright
First, I do not own the copyright. A DMCA filed against me by the publisher/developer, while unlikely, is something I cannot afford to fight. Copyright law is a serious matter in America. While they may not see monetary value in this game, they do see monetary value in ruining a person's life over something they own. And if I am using their work in such a way that warrants being sued, no matter what it is, I will lose. It is not worth trying to rekindle any interest in this game or spend months reviving it just to have millions in fines and have everything I've worked for taken from me.
Access Denied
The second reason why I can't see a path forward is because I do not possess the raw files used to develop the game. The developers would have access to this data. So while I do see potential in this game, I think it would be far more suitable to create a game of my own inspired by the events of this world and story, rather than a 1:1 creation or an expansion that hinges on the boundaries of copyright law.
What's Next?
Now, I go back to making games and modding. I am currently in the early stages of a game that will be powered by the soon-to-be-released RTX Remix project for the Source Engine. It is a very old engine that I am most familiar with, and the Half-Life series is what kickstarted my interest in modding, going as far back as 2009. The changes made to the engine by 'RTX Remix' will be massive from a technical perspective. The Source 2 Engine is still in development so it is not available to the public despite being used for years.
My Thank You
When I'd uploaded this modification for Velvet Assassin, I had received so much appreciation and love that it shocked me. I'm an introvert who, while I was in high school at 17, rarely got attention for anything. If any part of me feels a bit somber, it's only because you only ever get to see this from behind a screen. And I want you all to know that because of you, you have influenced me to keep pursuing my passion: making games.
Thank you all. Stay safe. Stay alive. This world is absolutely hell but you can get through it. Persevere.
