Hey, wanted to share a brief reflection. This year's been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. (Please read if you really care, if its too long then "Happy New Year and see ya next year!" is from me to you!

In 2023, I learned a ton, and I'm gearing up to make 2024 even better.

The release of "The Return to Bloody Nights" was a major highlight. Eight years in the making, this FNAF fan game set in Fredbear's Family Diner was a dream come true. The sacrifices were immense, and while I have some regrets, the game's positive reception, including playthroughs by Markiplier and MatPat, made it worthwhile. It wasn't perfect due to engine limitations, skill issue, and time constraints, but the love from players means a lot. To everyone who supported and played our game, thank you—it means the world to me. I also want to adress my behaviour during the release when i got a big chunk of hateful comments - i didnt respond to them so well, making me look like an idiot who doesn't accept criticism. I want to apologize for this again, i feel bad for what happened during that time, i was stressed, didnt sleep at all for 2 weeks and was really nervous to release a game that i have been working for years. It destroyed me mentally when i saw some people complaining and i reacted unrofessionally. I will make sure it wont repeat again in the near future, i am stronger now, i learned my lesson.

Besides back side of the story, the postive one too -

Interacting with fans and witnessing their inspiration to create games or art has been rewarding. Personally, I've embarked on learning Blender and found joy in creating art that others appreciate. Beyond the realm of games and work, unfortunately, not everything went as planned.

On a more personal note, this year brought challenges. A two-year relationship ended unexpectedly, and though it's my biggest setback, I've accepted it. Loneliness creeps in, but I'm channeling that energy into self-improvement, hitting the gym, and creating games—things that yield tangible results. I still have flashbacks of her almost everyday but i try my best to keep focusing on important stuff anyway. Hard but... i am a man.

I've also experienced the loss of a close friend due to my own shortcomings. It's a lonely journey sometimes, and my tendency to get overly expressive didn't help. I have been an asshole too, being often offended at him because he didnt reply to me or we didnt talk often. Apologies for that; I'm committed to improving in the coming year and possibly never repeat this behaviour again. People who i care about, often see me this way, its time to change.

Health-wise, I've neglected myself, but there's a shift towards better habits. After depression,i have suffered hair loss and overall owful mental state. But i think i can do better and in 2024 i will definetly get rid of bad thoughts. On the family front, I'm concerned about my parents' declining health, redirecting GameJolt earnings to improve my mom's well-being. Aging is a bitch. I will try to help my best to them.

At work, it's been a struggle; mental health swings, but hope persists for a brighter new year. Won't dwell on a past issue with JenPen, who have been spreading false rumors calling me Pedo, a homophobe so other great developers could leave me. It indeed happen, some developers started to block me and kick from communities without saying anything. It makes me angry because i did my best for them for Jen too but this is how people treat me. Calling me awful things, doxing me, trying to hack my accounts - to hell with you, i wont adress this again. While things been this way, i am greateful for the positive side of things, is collaborating with the @ryptide_official team. Together, we're working on a VR remake of "The Return to Bloody Nights," marking my first venture into VR game development. Their support has been incredible, renewing my enthusiasm for the future. This project makes me wanna live for 2024. And GTA 6 too as well.

Special shout-out to @BaruchBelmont , the voice behind "The Return to Bloody Nights." We've become close friends, and his talent and professionalism have been a boon. He's a fantastic person, and I'm grateful for our connection. We have a lot in common.

This year, despite its challenges, is a mix of valuable lessons, achievements, and connections. Looking forward to what 2024 brings. Thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. And thank you for reading this post too. Happy New year! I will see you soon, in the next one, bye bye!