Happy Friday! It's an extra-happy one because (barring any critical bugs), I get to take a break from YOU&! for a bit now that it's officially live!

YOU&! is very different to what we've done before. The writing style is different to what I'm used to, as it's very 'trapped in my head', which was a fun writing exercise. The artwork is unique, as it's the first time that Stoffies got to draw character art instead of grey spaceship interiors for Infinite Stars. It also has some great music from Astraeum, our newest team member.

The subject matter of YOU&! is very dark. It deals with themes and concepts that are often taboo in entertainment media, which is why we felt the need to address them respectfully and responsibly. Still, I hesitated, toiled and considered NOT releasing YOU&! because of the themes. It covers topics that many of you have probably experienced firsthand. It's isolating because no one talks about it in games and other forms of entertainment, which creates the impression that you are alone in your experiences. You are not alone. <3

YOU&! was by far the most difficult and emotionally draining story I've worked on. It has made me reconsider joining future game jams. I'm not sure yet if it's just regular post-jam burnout, the subject matter or a valid and honest self-discovery. Time will tell.

Alright, pull up your happy socks! On to brighter and better topics. I've been able to get some solid writing done for the continuation of Infinite Stars' main storyline over the last few days. (Mostly while I waited for the last bits of YOU&! to be tested and delivered.) I still thoroughly enjoy writing Infinite Stars, and I'm looking forward to shifting the majority of my attention back to it from next week.

I've been working on the scene that takes place once things settle down, after your Mah'Abeu is discharged and recharged to continue the hunt for the Semashar. So far, it has some good character development choices for your Mah'Abeu that I think you'll all enjoy.

Tae has completed the first 5 community characters and is still working on the next batch. She had some PC issues, but is managing at the moment. Stoffies probably needs a day or two to recover before continuing on the IS backgrounds, and Astraeum is getting ready to dive into Infinite Stars.

Anyways, have a good Friday and an even better weekend. Be safe, and be kind! <3