Hi, everyone. Its me, the developer, checking in and responding to some comments, reviews, feedback, criticism, and support Ive received throughout our journey so far.

Lets take a trip back in time!

November 2021

I first discovered AVNs and was instantly hooked. I fell in love with some of the greatest gamesmany of the same ones you enjoy. At the same time, I played quite a few AVNs that werent great and thought to myself, "Wait, I could actually make something much better!"

December 2021

I downloaded Daz Studio, played around with it a bit, and saw the potential in this software.

January 2022

I started learning Ren'Py, watched tutorials, and gradually became more familiar with Python.

February 2022 March 2023

During this period, I learned a lot about Daz, Ren'Py, and Blender. I also invested thousands of dollars into assets. Finally, I was ready to begin production on what is now known as Hardenville.

Late October 2023

Hardenville: The Prologue was released on Itch.io and Patreon, generating only a few purchases (three to five). The Steam version was supposed to launch simultaneously, but unfortunately, it remained stuck in the approval queue for three to four weeksfar longer than the usual 2-5 business days.

Early November 2023

Hardenville finally launched on Steam, and to my surprise, it was a big hit during the first weekend. It grossed almost $6,000 before Steams cut and taxes. I was excited about the future and believed I could already start working on this full-time. Then, a wave of negative reviews came in: "It's too short," "Almost no content," etc. However, I had always been transparent about the average playtime on the store page.

Why Did I Release Hardenville on Steam When Only the Prologue Was Finished?

As a brand-new developer in the AVN industrywhere new games release dailyits incredibly difficult to get recognized and build a player base. Releasing in Early Access on Steam helps gain visibility much faster. However, the trade-off is lower income on Patreon and other subscription-based platforms that many AVN developers rely on. Hardenville is and will remain a single-purchase game. You get all episodes for one priceno extra fees, no paid DLC for more lewd scenes. Unfortunately, after the big opening weekend, sales dropped drastically. In fact, from the Monday after release until today (March 2025), the game has earned less in total than it did during that first weekend alone. This financial reality has been a major factor behind the delays and unfulfilled promises.

Why Has Development Been Slower Than Expected?

At first, I thought I could work on this project full-time. But I quickly realized that wasnt feasible yet. My hope is that after a few more episodes and more positive feedback, Ill be able to make this my full-time job. If that happens, development will speed up significantly because Ill be able to dedicate more time to it. Im a solo developer, and yes, I have missed deadlinesa lot. I sincerely apologize for that. Thats on me, and I truly wish things had gone differently. However, my goal remains the same: to deliver fantastic episodes that leave you feeling satisfied and make your hard-earned money spent on this game worth it. Its better to take the time to create something greatsomething Im proud ofrather than rushing the process and leaving you uninterested in playing future episodes. Hopefully, once Hardenville is completed and I begin a new project, youll be able to look back and say: "I really liked Hardenville, and I have high hopes for his upcoming game. The only issue was the delaysif the dev has mostly sorted that out, were in for a great experience!"

Addressing Concerns About the English Version

Ive seen comments across the web mentioning that the English version had poor grammar. As of a recent update, the game has been fully proofread by a professional English proofreader.

Addressing Concerns About the Future of Hardenville

I know many people believe this project will end up abandoned like many other AVNs. Some even think Im scamming them. Personally, this is really tough to hear. All I want to do is create a fantastic game that we can all enjoy, given the time I have available. I will finish and deliver up to Episode 9, as promised. However, as with many Early Access games, development takes time, and delays happen.

When Is Episode 2 Coming?

Ive been careful about sharing release dates, especially after the backlash over previous delays. However, I recently announced that Episode 2 is coming in May. Unfortunately, even when I provide a release window, I still receive negative feedback.

Final Thoughts

Please rememberIm just one guy, working on my first release, doing something I love. I truly hope I can do this full-time in the future. More content will lead to better reviews, which will lead to more income, which will eventually allow me to make this my career. To be clear, I havent taken a single penny from Hardenville as salary yet. Every dollar earned has been reinvested into the project. I want you to know that I hear you, I care about your feedback, and I truly appreciate your patience, support, and for purchasing Hardenville. Lets make this a fantastic game together!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2025-03-18 21:50:22 CET ] [ Original post ]

Episode 2 of Hardenville is set to release this May!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2025-03-15 16:08:52 CET ] [ Original post ]

Sneak Peek #3 | Episode 2

Enjoy a few exclusive sneak peeks of a steamy scene from the upcoming Episode 2 of Hardenville that you've been waiting for!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2025-02-10 16:37:01 CET ] [ Original post ]

Wishing You a Fantastic and Happy New Year!

As we welcome 2025, we hope the year ahead brings you joy and success. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your patience, support, and contributions.

Character of the Year 2024

The results are in: Johanna has won Character of the Year, receiving approximately 25% of the total votes from both Patreon and SubscribeStar. As promised, here are some exclusive new renders of the winner inside the Wedding Marquee Tent from The Prologue!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-12-30 21:12:18 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hardenville wishes you a happy holiday season and a very Merry Christmas. We wish you all the best and cant wait to show you what 2025 will bring to the bedtable. Yes, we mean table. Much love!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-12-26 12:27:39 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.4)

• Added Spanish and Russian translations
• Fixed an issue where hidden gallery images were still visible when they shouldn't have been
• Fixed an issue where Millie's gallery images wouldn't unlock in non-Steam builds during the 'Never Have I Ever' minigame
• Removed duplicate Emma love points in the 'Bonding' app
• The script for The Prologue and Episode 1 has been officially proofread

[ 2024-12-21 09:15:39 CET ] [ Original post ]

Episode 2 is set to not only be the best release yet but also the one with the most content, the most lewd moments, the most romance, the best vibes, and the most wild, drunken fun so far. As mentioned before, Episode 2 is crucial for the future of Hardenville and its continued progress. It is essential to justify the time and resources being invested in this project, which is why I must tread carefully and ensure its release is in the best possible condition. I fully understand that the initial reaction to Episode 2 being scheduled for an early 2025 release might be one of disappointment. However, I encourage you to stay optimistic and trust that the extra time is being used to immerse you deeply in the story with high-quality renders, captivating writing, and atmospheric sound design. If I didnt care deeply about making Hardenville the best it can be, I could have opted to release a shorter, unfinished, or "cheap" version of Episode 2but nobody wants that. There are already many great AVNs out there, and my hope is for Hardenville to stand proudly among them someday. On a positive note, Im happy to announce that a small update for Episode 1 (Version 0.2.4) will be releasing soon. The entire script has been professionally proofread by an English expert, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable reading experience. Moving forward, Episode 2 (Version 0.3.0) and all future updates will also undergo thorough proofreading to maintain high-quality storytelling and reduce any interruptions to your immersion in Hardenville.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-12-11 11:17:05 CET ] [ Original post ]

The results are in! "Approximately two branches per episode, with choices that reward points" emerged as the winner with 63% of the votes. Thank you all for participating in the poll and sharing your thoughts. We received a total of 132 votes, along with insightful comments and discussions. I'm thrilled to see your enthusiasm and engagement in shaping the future of Hardenville!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-12-11 02:56:17 CET ] [ Original post ]

Ive seen your comments and questions regarding the previous post about branches, and Id like to get a clearer understanding of what you preferand whether you want branches at all. Its crucial for me to create a game that meets your expectations, especially given our current position where we cant afford significant missteps. Our original plan was to make Hardenville somewhat realistic, where players occasionally have to make choices because certain branches occur simultaneously. However, if the majority prefers a different approach, its better for us to adjust our plans now rather than later. Please share your thoughts and vote for your preferred option below. Feel free to comment with additional suggestions or ideas! Discord link: https://discord.com/invite/JwadHfECjA Public Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/hardenville-poll-117522025 Public SubscribeStar link: https://subscribestar.adult/posts/1618687 This poll will be shared on Discord, Patreon, and SubscribeStar, and the results will be combined.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-12-07 22:42:00 CET ] [ Original post ]

Were excited to give you a sneak peek at two major branches in Hardenville: Episode 2!

Path 1: Stay at the house party and take a dip in the poolromance and passion await.

In this branch, youll dive into a steamy pool scene with some of the main love interests, followed by the chance for a sleepover in your bed. Expect humor, heartfelt bonding moments, jealousy, nudity, and plenty of romance. If you choose wisely, the MC might finally lose his virginity, sharing an intimate and life-changing moment with a love interest.

Path 2: Hit the town for a wild night at a local bar with Sandra and Jasmine.

In this path, youll join Sandra and Jasmine for an unforgettable night out filled with drinks, daring escapades, and more than a little mischief. Make the right choices, and youll unlock flirtation, wild behavior, dares, erotica, and surprises that push the boundaries of excitement.

The choice is yours!

Each path offers a unique setting, storyline, and approach, featuring different love interests. Here are some of the new tags for Episode 2: Animated, Creampie, Groping, Mobile Game, PoV, Spanking, Teasing, Vaginal Sex, Virgin

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-11-26 05:41:37 CET ] [ Original post ]

Happy Halloween

Be sure to knock on the door in Hardenville this Halloween for a special treat!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-10-31 17:24:52 CET ] [ Original post ]

Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.3)

• Added a dialogue history feature in the quick menu
• Added an additional monthly render
• Added French, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Turkish translations
• Added many missing translation strings
• Added Ren'Py Sync for uploading and downloading saves across multiple devices
• Added right stick scrolling when using a gamepad
• Added the option to change the color of character names
• Added a popup window before redirecting to Patreon for viewing locked monthly renders
• Added the option to choose measurement units
• Added the option to name saves
• Completely overhauled the menu navigation for a more user-friendly experience
• Corrected grammatical errors
• Corrected the date and time format in the save and load menu to match the in-game phone settings
• Corrected various date format issues in the text messages
• Enlarged the Home button on the in-game phone for improved usability
• Fixed an issue where a collectable image appeared completely white when hovered over
• Fixed an issue where a song did not play in The Prologue
• Fixed an issue where the button at the end of Episode 1 would loop instead of returning to the main menu
• Fixed an issue where two songs did not play in the playlists
• General small fixes in The Prologue and Episode 1 script
• Johanna's and Tom's roles are now displayed before their dialogue instead of their names if toggled on the Characters page
• Official Android version
• Revamped the Characters screen with updated images and enhanced information
• Updated the Discord link

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-09-09 05:47:25 CET ] [ Original post ]

Verify Your Steam Purchase on Discord and Earn the "Steam" Role

By verifying your Steam purchase, you can receive the "Steam" role in this server. This role grants additional privileges, such as participation in some exclusive polls and access to some exclusive news updates directly on Discord. How to Verify Unfortunately, this process must be completed manually for each individual, but its quick and easy.

• In Steam, open the drop-down menu with your username in the top right corner and select "Account details."
• In the "Store & Purchase History" section, click on "View purchase history."
• Locate your purchase of Hardenville and click on it. Take a full screenshot that clearly shows the date of purchase along with your unique username in the top right corner. Its recommended that the screenshot includes the entire screen.
• Send this screenshot to the Discord user "JoyFI Games," who handles announcements and related tasks on the server.

This is an optional solution for Hardenville owners on Steam, but it will grant you additional privileges in the near future. Some Steam users felt overlooked in a previous Dev Log, and this is a way to address that. Discord Link https://discord.com/invite/JwadHfECjA

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-08-19 19:08:00 CET ] [ Original post ]

Dev Log #13 | Episode 2

Published on Patreon, SubscribeStar, Itch.io, Discord, and Steam.

Introduction and Progress Update

Thank you for supporting my project, Hardenville. This past year has been a challenging journey, with more personal ups and downs than I anticipated. However, Im thrilled by how much Ive grown in coding and rendering since The Prologue. Several key improvements have been made for Episode 2, including:

• Improved Field of View and Camera Positioning: Adjustments for a more immersive first-person experience.
• Improved Lighting: Optimized lighting setups for more realistic and visually appealing scenes.
• Better Character Rigging: Significant improvements to character bones and rigging, making it easier to create natural poses and expressions.
• Rendering Optimizations: These changes lead to faster rendering times, allowing for quicker updates and progress.

These improvements are all aimed at making Hardenville a more polished and enjoyable experience.

Episode 2: A Shift in Focus

Based on the feedback I received from Episode 1, Ive made significant improvements to the script and overall flow for Episode 2. This episode will continue the detailed style you enjoyed in Episode 1 but with a new focus on romance and professionalism. The cringe humor from The Prologue has been greatly reduced, allowing for a more mature and engaging narrative. Inspired by titles like Summer Heat by Naughty Fox Games and Summer's Gone by Ocean, Im committed to creating something uniquely Hardenvillea game that stands out for its style and emotional depth. This new direction will make Hardenville more appealing to a broader audience while maintaining the essence of what makes it special.

The Importance of Episode 2

Delivering a perfect Episode 2 is crucial for the future of Hardenville. The success of this episode will directly impact my ability to attract more players, improve reviews, and generate the income needed to continue development at the pace this project deserves. If Episode 2 is well-received, I can dedicate more time to Hardenville, resulting in shorter development cycles between updates. Conversely, a lukewarm reception might force me to split my time with other jobs to maintain a steady income. Rest assured, I will never abandon Hardenville, no matter what. However, the reception of Episode 2 will significantly influence how quickly and frequently I can deliver new content.

Financial Situation and Time Constraints

Currently, Im in a tight financial situation, with credit cards maxed out because every cent has gone into this project. I can continue working on Hardenville as planned until November or December. My goal is to see Hardenville move from a Mixed to a Positive rating on Steam by the end of the year, thanks to the improvements and new content in Episode 2, including deeper romance and enhanced erotic elements.

Feedback and Release Schedule Adjustments

Ive heard your feedback, especially from Patreon and SubscribeStar members who feel they aren't getting enough value. As a result, Ill be focusing more on these platforms moving forward, sharing more frequent Dev Logs, polls, and development updates. Currently, these two platforms are my primary sources of revenue, with Patreon leading at $148 a month before taxes. My hope is that this increased focus will attract more members and provide the necessary support to sustain Hardenvilles development. To manage expectations better, I need to set the release date for Episode 2 to simply "2024" and leave the release dates for Episodes 3 through 9 as TBA until I have a better handle on the time required for each episode.

Development Timeline and Rendering Goals

If everything goes according to plan, Ill begin rendering later this weekat the latest, early next week. Episode 2 will feature nearly 1,000 renders and a few erotic animations for the sex scenes. Once the rendering phase begins, I expect to produce between 50 and 120 static renders each week, depending on other tasks such as coding and script development.

Member Benefits and Platform-Specific Updates

Member Benefits:

• Gold Members and Above: Receive major game updates, including the first releases of each episode in an Alpha state, one week before the stable release.
• Silver Members and Above: Receive major game updates in a Beta state three days before the stable release.
• Bronze Members, Steam, and Itch.io Owners: Receive the stable release one week after the Alpha, ensuring the highest quality upon release on platforms like Steam and Itch.io.

All minor updates within episodes will be released simultaneously across all platforms, meaning only the initial episode releases will have Alpha and Beta stages. To my Steam and Itch.io buyers, I want you to know that youre not being left out. You will still receive updates, release notes, and major news like release dates. However, due to the different requirements for banners, image sizes, and file formats on these platforms, Im focusing my detailed updates on Patreon and SubscribeStar. This approach allows me to dedicate more time to development while keeping you informed.

Many Thanks

Thank you again for your continued support! I am committed to making Hardenville the best it can be, and with your help, we can achieve great things. Im excited to deliver an Episode 2 that exceeds your expectations and helps Hardenville reach new heights.

Discord

Please remember to join our Discord channel with over 600 members to stay up-to-date on new development logs and polls! Discord Link: https://discord.com/invite/XPmezdYHeX

Poll | Current Summary

Do you think Ariel (18) should have braces? Patreon Poll Link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/ariel-braces-109661950 SubscribeStar Poll Link: https://subscribestar.adult/posts/1433998

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-08-13 00:09:09 CET ] [ Original post ]

Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.2)

• Added an Achievement app to the in-game phone for tracking achievements
• Added more dialogues to "Never Have I Ever
• Added numerous SFX to Episode 1
• Added a skip button for the handball minigame
• Added three instrumental songs
• Fixed the issue where 5-0 handball gallery images didn't unlock outside of Steam
• Gallery images or achievements from previous saves no longer trigger notifications in new playthroughs
• Increased the width of the choice button
• Introduced a new gallery image and animation with a new method to unlock them; some are hidden on objects that need to be clicked
• Made the quick menu and idle phone transparent to prevent OLED burn-in
• Moved dialogue text slightly left to prevent overlap with choices
• Updated password mechanism: re-entry required only with major releases

Upcoming Updates


In the upcoming weeks, we'll update Hardenville to include French, German, Portuguese, and proofreading of English.

Hardenville


https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-07-18 14:54:05 CET ] [ Original post ]

Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.1)

• Added a safe save zone after Episode 1
• Added a skip button to the intro animation
• Added more gallery images, including special and monthly renders from the past year
• Added Q.Save and Q.Load in the quick menu
• Added subtitles to the intro animation
• Added the ability to select which chapter to start from and which path to choose
• Corrected grammatical errors
• Improved the quality of the intro animation
• Included one missing image of Jasmine in the gallery
• Overhauled the gallery UI to better match the rest of the interface
• Split the audio of the intro animation into three groups: music, ambient, and voice

Upcoming Updates

In the upcoming weeks, we'll update Hardenville to include French, German, Portuguese, and proofreading of English, as well as more SFX, a new and interactive way to find gallery images, and more. Some saves from 0.1.2 are incompatible with 0.2.1.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-07-13 10:59:03 CET ] [ Original post ]

It's been a long wait for this release. I've redone renders countless times and should have prioritized and been much more efficient.

Episode 1 Changes

The home alone party was originally planned to be in Episode 1, which was going to include some sex scenes. However, Episode 1 is ending after the preparty and right before the main party begins. This is to avoid rushing into scenes too early. Now, we have a calmer approach to Episode 2, which will be very lewd.

Focus of Episode 2

Episode 2 will only focus on the party, which will take place at home in one location. This should make development much faster. The planned release for Episode 2 is Fall 2024.

Music Library Overhaul

There are many new and changed things. Unfortunately, we needed to change the music library due to their recent policy change regarding media recommended for 18+ audiences. Luckily, we've found good alternatives, but they are much more expensive. The old music provider had a flat yearly subscription for roughly $400 for unlimited songs, whereas our new music provider costs $150-$200 per song. Additionally, thousands of dollars have been spent on new assets since The Prologue, while Steam sales from the last three months have been around $300 after taxes. I strongly believe this project won't become profitable for about a year, or maybe longer. So please keep in mind that while I will finish this project no matter what and will continue to invest in it, I ask for your patience.

Upcoming Updates

In one or two weeks, we'll update Hardenville to include French, German, Portuguese, and proofreading of English, as well as some cool new stuff. I will likely update Hardenville with some small patches shortly to include more SFX and fix grammar mistakes.

Here's what's new and improved in Hardenville Episode 1 (0.2.0)

• 13 new gallery images
• 8 new Steam Achievements
• 2 new mini-games: handball shoot-out and never have I ever
• Added the skip option back in the preferences
• Can now choose whether to call the landlord and landlady by their name or relation
• Changed music provider, all new songs, now with song name and artist displayed
• Continuation of the story
• Corrected some screens that were not being pointed back to the correct screen
• Emojis in text messages
• Fixed a few persistent values not being saved
• New animations
• New contacts
• New residents
• Some new sound effects, with more to be added soon
• Slightly faster UI
• Slightly new UI look
• Twice the content of the Prologue

Some saves from 0.1.2 are incompatible with 0.2.0.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-07-08 05:08:33 CET ] [ Original post ]

The Final Dev Log for This Episode

We're so close to the release of the long-awaited continuation of Hardenville. As many of you know, I aimed for the end of June as the release date for Episode 1. But to cut it short, I need one additional week to properly test everything and polish it so it's delivered in the best shape possible. There are a lot of changes in Episode 1. There has been plenty of trial and error over the last few months with renders. However, I personally feel that Episode 1 is done more professionally and also has a more professional feel than The Prologue. As much as I hate to announce a one-week delay, I promise with all my heart that it will release in two weeks, during the week of July 1-7. I'm aiming for a Friday release, but in the worst-case scenario, I might need Saturday and/or Sunday as well. However, it will be released that weekend for sure. I had originally planned a short week off that week, but that is, of course, postponed to after the Episode 1 release that weekend. It will be good for my heart to take a break from three energy drinks every day. Other than that, this will be the last Dev Log for Episode 1. The next Dev Log will be for Episode 2.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-06-21 14:01:55 CET ] [ Original post ]

It's almost June!

This means summer, sun, bikinis, and the long-awaited home-alone party in Hardenville Episode 1. It is set to release in week 26, which is June 24 - June 30. Feedback is welcome regarding what is desired from the development going forward after the release of Episode 1. Currently, Dev Logs are done 1-2 times each month on all platforms (Steam, Itch.io, Discord, Patreon, and Subscriberstar), and monthly special renders are available for Patreon and Subscriberstar members. Any suggestions on what you would like to see? Here are a few ideas inspired by other AVN devs:

• Streams while creating renders, but pre-recorded while airing, allowing questions to be answered along the way without needing to stream the render times (30-90 minutes each render). (Open for all)
• An estimated progress bar. Though not 100% accurate, it will closely indicate the work completed and what remains for the current chapter. Updated every week? (Open for all)
• Polls with 2-3 different clothing or bikini options for some characters in the current chapter. (Only for members)

Feedback on these ideas and any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-05-28 19:59:55 CET ] [ Original post ]

Get a sneak peek into MC's home

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-05-06 14:01:46 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hardenville Episode 1 releases in June

After many months behind schedule for this release, I'm happy to announce a final launch month for the next release. It will have almost three times the content as the Prologue. Characters have been fine-tuned for more variants of body shapes, some with fewer freckles, some with improved freckles, and much more. I'm beyond excited to release it to you all. What's the realistic timeline for Episode 2 and beyond? With Episode 1 launching in June, it is realistic to say that Episodes 2 and 3 will release in 2024. But my goal is to deliver Episode 4 by late 2024 as well. It is unacceptable that I've been so absent for almost a month, but the reason is because of focusing on some exams instead of spending too much time online. I still have a few exams left, but I'm working on Hardenville even in the middle of the exam period.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-04-21 23:45:22 CET ] [ Original post ]

GPU Just Arrived

After months of waiting for the Nvidia RTX 4090 FE to come in stock, refreshing Nvidia's homepage multiple times per day, earlier this week, I was finally able to order the GPU. And it arrived in my hands today. Now, I can install the RTX 4090 into the new rig I purchased in January, which means I can once again use my old rig and reinstall the RTX 3090 back into it. I will use the rest of the week/weekend to configure an efficient workflow between these two PCs so they can share the same assets, saves, etc. With the new GPU, render times should reduce significantly, making multitasking much easier. I plan to buy the (most likely) upcoming RTX 5090 when and if it launches later this year. Then, I'll install the RTX 4090 into the old rig and the RTX 5090 into the new rig. Thank you so much for your patience!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-03-21 16:12:13 CET ] [ Original post ]

Sneak Preview of What's to Come in the next big update, Episode 1

The Prologue:

• Added emojis for text messages
• Improved support for gamepad
• Option to refer to the landlady as Johanna or the landlord as Tom in the dialogues
• Corrected grammar errors
• Fixed some screens that were not pointing back to the correct screen
• Faster menu with reduced lag
• Fixed some persistent values that were not being saved
• Made slight changes to the UI
• More achievements added (Steam): Porta-Potty Fun, Win Rock Paper Scissors

Episode 1:

• Added 2 new mini-games: handball and beer pong
• Included 2 new sex scenes
• Added new contacts
• Added new gallery images
• Introduced new residents: dog, cat, Hallie, Kiara
• Added new songs
• Added new text messages
• Added new achievements (Steam): Doggo (Name Your Dog), Goalie of the Day (Win The Shoot-Out Against Millie), Beer Pong Champion (Win the Beer Pong match), Cashed in V-Card (Best 20 Seconds of My Life), Complete Episode 1
• Added more SFX

Work, work, render, render, code, code

I just wanted to tell you guys how amazingly patient you've all been. I know for a fact that it is very frustrating being promised a release date and it not being met. It is the worst feeling for me to disappoint you over and over again. Many have wondered why there's been so much delay, and that is a very fair question to ask. For those who don't know, I'm the sole developer. As a sole developer, I don't get that much input from others, which means that I can indeed change my mind a lot when it comes to content and how it's going to be portrayed. As has been said many times before, renders take a lot of time to render, and if renders don't look that great after all, I would need to change up a lot and then try again. With renders taking from 30 to 120 minutes, and then maybe altering some renders two or three times, that means that it doesn't always result in a lot of progress in a day. I do have some personal stuff here and there as well that I need to prioritize. But rest assured, my mind and focus are on Hardenville. I'm still super confident and eager to work and deliver new updates to you all. So please don't worry about the project being abandoned. I'm not a quitter! Just a tiny bit of a perfectionist when it comes to making the renders look good. I have promised many more episodes for this year. And for each episode, I expect faster progress because of less extra tweaking on characters, environments, code functionality, and so on. Realistically, I probably would need to push Episode 5 to be the first episode launched in 2025, which means that I will work my butt off to deliver Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, and Episode 4 to you all this year. A massive thank you again for supporting this project. I'm using your hard-earned money on new assets and other Hardenville-related additions almost every single day. Once Episode 1 is launched, and I can begin work on Episode 2, I will consider doing some streams of showing you the creation of the new renders as other developers do if you're interested.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-03-13 01:43:56 CET ] [ Original post ]

Translators and Script Updates

Earlier this year, we were searching for translators for Hardenville. We've received some applications, and we're beginning to accept them. So far, we've received applications for Chinese, English proofreading, French, German, and Portuguese. I'm going to send them the script for The Prologue soon for them to begin working with, and hopefully, within this week, I'll send the entire script for Episode 1 to the English proofreader. Then, hopefully, I'll send the script for Episode 1 to the other translators next week.

Renders are still in production

The images and animations are still rendering, which is, once again, time-consuming considering renders take from 30 to 90 minutes just for the image to render, not including the time to pose, set up lighting, etc. I still can't promise a specific date for the release of Hardenville Episode 1, which means, once again, that it won't happen this month either. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, but I'm so sorry to disappoint you again and again about the release schedule. But rest assured, this will indeed be a good episode compared to the Prologue. As always, thank you so much for your patience and support!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-02-26 23:25:24 CET ] [ Original post ]

The Bucket Is Filling

While there is no doubt that Episode 1 is long overdue for its previous planned release, I can assure you that I'm working hard on a fantastic release. I fully understand that the longer the wait, the more frustrated some of you may become with the amount of time it's taking. At the same time, I'm thankful that the majority of you are still positive and are giving me the time I need to develop Hardenville. I'm spending much time building pieces to fit the story better than previously planned. I've listened to feedback across multiple sites, and much of it aligns with my own thoughts. Rest assured, I won't change Hardenville's story based on feedback I disagree with, but I will improve it with the many good suggestions I've received. Jasmine is filling the bucket. What kind of devilish plan does she have in store?

VR Support Put On Ice

The majority of the feedback regarding VR possibilities has been negative, as it would extend the development time of the episodes even further. I understand your concerns. VR was not originally part of the plan, so I respect your feedback, and VR support will be put on hold until Season 1 is finished. Thank you all for your patience, feedback, and support

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-02-13 11:46:09 CET ] [ Original post ]

Change of Release

As mentioned before, and as saddened as I am to deliver the news, I will need to officially change the release for Episode 1 to February. I don't have a set day in February because I will release it as soon as it's done. That also means that the release for Episode 2 won't make it for Q1, but I'm hopeful for Episode 2 in early Q2, and Episode 3 for late Q2. Either way, I am committed to releasing 5 episodes this year as planned. Thanks for being patient with my first project.

Sneak Peek for the Animations in the Intro for Episode 1

JoyFI Games has just launched a YouTube channel, and we've uploaded a sneak peek for the intro of the next release for you. For these few seconds of animations, it has around 400-450 renders combined to create a 4K 30 fps animation. https://youtu.be/Z7QRjVapwK8?feature=shared

Sample of a Potential VR Version

Naturally, I've received multiple questions about the potential VR version. As previously mentioned, I've briefly tested it, and it is still early to confirm whether it will happen or not. But for those who have a VR headset and would like to see a sample of an 8K 360 spherical render, please take a look below. To test the image with Oculus 3, download the image directly or transfer it via USB. Then, open the Media App, select the image, and at the bottom right corner, there is an icon that says 2D. Click on it and select VR 360 (not VR 360 3D). Afterward, press the home button on the right Oculus controller to hide all UI. The attached sample is compressed. For the raw render and a better experience, please visit https://hardenville.joyfigames.com/vr-samples/ to download and test it in the best quality.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-01-28 13:42:08 CET ] [ Original post ]

Calling All Translators!

We're thrilled to announce that we're actively seeking translators from our community for multiple languagesa highly requested feature since the launch of The Prologue. With Hardenville, we are committed to enhancing the user experience and building a better Adult Visual Novel.

Our primary focus is on finding translators for the following languages:

• English (proofreading, minimizing grammar mistakes)
• Spanish
• French
• German
• Simplified Chinese
• Russian

Secondary priorities include:

• Italian
• Portuguese
• Korean
• Japanese

Q: Who can apply as a translator for Hardenville? A: Everyone! Q: What experience do I need? A: Mastery of the target language and a strong understanding of English. Q: How can I apply? A: Share a bit about yourself, the language you'd like to translate, and send us an email at contact@joyfigames.com Q: How many will be selected? A: We aim to have at least two individuals for each language. Q: When will I know if I've been selected as a translator? A: While we're prioritizing this process, it may take a few weeks. You'll receive a confirmation email promptly upon receiving your application. Q: What happens if I get selected? A: Once selected, you'll gain access to an exclusive Discord channel for all translators and another exclusive channel specifically for translators of the chosen language. Q: What do I get in return? A: Exclusive insights into Hardenville's development, early access to builds, and the highest tier on Discord, offering exclusive renders. In the coming months, we plan to extend additional perks such as Steam gift cards. It's important to note that, initially, translation of Hardenville is a community project, and the benefits are not comparable to a permanent translator position.

New Equipment

After some time, we've received the majority of our PC parts for our second build, featuring a 14th gen i9, 128GB DDR5 RAM, 4TB of NVMe storage, and more. Unfortunately, the RTX 4090 I desire is still out of stock, leading me to temporarily borrow the RTX 3090 from my old rig. Despite having one PC rig to work on, it's already noticeably faster and smoother. The build took longer than expected, marking the first time in two or three years since the last rig.

VR

Additionally, I've invested in the Meta Quest 3 to explore the potential of Hardenville in VR. While it's too early to promise anything, I'll dedicate time after Episode 1's release to assess the viability of a VR version. If feasible, it will be released at no extra cost as a separate installation due to potential huge file size. I aim to render in 8k for impressive VR quality, with hopes of supporting the same game saves. However, we may be getting ahead of ourselves. I'll provide an update in a few weeks or months regarding VR support.

New Website

I recently purchased the domains joyfigames.com and hardenville.com, completing the setup to look decent for now. Stay tuned for exciting plans for this website in the future. Check out https://www.joyfigames.com/

Progress on Episode 1

Since the start of January, progress on Episode 1 hasn't met my initial expectations due to multitasking and the challenge of perfecting certain scenes. Some days, rendering takes 1-2 hours, and on completion, I may need to redo them to meet my standards. This can be frustrating, and I understand it may be for you too. However, I'm pleased with the current look, and with the website and new rig set up, progress will be faster moving forward.

A burning question you likely have: Q: Will Hardenville Episode 1 still be released in January? A: Right now, all I can say is that I truly hope so. I understand your frustration for delays, and believe me, nobody dislikes them more than I do. Apologies for the lengthy post, but it's been two weeks since I've updated you, and there was more than the usual to share!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2024-01-15 20:46:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

Happy New Year!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2023-12-31 17:49:57 CET ] [ Original post ]

Purchase of New Equipment

I'm excited to share an update regarding my previous post about acquiring a second computer for rendering and animations, equipped with an RTX 4090, 14th-gen i9, and all that powerful hardware. I've just received my first payment from Steam (sales from November), and along with the payments from Patreon, SubscriberStar, and Itch.io, I'm thrilled to announce that I placed an order for a complete set of parts today. Some items were out of stock and will arrive a few days later than the others. Nevertheless, we're expanding to enable multitasking with two computers side-by-side, featuring an RTX 3090 and RTX 4090. This wouldn't have been possible without your support! Oh, and as a token of appreciation for all your support, Johanna offered to take care of the laundry today!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2023-12-27 21:43:20 CET ] [ Original post ]

Merry Christmas!

We hope that for all of you celebrating Christmas, whether with loved ones, friends, or alone, you'll have a fantastic holiday season.

A hint for Episode 1

"It's sad that MC's bed isn't a bit larger..." You'll find out what that's all about in the upcoming Episode 1 of Hardenville.

Take Care

Onto something completely different and much more important than some Christmas marketing for an AVN. Since it's Christmas, many out there feel alone, depressed, and unsure about the future. Remember that there will always be great times ahead, even when it feels like rock bottom. You're strong, and you will make it through this. Please contact professionals if you ever doubt yourself. It's crucial that we think about and care for those around us during these times. Greet your old neighbor and wish them a Merry Christmas, send a text to your friend or colleague. You never know what they're struggling with. A simple reminder that people care can truly save lives.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2023-12-25 02:04:59 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hallie

Oh no! Due to the overall public poll votes on Discord, Patreon and SubscriberStar favoring redheads, we're 'forced' to introduce you to Hallie a little earlier than expected. Hallie is a 21-year-old British woman who recently relocated from the UK to Hardenville. You will officially meet her in Episode 1. As she doesn't know many people yet, please remember to take good care of her! She is a bit shy.

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2023-12-19 23:00:14 CET ] [ Original post ]

Progress Update and More!

Progress on Episode 1 continues smoothly, and I'm thrilled to bring the next chapter to you. However, as mentioned earlier, the initial 'late December / early January' timeline will need to officially extend into January 2024. Why? Because I want to ensure the best experience for you, and sometimes taking extra time ensures its delivery. Sharing a slight delay is never easy, but it's for the best. I hope you can understand and respect my decision. I'm putting in a lot of effort to deliver unique scenes and environments not seen in other AVNs, such as small things like a ground-up creation of a grocery store called Caremart.

Early Release of Episode 1

I plan to release a beta version of Episode 1 on other platforms 3-7 days earlier than its release on Steam. This isn't about trying to generate more revenue but rather to address errors, grammatical issues, and more before the final release on Steam, where people can leave reviews.

Developer Update

For those unaware, Hardenville is currently developed solely by me. Sometimes I refer to 'we,' pertaining to JoyFI Games, and at other times, 'I' or 'me,' referring to myself as the sole developer. It's important to note that I'm passionately working on this project and am truly enjoying every hour spent crafting an extended experience in Hardenville for all of you.

New Equipment

As mentioned earlier, I applied for a loan from my bank to purchase a powerful new PC rig valued at approximately $10,000. However, due to their excessive collateral requirements, I've decided not to proceed with the loan. Instead, I'll invest in 50% of the equipment using the initial Steam revenue in early January. This will still grant us a highly functional second PC for rendering. The remaining 50% of the planned PC equipment will be purchased once the second Steam revenue arrives in early February.

Episode 2 and Beyond

With the holiday season approaching, many enjoy vacations and reduced work hours. However, for me, it means dedicating more time to work on the project. Starting January, I'll be able to officially work full-time on Hardenville, all thanks to your support. I deeply appreciate every purchase, wishlist addition, like, review, and more. Thank you, everyone! After the release of Episode 1, I plan to take a break of one to two weeks to relax, play games, unwind with friends, and savor life's moments. Then, I'll commence production on Episode 2, which I'm sure many of you are eagerly anticipating. Why? Because Johanna will return home early from her honeymoon due to unforeseen circumstances..

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2023-12-16 23:47:02 CET ] [ Original post ]

New teaser from Episode 1!

"Snap a Photo of Me!" - Millie

Hardenville

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/Hardenville/

[ 2023-12-09 00:08:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

Progress on Episode 1

We're happy with the progress made so far for the upcoming major release of Hardenville, which is Episode 1. Renders are currently in full production, but we're waiting to create the animations closer to the finish line of this Episode.

Changes in Episode 1

There will be some changes in Episode 1 compared to The Prologue, including better-looking freckles and new genitalia for both the main character (MC) and the female characters. These new genitalia will bring more realism and increased customization options, which is fantastic.

Release Update for Episode 1

Initially, we had mentioned that Episode 1 was expected to arrive in late December or early January. However, due to the need for additional weeks to address feedback from The Prologue and (me, the dev) having been sick with Covid for a week, a December release might not be realistic at this point. Therefore, it's more likely to be released sometime in January, although it's still too early to confirm these changes.

Future Episodes and Full-time Work

Episode 1 is anticipated to be at least twice the size of The Prologue, and we're estimate needing about 2-4 months between each subsequent Episode. It's also becoming apparent that after the release of Episode 1, I (dev) will be able to work full-time on Hardenville, making it my primary job. This achievement is all thanks to the support on platforms like Steam, Patreon, SubscriberStar, and Itch.io! Hooray!

Approaching a New Rating on Steam

As previously mentioned, we currently hold a "Mixed" rating here on Steam. We are confident that with the release of Hardenville Episode 1, we will elevate to the next level and achieve a "Mostly Positive" rating. At present, we are very close, standing at 69%. Once we reach 70%, we will attain the new "Mostly Positive" rating. This accomplishment will signify a significant step in the right direction as we move forward. However, we won't stop there; we hope to climb the rating even higher as we progress further with our episodes.

Monthly Render Winner and Christmas Theme

Each month, we showcase one Monthly Render split into three different versions featuring a character exclusively on Patreon and SubscriberStar. We offer five unique tiers:

• Library Card Member | $1 / Month
• Bronze Card Member | $5 / Month
• Silver Card Member | $10 / Month
• Gold Card Member | $25 / Month
• Platinum Card Member | $50 / Month

These renders showcase the character in full clothing (Library), solely in underwear (Bronze), and completely nude (Gold). In the polls conducted on both Patreon and SubscriberStar for the Monthly Render in December, Jasmine emerged as the winner! The Monthly Render featuring a special Christmas theme starring her is now available. [table] [tr] [th]Monthly Render: 5 | December | Dressed | Jasmine[/th] [th]Monthly Render: 5 | December | Underwear | Jasmine[/th] [th]Monthly Render: 5 | December | Nude | Jasmine[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]
[/td] [td]
[/td] [td]
[/td] [/tr] [/table]

Thank You for Your Support

Finally, we would like to once again express our gratitude for your support here on Steam. Thank you so much! Remember to join our Discord!

[ 2023-12-02 00:35:14 CET ] [ Original post ]

Giveaway

We're celebrating this Special Day with a Giveaway on our Discord. Check it out if you're interested!

[ 2023-11-23 11:39:32 CET ] [ Original post ]

News

It's been just over two weeks since we launched Hardenville The Prologue version here on Steam. We're thrilled to be on this journey with you and are dedicated to delivering the best experiences with our upcoming releases. Thank you all for your positive and constructive feedback. Our goal is to maintain transparency and cultivate a vibrant community, even though it may take some time to grow. We're proud to share that our Discord community has reached 286 members. Additionally, Hardenville is nearing 2,000 units sold on Steam in just two weeks, which is a remarkable achievement for The Prologue. Once the revenue hits our bank account in late December, we'll invest in an additional PC equipped with an RTX 4090. This new PC will aid in static renders, allowing us to multitask alongside our current PC with a RTX 3090 solely for animations. This marks a significant milestone for us! Our next release, Episode 1, is scheduled for late December or January. It will offer at least twice the content of The Prologue, including a substantial amount of animations. Unfortunately, as of today, Hardenville holds a "mixed" rating on Steam due to the overall negative reviews mainly concerning the current length of the game. We understand this perspective and view it as a constructive criticism moving forward. We're hopeful that with the release of Episode 1, we can elevate our rating from "mixed" to "positive". We're aware that some developers have abandoned their Adult Visual Novels over time, and this concern may linger among supporters. Our aim was to garner early support to assure everyone that this game won't be abandoned. Thanks to the Early Access on Steam, we've received substantial backing, reassuring us of our community's support. Please rest assured that Hardenville is intended to encompass a total of 10 chapters, with The Prologue serving as Chapter 1 and Episodes 1 through 9 constituting the remaining chapters. We've meticulously planned the entire season and even have exciting ideas for a potential Season 2. We also promise that all upcoming episodes of Hardenville Season 1 will be accessible at no extra cost to those who purchase it. Furthermore, there won't be any other DLCs, such as additional purchases for more explicit content in the game. It's one purchase and one purchase only! We aim to introduce voice actresses into Hardenville at a later stage, likely towards the end of the Early Access period.

Q&A #1

Now, let's delve into the Q&A session. Which languages would you like to see available in Hardenville? Please share your thoughts, questions, concerns, feedback, and more in the comment section below. Your input is highly valuable to us. A question and concern that have been seen in some places is: Q: "That a main LI willing to give a random dude a head in a porta potty doesn't really inspire me with much confidence in this." A: Sandra, one of the main LIs, has a compelling reason that will be revealed at the Home-Alone party in Episode 1. Just hang tight. Natalie is more like a side LI. Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-18 20:20:31 CET ] [ Original post ]

Answers The correct answers for "Make A Guess #1" were Millie and Jasmine, the main girls who use the workout room. Millie participates in handball, and Jasmine participates in gymnastics.

Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-14 19:53:18 CET ] [ Original post ]

Make a guess! The formerly guest bedroom was rarely in use, and two of MC's roommates wanted to improve their skills in their respective sports. Johanna and Tom agreed to convert the guest bedroom into a workout area. However, the room couldn't be used after 9 pm (21:00). For which two of Ariel, Millie, and Jasmine do you think this workout room was created for? And which two competitive sports do they participate in?
Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-13 18:44:05 CET ] [ Original post ]

Animation Get a sneak peek of MC's bedroom, which will be featured from Episode 1 and beyond! It has been rendered in 4k using over 390 images. Almost all the furniture used in MC's bedroom has been made by us in Blender. Vimeo (Click Here to Watch Animation) Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-08 22:20:34 CET ] [ Original post ]

Thank you! We'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and interest in our passion project, Hardenville. We've always planned for the Prologue to be a short introduction to introduce players to the characters in Hardenville. A total of 10 chapters are planned, with the Prologue being the first and Episode 1 to 9 making up the remaining chapters. The Episodes will contain much more content and animations compared to the Prologue. While we have noticed in reviews that some people find the Prologue too short, it was a deliberate decision to bring the game to Early Access on Steam with the first chapter. Typically, other visual novels don't do this until about mid-development cycle. We believed it was best to release the game early, gather feedback, and gain support to improve the game significantly. Our plans include translating the game into multiple languages, adding voice actresses at some point, expanding our team and much more. At present, Hardenville is a solo endeavor led by Filip, a 25-year-old Norwegian developer. The planned release schedule for Hardenville episodes is as follows:

• Hardenville Episode 1: Late December 2023 or early January 2024
• Hardenville Episode 2: Q1 2024
• Hardenville Episode 3: Q2 2024
• Hardenville Episode 4: Q3 2024
• Hardenville Episode 5: Q4 2024
• Hardenville Episode 6: Q1 2025
• Hardenville Episode 7: Q2 2025
• Hardenville Episode 8: Q3 2025
• Hardenville Episode 9: Q4 2025

Please be aware that the planned release dates are subject to change if we require additional time for development. Freckles Upgrade In our upcoming big release, Episode 1, we're making small adjustment to the freckles. It's not a major overhaul, just a change in color and a slight reduction in their intensity. These changes will only apply to Episode 1 and beyond, so there's no need to worry about us taking the time to redo all the renders in the Prologue.
Please join our Discord server to make a great community with us! https://discord.com/invite/XPmezdYHeX Thank you so much for supporting our game, Hardenville. Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-05 14:39:43 CET ] [ Original post ]

Added requested country flag backgrounds for the in-game phone:

• Argentina
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Colombia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Greece
• Poland
• Romania
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Turkey
• Venezuela

If you would like to see your country's flag added, please leave a comment below. If you've created some fantastic art that you'd like to have featured in Hardenville's phone backgrounds, please send a message to the admin on our Discord. Discord https://discord.com/invite/XPmezdYHeX

[ 2023-11-04 20:55:32 CET ] [ Original post ]

Check out the first Sneak Peek from Hardenville Episode 1!

Coming Soon Hardenville Episode 1 is scheduled to be released either in late December 2023 or early January 2024! Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-04 01:16:11 CET ] [ Original post ]

Exciting Announcement: Hardenville Is Now Available on Steam!

The wait is finally over, and we are thrilled to announce that Hardenville is now officially available on Steam, featuring its first release, "The Prologue." This introductory chapter provides a sneak peek into the world of Hardenville, offering approximately 45 minutes of linear gameplay, with stunning visuals, enchanting music, a customizable in-game phone with over 30 background options, various apps, text messages, settings, and a collection of over 60 incredible songs. Throughout "The Prologue," be cautious with your choices, as you can keep track of your love interests using the Bonding app. To celebrate this launch, we are offering a special 10% discount for the first week. After some Episodes, the standard price of $10 may see an increase, so we deeply appreciate your early support!

What to Expect from The Prologue

• Approximately 45 minutes of linear gameplay
• Hundreds of renders
• Relationship customization options
• Immersive music and sound effects
• An in-game phone with various features
• Unlockable images in the Gallery
• Replay
• One animation (drone footage on the beach)
• Intimate scenes, including nudity, oral, kissing, masturbation, and an optional watersport scene

What's on the Horizon

In the upcoming releases, starting with Episode 1, expected to launch in late December or early January, you can look forward to double the content of "The Prologue," including more intimate scenes, animations, collectibles, and much more! Our plan includes a total of 9 substantial Episodes in Hardenville Season 1. By purchasing the game now, you'll gain access to all future Episodes as they become available.

What's in Store for the Future of Hardenville

• Harem

What You Won't Find in Hardenville

• NTR

Why Your Support Matters to Us

With your support, we can enhance the game further. We are not only equipped with our current PC setup featuring an RTX 3090 but also plan to acquire another PC with an RTX 4090. This will allow us to utilize the RTX 4090 for rendering images and the RTX 3090 for animations, leading to increased productivity and the ability to deliver more content at a faster pace. This release marks our first step into this venture, and we promise to complete Hardenville Season 1. We have spent years learning Ren'Py and Daz Studio, and we can't wait to share our creation with you.

Join Our Discord

If you haven't already, we invite you to join our Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/XPmezdYHeX With Love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-11-03 02:04:42 CET ] [ Original post ]

Exciting Announcement: Our Game Build Has Been Submitted for approval to Steam!

We're thrilled to share that our game build is now pending approval on Steam and, if everything goes smoothly, will be released by the end of this week! Once approved, we'll bring you another update and aim to release the game the very next day. It will be simultaneously launched on Steam, Patreon, SubscriberStar, and Itch.IO.

Sneak Peek with Our New In-Game Videos!

We're offering a glimpse into our game with 4 in-game videos. Checking them out below! https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/256974469/movie480_vp9.webm?t=1696863380 https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/256974470/movie480_vp9.webm?t=1696863384 https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/256974467/movie480_vp9.webm?t=1696863388 https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/256974468/movie480_vp9.webm?t=1696863392

About the Release and What's Next

This initial releasethe Prologueis the first of a 10-episode series. Although it's slightly shorter, we assure you that upcoming episodes are more substantial and equally thrilling! With the bulk of the coding and location creation behind us, future releases will be much swifter. We're targeting the release of Episode 1 in approximately three months, boasting a size around twice that of the Prologue. And while each subsequent episode will take between two to four months to produce, we're already brimming with electrifying ideas for a potential Season 2!

Support Us by Adding to Your Wishlist!

If you haven't already, please support us by adding our game to your Steam wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2010460/ Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-10-09 16:37:25 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hardenville is thrilled to be a participant in Steam's Visual Novel Fest 2023, a great event for fans of visual novels across the globe!

In celebration of this grand festival, we've prepared an exclusive surprise just for you. How about another sneak peek into Hardenville? We are unveiling two lewd renders from the game, crafted to ignite curiosity and excitement. These renders provide a glimpse into the more adventurous side of Hardenville's story and characters.

But we're not just here to share; we want to hear from you too! Visual novels are all about engaging stories, memorable characters, and unique experiences. So, tell us, what's your favorite Visual Novel game, and why? Your thoughts and preferences can help shape the future of our games, and we're eager to learn what resonates with you. Steam's Visual Novel Fest 2023 is more than just a Steam sale; it's a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community. Exploring new stories, discover hidden gems, and most importantly, have fun! ;)

Your adventure in Hardenville awaits, and we can't wait to share it with you!

Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-08-07 15:00:35 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hey everyone!

In this post, we're excited to delve into:

• Developer's personal insights
• Final release date
• Release discount offer
• Enhanced phone-system functionality
• Introduction of music and SFX
• Improved relationship manager
• Introducing pets to liven up your in-game home
• Updated visuals and screenshots
• And so much more!

Straight from the Developer's Desk:
As Hardenville's sole developer, I'd like to start by thanking you for your patience and support since my last update in April. After a taxing exam period that lasted until mid-June and a well-deserved break in July, I'm back, fully charged and working tirelessly to bring Hardenville to you! Hardenville: The Prologue will see the light of day by September, with a possibility of a late August debut, though the exact end-of-month timeline is tentative. As we inch closer to the release, it seems fitting to introduce a release discount dependent on wishlists! Check it out!
A year ago, Hardenville was envisioned as a simple linear gameplay with minimal player interaction. Today, with enhanced skills and a clearer vision, we're excited to include innovative features for an elevated visual novel experience. Delays, after all, can often be a blessing in disguise! Intricate Phone-System: The game interface now features a phone at the bottom right corner. It remains idle and unobtrusive, but hover over it, and it reveals the current date and time in Hardenville! Clicking on it expands to a large display with apps, a text messaging system, a store, options for background change, and more. Stay tuned for additional features in the full version!




Music and SFX: We're ecstatic to announce the inclusion of music and SFX at launch. While Epidemic Sound did not align with our adult content, Artlist graciously stepped up to the plate. Redefining Relationship Management: Many adult visual novels offer relationship renaming, but we've pushed the envelope to allow continuous edits from both the main and in-game menus. Your changes will always be saved and stored!
Welcoming Furry Friends: Add a touch of warmth to your gaming experience with your in-game house pets a cat and a dog! You can even name them! While they won't significantly alter the storyline, they will definitely make cameo appearances throughout.
Revamped User Interface: In response to your valuable feedback from our January tests, we've redesigned the menus for a cleaner, more intuitive user experience.

Hardenville Prologue Focus: Experience the beauty and drama of a wedding in our Prologue! We invite you to feast your eyes on these renders.









Gratitude for Early Supporters: Early contributors on Patreon or Subscriberstar who've supported us before July 31 will receive a complimentary copy of Hardenville on Steam prior to release. It's our way of expressing gratitude for your faith in us. A New Hardenville Poster: Finally, we're delighted to share a new poster for Hardenville! Do take a look and let us know your thoughts.
Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for journeying with us as we shape Hardenville into an exciting adventure! Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-08-02 23:09:06 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hey everyone! I would like to share a personal update with you. My name is Filip, I'm 25 years old, and I'm from Norway. First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the many delays in the development of the game. I had hoped to release the first version of the game before entering the exam period that I am currently facing. Unfortunately, I was not able to meet this goal due to several personal challenges that I have encountered over the past few months. I am fully aware that many of you have expressed frustration over the delays, and some of you have expressed concern about whether the game will ever be released. I can promise you one thing, and that is that the game will definitely be released at some point. As a one-person company, JoyFI Games, I have invested a lot of time and resources in this project, and I do not want to release a version that I am not proud of. I would also like to thank you for your patience and support in this process. Currently, the game has already been added to the wishlists of 5200 people on Steam, which makes me incredibly excited to be able to release the game when the time comes. The game will cost around $10, and I plan to release nine subsequent episodes after the first version, which will result in a total of 10 parts to the game. The goal is to release each episode within 2-4 months after the previous one, and I will ensure that the game continues to evolve with high quality and level of detail. I would also like to give you some information about the technical side of the development. The images and animations of the game are created in Daz Studio, and I use an Nvidia 3090 graphics card and 64GB RAM to ensure high quality. Even with this powerful graphics card, it still takes 1-2 hours to set up a scene, and each image takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours to render. I will ensure that the game has high quality, and therefore there cannot be more than three people in the same image due to optimization. Finally, I would like to thank you again for your support, and I look forward to being able to release the game soon. Thank you!


Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-04-26 14:24:16 CET ] [ Original post ]

We're terribly bad at showing you previews and updates about the game right now. We will update you from time to time prior to the release of The Prologue. And once it's released, we'll share weekly progress towards the next Hardenville update! Captured in-game!





Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-03-17 20:50:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

For the very first time, we're letting you test Hardenville (MENU AND UI ONLY). Check our Discord for more info. And please let us know what you think of the menu and user interface in Hardenville. Available on these platforms:

• Windows
• Mac
• Linux

Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-01-08 04:58:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

First of all, we would like to wish everyone a happy New Year! We would also like to apologize for very little activity from us. We've delayed Hardenville several times, simply because we don't feel like the prologue is good enough for launch yet. We often improved the characters, images, parts of the story and UI. Hope you can be patient a little longer. Because now it won't be long before we share a lot more on Hardenville. Much love from JoyFI Games

[ 2023-01-02 16:56:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

Discord An open dialogue with you and the rest of our community will play an important role in ensuring the quality of our virtual novel game, Hardenville. We have established a community on Discord. Here we will regularly discuss the game's mechanics, feedback and suggestions from players and many other things. There are already some new characters not yet seen on Steam waiting to meet you there. What are you waiting for? Join our brand new community on Discord! Link to JoyFI Games (creators of Hardenville) Discord server https://discord.com/invite/XPmezdYHeX

[ 2022-06-03 14:30:19 CET ] [ Original post ]