Welcome back everyone! I know it's already been a while posting on the 'Date Time' docket!
(Every year I do an illustration of the Zodiac Animal before the apple drops, technically Chinese New Year happens weeks later, but who will TRULY hold me accountable, huh?) Also... some sass..
Since this is the beginning of the New Year, I thought it'd be good to update you on what I've been up to since getting back from Christmas break. Engine Problems Currently, I am working on engine upgrades for both the 'Storm the Swan' project as well as 'Date Time'. This includes upgrading from Unity 2019 to Unity 6 and ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PROBLEMS that that entails. Hopefully at the end of that process, StS will be on its way to being fully finished (asides from small bug fixes here or there) and Date Time will be able to keep on development without regression hitches. This change is hard, and has bumped into their own bugs for both projects, however... it would be beneficial for the long run, as I'll be able to get better support moving forward with game development on a much less archaic version of Unity. Speaking of Storm...
Storm the Swan is just a few Steam Reviews away from reaching 50. This can help boost the game's visibility in the massive Steam database. If you've enjoyed the game, either on Steam or Itch.io, PLEASE leave a review on the Steam page to help boost it. Storm the Swan is FREE on Steam, so why not try it out? Link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3275280/Storm_the_Swan__And_the_Power_of_FRIENDSHIP_and_IMAGINATION/ Date Time, Anna: The Patron Here's some updates on some of the new content upcoming to 'Date Time', namely the Anna chapter where you play **The Patron**. In the demo version of the Anna Chapter, you were able to play through the perspective of a beta tester named, Jane Whitman. But in the 2nd part of the chapter, you will be able to return to the role of a Library Patron, who arrives at the Library to play their new DT-3 computer system (with 6KB of RAM?!!!), excited to check out the big romantic adventure of Date Time: Anna. As soon as you select 'The Patron' on the selection screen, this will be the first thing you see. I posted on Bluesky a few of my behind the scenes when working on this intro video, such as modeling and animating the steering wheel in 3D, if you are curious.
I usually post progress pictures and other art stuff (as well as my grievances) on Bluesky, it's currently my most active platform. If you'd like to keep up with my current happenings, feel free to follow me there.
I will still be posting on Tiktok and Youtube for occasional youtube shorts & videos. If you're looking from something a bit more open-source, I also do mirror Bluesky announcements on my Mastodon account at https://mastodon.art/@CatTrigger That's almost about it for now, just one last call out for people who haven't taken the "No Robots Allowed" survey yet to please fill it out if you have already played the original game. You can find the survey located on this itch.io post here: [url=https://cattrigger.itch.io/no-robots-allowed/devlog/838179/reaching-out-to-fans-no-robots-allowed] https://cattrigger.itch.io/no-robots-allowed/devlog/838179/reaching-out-to-fans-no-robots-allowed Thanks again for your continued support! ~CatTrigger

[ 2025-02-07 20:29:38 CET ] [ Original post ]

STORM THE SWAN is finally out on STEAM for HALLOWEEN! It's FREE, so add it to your library! This version of the game is different from the current itch.io version in a few ways:

• Implemented STEAM ACHIEVEMENTS, now you can officially wear them like a badge on your Steam account. Can you get ALL OF THEM?!
• Confirmed to be working on the Steam Deck.
• Created a section for Content Warnings for 'Storm the Swan', the game is intended to be played without any knowledge of its content, however, if you do need to see a list of general content prior to playing, it is something you can view in the main menu.

For all the people who have played and enjoyed my game, it would be great if you leave a review on the Storm the Swan Steam page. Thank you everyone, I enjoyed making this game and hope to see you rack up those ACHIEVEMENTS! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3275280/Storm_the_Swan__And_the_Power_of_FRIENDSHIP_and_IMAGINATION/

[ 2024-10-31 17:26:20 CET ] [ Original post ]

My newest game, STORM THE SWAN, is coming out on STEAM on HALLOWEEN DAY, October 31st!
STORM THE SWAN is a Gameboy-inspired horror game adventure. Make friends with CUTE ANIMAL VILLAGERS! CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOUSE, but don't go into the WOODS at night, because they say something EVIL is lurking there. The game will be FREE, so get ready for its release by heading over to the Steam Page and adding it to your Wishlist!
The game is available for Windows, Linux & Mac with included Steam Deck compatibility! AND will come with its very own Steam Achievements and other Steam Integration! "Storm the Swan" DOES take place in the Data Time Software / Date Time Universe and does featuring some familiar faces from it, but you will not need to know anything about Data Time, Date Time or ALL THAT JAZZ to enjoy STORM THE SWAN! Check out the page, and I hope you enjoy the game on HALLOWEEN!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!

[ 2024-10-22 16:49:33 CET ] [ Original post ]

In celebration of a new demo and 1,000 subscribers on Youtube, I would like to announce the most special of all special updates to the demo and the upcoming full game of "Date Time". That's right... [previewyoutube=I6YtlWKLotE;full][/previewyoutube] iiiiiit's a GAME CURSOR! The ultimate addition to "Date Time", a GAME CURSOR reminiscient of the Classic Mac OS. This has been a long time coming, I have spent a gazillion hours trying to figure out how to do this via code or hacking or telepathy... but then realized all I had to do was drag 'n' drop an image into the 'cursor' box in Unity. Oh... also some fixes: Version 2.1b: -Reworked text printers to be completely static to prevent text jittering, rapid unintentional skipping or artifacting. If you're still having problems, please contact me at https://www.cattrigger.com/links. -Solved bug where players who go to Petya before completing the Melissa Chapter would come upon a black screen when returning to Petya. -FIxed a graphical error near the end of the Anna Chapter Preview where a graphic that changed, flashes back to its initial state for a brief moment.

[ 2024-06-27 23:08:52 CET ] [ Original post ]

Thanks again for everyone who has played the Date Time Demo, so far. Here are a few fixes due to player feedback:

Date Time Demo v2.1

1 - Standardized Text to prevent breaking text printers in the game. If you are still experiencing odd text printer errors, such as screens auto-skipping text, text seemingly being cut-off from the screen, or text seeming like excerpts being the only things shown on the screen, please delete your save profiles at: WINDOWS: C:\Users\[Your Name]\AppData\LocalLow\CatTrigger\Date Time Demo MAC: ~/Library/Application Support/com.CatTrigger.Date-Time-Demo LINUX: .config/unity3d/CatTrigger/Date Time Demo 2 - Fixed an error where visiting PETya before completing the Melissa chapter leads to a black screen when re-entering PETya's section. Please let me know if there are any other errors you might've bumped into. Thank you so much! NOTE: As reported by some Mac Users via the Non-Steam version of the Demo, please check your app security settings to make sure it allows for unauthorized or non-app store related applications to run. If you are still unsure how to do it, please use Steam to download the Mac version.

[ 2024-06-25 01:20:34 CET ] [ Original post ]

The new "DATE TIME" demo is now available on STEAM!
This expanded demo is FOUR TIMES larger than the original, featuring a preview of a NEW chapter, an alternative timeline for Melissa, and an entirely new side story.
In the preview of the Anna Chapter, you play as a beta tester for the newest installment of "Date Time". Explore the town of the dating sim, make friends, uncover secrets and prepare for your romantic getaway with ANNA.
But something seems off about your copy of the game. Will you even survive to make a report back to corporate? Did you know that Melissa, Morris, Anna and SEVERAL OTHER MAJOR CHARACTERS in "Date Time" are based on REAL computer viruses? You can learn about them and uncover even more secrets by speaking with PETya, the friendly security protocol.
After your encounter with a character and their horror, you will unlock their profile in the Virus Database. But BE WARY, they won't be giving you any secrets SO EASILY!

With five chapters and a new exploration section to the game, this demo hopes to showcase the scope and unique way "Date Time" will be telling its story. I hope you enjoy the demo, and please add "Date Time" to your Steam Wishlist! ~CatTrigger X - https://twitter.com/cattrigger Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@cattrigger_games TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cattrigger

[ 2024-06-20 22:42:46 CET ] [ Original post ]

With most of the beta testing done, the Date Time Part-2 Demo will be released late next week for Steam (with it being a bit earlier for subscribers of the Newsletter).

What to expect?

You've been given the task to beta test a new chapter of "Date Time", which takes advantage of the DT-3s NEW UPGRADED 6KB OF RAM!!!! Explore the town, make some friends, and complete quests to strengthen the BOUNDS of your friendships as well as sew the warm sweater of your romantic relationship with the chapter's titular ANNA!
As "Date Time" crosses into the realm of Adventure, so too does the Real World cross into the Digital Realm... ...and also... a more insidious place. Where the hell are we?
The story's demo will bring a full circle to the somewhat hidden alt-path update. Because once your date with ANNA is done... ...Return back to the library, and enact a final DATE with MELISSA.

But wait! There's more!

A very familiar security protocol has shown up in the main menu. PETya is here to offer you guidance, information and even REAL WORLD information about the COMPUTER VIRUSES each major character is inspired by. But... they won't give the information to ANYBODY! ONLY REAL LIVE HUMANS. If you truly are human, I'm sure you'll pass with FLYING COLORS!
The Part 2 Demo was a long journey for "Date Time" development, and reveals the larger scope to expect for the full project. With approx. an additional hour of content and a heavy emphasis on exploration, you'll take a small look into the larger world planned for the project. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to Add 'Date Time' to your Steam Wishlists! Thanks again for sticking with me, I'm excited! I hope to get the release to Newsletter subscribers by Wednesday, and to Itch.io and Steam on Thursday.

[ 2024-06-15 04:47:39 CET ] [ Original post ]

Things are going to be a bit different now....

Hello everyone, this isCatTrigger! Today, I want to talk a bit about what to expect with "Anna", and a small preview of the next and (possibly)final major demo update.

Is There a Life Outside DATING?!

Unlike other chapters where your sole interaction is with the choices given through the computer,this chapter introduces several key 'point 'n' click' exploration sequences. This includes exploring your environment outside of the computer,and traveling around more open-endedly within the small idyllic town of "Date Time". The ability to explore outside of character interactions is the unique play-style of the Anna chapter, and makes it the largest and longest part of the game,allowing people to not only investigate the world of "Date Time" and "the Real World" at some of their discretion, but also unravel some story and secrets non-linearly.
The "Town Map" of Date Time, where players travel from one area to another by their own discretion.

Details about Anna, Post-Demo.

In the first part of Anna, you take on the role of a woman by the name ofJane Whitman,a pivotal character who connects the thread between all the chapters. However, the chapter's bulk story has you resuming the perspective of yet ANOTHER Library Patron, excited to try out the newest installment of the "Date Time Series". I'll have more information as production ramps up for this chapter. I'll leave you with this about THAT part of the chapter: you WILL be able to LEAVE THE LIBRARY. ;)

Some personal thoughts about development...

(Apologies to the long windedness...) I've mentioned before that I try to introduce something new to every new game project I do. Anna's exploration system is the most ambitious, and most challenging element yet for me. It(and the chapter after it)will represent the largest part of "Date Time". Period. So people coming in from playing classic "Melissa" & "Morris" take note:this will dwarf both chapters put together. However... "Anna" and the additional chapter after it presents a new type of problem for me that has required me to do a ton of underlying system work to ensure that as this project grows, it doesn't begin to lead to larger organizational and systemic problems. I expected a number ofissues when scaling a project from something that someone can play throughin less than an hour, to something significantly longer. But ultimately, I found that scaling by that amount can lead to NEW and previously unforeseen ones as well.
Picture: A Script GraphedSection of the "Jane Whitman" part of Anna.Not Pictured: My tears. That's actually led me to the type of pivots I had made throughout the demo updates.The MERGE Update, and the slower production cycle of the Anna updates as well. It's also led me to think a bit about my limited resources in the project as production of new content resumes. I have always been an independent game developer in this space, filling all the roles of writing, code and art in all of my games (the exceptions, of course, is music and the occasional voice lines).I've spoken about this dynamic a bit onmy twitter (X?!) accountabout the freedom it grants me compared to other game developers who DO rely on outside Artists or Coders to help them through a project... but it also ultimately means that production is brutally slower compared to my counterparts.It may reach a point where I may hire someone to do editing, or take on a smaller role to fill in some gaps of production... or maybe it will lead me to optimize workflow in ways to avoid brutal amounts of repetitive work. The Story of "Date Time" has been set in stone, its outline has been written, and my plan moving forward with it is set. But as development continues, the path may have to flex in ways I didn't expect. I hope you are all patient with me through this process and if you have any questions on what I am doing on this end, please feel free to reach out about it as I continue down this production line. Thanks again for sticking by me. ~CatTrigger

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[ 2024-03-07 17:57:08 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to share the newest update to the "Date Time" demo, which includes a new intro sequence, custom made menu music... oh... also an entire ALTERNATIVE PATH for the Melissa Chapter. About the "Melissa Alt-Path" "Melissa Alt-Path" is a preview of a midpoint chapter of the full "Date Time" game, and for people who have been following the game series, is the connecting path between Melissa & Morris as well as an introduction to some of the elements expected in the Anna chapter. This is the first part of Part-2 (that will include more new content), and can only currently be accessed by using knowledge outside of the game itself. In the future, the entrance to the Melissa Alt-Path will be unlocked automatically once a player gets to a certain point in the story. However, for now, here are the two ways to access it. First you need to download the latest version of "Date Time" demo, and then: 1. Sign up for the CatTrigger Newsletter, you will receive a welcome email that has a link for you to download free digital wallpapers, as well as instructions on how to access the Melissa Alt-Path. or... 2. Accomplish the login puzzle for the game "Secrets to Success with Dr. Brain". Entering the secret login word inside that game will take you to a page, with some additional "Date Time" lore, as well as instructions on how to access the Melissa Alt-Path.
I hope you enjoy a small part of the Part-2 Demo. Have a happy holiday!

[ 2023-12-23 19:51:48 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well.

I recently released a NEW FREE GAME made for the SpooktoberVN Game Jam called "Secrets to Success with Dr. Brain", a Retro Corporate Horror game set during the era of popular VHS / VCR technology. GOOD NEWS! Your company has enlisted you to try out the new VCR SUCCESS BOOTHS to MOTIVATE YOU to be more PRODUCTIVE! Meet "Dr. Brain", a philosopher, entrepreneur & psychiatrist who will step you through a FIVE-STEP PROGRAM to being a GO-GETTER! Don't dilly dally, Lost One! Your key to a NEW LIFE awaits! TRAILER: https://youtu.be/g73pNrlKIoY --- As with "No Robots Allowed", the story of Dr. Brain is part of the "Date Time Universe". Melissa (and Morris) have very brief cameos in the game, and you'll learn a bit more about the corporation behind the Date Time titles. I hope you enjoy the game as much as I did making it. Thank you again! [url=https://cattrigger.itch.io/dr-brain]

CLICK HERE TO PLAY THE GAME [FREE]

---
On top of that, "Date Time" is also a featured game on STEAM SCREAM! If you haven't already, check out "Date Time's" demo! Thanks again for your support everyone! ~CatTrigger

[ 2023-10-26 22:26:02 CET ] [ Original post ]

Thank you for playing Part 1 of the Date Time demo.

Over 5,000 downloads and counting! Wow! Melissawas SO THRILLED to have another go, a new upgrade to her systems and the ability to play with her new toys. Think of this enhanced version as the expectation going forward for both dates withMorris & Anna. Speaking of Anna...
Let's talk a bit about the upcoming demo update. You've dated the bookishMelissa... and maybe even the shyMorris. ButAnnais a different person from both. She's outgoing. She's confident. And she'll do everything possible toget what she wants. Annabrings forth adating adventurethat eclipses both Morris & Melissa inlength, intrigue, and challenge.
Explore the ever growing idyllic town of Date Time. You're not just going to the park to look for swans, or eating a delicious strawberry salad at the cafe. You've gotplaces to go, people to see... and quests to completeto help build your friendships with the town folk.
Meet with the local sports enthusiasts at theRecreational Center, talk politics with the Mayor of the town atCity Hall, and if your car's broken, get it repaired at [ENTITY NOT FOUND] But, at the end of the day, you'll be meeting up with Anna at the overlook of the town:MT. SALVATION. If you play your cards right, she'll give you aneternal smooch, a final end to this beautiful trilogy of ours! Anna will capture your heart in ways Morris... or even Melissa... CAN'T.

Speaking of Melissa...

...we've heard you. You wanta different ending.Maybe aneven happier onewith our original ol' shareware gal? Don't worry. You will. A [VERY IMPORTANT PERSON] is going to help you with that, don't be nervous. We can do it together. I haveFAITH.

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[ 2023-07-01 00:20:44 CET ] [ Original post ]