visual-novel – Lovebird Game Studios

What’s Next For Lovebird Games?

May 26, 2024 Lovebird Game Studios

Hi everyone!

Here comes a long post that I posted on our social media recently: What’s Next for Lovebird Game Studios. Buckle in!

You all know that I like to be very transparent when it comes to our game development. Sharing the journey with all of you has always helped me keep taking steps. So I’d like to share the decision we came to regarding which game to work on next, and I’d like to explain the thinking behind it as well. It may not be the news you were hoping to hear, but I hope you will also leave here with a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.

At this time, we have decided to not move forward with a sequel/fandisk of Band Camp Boyfriend.

This is a decision that does not come easy, especially since I know a lot of you were hoping for an Aaron route. We had a lot of fun ideas for the sequel we were excited for and it’s a bit of a heartbreaker to think they won’t come to fruition. I also adore our cast of characters and loved writing them, and will miss doing so. There are many different factors at play that went into making this decision.

Time. The reality is we both work full-time jobs and we have to choose our battles when it comes to this hobby. While the fandisk would be about half the size of the base game, we feel it would still take around approximately 3 years to release (I’d like to say 2, but let’s face it: we are slow at game development).

Money. We are incredibly grateful and proud to say that we made back the money we spent making Band Camp Boyfriend. We consider BCB a modest success. However, we don’t feel that the current player base is large enough to justify a sequel, especially since sequels do not typically perform as well as the base game. We have a feeling we would dig ourselves right back into the financial hole and not make it out the second time around.

Art. Particularly the backgrounds. Keep in mind that we commission the art for our games. Most otome games are easily able to pull off a fandisk because they have all of their assets from the base game. Since Band Camp Boyfriend took place in a bottle setting that the characters have now left behind, we would need a ton of new backgrounds for the school setting we had imagined for the sequel. Our background artist is no longer available, so we would have to shop around for someone with a similar style and buy a whole new host of backgrounds. And of course we would need new CGs, new outfits, new everything to really make it exciting.

Inspiration. During our “break,” the creative juices began to flow and we found ourselves gravitating to our next idea. I told myself I wouldn’t write or work on anything until making this choice, but I couldn’t stop myself. And I found myself writing the prologue for our next game and drawing concept art of the characters. Even while listening to music, the music videos that would play in my head shifted away from Band Camp Boyfriend and towards the next game. I guess after 8 years, deep down, I am ready to move onto a new story with new faces. My love for Band Camp Boyfriend runs deeper than the Marian’s Trench, but my heart is leading me into uncharted waters full of hammerhead sharks!

I’m happy to answer questions if you have them. Here are a couple that might be on your mind.

Q: Can’t you just make an Aaron DLC that takes place at band camp? Please, I will give you my left kidney!

A: I want you to keep your kidney, and I’m sorry, but the answer is no. I feel we have conquered band camp and there is no need to return to it. (We actually cut a route–the Leon route–and merged most of the ideas for it into the final route, because it was getting to be too much!) I’m totally burnt out on new ideas in that setting, plus it was wrapped up so wonderfully in that final route. I have no interest in doing another story there.

Another point – even though it would be easier in terms of art assets, we wouldn’t want to phone it in and do an Aaron Band Camp route, in case we were to change our minds about doing a sequel down the road. We would want to do his route as we envisioned it, so it’s best to keep that avenue open.

Q: Can you make a smaller game or just write new scenarios with what you have?

A: As we have learned about ourselves…we are not capable of making small games. Our ideas just keep getting bigger and bigger. We want to release substantial games with hours of playtime. So I guess the answer is no.

Q: If money is an issue, can you run a Kickstarter for the sequel so I can throw money at you?

A: We are probably not ever going to do another Kickstarter. It was a lot of work. It felt really bad when our first one failed and our motivation took a hit. However, I am glad it failed because we wound up releasing 3 years later than we had hoped for, but we didn’t have any pressure weighing on us from Kickstarter. We’ve seen a lot of successfully funded games get abandoned or delayed, and a lot of unhappy fans voice their displeasure and sour on a game completely. You never know what curveballs life will throw at you and these projects can easily face delays. We would hate to let you all down like that. We agree we would rather work at our own pace without that immense pressure. Also, I am kinda old fashioned when it comes to the trading of goods…you give money, me give you game! Unga bunga.

Q: So…that’s it? We’re never getting a sequel?

A: Ehh…all of this aside, never say never. If Band Camp Boyfriend unexpectedly blew up in popularity and had a mind-blowing amount of sales, then I would absolutely reconsider a return to Blue Mountain High School. But I don’t really see that happening.

I really hope this news hasn’t made you too sad and I hope you’ll join us for the next game! Saying I am extremely excited for it is an understatement. I’d like to share a little bit of what we have planned and I hope it will get you excited as well, and you won’t leave here feeling too down.

If you loved Band Camp Boyfriend, you will certainly love our next otome game. It will carry the same elements of humor, romance, darkness, and drama you can expect from us—and this time, the stakes are even higher. (I know–what stakes could be higher than high school marching band?!)

The structure of this game will be a bit different. We’re dropping the crazy long common route because we feel like we’ve been there and done that, and it’s a huge headache. I love long common routes but now…I get it, I get why a lot of games have a short one or just have you pick a route, hahaha. This game’s common route will be much shorter (one whole day haha), but each romance route will be a beast in length with larger branches into various endings. The plot is so heavy that it would be best experienced in a specific order so a couple routes will be locked when you start up the game.

There will be heartwarming good endings, tragic bad endings, and somewhat bittersweet endings. And we shall once again have an original soundtrack and partial voice acting, so keep an eye out for that casting call! We plan to cast later in the process so we don’t keep our voice actors waiting around for light years on end.

There will be four main love interests to fall in love with this time around, though I’m certain you will fall in love with even more. This cast will be older, as well, with a 25-year old MC and LIs ranging from 24 to 30. I’m looking forward to writing a more adult story (not 18+, just in tone and perspective). I can’t wait to someday introduce you to them along with the rest of this memorable cast. Or maybe you’ve already heard of them…?

All of this means my social media activity is going to be eclipsed by writing and planning this next game for a while. Our platforms may be a bit quieter, but I will continue to check them of course, so don’t ever hesitate to reach out!

I’ll eagerly be anticipating the day we can start revealing the game and its amazing characters once we have something to show you. It was conceptualized way back in 2019 and been patiently awaiting its turn to shine. There will also be a free demo for you to meet the cast and dip your toes into the plot. For now, we gotta focus on the grind! But I know we have the perseverance to see this through because we’ve already done it once before!

Thank you so much for reading all of this. You deserve a yummy heart-shaped cookie with pink icing for doing so. We really appreciate you all so much! Please look forward to our next game.

♥ Lovebird Games

otome

Lovebird Games Otome Favorites! (Non-Spoiler Recommendations)

February 17, 2024February 17, 2024 Lovebird Game Studios

This is one blog I’ve been meaning to write because I find myself getting asked for otome recommendations every so often! So today I’m going to share with you some of my favorite otome games. No need to worry about spoilers as I will keep things broad.

I’ll also include my own personal best boys and favorite routes which, surprisingly, don’t always overlap. Remember that this is all a matter of opinion, folks!

Hatoful Boyfriend / Hatoful Boyfriend Holiday Star

The game that started it all! And by that, I mean my dive into the world of otome. Back in 2012, otome was way less accessible (especially since I didn’t own a PS Vita). I happened upon a Cracked article about the “Weirdest Dating Sims” out there and Hatoful Boyfriend was listed on it. I adore birds and desperately needed a laugh since I was struggling with the death of my beloved childhood cat so I hunted down the free demo. However, when Mr. Nanaki the quail told me that he felt it was better to love everyone around you just a little bit so it wouldn’t hurt so much when you lost them…I knew this game was so much deeper than a “weird dating sim” and asked my mom if she could buy me the full version off of a shady website (it would not be available on Steam until years later). One credit card flagging later, I had it!!

In Hatoful Boyfriend, you find yourself as the sole human student at St. PigeoNation’s, an avian academy for gifted birds. Despite its comical premise, the game has a dark underbelly and each character comes equipped with their own devastating backstory. There is so much emotion in this game and the writing that you will soon forget that you’re looking at frozen images of pigeons and start projecting your own emotions into their beady little eyes. The game is on the short side, but I believe its sheer memorability makes up for it.

I would also highly recommend Hatoful Boyfriend Holiday Star, the sequel/fandisk. While it doesn’t have the branching routes of its predecessor, it’s still an immensely enjoyable experience, especially if you’ve grown affinity for the cast. I also loved the life lessons found within it and carry them with me to this day.

I’d recommend Hatoful Boyfriend to any fan of Band Camp Boyfriend because this is where the game got its roots. This is the only game on the list that I played before starting work on Band Camp Boyfriend. Both games have that humorous yet dark tone, and I learned about the various tropes found within otome through this pigeon parody. It often goes on sale on Steam for just a few bucks. I would highly recommend grabbing it or adding it to your wishlist. I often joke, “Best $6 I ever spent!” …Or my mom ever spent. Thanks Mom!

Best Bird: Sakuya Shirogane Le Bel.

Probably not the most popular bird, but this fancy fantail’s story hit hard, especially since it was about his love of music. I’m also a sucker for snooty rich boy tsunderes. I appreciate how he steps up and becomes a man (er, bird) of action when things turn dire. He definitely contains main character energy. His flirty brother Yuuya is a close second.

Favorite Route: Bad Boys’ Love.

The final route of Hatoful Boyfriend is unmatched. After an insane twist, the plot really goes off the rails, but in a good type of way. Everybirdie shines in this tear-inducing rollercoaster of a final route.

Purchase Hatoful Boyfriend Here.

Purchase Hatoful Boyfriend Holiday Star Here.

Code Realize: Guardian of Rebirth

This is my favorite otome game I’ve played to this day! I was so thrilled when it finally came to Switch in 2020 because I had heard so many good things about it. I danced as that opening played, I was so excited! And it did not disappoint. I hope that one day I’ll be able to encounter another game like this that makes me feel things.

In Code Realize, you play as Cardia, a girl with poisonous skin that burns away anything it touches. She awaits the return of her father in an isolated mansion, with few memories of anything else, but who should come for her but the mysterious phantom thief, Arsene Lupin! From there, she meets other literary heroes from the public domain: the genius engineer Impey Barbicane, sweet scientist Victor Frankenstein, vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, and the mysterious Count Saint Germain.

There are so many things I love about this game! One aspect I really enjoyed is the main character, Cardia, who grows from an emotionless doll into a strong woman who learns about the world around her and finds love in her heart. Sometimes, otome games choose to create blank slate protagonists with little to no personality so that you can “project” your own upon them. I find this somewhat unrealistic and would much rather have a well-rounded character with her own story and emotions. Cardia’s development helped contribute to my enjoyment of the game.

Every love interest loves and supports Cardia, even if you don’t choose him. Their chemistry with one another is also super fun and just as enjoyable as the romantic moments with Cardia. I also like how each route is unique, with a different villain. My one little nitpick is that some routes could have used a little bit more fluff! But I suppose there is plenty of time for feelings to form in that long common route.

Best Boy: Impey Barbicane.

It’s a razor thin margin between Impey and Saint Germain (who happens to be my sister’s favorite), but I managed to break the tie by asking myself who I would bring to life, hahaha. Impey’s positive outlook on life is so admirable and he never fails to make me laugh! His ability to withstand roasts is also quite impressive, since he is often the butt of his friends’ jokes, but he handles everything with a cheeky smile or joking complaints. Whenever I’m overly anxious, I try to imagine Impey cheering me on because he’s just that much of a positive force!

Favorite Route: Saint Germain.

His route was such a rollercoaster and quite possibly the only one to ever make me cry (not counting Band Camp Boyfriend because that makes me cry all the time). It was terrifying, it was romantic, and his story felt so unique.

Purchase Code Realize Here.

Code Realize has two fandisks: Future Blessings and Wintertide Miracles. I really enjoyed Future Blessings, the second installment. Wintertide Miracles is worth grabbing if you adore the cast and want to see more of them, but my favorite part of it was the two-on-one dates.

Look at that, they’re all currently on sale for 50% off! What a steal!

Amnesia: Memories

This game is often considered the “baptism by fire” among the otome community and can often be grabbed for cheap during Steam sales. After Hatoful Boyfriend, I scraped the Internet for tastes of otome, playing free demos or painstakingly logging into My Candy Love each day to build up action points. I consider Amnesia to be my first “official” otome in which I was able to play the whole game and romance real men rather than pigeons or half-animals (sorry Dandelion: Wishes Brought to You).

As the title suggests, you one day wake up without your memories, face to face with a young spirit named Orion, who apologizes for colliding into your soul and knocking all your memories and personality right out of you. Remember how I mentioned the blank slate protagonist earlier? This girl is a good example of that! A lot of players have expressed frustration for her tendency to be a confused doormat with little reaction to things, but honestly, I don’t find myself complaining about it? They give a good reason as to why her personality is numbed. You have Orion there to provide fantastic commentary on everything. I also think it’s quite impressive the writers worked around such a quiet, unengaged protagonist. I love to complain, but this nameless heroine is not one of my targets.

The plot here is much simpler than the other games on this list, but it still holds your attention as you work to regain your memories and figure out your relationship to the cast around you. I adore the soundtrack, particularly the songs with relaxing piano, and I find the sketchy backgrounds so unique. They suit the mood as you try to find your way in this strange world you have no memory of.

Best Boy: Ikki.

Poor Ikki usually comes in last place on popularity polls, but he’s still my favorite! I tend to love the flirty boys and was immediately entranced by his eyes when he first appeared. I also found myself desperate for more kindness while playing this game (some of the boys are so cruel to this poor girl), and Ikki showed more kindness than anyone. One scene that really stuck with me was his drunken phone call in which all his feelings come through. I also might have enjoyed a certain bad ending a little too much!

Favorite Route: Ukyo.

Ikki might be my personal favorite, but Ukyo is truly the best match for the heroine of the story. He’s a tragic figure, a sweet little cinnamon roll, and a modest final route boy that did not disappoint with his story.

Purchase Amnesia: Memories Here.

As a funny side note, Discord mistook this game for Amnesia: The Dark Descent and told everyone that’s what I was playing. I had multiple people messaging me how brave I was. Ahaha um…yeah…sure.

To be fair, you have to be very brave to play Toma’s route.

Collar x Malice

Collar x Malice is a crime drama that I was very excited to see come to the Switch not long after Code Realize did! While I did have some major issues with the plot, and felt a lot of routes/characters didn’t live up to their full potential, I still enjoyed the ride so I’ll put it on the list.

In this story, you play as officer Ichika in a crime-riddled Shinjuku that is currently living under threat from the terrorist group, Adonis. One day, you’re kidnapped by Adonis and they put a deadly collar on your neck that listens to your every move and can kill you at any moment. That’s when you meet a group of attractive men working in a detective agency, investigating the terrorist group separate from your police organization.

I was super thrown for a loop going from Code Realize, where the men treat you like a princess, to Collar x Malice, where all of the men treated me like a suspicious criminal at first! But just like Code Realize, the cast interactions were very fun to watch. I often see Ichika receiving a lot of criticism for being a bit of a pushover and only knowing how to cook, but there are way worse offenders in the genre where all they do is cook and clean (COUGH Liliana from Piofiore COUGH Ceres from Virche Evermore), but at least my girl Ichika is out here firing a gun and getting drunk at a bar! Some routes she does act like more of a pushover while in others she has more bite, which is definitely preferred.

Best Boy: Okazaki.

I love this soft marshmallow with the rock-hard abs. When all of the other guys are treating you suspiciously and holding you at arm’s length, he takes your hand and walks you home. As an added bonus, he’s voiced by the great Yuki Kaji.

Favorite Route: Shiraishi…almost had it.

He could have even had the crown of best boy. I was so blown away by his route, the writing, the pacing, the slow perfect burn of romance…only for the whole thing to be thrown into the trash by a last-second plot twist and a dissatisfying “good” end. I was ready to declare this the best route I had ever played. Instead, I could barely look at Shiraishi after the writers of his route betrayed me. So I guess I’ll give Okazaki favorite route!

Purchase Collar x Malice Here.

I’ll be honest, I have brainrot for one of the undateables in this game, but I won’t go giving the best boy crown to someone without a route even though I was very tempted to! He just had so much potential…sigh.

Variable Barricade

I’ve mostly recommended older games so far, but here’s a newer one for you! Though Variable Barricade’s routes weren’t the most memorable and certain topics weren’t handled with sensitivity, I adore the art style and think this game certainly made the top 3 for number of laughs! I was especially going through a rough time with some post-surgery health problems and the lighthearted laughs were extra appreciated. This game helped take my mind off things.

In it, you play as spoiled rich girl Hibari, who was actually quite memorable with her tsundere personality and full voice acting! Her eccentric grandpa declares that she needs to get married and presents her with four problematic suitors that she is now going to live with. I honestly think this would make a fun and whacky rom-com anime. There are a ton of silly moments, romantic CGs, and ADORABLE chibis!

This one wasn’t received super well by the otome fandom. I think a lot of people had complaints about the flawed characters and these otome men actually reminded them too much of real men!! Wow! But hell, I love flawed characters and at the end of the day, this is fiction and otome men can’t hurt me…unless their name is Shiraishi. Dangit.

Best Boy: Shion.

I feel like Shion was done dirty by his route, but I really enjoyed his character. He’s so gentle and patient, but not without his flaws. He’s easy on the eyes. His theme song is as beautiful and calming as he is. And he’s a plant dad.

Favorite Route: Common Route.

Like I said earlier, I don’t think the main routes are anything to write home about. The conflict and romance wasn’t my favorite. Instead, I most enjoyed the common route in which you just hang out and experience all the chaotic shenanigans of living with a bunch of crazy guys!

Purchase Variable Barricade Here.

That’s all I’ve got! Thanks for listening to me ramble on about my favorites. Good luck finding your next favorite otome game–it’s out there somewhere!