If We Could Be Serious For A Minute

Posted on by Fernando Damas

Sukeban Games is not fine.

During this date we would be revealing an April Fools joke like the Switch port that ended up being real, and VA11HALLA kids that also ended up being real.

Today, we would like to get real about our current situation since we feel it would be a disservice to our audience to keep pretending we are in a healthy situation.

Don’t worry, it’s nothing apocalyptic like having enough differences to disband, but rather how the environment in which we make games has become nigh unbearable for everyone involved. Without going into much detail, the current Sukeban Games staff is about 4 people: Chris is still doing art, I’m still writing and coding. On top of that we now have June who is making music and Miguel who’s extra hands programming makes life way easier.

3/4ths of the team are in Venezuela right now and 1/4th is in greener pastures. So you’ve got a choice between a really dire national situation made even worse by way of constant non-scheduled blackouts at the time of this writing (lord knows what plague will haunt us whenever you read this in the future), or the emotional toll of complete physical isolation from friends and family in a strange land. Regardless it is a situation that’s taking a big toll on all of us.

And as much as I would love to detail how bad the situation is, let’s just say that I’d rather not due to safety concerns, and not being able to detail specific out of fear should be telling enough. In fact this is originally a draft Chris made and that I decided to edit slightly because he can’t post anything right now and even a single update blog post is an outright act of defiance against all difficulties. This means this post might see stealth edits later or I’ll get my ear talked off, we’ll see.

This is not a cry for help, we just want you to know why we are not in the mood (or had the chance) to deliver an elaborated april’s fools joke this year or even engage with all of you like we normally would. In fact, we would like to go over some things we couldn’t do due to this situation:

A new N1RVANNA demo for PAX: Six months have passed since TGS and the game improved a lot, and we wanted to show these improvements in a brand new demo for PAX East, specially considering it was the first time western audiences get to play it. Sadly, shit hit the fan during the polishing phase and the aforementioned situation made it impossible to send assets in time.

A new game featuring characters from NEXT GAME, N1RV Ann-A and VA11 Hall-A for April’s Fools: This one really hurts too because we were brimming with ideas for it, but sadly it also didn’t make the cut due to our current challenges to actually sit down and work. Merenge’s art is always lovely and I’d hate for this to go to waste, so we will make it happen eventually, possibly as soon as this month providing we actually have some basic necessities covered.

More NEXT GAME content: With all systems in place we could be posting more about this one, but… yeah.

The usual question is always “If it’s so bad, then why don’t you guys leave?” and boy if only it was so easy. We have some personal reasons to remain here for a while longer, and when the time comes we might be able to share it. This is also one of the many reasons we haven’t been able to update VA11HALLA with more languages, not that those that keep straight up insulting us for that care a whole lot about our situation.

We are all broken right now, and trying to pick up the pieces of ourselves so we can keep the dream alive. We are not taking any vacation or hiatus from game development, we WILL work as long as we have the very basics, but we need time to recover – We need to become stronger and keep fighting to maybe someday go back to having normal lives, because making games is our passion and there’s nothing that can stop us, except maybe death.

And that’s a big maybe.

75 thoughts on “If We Could Be Serious For A Minute”

  1. I hope ya guys and gals can overcome this. I wish y’all luck, n ya in my prayers.

  2. You people are wonderful and i hope you will make it out of this horrible situation that you are in. Continue to work together and with thoes around you to strive for a better future!

  6. Difícil saber que va a pasar.. Fuerza chicos! No dejo de hinchar por ustedes! Muchísimo cariño desde Argentina!

  8. On behalf of the armed birds community, we support you in any decision you make. We hope to see you push through this and come out on top. You have our love and our support.

  10. I’m imagining the team as ghosts sitting in a dark room lit by the blue haze of late night monitors

  12. As a venezuelan that’s going through all of this as well: stay strong guys! I know it’s really hard, but we’ll
    make it through this!

  13. Is there anything us players of Va11 hall-a can do for you guys to make life more bearable/easier?
    Cheers, a guy from Scotland.

  16. Much love for everyone at Sukeban Games from here in America! I appreciate the honesty as I usually think of you guys when I hear about the trouble in that country, and I’ll always be hoping that you all come out of it smelling like a rose. You have my best wishes and my support with whatever you do in the future. Fight on!

  17. I wouldn’t believe this if i didn’t read news from all over the world.Whenever i see Va11halla in my library,i remember where you’re from and that it’s not the best place to be right now.But if there’s the tiniest chance that this is a joke,i’ll be so so happy i got bamboozled,because you guys deserve nothing less than the best.

  18. Ufff is a bit screwed but nothing that is not overcome, I hope they go ahead and improve the situation!
    EVERYTHING IS TO SEE THE NEW WAIFUS!!!(although they can not overcome Dorothy <3)
    I wish you the best from Argentina!

  19. This sucks so hard guys, really wouldn’t wish it upon you. I hope your situation will become better and you guys remain a huge inspiration for what visual novels can achieve! I have never played a game where I could identify so well with the characters as with VA-11Hall-A.

  21. Hope you guys are safe and things work out.

    I know that the idea of abandoning your country is tough, but if things get rough, it may be an option.

  22. I really wish the best for all of you, your game itself is definetely one of my favorites but what I’m really thankful for from the bottom of my heart is the new friends I made because of it in the fan discords, because of you guys I have basically what I would call a new family. I hope your situations all get better.

    – Chris

  23. Fuck that… that sucks to hear. That’s really rough, I’m so sorry you all are going through that. I’m a massive fan of your games, and I’m so excited for your new projects! Hang in there, and know we are all rooting for you, and that we know that everything you make will be worth it. We love you Sukeban!

  24. It wasn’t until I read this that it hit me how you were all affected in Venezuela. I can’t say I wasn’t expecting an April’s Fools game, but you have your reasons and it’s more important that you do it when you think it’s the right moment and enjoy working on it than feeling down. So don’t worry, all of us who will be playing every Sukeban release can wait a bit more. For now take care and I hope things get better soon. Lots of love from Spain.

  26. The sole fact that you guys are continuing to do what you love against all odds is incredible and inspiring. Seriously hoping things get better over there, in all aspects, be it political, personal or professional.
    Much love from Brazil.

  27. It wasn’t until I read this that it hit me how you were all affected in Venezuela. I can’t say I wasn’t expecting an April’s Fools game, but you have your reasons and it’s more important that you do it when you think it’s the right moment and enjoy working on it than feeling down. So don’t worry, all of us who will be playing every Sukeban release can wait a bit more. For now take care and I hope things get better soon. Lots of love from Spain.

  28. Oh. I really didn’t expect that things are so depressing. But the fact that you still work on your game against all odds, despite everything- is extremely inspiring to me. I really love your games and i hope that everything will be alright for you. I wish you all the best! From Germany with love

  29. Es admirable su pasión. La dedicación que muestran para seguir adelante y crear obras de calidad. No les diré “Sean fuertes” porque sabemos que lo son. Mucho mas de lo que la gente tiene idea.
    Un abrazo desde Mexico
    エル・プサイ・コングルゥ

  30. From what (limited) experience I know it’s not easy to just ‘up and leave’ a situation like the one you’re currently living in. Additionally, there’s no way to fully comprehend what your day-to-day experience is like. For what little it’s worth, our hearts and thoughts go out to you, Sukeban team.

    The only silver lining I can extend is that all great art exists as a protest against the horrible inclemency of life. With what the team is currently up against, the next game you produce will be shared among the greats in the Louvre.

    Stay strong.

  31. This sounds like a very tough scenario for you all

    Wish you all the best, and hope things get better soon.

  32. Completely understandable. Stay safe out there. I’ll keep supporting your games, and sending good vibes.

    1. We love you guys! Please hang in there, but remember to take care of yourselves. Sure, we all want the amazing wonderful games you guys make, but without you guys, there is no game. Thank you guys for all the dedication you have been putting into your work.

  33. Man…that is so sad….
    Ya mejor se los digo en españolito, vosotros sois mi más grande orgullo como venezolano, ver como seguís luchando contra las adversidades (Qué solo nosotros sabemos que tan GRANDES son realmente) es increíble…ustedes demostraron que se podian hacer grandes cosas estando dentro de nuestro agonizante pais y por ello todos los admiramos, porque sabemos lo que eso conlleva.

    Espero que podais superar la situación, pero si os veis apretados solo salid de allí (Con vuestros familiares, poco a poco) en el momento que sea posible, vosotros contribuis de una gran manera a la nación mediante sus proyectos, incluso si no tratan de Venezuela, siguen siendo un motivo para muchos jóvenes mirar a su pantallas y decir “Yo igual puedo”.

    Se os quiere un montón, habéis dejado un gran legado tanto para el mundo indie internacional como al mundo indie bebé del país, vuestra obra ya es considerada de culto por muchos incluso ¡Enhorabuena!

    Por favor mantengan los sueños y las esperanzas…y si, sé que se me ha pegado un poco el tema del castellano español pero ya qué, ya paso. Suerte!!!

  34. Hope for the best and wish sukeban games best of luck.
    At least I’ll always waiting for your new games.
    Please, be safe.

  35. All I can say is stay safe and take care of yourselves guys. You have our support no matter what.

  37. You are in the real dystopia. Fold it back in. Your game will be better for it!! First game had a soul that was unmistakable! You can do it!!!!

  38. Sorry to hear that. I wish you all a good luck and I hope you will be able to sort this out. Please remember that you have fans all over the world and I’m sure many of us will help you, if there is something you need help with.

  40. Hope you all get through whatever this is quickly and painlessly. And, obviously I can’t speak for everyone, but I would totally understand going on hiatus if things really are this bad. Like, damn, I wish I could help. Good luck and god bless.

  41. Ojalá todo salga mejor, siempre cuentan con nuestro apoyo. Si hace falta tomarse un tiempo para mejorar sus vidas física, psíquica y emocionalmente, tómenselo, no se vean obligados a “no fallarnos/no fallarse” con un siguiente juego. Si tenemos que esperar, esperaremos, lo más importante es su salud, con ello, el juego sale solo, tal y como todos queremos.

    Un saludo y mucha fuerza.

  42. Be safe. Given the situation, knowing where many of you hail from has kept you in my thoughts when reading the news, and I am glad up to now you have been all right. I hope to hear good news in the future and that all of you make it through this trying time. Stay strong.

  43. of course you shoul take your time to recover! don`t loose your passion and good luck!

  44. I really do wish you folks the best, here’s hoping the situation gets better and you get to move on with your lives.

  45. Best of luck with the distance, power outages and whatever other barriers life may throw in your path. Y’all are some incredible folk that do some incredible work, and you’ve powered through so many tough times and harsh words already. I hope things turn around for you guys. <3

  46. Fuerza!!! No dejen que el mundo los ahogue, siempre despierten con la idea de que cada día puede ser mejor que el anterior, pero eso siempre dependerá de ustedes!!!

  47. Getting through these difficult times should rightly be your priority, and I think no one who is aware of your situation would blame you for not working on the game as much as you would like to. Just hold tight! I really hope the situation in your country will stop falling into an ever-worsening spiral and finally get onto a path to improvement.

    At the very least, I’m glad I’ve gotten to hear something from you guys again!

  49. I hope you guys will overcome this. We’re here for you to help or at least we can offer moral support. Never forget how great you are.

  53. keep strong! I wish the best for all of you guys and hope that the situation will get better, take care guys we love you all

  54. Good luck and take care. Take your time recovering and hopefully things with gets better for you guys there soon.

  55. I wish you guy best of luck and hope the situation is turn to normal soon.

  59. Damn, I’m sorry to hear about all that… The situation must be very difficult and I’m sure everyone understands you’re doing your best even though you’re in this dire situation…
    I wish you guys all the best for the future and hopefully everything will turn out well!
    I love VA-11 HALL-A, I think it’s a fantastic game so well done on that and I’ll be looking forward to your future projects, no matter how long the wait is because I’m sure it will be great!

  60. Best of luck to the team, take care of yourselves. I hope things improve for you and I will continue to support you guys by buying the game on the new platforms and encouraging friends to pick up a copy as well. I’m looking forward to future posts, stay safe you guys!

  61. Whenever I have a bad day or feeling blue, I turn to Va-11 Hall-a. And it helps, greatly, EVERY TIME.
    So you guys have my most sincere appreciation and support.
    Good luck, we know you could get through this!

  64. Me enorgullece saber que personas de mi país hayan hecho tan grandioso juego, espero puedan continuar con sus proyectos a pesar de la horrible situación, abrazo desde Barquisimeto.

    1. No matter what to face next, keep you all safe and sound ,okay? Be strong to survive and good luck.

  65. No matter what to face next, keep you all safe and sound ,okay? Be strong to survive and good luck.

  68. You’ve created so many outstanding memories for the people who have played and enjoyed your games. Keep on Fighting! We’ve got your back!

  69. Ojalá pudiera ayudarlos con el desarrollo, chicos. Como venezolano me siento orgulloso de que hayan hecho un juego tan bueno como lo es VA-11 HALL-A. Entiendo totalmente la situación por la que están pasando y si necesitan tomarse un pequeño hiatus para recuperarse tanto físicamente como emocionalmente, saben que pueden hacerlo y que no nos decepcionaran. Cuídense mucho y gracias.

    Godspeed!

  70. As long as you guys will be okay, we can wait. So take care of yourselves first. I’m sure you’ll get through somehow.

  71. We really hope you’ll be alright, please take as much time as you need and don’t overdo yourself devs. We love you and your works, so yeah… take care of yourselves and if you need help, we’ll try to support you as much as we can.

  72. If you’re ★Kira Miki, we’re your personal fan club. Say the word and thousands will take over a government at your command. Let us know if you need anything!

  73. Someone really insulted you guys for not translating in other languages?
    Goddamit.

    Well, we will all wait for your guys even if I really want to have N1RVANNA only to throw some money at the screen for you guys.

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