I preordered the game prior to it being cancelled and was never refunded. Is there a possible compensation or could I receive a key for the new game in recognition of my support for the original project? Is the free steam key mentioned only regarding backers? I don't know how I'd even get in contact because I am not a backer nor know their email.
so, not sure who checks this still but i woke up to an email that the game is back on. i've copy + pasted the text for y'all.
"Hi, long time no see!
We've been waiting for the ink to dry on some developments and have some great news to share. Due to the major nature of it, I opted to err on the side of caution until I saw for sure that the timeline proposed to me was actually being fulfilled.
The game is essentially back on and prepared for a FULL GAME late 2024 release! We've been working since last year with a partner company to help finish and fulfill a version of the game.
I have no direct hand in the game besides offering a base outline, most of the original soundtrack, and offering a few suggestions that they were free to consider.
Here's a list of some of the changes:
- The new character artist is TATA, and all the backgrounds have been redrawn as well.
- The demo includes Japanese voices. Some of the cast includes: Kojyo Rin, Hozuki Kaoru, Uduki Hana and Utamaru.
The script has also been rewritten from the ground up, as well as parts of the overall plot, and the protagonist is completely brand new. (However, I still think she's as charming as Diana! I hope you do too.)
You'll still receive a free steam key to this game, a digital art book, and the new team also currently plans to also provide a voice acting bonus. The soundtrack has already been provided a few kickstarter updates ago.
We reached out to as many special backers as possible regarding their character slots and create-a-dates so that those features could still be fulfillable. While the deadline for those has technically past, if you hadn't received the e-mail or our reminders, please feel free to reach out at swtkickstarter@gmail.com and the new team can help assist you in that regard.
Unfortunately, physical merchandise still isn't feasible after material costs skyrocketing from COVID. Everything from the acrylic for the keychains to the paper of the books means that everything costs substantially more from the manufacturers were were planning to use, making it unfeasible, especially after the growing issues we had encountered during original game development.
It's been a long and surprising road, but as the original creator, I've been impressed at how quickly Studio Everium has progressed, as well as -- even more importantly -- the fact that they're already so close to the finish line. They've given me periodic updates, and while some design choices are different, I believe the core ideas and concept of the game will still be fulfilled.
I came across the new game before the original game here, so I was wondering why it kinda seemed similar:
anyways here's the link to the game site (bc the link doesn't work, prop bc of the bracket being recognized as part of the link): https://everium.itch.io/velvetbite
Damn, I wish this one wasn't cancelled. I've read the copy pasted Kickstarter entry and while I get it, life those years weren't great, it's kinda disrespectful how the game's social media are still up like it wasn't dropped and itch is still with the reservations. Heck, their paid domain is still up -- doesn't it cost even more money??
I wish they gave us all actual, public closure, not only for backers. I'm following for any future project of the studio bc I liked the concept a lot, but this lack of info doesn't help them look reliable at all, even though the circunstances of the cancellation are valid.
Second-hand info shared that the writer may (with may being the keyword here) continue on her own, so I hope we can see more of this in the future.
Came across this today. I looked up the game's socials and wish they at least left a note for it's cancellation so it wouldn't be misleading if they didn't take down the itch.io page cause the pre-order sign is still up there. I know this happens often to unfinished/abandoned works though.
Anyway the art and premise of the game is pretty and fun. Honestly wish that someday they could still fulfill a fully developed game be it the same idea or something different, maybe in the distant future.
Could you, or any other backer that still lurks here, perhaps copy-paste what the update says? The post is only available for backers, but if the project is indeed cancelled, maybe it would be better to post it in the comments to warn potential itch.io customers.
The title of that update is “[…] Upcoming Updates/Content + Continuing” so it sounds more like the project is still alive and kicking.
And with an “official” cancellation statement like that, maybe this project can be reported to itch.io and taken down so no more people will be scammed. (although this sadly isn’t the first nor will it be the last game here that’s forever up and keeps taking “pre-orders” even though the devs have long moved on or vanished…)
"Hi everyone, long time no see! I apologize for the delayed update. It seemed that once things settled down, new events to consider have popped up. For example, Vacu used to live in Kiev, but has otherwise currently relocated. I didn’t want to give backers news when I wasn’t sure of the situation myself. Things have mostly settled now, both with Vacu and beyond.
It’s been a long several years, full of wonderful things. However, the game must be canceled.
Is the game really canceled?
Yes.
Where’s the money?
Spent on assets and the redoing of said assets. Programming had to be redone multiple times due to programmers coming and going, some choices made due to some NDA related affairs, the music OST is completely done, the art assets (sprites, CGs, backgrounds) that were completed were paid for, old script that isn’t really usable was still compensated for, etc. There was also a bit of obligatory budget bloat that I tried to pay out of pocket for.
Will I still get my money back, though?
You’ll still be refunded your pledge, it just can’t be accomplished immediately because the money was, again, spent on assets. Since some pledges can’t go through due to the length of time the project has gone on, please instead fill out this google form by June 4th. Refunds won’t be issued by the time the form closes, but it’ll be useful in figuring out the best strategy to get you your money the fastest. It will take a lot of time to get the money accumulated - likely several years, but I'm hoping only 1. In order to help speed this along, I’ll be delaying my school degree and focusing on work.
What happened?
The situation simply became infeasible due to poor leadership. Everyone else was fantastic at their work, both quality and time wise. The cost of the game has also become particularly volatile since merchandise wasn’t planned to be made until the game was finished, and now both production & shipping costs have skyrocketed to the point that the bundles sold at the prices they were are now impractical to a significant degree.
Hi, I'm obsessed with everything in this demo and have been checking in for any updates for a while now, however it looks like this information is only available to kickstarter backers. I follow you on twitter, but is there anyway to stay up to date on how things are going/ your future plans?
Hi there! Thank you so much for liking the game!! We recommend subscribing to the Softly, with Teeth updates channel on the dev's Discord! That way when something does happen, you'll be pinged even if you're not a kickstarter backer!
We're really sorry about that! The demo can have trouble with different Mac updates, even when ran properly through the terminal. We've been working on a solution and continue to do so, so hopefully you'll be able to play soon! Thank you very much for your support! :D
← Return to game
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I preordered the game prior to it being cancelled and was never refunded. Is there a possible compensation or could I receive a key for the new game in recognition of my support for the original project? Is the free steam key mentioned only regarding backers? I don't know how I'd even get in contact because I am not a backer nor know their email.
I'm glad I saw this post!
so, not sure who checks this still but i woke up to an email that the game is back on. i've copy + pasted the text for y'all.
"Hi, long time no see!
We've been waiting for the ink to dry on some developments and have some great news to share. Due to the major nature of it, I opted to err on the side of caution until I saw for sure that the timeline proposed to me was actually being fulfilled.
The game is essentially back on and prepared for a FULL GAME late 2024 release! We've been working since last year with a partner company to help finish and fulfill a version of the game.
I have no direct hand in the game besides offering a base outline, most of the original soundtrack, and offering a few suggestions that they were free to consider.
Here's a list of some of the changes:
- The new character artist is TATA, and all the backgrounds have been redrawn as well.
- The demo includes Japanese voices. Some of the cast includes: Kojyo Rin, Hozuki Kaoru, Uduki Hana and Utamaru.
The script has also been rewritten from the ground up, as well as parts of the overall plot, and the protagonist is completely brand new. (However, I still think she's as charming as Diana! I hope you do too.)
You'll still receive a free steam key to this game, a digital art book, and the new team also currently plans to also provide a voice acting bonus. The soundtrack has already been provided a few kickstarter updates ago.
We reached out to as many special backers as possible regarding their character slots and create-a-dates so that those features could still be fulfillable. While the deadline for those has technically past, if you hadn't received the e-mail or our reminders, please feel free to reach out at swtkickstarter@gmail.com and the new team can help assist you in that regard.
Unfortunately, physical merchandise still isn't feasible after material costs skyrocketing from COVID. Everything from the acrylic for the keychains to the paper of the books means that everything costs substantially more from the manufacturers were were planning to use, making it unfeasible, especially after the growing issues we had encountered during original game development.
It's been a long and surprising road, but as the original creator, I've been impressed at how quickly Studio Everium has progressed, as well as -- even more importantly -- the fact that they're already so close to the finish line. They've given me periodic updates, and while some design choices are different, I believe the core ideas and concept of the game will still be fulfilled.
Right now, the game is also being featured in Otome Jam 2024 [https://itch.io/jam/otome-jam-2024], and you can view the demo below!"
link to the kickstarter update is here (not sure if its locked)
did not have this on my 2024 bingo!
I came across the new game before the original game here, so I was wondering why it kinda seemed similar:
anyways here's the link to the game site (bc the link doesn't work, prop bc of the bracket being recognized as part of the link): https://everium.itch.io/velvetbite
This game looked so good. I wish it wasn't cancelled. Wonder why the page is still up.
Damn, I wish this one wasn't cancelled. I've read the copy pasted Kickstarter entry and while I get it, life those years weren't great, it's kinda disrespectful how the game's social media are still up like it wasn't dropped and itch is still with the reservations. Heck, their paid domain is still up -- doesn't it cost even more money??
I wish they gave us all actual, public closure, not only for backers. I'm following for any future project of the studio bc I liked the concept a lot, but this lack of info doesn't help them look reliable at all, even though the circunstances of the cancellation are valid.
Second-hand info shared that the writer may (with may being the keyword here) continue on her own, so I hope we can see more of this in the future.
Came across this today. I looked up the game's socials and wish they at least left a note for it's cancellation so it wouldn't be misleading if they didn't take down the itch.io page cause the pre-order sign is still up there. I know this happens often to unfinished/abandoned works though.
Anyway the art and premise of the game is pretty and fun. Honestly wish that someday they could still fulfill a fully developed game be it the same idea or something different, maybe in the distant future.
Damn, sad to see that this is cancelled. I keep coming across this and today I read the comments, saved myself some frustration by doing so
At least take the page down
If this has been canceled like backers are saying, why does it still say pre-order for $20.00 :/
per their latest kickstarter update, the game is officially canceled. if you're a backer you can view the post here (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/483356923/softly-with-teeth-a-vampire-otome...) it seems life had many challenges for everybody involved (understandable) and it just became too expensive to continue.
Could you, or any other backer that still lurks here, perhaps copy-paste what the update says? The post is only available for backers, but if the project is indeed cancelled, maybe it would be better to post it in the comments to warn potential itch.io customers.
The title of that update is “[…] Upcoming Updates/Content + Continuing” so it sounds more like the project is still alive and kicking.
And with an “official” cancellation statement like that, maybe this project can be reported to itch.io and taken down so no more people will be scammed. (although this sadly isn’t the first nor will it be the last game here that’s forever up and keeps taking “pre-orders” even though the devs have long moved on or vanished…)
"Hi everyone, long time no see! I apologize for the delayed update. It seemed that once things settled down, new events to consider have popped up. For example, Vacu used to live in Kiev, but has otherwise currently relocated. I didn’t want to give backers news when I wasn’t sure of the situation myself. Things have mostly settled now, both with Vacu and beyond.
It’s been a long several years, full of wonderful things. However, the game must be canceled.
Is the game really canceled?
Yes.
Where’s the money?
Spent on assets and the redoing of said assets. Programming had to be redone multiple times due to programmers coming and going, some choices made due to some NDA related affairs, the music OST is completely done, the art assets (sprites, CGs, backgrounds) that were completed were paid for, old script that isn’t really usable was still compensated for, etc. There was also a bit of obligatory budget bloat that I tried to pay out of pocket for.
Will I still get my money back, though?
You’ll still be refunded your pledge, it just can’t be accomplished immediately because the money was, again, spent on assets. Since some pledges can’t go through due to the length of time the project has gone on, please instead fill out this google form by June 4th. Refunds won’t be issued by the time the form closes, but it’ll be useful in figuring out the best strategy to get you your money the fastest. It will take a lot of time to get the money accumulated - likely several years, but I'm hoping only 1. In order to help speed this along, I’ll be delaying my school degree and focusing on work.
What happened?
The situation simply became infeasible due to poor leadership. Everyone else was fantastic at their work, both quality and time wise. The cost of the game has also become particularly volatile since merchandise wasn’t planned to be made until the game was finished, and now both production & shipping costs have skyrocketed to the point that the bundles sold at the prices they were are now impractical to a significant degree.
What now?
I continue to work so I can repay backers."
Thanks a lot!!
Hopefully, any interested people here on itch.io will see this first before sinking their money into it.
Also filed a report. Let’s see if/when itch.io will react.
is there any news on the game? last twitter update was a year ago...
Will the game be availabe on steam?
Man, I'm really hyped for this.
Hi!
I’m really sorry to bother you with this. Especially since you warn against it. But I really have no choice because this is all I have.
Do you have any recommendations on what to use to access the Android versions? Like an app or something to “unzip” them.
I’m sorry again! And thank you if you have the time to help me! I’m really looking forward to hopefully playing both of your demos though!
The first demo(2018) works on joiplay if that's what you want.
Super late response, but you could unzip with Zarchiver or the Files apps by Google.
Hi, I'm obsessed with everything in this demo and have been checking in for any updates for a while now, however it looks like this information is only available to kickstarter backers. I follow you on twitter, but is there anyway to stay up to date on how things are going/ your future plans?
(ﾐዋ ﻌ ዋﾐ)
Hi there! Thank you so much for liking the game!! We recommend subscribing to the Softly, with Teeth updates channel on the dev's Discord! That way when something does happen, you'll be pinged even if you're not a kickstarter backer!
I can't open the demo on mac
We're really sorry about that! The demo can have trouble with different Mac updates, even when ran properly through the terminal. We've been working on a solution and continue to do so, so hopefully you'll be able to play soon! Thank you very much for your support! :D
thank you
Eeeeh, I think i can put it in my "dead project" collection...
You shouldn't! :) We just keep updates to the kickstarter backers, we had an update last week.
OMG OMG OMG
So happy to hear this! Thanks for the heads up ^^
i can't figure out how to run the 2018 demo on mac, any tips/clearer instructions?
Any news on this game ?
So excited for this game; I keep checking to see if there's any news - where can we find updates on the game?
Such a lovely demo can't wait for more! <3
the art is pretty but the mc is... very basic.
Absolutely loved the demo, beautiful artwork and colors. When is the full game being realesed?
Thank you! We're aiming for late-summer or fall next year!
Ah thank you I absolutely love your demo and plan on buying the full game.Hope you have a great day/night.