The first week after SANYA's release has passed! Thanks to everyone who played, and gave feedback. Your kind words tell us that the 4 years spent developing the game were worth it.
Today we're sharing our first update! Here's what's new:
SANYA is now available on MacOS!
Fixed a bug that made it hard to dial numbers on the phone.
Fixed a bug where the mini-game with the phone would freeze after the first phrase and not allow further progress.
Saves are now showing correctly.
We're still working on a bug where sometimes you can't pull the Punpkin out of the tree roots . If you come across this issue, please email us at helpnodegames@gmail.com.
If you find any other bugs, please let us know wherever you can: here in the comments, game discussions, on Twitter, or via email.
Sending everyone hugs, wishing you a fantastic week, and may Pumpkin always be by your side!
Marry Christmas!
Marry Christmas, folks!
We've prepared a small update so you can enjoy some time with SANYA :)
Firstly, we've made a new trailer!
It includes several new shots, especially from the mini-games awaiting you in the game. Watch, like, comment!
Secondly, we've updated the free demo version!
What's new:
Updated the ending and interaction mechanics with the doggie;
Optimized the game and added the ability to lower graphics quality and enhance performance;
Improved sound design;
Improved the UI, particularly in the settings menu;
Fixed bugs that you reported.
Here are answers to some questions you might have
Should I play the demo if I've already completed it entirely?
Most likely, no. The main story and gameplay parts remain the same — we focused more on polishing. The only new feature that might interest you is the new mechanic with the doggie. A small teaser appears at the very end of the demo, and if that already sounds intriguing, we won't stop you. You can always enjoy SANYA for a second time!
If you haven't played the demo at all, then the answer is definitely yes! If you tried but your PC couldn't handle it — also yes, it should work well even on weaker machines now.
How long does it take to complete the demo?
Anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how much attention you pay to details and if you enjoy deviating from the main storyline.
When will SANYA be released?
Right now, we're at a stage where the entire game is complete but still needs some fine-tuning. The last thing we'd want is to release a "raw" game where something doesn't work. So, we're working on polishing and improving everything that's already there. Thanks for your patience!
Have a great weekend and a fantastic New Year!
Japanese page translation update
Dear friends! こんにちは!
We are happy to share that Sanya's Steam page now has a Japanese translation! Our trip to the Tokyo Game Show in September was delightful. We encountered numerous outstanding games, met new players, brilliant professionals, and wonderful people.
A huge thanks to Tabula Rasa for delivering an excellent translation!
And the credit goes to...
Steam store text translation and proofreading: Nana Itoh
Steam store text translation: Jun Kurihara
Sanya's first devlog! devlog#01
Hallo there! Feeling SANYAstic today?
We're thrilled to announce that after relocating to Germany earlier this year, we're back in full swing with game development. We're steadily approaching the Features Complete stage, which is a major milestone for us. It's amazing to receive messages from fans who have been following our game for a long time, eagerly waiting for its release. We share your enthusiasm, but developing a game with a small team and limited funds can be quite challenging. Thank you for supporting us all these years. We appreciate it!
Today, we want to update you on what we're currently working on, the game's progress, and what still needs to be done.
But First things first: Woof-woof!!
Now that we have you and your trusted pal’s attention, our current focus is on making the dog more than just a companion but your best friend. Players will be able to give commands to the dog, praise it, and take care of it. We've even implemented a special "dog mode" to make it more user-friendly. Now you can ask the dog to fetch something, give a paw, or call it whenever you want.
We're putting in a lot of effort to transform the dog into more than just a companion — we want it to become your ultimate best friend! In our game, players will have the ability to give commands, praise, and take care of their furry companion. To make things even more enjoyable, we've introduced a special "dog mode" that makes interacting with your pup easier and more intuitive than ever before. You can now ask your dog to fetch, give a paw, or simply call them whenever you please.
However, we're faced with the challenge of incorporating this into the point-and-click genre, which has its fair share of limitations. For instance, when the dog moves in a 3D space while the player remains in a 2D environment, it causes some glitches in the game. But worry not. We're working hard to find a solution!
We are also super pumped to share that we're still hard at work on the script! The main storyline is already done, but we're still polishing up some additional quests, characters, and activities. For instance, you can already encounter this young boy-seller. His father is involved in some risky business, which adds an interesting and different dynamic to the game. Also, Sanya might find himself caught up in some less-than-pleasant adult conflicts. How? You'll have to play the game to find out!
But that's not all! We've also made improvements to the existing content. For instance, we've added a mini-game where you have to write the dog's name on a name tag. We have added texture to the brushes and included cute details (oops, one of the markers doesn't write! Did you ever try wetting such a marker with saliva when you were a child?). These small but significant details collectively contribute to the game's overall impression. We would love for the attention to detail to be felt. Would you like to see a comparison of this mini-game, how it was before and how it looks now?
Behind the name helpnode is a small team, so the development takes quite a lot of time. But we are very grateful for your support and attention to the game.
In the meantime, we would really appreciate a thumbs up and comment on how our updates sound. Every like is a nod for us to continue updating you like this!
Cheers!
SANYA at Dames 4 Games! 💕
Hi there!
I'm Valya, and I'm excited to share some updates about our indie game, Sanya, as we kick off the Dames 4 Games event. As one of the creators behind the game, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and give you a glimpse into what drives our passion for game development.
I am currently 24 years old and reside in Germany. When I entered the gaming industry, I was a newcomer with limited knowledge about games. Like many women, I struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate and unsure of my abilities. However, one aspect of games that always fascinated me was the opportunity for self-expression. Unlike other art forms, games allow players to become co-authors and shape their experiences. This unique aspect captivated me and encouraged me to pursue game development.
Why make a game about your childhood?
I embarked on creating my first game, Sanya, with a clear purpose. I wanted to capture the essence of my childhood, meticulously revisiting and reflecting upon those cherished memories. By approaching it from my current perspective, I aimed to examine my childhood experiences through the lens of personal growth and transformation. Sanya became a vessel to preserve and reevaluate my own history.
What does the event mean for me? Why choose to participate in Dames-4-Games?
Participating in Dames 4 Games holds significant meaning for our team. It's an opportunity to showcase Sanya to a broader audience and connect with fellow game enthusiasts passionate about inclusive and diverse storytelling. While some aspects of the game are deeply personal, I also wanted to explore universal themes such as childhood, growth, rebellion, care, love, and friendship. Sanya aims to inspire players to persevere through life's challenges and reminds them that they are never alone.
So I'll be waiting for you at the broadcast at 22:00 (CET). Let's shine!
Are you ready for an exciting day? Well, Sanya is! We are thrilled to announce that we will participate in the Wholesome Direct showcase today. This is a huge opportunity for our game and team and we are absolutely thrilled to participate in it. More than 80 charming, wholesome games will be showcased today, and we can't wait to share Sanya with you all. We have been working hard to make this happen and are so proud to have made it to such a cool event.
The anticipation is palpable, and our palms are sweaty with excitement. We are counting down the hours until the event begins.
So please, join us today, June 10, at 6 PM (CEST) to watch the Wholesome Direct showcase on Youtube or Twitch. We can't wait to share this special moment with you all and showcase an EXCLUSIVE TRAILER revealing what we have been working on.
See ya there!
Welcome to the Doggo Land
Hello, fellow doggo humans!
Sanya here. I am happy that you and your doggo have gathered here to know what I and the world I am in are about. So allow me to officially welcome you to the first of many updates and insights into how I came to exist. Over the coming weeks, you will get to read and experience how I began as an idea and, later on, became who I am today. Let's begin.
Lewis, community rep: My First-hand experience with the game is that of a production that is pretty personal to you. What inspired you to create Sanya?
Valya, game developer: The inspiration for "SANYA" comes from my childhood in many ways. I wanted to relive those moments while also reevaluating them. The game is set in the 90s, a challenging time living in a Post Soviet country. But as a child, what mattered was the overall feeling and experience. That nostalgic feeling, alongside my experiences, created the game.
Lewis, community rep: It's fascinating how you've captured the essence of a specific time period and the emotions associated with childhood. Can you delve deeper into what you wanted to convey through "SANYA"?
Valya: My main idea was to recreate the feeling of carefree adventures and new discoveries that defined our childhood. Instead, I tried to reinterpret my experiences from a more conscious perspective. While not the game's main focus, sad undertones provide the necessary depth.
Lewis, community rep: Of the different genres of games, why did you settle for making an adventure game and could you then explain your decision to incorporate mini-games into "SANYA"?
Valya: At the time, I felt adventure games were the best way to convey my idea of what Sanya was about. Can the player get into my world and imagine what my experience as a kid was like? That was the primary goal. However, I soon realized that a purely narrative-driven approach wouldn't be the best choice for "SANYA." That's when the idea of incorporating mini-games came to me. I wanted the game to feel like a collection of thoughts, each providing a unique experience.
Lewis, community rep: What are you working on this week?
Valya: I would try to mention that being part of a tiny team and experiencing a new life in Germany is definitely impacting, but it's also inspiring game development in new ways. Now I'm preparing for some game showcases. Stay tuned for more exciting things to come next week!
Lewis, community rep: Thank you for sharing those insights! Evidently, "SANYA" is a labor of love inspired by personal experiences and aimed at providing players with a unique and multi-faceted experience.
Valya: Most definitely. We're excited to see how players will engage with this kaleidoscope of memories in the game.
Hi there! Steam Next Fest starts on June 13, and SANYA takes part in it! You can play the new demo — it's already available on our Steam page!
Do you want to relax a bit in a small dusty apartment somewhere on the outskirts of a post-Soviet town? Be a kid and have a puppy? Oversleep until dinner, and then rush about like crazy? Then download the demo now!
Better not delay - we plan to use the festival to collect player feedback and improve the game. Therefore, after the festival, the demo will not be available.
We made a closed demo about a year ago — those of you who support our Patreon have already played it. Now it's time to show the demo to the whole audience! We made it bigger and better based on the first feedback.
However, we really want to make the game even cooler, so now we will be waiting for your feedback! You can leave them in our discord or take a special brief survey (it won't take more than 10 minutes): https://forms.gle/nbot1qzHDgFs1Lhu8
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/g3H6JMye
Hi everyone, we are helpnode, but who are YOU?
Hey! You! Yes, YOU!!! You're cool!
We are helpnode, a small studio that has just started its journey in the world of video games. Now we are making our first game — Sanya. So communicating with the audience is still very exciting and unusual for us.
How is it possible that some people like what we do and they are not our moms? Incredible!
Tell us about your expectations from the game? How do you imagine it?
What questions about the game are you most concerned about right now? Of course, except for the release date! This question is of interest to us too haha!
And of course, don't forget to add SANYA to your wishlist and subscribe to our updates so you don't miss anything! We are entering the finish line and promise a lot of interesting things ahead.
Join our Discord community if you want to become a game tester or chat with the developers: https://discord.gg/cVV28JTr
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sanyathegame
