- A Very Belated Development Update - 14 May 2026
Been way too long for you all to have an update. Short answer: this next chapter is going to be finishing up Part 2, and therefore is extremely large with a lot of content. I'll give you the answer you're most seeking up-front: the Steam release will be within a week or so of the release anywhere else. Just enough time for me to quash some initial bugs and build out the Steam specific features in the code and UI.Development hasn't stopped at any point, though I am sure it feels like that to all of you. Unlike my luck with some previous cycles, this development cycle's story is everything take 2-3 times as long as I hoped. A lot of that is due to the size, but also the unexpected "joys" of development problems. Things are progressing well, there is just so much content to produce renders, scripts, and new code for.Some of the big things that are decided in the next release:Queen chosenSe…
- Yes, I Am Still Alive - 21 February 2025
Realized it has been quite a long time since I've posted here. I'm still alive, and the game work continues. Boy did this next chapter turn into quite the large project. With as large as it is looking to be, there is a good chance that the chapter comes to Steam after I get some additional bug testing on its release. I'm still working on Chapter 12, so the totals numbers are in flux, but it will likely be close to the size of one of the volumes right now. There is just a lot of content and things that need to happen right around each other that it keeps feeling very strange to split the story anywhere during this chapter. If you wanted drama, you'll be getting that in spades. Apart from that, animations are coming with this new chapter, and, if those go well, I'll go back and add them to the previous chapter, as well. Chapters before that were done in a different render engine, so it wo…
- Animations - The Final Frontier - 5 September 2024
One big area I've heard many of you mention, correctly, is that animations are a significant missing part of To Be A King. I'm happy to report that the second part of Volume 2 will include animations with that new content. I hunkered down and spent some time working on the process to produce animations, and I'm pretty pleased with early results. I am not sure about adding them to previous chapters, as that would require reworking all the art in each chapter, given that I've changed quite a bit in my software and processes since those chapters were produced. On my Twitter account you can find some of the test animations I produced, if you are interested. I am still continuing to get comfortable with that whole process and improving my techniques, but it feels good to know those will be included going forward. Their production will add a bit to development time, but I'm hoping to bring do…
- Progress Update on the Next DLC - 17 July 2024
Thought I'd drop a quick update here on development progress for the next Steam DLC release. It is going to be packed with new content, and it will probably be another case of this next DLC being as large as everything that came before it. We are getting into the thick of it with alliances, war preparations, and lots of political intrigue. I've been very hard at work on all sorts of things, including improving my animation skills so that I'm able to include those in the next DLC. It has been quite the chore to ensure that I'm keeping track of everything properly with all the various branches, but I feel like I have a very good handle on that now. Other than that work, I've been improving my workflow and fixing a lot of little issues remaining from the render engine switch. Speaking of that switch, boy is it paying dividends. Not only are animations easier, but render setup times and ren…
- Development Progress for Volume 2 - Part 2 - 16 May 2024
Greetings! To say I'm humbled by the response to Volume 2 - Part 1's release on Steam is an understatement. Thank you to everyone who purchased this next installment of To Be A King, and I love all the enthusiasm for the continuation of the story. I am as eager to get it into your hands as you are to get it and play. Sadly development isn't as easy as waving your hand and having more content appear. Maybe one day? Since the Steam DLC launch I've been focused on the content for Part 2. It is going to be bigger than Part 1, as all these branches necessitate a lot of content. Much like Part 1 was nearly bigger than Volume 1, despite having fewer chapters, the second part of Volume 2 is going to be bigger still. You may not notice it in a playthrough with a small harem, but the variety in a single scene now is incredible. My storyboard looks like some overworked detective trying to piece to…
- The Next Installment Is Now Available - 29 March 2024
Volume 2 - Part 1, the next installment in our story, is now available for purchase. Four new chapters, nearly the size of Volume 1, and some big decisions. After the big ending of Volume 1, our hero faces some difficult challenges, and he discovers much more about how this kingdom really operates. There is an accompanying official guide available also. Highlights: Nearly 5000 new static renders 27 new achievements 23 new adult scenes 219 new special renders added to the image gallery 4 new chapters with several more hours of play time Fixes: Adjust points system (automatically converts old saves when you load them) Points balancing adjustments SFX and music volume normalization Added button to open the Volume 2 Guide, if you have purchased it as DLC Corrected character romance display options in codex for Alessia, Tullia, and Juliana Improvements: Optional recap between Volume 1 and Vo…
- Big Improvements to To Be A King - Volume 1 - 22 March 2024
A very large update for Volume 1 is here. You can read the details in the changelog below. Myself and my beta testing team have put a lot of hours into checking for problems, but no software is ever bug free. If you have any trouble or think you've found a bug or dreaded typo, please come over to my Discord and post a message. A few of the biggest changes are finally getting consistent unlock of achievements on Macs, a big UI overhaul to make things easier to find and read through, notification banners to let you know about key events or results from your choices, a complete reworking of the music and sound effects to be better balanced, consistent, and unique to each of our lovely ladies, and you can adjust the font size for dialogue now in settings. Changelog: Fixes Adjust points system (automatically converts old saves when you load them) Points balancing adjustments Various UI fixes…
- Volume 2 - Part 1 Release Date And More - 12 March 2024
It will be a very busy March. As previously announced, I'm bringing the first four chapters of To Be A King Volume 2 to Steam as Volume 2 - Part 1. I'm pleased to announce a March 29 release date for this, as well as a walkthrough for the first part of Volume 2 launching at the same time. I need the extra time to add achievements, finish the walkthrough, and complete testing. In the first part of Volume 2 you're going to find quite a bit of new content. In fact, while your playtime will vary based on your harem size and other choices, Volume 2 - Part 1 is close to the size of all of Volume 1: Nearly 5000 new static renders 23 lewd scenes Improved music, sound effects, and new lewd sound effects Revamped UI Optional tutorial Adjustable font size for dialogue The good news? No need to replay the game from the beginning when you get Volume 2 - Part 1. Pick right up where you left off at th…
- Volume 2 Update & An Apology - 29 February 2024
I'll start with an apology for the confusion I caused with my last announcement. I did not mean to mislead, but it is very clear that I should have adjusted that announcement quite a bit. I will make sure to be much more careful in the future. Second, I really appreciate some of your suggestions for how I can reduce the wait for Volume 2 here on Steam. Here is what I plan to do in that regard: Finish some big code and music/sound effects updates for Volume 1, and get that pushed out within the next two weeks. These updates are not DLC, so you'll get them even if you purchased Volume 1 long ago. No new content, but a lot of quality of life improvements that I think you all will appreciate. Get Chapters 8-11 prepared for a DLC release here on Steam as a Volume 2 - Part 1 release. I'll need a bit of time to add in achievements, bug test, etc., but I do not expect that to take too long. It…
- Chapter 11 & A Steam Sale - 16 February 2024
Chapter 11 is now available, and we are that much closer to a Volume 2 release on Steam. Only issue is that the story keeps growing a bit. I am back on a nice regular development schedule and already hard at work on Chapter 12's writing. In celebration of Chapter 11's release, I'm running a sale of 15% off on Volume 1 here on Steam. If you haven't yet dove in, now is a great time!
- Development Update With A Release Date - 13 January 2024
Thanks to regular steady progress in development (finally!), I've set release dates for the next three releases. Chapter 11 ended up growing quite a bit, so I've split what was originally planned for Chapter 11 into two parts. What was Chapter 11 - Part 1, is now just Chapter 11. Chapter 11 - Part 2 will be Chapter 12, and what I was calling Chapter 12 is now Chapter 13. I am thinking that Chapter 13 will wrap up Volume 2, but I'll know more about that mid-year. Might need a Chapter 14 to finish out Volume 2. I've put the planned released dates for the next three chapters at the end of this post. Progress is good on the next release. There is finally a good groove, and issues I run into are more easily dealt with now. It has been a very long road to get here, much longer than I expected or hoped for, but the render speed gains, as well as the ability to do things in renders that were ne…
- To Be A King on Discount this Winter Sale - 21 December 2023
To Be A King is back this holiday season with another exciting sale! We want to celebrate this winter, and what better way to celebrate than with an attractive discount on the game for everyone on Steam! ❄️ Steam Winter Sale is on right now and that means you can get To Be A King for a sexy 30% off discount! This offer is fit for royalty like you, but it is for a limited time only so don't waste any time! Don't let the onset of winter limit your thirst for power and lust. Play To Be A King, and be a part of the journey that takes you through tense drama, unexpected twists and of course an assortment of scenes featuring the hottest women in the sexiest of situations. As always, thanks for the support, and join our Discord server to discuss with other fellow kings ❤️👑 ITRoy
- Development Updates on Chapter 11 + Several New Previews - 15 December 2023
Would you believe I'm still not over this virus? It isn't near as terrible, but I am definitely approaching that 8-10 week mark. The good news is that it is causing me fewer issues day-by-day. I did check in again with the doctor, and they confirmed it just is going to take awhile to get over. Now on to what you all came to read about: Chapter 11's development. The very good news is that render progress is now steady. Not that there isn't the occasional issue that grinds things to a halt for an hour or two while I figure out how to solve it, but I'm back to a life of cranking out renders (and then inevitably redoing some of those when I find things I missed the first time). That and rewriting rougher parts of the script. I'm using a new clothing setup that allows me to grab clothing during simulation to position it. This allows for some "happy accidents," and lets me get creative with s…
- Steam Autumn Sale is Live! - 21 November 2023
Prepare for a sale fit for a King! The Steam Autumn Sale has kick-started, and to embrace the autumn spirit, Cronut and our gorgeous ladies are welcoming you to this amazing and intriguing visual novel filled with royal conflicts! To Be A King - Volume 1 is currently 20% OFF! ✨ This royal offer is truly fit for a ruler like you! Seize this sexy opportunity now to enjoy hot girls, revel in the drama, and, of course, be the mighty king you always wanted to be. Forge your journey ahead and bring your medieval fantasies to life! As always, thanks for the support, and join our Discord server to discuss with other fellow kings ❤️👑 ITRoy
- New Dev Blog for Chapter 11 + Follow-Ups! - 17 November 2023
Apparently someone was plotting against me. The last three weeks have seen me recovering from a nasty virus (not covid, thankfully). At times I was a bit worried that parts of my lung might come out, as the coughing is intense. Nothing I've gotten from the doctors has done a whole lot, so far. Still getting work done, but at a slower pace. There is a lot to explore in Chapter 11, and I am working hard to do it all justice. There are very few characters who won't get some screen time, though some favorites (e.g., Kaylan, Flora, & Aelinia) will figure prominently. Thanks to some recent software updates, I think the ladies might be looking their best ever, and I've found a new way to easily manipulate the clothing for some "special reveals." There are two big decisions in Chapter 11, and I continue to polish the script to get us naturally to those decisions. The real difficulty is making s…
- The End Is In Sight - 13 October 2023
Here is where we are with Chapter 11's development. Even more progress has been made in correcting issues and improving the look of the final renders and animations. In addition, there are a few story changes that I'm making to the script. This has been a slog to get everything into Unreal Engine, and every day I feel like a dummy as I learn something I didn't know before. Let's focus on the bright side of things. Renders are easier to churn out in Unreal Engine now than they were in Daz. That is just on the setup side. As I've mentioned before, render speed cannot even compare as Unreal Engine is so much faster (it being a real time render engine and all). Chapter 11 static render work is ongoing, and the final big challenge is getting animations to a quality level I feel comfortable releasing. It is going to take months of practice for me to get to where I ultimately want them, but I…
- New Dev Update for Volume 2! - 15 September 2023
Ugh, lighting. The bane of my development existence. That and environments got a lot of attention over the last few weeks. It's been a wild ride, and, at times, I was questioning why I decided to take the plunge into UE. Lighting This is always a struggle. Daz Studio, my old rendering software, has its own limitations with a lot of noise at low lighting conditions. For Unreal Engine, you've got multiple options for lighting your scene, apart from the "physical" lights themselves. Lumen, ray tracing, etc. are all options. I've gone the Lumen route, but it was this past month where I decided that I needed to get my lighting fixed up. Early previews were alright, but not looking as nice as things did before. These are the times I really love how quickly Unreal Engine can spit out renders, and this was never more needed then since I had to do a lot of testing to get the right balance. I've…
- Win a To Be A King Volume 1 Copy! - 15 September 2023
Of all the good things on God's green earth, we bet you would never guess what we have in store for you in your wildest dreams! And yes, this is some majestic news you can spread far and wide and get your friends in town! I know you're thinking hard about this news, so I won't keep you waiting any longer. 🤔 For the big reveal, we are delighted to announce that we are hosting a giveaway that allows five lucky winners to be awarded with a Steam key to enjoy the game's first volume! You heard that right: A copy of To Be A King - Volume 1 will be given to 5 Lucky winners in this giveaway! 🔥 All you have to do is click here and let us know of your entry. Also, you can maximize your chances of winning by following our pages and socials to ensure you have the highest probability of clutching your spot in the final list of winners! And as always, thanks for the support ❤️👑 ITRoy
- Volume 2 New Dev Blog Update! - 15 August 2023
What a month it has been. The highest highs, and the lowest lows. The good news is that we are ending the last 30 days on a high note. Strap yourself in because a LOT has happened. Clothing - What A Mess Clothing nearly did me in. Days of testing and tweaking kept leading to dead ends and major issues. I was a bit worried we would need to convert TBaK to a nudist game. Thankfully improvements in the software I use to convert Daz models and clothing to UE, along with a few bold experiments paying off, led me to finding a way to make clothing functional. I even have some revealing options for some clothing, and that will open up some fun possibilities. I'll continue to refine the quality of the clothing, but I'm able to throw nearly any outfit through the process now and get a pleasant result. Character Changes Nothing is ever perfect with conversions, and as I did more close up shots, I…
- Let's Celebrate the Steam Visual Novel Fest! - 7 August 2023
Royal Sale for a King! The Steam Visual Novel Festival is in full swing and you know what that brings us, right? The kingdom is ready to welcome you to this amazing and intriguing visual novel, filled with royal conflicts, glory, one weird cat, and a lot of sexy women! To Be A King - Volume 1 is currently running a 25% OFF Sale! ✨ This royal offer is truly fit for a ruler like you! Seize this sexy opportunity now to enjoy hot girls, revel in the drama, and of course, be the mighty king you always wanted to be! Forge your journey ahead and bring your medieval fantasies to life. Limited Time Only DEMO! That's right! During the Steam Visual Novel Festival, players will have the opportunity to try out a DEMO of To Be A King, and not only that, players can carry their save file from the end of the demo into the full game! What are you waiting for? Share the news with the king, your friends,…
