The update has been slated for 2026 since April, dates haven't been given for months precisely due to the fact they kept getting missed. The 70% post being in July, there's a saying in game dev, "80% of the work takes 20% of the time, the remaining 20% takes 80% of the time."
Now granted, the before GTA VI is a clear deadline, but saying "nobody is buying it" is just false, lots and lots of people are expecting the update before then. But to say "came after months of setting specific deadlines and constantly moving the goalposts." when again, the date has been 2026 since April is just false. Detrimental to your point honestly. There's no need to make things up.
Delays are understandable, but nuking Discord channels, changing release conditions on the fly, and ghosting the community isn't 'normal dev cycle' it's poor management. If they just posted transparent updates, nobody would be spamming. It's totally normal that people are pissed off when this is how they handle feedback
The initial release date, and only that one (the april issue) was the poor management along with the communication, after that it has always been 2026, people just create their own believes and try to make those into a "given date" when is not. As for Discord channel, it was nuked because of a discord incident around the same time it got restricted for the banner (even thought it had nothing wrong), that has nothing to do with this topic and brings nothing to the point.
Was the discord “incident” the one in which Kal rolled a die and it landed on the number the Starmaker channel was? Or the bloom incident? At least that’s what was actually given as the reasons for deleting the channel, not an “incident”
I mean yeah of course I knew it was entirely extremely unlikely the most active channel in the server was deleted via dice roll, but what was the point in lying. That’s my point. Why is communication continuously bad when it’s been said that it’s something to be worked on. Why are you still being vague here too?
Dawg just put your hopes to rest, Kal has already stated how he didn't specify which version of GTA6 he was talking about; be it the console release or the PC port.
Just a clown show as always.
He also admitted it would have been better if he had released multiple versions during the year instead of piling everything up for a single 1.9 release, but since then he has still not released what's currently ready.
Mods and regulars on Discord are too busy defending the use of the r-word and f-slur because "the meaning of these words has changed with time" to care about communication with the itch.io community.
Hello there,
this is untrue, the date was specified for April and after then it was changed to 2026, if users spread misinformation about random dates, like the people saying it would be on Halloween and then getting mad it didn't release that's on them. As always, I'm not denying the communication could be better, but the "famous 70%" was not the last thing, the only reason I've kept putting the previews here is to keep everything in a single post. Kal has stated multiples of times that he is not the best with posts and that he rather just continues working instead of use that time for a post, that let's be honest, most ppl will say, "is just pictures, nothing else". Also "but at this point nobody is buying it", is free, there's nothing to buy. And "banning anyone who dares to look at a calendar", there is a difference about asking if there is new information and another to just keep complaining about the update or sending slurs to the dev.
Anyways that's my say on that.
wrong, it was changed like 3 times, if I remember correctly twice here and one more time on twitter, kal posted a date and then edited the post. Honestly it might’ve been changed more than 3 times, I might have the screenshots somewhere in my gallery, but it doesn’t matter, the hate/frustration yall are receiving is totally earned. If I was you I would stay radio silent in here, the damage control you guys are doing is not working at all lol
We are not alike, I don't have the need to stay radio silent; I'm here answering questions. This is not damage control, is just me speaking to people, know the difference.
Yes the spam is getting to a point now where it is obscuring genuine questions and feedback. But the reason people are spamming rightly or wrongly is because their concerns are not being addressed in anyway.
We understand life and game development is unpredictable.
But again it takes two seconds for a mod to come on here create a locked thread (if feedback is not wanted) and explain the current situation.
Anyone not participating in the Discord does not have a clue what is going on, look at the Roundscape steam forums as a prime example and I fear here on itch is becoming the same story.
I believe the more sensible among us are not asking “update when” but what’s going on?
Not affected, that is just for game developers that spam slop games none stop and flood the catalog.
That is the thing, we are not sure of this for a fact cause we are working off rumours and speculation that Kal has ran into further road blocks due to personal issues. We really need Dr.Muramasa to come back to confirm that the ETA is still set or if it has been stretched some what.
On further reflection, that Discord mod comment above is harsh and incomplete. While itch.io players aren’t owed a fixed release schedule, Kal has a clear track record of optimistic public timelines (“drops this month,” “release is close,” “before GTA 6,” “70% complete” in late July) that later slipped, with sparse follow up updates on itch.io and Patreon. That pattern is what fuels the frustration, not pure entitlement. Dr.Muramasa's moderation is what helps cool that down and brings a bit of order these forums. The past week really has been a stress test of the amount work the doc puts into these forums...
I'm passing by, I don't mind the Buu spam, but if it buries something and I don't see it well that can happen. I understand both sides and both sides have things wrong.
The communication needs work BUT if a user is told 2026, is shown some images from time to time of things that are getting worked or done and then just say "they always just show pictures and say is being worked on for 2026" to then say, "a full communication is not needed, just showing something would be nice", the statement contradicts itself. There's also the ones that are told 2026 but they go ahead and create headcanons like a "halloween release" to then get mad it didn't released.
Both sides are at fault and that's a fact.
The developer is solely to blame for his lax approach to communicating with the audience. You mention it casually, as if it were a lesser evil, but in fact that's where it all started. First, the April 5th joke. Then almost six months of silence, and now we have received at least some information about what awaits us. But fuck))) ahahaha. You're exposing basic communication for something outstanding and grandiose. Strange fanatics who make guesses and theories about when the release will be and introduce misinformation have nothing in common with people who just want an adult approach to business and an adult attitude towards themselves. And judge for yourself in this case. Do you think the explanation "The release will be released in 2026" is good information for fans? We are not waiting for Cyberpunk 2 and not The Witcher 4. THIS IS A FUCKING PIXEL PORN NOVEL ON UNITY! Isn't that funny?
Well, it is what it is. "Do you think the explanation "The release will be released in 2026" is good information for fans? We are not waiting for Cyberpunk 2 and not The Witcher 4. THIS IS A FUCKING PIXEL PORN NOVEL ON UNITY! Isn't that funny?" If is such an insignificant thing, why are you getting so worked up, I'm talking and interacting as calm as it goes, yet you find the need to keep badmouthing, do remember I wanted to have a civil conversation.
How did he offend you? And why did you decide that he was wound up? Wasn't he just expressing his dissatisfaction with communication? And what happened to him in the end? Did you ban him?)
What pre-nut clarity is this, what happened to "all we can do is have more patience" an hour ago 😅
I am sure Dr.Muramasa will be back in a couple of days and clear things up.. though might be in a foul mood after seeing the state of things 😬
In the time being lets guess a release time for The Elder Scrolls VI: Sentinel I am guessing September 2030 😅
Instead of hoping this game comes out before GTA VI or this year, let's hope it comes out with high quality.
So, this is what I mean with headcanons, "should" and "is" are 2 different terms, “we are close but not this week close” doesn't mean "is the next week/in 21 days", and the comment of "close to the release of Pale Carnations" is a lie/headcanon, how do I know you may ask, because it was me who commented, and the actual comment was that if lucky I would be able to play both updates back to back.
There have been 2 "set days", "April 5th" and "by the end of the month", after that it was changed to 2026. You can say 3 if we take the "before GTA6"
Appreciate the refutations! Glad we could get past all YOUR headcannons that YOU gave us. The comms guy! Phew!
Is nice to see how people take things according to their own likes to push their own view of things. Just to give you an example, of the 2 cases discussed:
1. The different meaning on words: If I tell you to get an umbrella because by all means and indications it "should" rain tomorrow but then it doesn't and you left the house with an umbrella you can get mad all you want, but it was never a guaranteed.
2. Pale Carnations: So, I cannot talk about what I'm waiting for and the possibilities in a random conversation I'm having with someone, mind you the conversation was even more about PC than Starmaker. Good to know.
look all I’m saying is maybe converse more with Kal before you start saying things that people will hold onto as expectations for release. That’s the entire point of you doing this instead of Kal since he is developing this and his other projects. Maybe pass something by him like “hey I’m about to say that the update should come in <2 months is that right?” And if he says no then continue with “sorry we can’t give any other information but here’s a new teaser!”
You are the comms for people here. Why are you giving “head cannons” (as you would say), when you know people are going to take them and run, then turn and blame them for doing so? You can’t say it could rain for multiple months, in different ways, multiple times and then sit back and laugh at those with an umbrella. And when they point it out say “I only said could, now let me explain how words work”. I could be reading the tone wrong but I’m getting a little bit of condescension.
If you read it as condescension, that was not the intent behind it, just a show of examples. As for what I say, I have never stated a date and the Pale Carnations comment was me talking with a friend about something I "hoped" would happen. One thing is communicating clearly, another is just taking words out of context, I even clarified that was NOT an actual timeframe when someone outside of the conversation asked. Whenever I give actual information here or state something, is because is the believe at the moment, just like it was stated before, yes, it was expected it would take long, but it did.
Again, no deep meaning to this response, I'm just normally talking.
To me what was condescending was when you explained to me what words meant. Beyond that I appreciate that at least you did believe what you were saying. Also, sorry if it seemed that I was confrontational at all, just felt like the ideas people had about the release usually stemmed from communication given to us. The “Halloween” release was pure speculation, but beyond that there was genuine expectations given by you that it’d be out twice in less than two months. Even people like firestarter and ckyman were sticking to it. I hope dev continues to go well, and other issues relieve themselves as well.
Dr. Muramasa, let’s be honest here. You’re well aware of how absurd this whole situation is, aren’t you? It’s almost painful to watch you struggle so hard to defend such contradictory claims.
To be frank, seeing you go to such lengths to shield him makes me wonder if you might actually be an alt account for "Kal" himself. Instead of using your title as an administrator as a shield to force a defense of his actions—and given that you clearly have a direct line of communication with him—wouldn't it be better to offer him some actual, sound advice?
Just think about it: he took an image from a PlayStation source, slapped the title "Star Maker" on it—implying the game would launch before *GTA VI*—and then, when called out, he just brushed it off as if it were nothing, saying, "I never said which platform it was coming to, did I?"
On top of that, he acts like someone addicted to social media, seemingly completely indifferent to how he comes across to others. It’s been six months since the first teaser dropped, and yet he spends his time talking about what games he’s playing or what anime he’s watching. What kind of fan would actually be happy to see that? At this rate, it won’t be long before he ends up blocking hourglass and Majin Buu, too.
Unless you are 'Kal,' take a moment to reflect deeply—do you truly see no issues with this?
If you see the way in which I respond and say things, I'm not shielding anyone, I'm advising how things are and just answering questions. I'm expressing the bad on both sides and a reason why some things happen.
Kal has stated it multiple times: "If I would be in it for the money I would make Starmaker paygated", " I rather keep working than making a post, I'm not good at it", " I don't like having someone working for free and I'm in no position to add another member". Whenever he gets time he talks on discord like a regular user would. The guys made some memes, that's the extend of the PS picture, same as he did previously some years ago with a switch box picture.
On your question, I've never said there are "unicorns and rainbows", in a way of saying, I've always stated my view on how both ends have issues. I don't have any kind of issues with people advising or expressing their view on it, as long as the user is just talking normally without attacking anyone or slurring to the heavens I'm ok with that.
Hello everyone!
Development of Starmaker 1.9 is progressing well!
Nine months is a long time, but it has given us the opportunity to give Starmaker a soft overhaul and bring the game closer to the level of quality I'm aiming for. My goal is to eventually reach a point where I can proudly call the game complete with version 2.0.
The update isn't far away now!
I'll check this thread every now and then in the next few days to answer questions regarding the game.
Thank you all so much for your patience and support!
大家好！
Starmaker 1.9 的开发进展非常顺利！
九个月确实是一段不短的时间，但这也让我们有机会对 Starmaker 进行一次较为全面的优化和调整，让游戏逐渐接近我心目中的理想品质。我的目标是最终在 2.0 版本发布时，能够自豪地宣布这款游戏正式完成。
距离这次更新的发布已经不远了！
非常感谢大家一直以来的耐心等待与支持！
Let’s be clear.
Are you sticking to the timeline you last promised—that is, before November 19th—regarding GTA 6?
Or are you going to break that promise too, and push it back to 2026 again?
America will get a lot better in November.
Because that's when GTA 6 will be released.
And we hope to add to it by having Starmaker released in November too.
Aren’t you tired of all this conflict and chaos?
Let’s get this clear, shall we? Is it before the 19th, or after?
If Starmaker creates feelings of conflict and chaos inside of you, I recommend taking break from PC
Games should spread fun and joy! I hope 1.9 will make everyone feel like the wait was worth it, thank you!
To prevent bot brigading, please do not reply to this comment. Thanks!
Hello Kal,
I’m a player from China. I really appreciate that you took the time to issue a separate notice in Chinese within this announcement. Everyone understands that due to policy‑related factors, language barriers and other issues, we often cannot stay up‑to‑date on the game’s development progress in a timely manner — and that may even apply to this very announcement.
Over the past five months, I have been following the development updates and community discussions about this game closely on the Discord server. I know you have kept pushing forward with your work, even in the face of plenty of doubts and so‑called “threats” coming from my fellow countrymen. I realize how difficult that must have been.
In closing, speaking only for myself, I sincerely look forward to the release of the 1.9 update. Best wishes and many thanks to you.
(ps I am really suck in English,so I translate these words by AI,hope it is correct)
Buen día, primero gracias por tomarte el tiempo de responder y no dejar al pobre Dr. Murosama y Cyk con todo esto encima, básicamente lo que pedimos es esto, comunicación, todos sabemos que es un juego gratis y la gran mayoría somos los suficientemente inteligentes para entender que pueden haber demoras y novedades, lo único que se pide es que se nos informe, y no todos los días, solo cada cierto tiempo, alguien dijo halloween xq lo asumió xq no hay una info oficial y eso llevo a todo esto, personalmente agradezco todo el trabajo y las horas que me ha dado SMK, tomense el tiempo que amerite...pero informen, repito sabemos que es un juego gratis, pero mucho de los de acá pagaríamos por mejorar la comunicación de este juego que tanto nos gusta. Un abrazo a todos y feliz noviembre
I’ve been waiting 8 years for TES 6, and Bethesda has only just now released a trailer that shows nothing but a name, and yet I’m still waiting with my HOPE. A couple of weeks more or less for such a great project is NOTHING, so you have my full support.
I have two questions (I’m not sure if they’ve already been answered on Discord):
After version 1.9, will version 2.0 focus solely on bug fixes and the Steam release, or will anything else be added to the game—such as more endings or story content (though I assume there might not be much room for that)?
Also, since you mentioned the possibility of a *Star Maker* spin-off, is there a chance for a future game that continues the main story (taking into account which ending the player chose)?
Sorry for the long questions
Paths are more fun in video games when they actually commit to the consequences! :-D
I am totally against this wave of hate that has been happening these last few days, here are some of the latest Sneak Peaks that Kal has shared on Discord.
