Last summer a publisher approached me with plans to crowdfund a premium version of the Bonsai Diary, with hopes that we might then bring the game to a larger market. We reached a contract, but unfortunately health issues led the publisher to halt outside projects that weren't already publicly launched. I believe the person is recovering -- hooray for everyday miracles.

After getting over my initial disappointment, I decided to revisit the Bonsai Diary and make what changes I could to make it more publication-ready. In a few weeks I'll be offering physical copies at a local game fair, and I can imagine a small crowdfund in the future so I can hire a professional layout designer and maybe even an artist. In the meantime, I'm glad to offer an updated version of the digital game, with improved illustrations -- still hand-drawn by myself.

If you haven't tried The Bonsai Diary, give it a go! If you have, tell a friend.

Oh, and I've been overdue in adding Xoe Allred's playthrough of the Bonsai Diary to the game description. Xoe was one of the earliest players of the game. Its engagement and enthusiasm gave me, a novice game designer, confidence that maybe I do have something to say through my design.