Rob Colton's Blog, page 2
August 25, 2019
Human Cargo Sticker Art
Mark “Briar” Thorne (@BriarsThorne) created a sticker pack based on Human Cargo’s Barakai freighter crew. He did an awesome job of capturing their personalities in the small images. And they’re super cute to boot!

The latest version of Human Cargo is available to download on
Itch.io.
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
July 26, 2019
Human Cargo 0.80 Now Available
Human Cargo Version 0.80 is now available!
In addition to the new redesigned user interface, the major feature in this update is you’re now able to pursue Nasir. We also have new CG artwork for the final Kol and Razix scenes.
What’s New!
Download the latest version for free at Itch.io.

July 5, 2019
Human Cargo GUI Update
I’ve been working with artist and game developer Hijiri on the graphical user interface for Human Cargo. His current work in progress Where the White Doves Rest has an amazing look and feel, and I was excited to see what he could do for my game.
The new GUI will debut with the game’s next update, but you can see a sneak peek on my Patreon page (available to all):
https://www.patreon.com/posts/27958955
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
The Buckle

One ditching and one rescue later, Hayden discovers the use of a telephone isn’t the only offer that’s on the table…
“The Buckle” was originally part of the Stranded anthology from Wayward Ink Publishing, and was also available as a standalone short. After Wayward Ink went under, the rights reverted back to me and I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I’ve decided to go ahead and post it for free on GA.
(Fans of Noah’s New Plan might recognize the setting as well as the character Rex.)
Read for free at GayAuthors.org
March 12, 2019
Human Cargo 0.70 Available!
The major feature in this new update is you’re now able to pursue Zed. In addition to several new backgrounds, this update also includes the final version of Doc’s sprite, so all of the characters are now complete.
What’s New!
Zed’s route complete!Doc - Updated final spriteMess Hall - final background artInterior Corridor - final background artCargo Container Interior - final background artSecurity Office - final background artSoundtrack - final music for Razix’s ThemeSoundtrack - demo music for Zed’s ThemeNew Logo courtesy of HijiriMisc bug fixesYou can download the update from Itch.io!
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
February 5, 2019
Human Cargo 0.65 available!
Human Cargo version 0.65 is now available!
This release features final artwork for several backgrounds, as well as the final version of Zed’s sprite artwork. A Linux build is also available for the first time.
What’s New!
Bridge - final background artObservation Deck - final background art with animationLocker Room - final background art with animationBorder Station docking port - final background artInterior Door - final background artZed - Updated final spriteSoundtrack - final music for Trading Post ThemeMisc bug fixesThe next release is all about Zed. Look for Zed’s route to be playable later this month.
You can download the update from Itch.io!
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
December 7, 2018
Human Cargo v0.55 available
The first update for Human Cargo is now live!
Version 0.55 is a minor update, focusing on fixing some spelling and dialog errors. It also includes some new art assets and expanding the presence of the Wixanite character in the prologue, complete with a new sprite for our alien Union officer. Also new is a release for Android!
Thanks for the great feedback so far!
What’s New!
• Chapter 9 - added a new CG artwork
• Expanded Wixanite presence in the Prologue
• Trading Post - final background art
• Wixanite - final sprite
• Soundtrack - final music for Kol’s Theme
• Nasir - Updated work in progress sprite
• Add changelog.txt file and About page tab
• Misc. spelling and expression fixes
You can download the update from Itch.io!
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
November 29, 2018
Human Cargo Public Demo Available Now!
The first public demo of Human Cargo is now available to download!!
The demo features a complete route for one character, Kol, captain of the cargo freighter. Final sprites are in game for Yoshi, Kol, Razix, and the NPC side characters. A preview of Nasir’s sprite is also in game.
Look for Doc and Zed to appear in future updates. Backgrounds are also in progress and will be added with regular updates.
Two music tracks are complete: Cargo Freighter Theme and Pirate Raiders Theme. Kol’s Theme is the next track to be finished.
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
I would love to hear any feedback you might have!
Download now at itch.io!
Human Cargo Public Demo Available Now!The first public demo of Human Cargo is now available to...
The first public demo of Human Cargo is now available to download!!
The demo features a complete route for one character, Kol, captain of the cargo freighter. Final sprites are in game for Yoshi, Kol, Razix, and the NPC side characters. A preview of Nasir’s sprite is also in game.
Look for Doc and Zed to appear in future updates. Backgrounds are also in progress and will be added with regular updates.
Two music tracks are complete: Cargo Freighter Theme and Pirate Raiders Theme. Kol’s Theme is the next track to be finished.
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron at Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.
I would love to hear any feedback you might have!
Download now at itch.io!
October 30, 2018
Human Cargo First Preview!
This is my first preview post showing the progress of my new visual novel, Human Cargo.
Human Cargo is part of BARA JAM 2018, and the first playable demo should be available by the end of November. BARA JAM is a 1 month long game jam, between November 1st - 30th, dedicated to creating male-relationship focused games that feature the bara influence.
Kol T'Kari is captain of the cargo freighter that is the main setting of Human Cargo. He’s one of the five crew members who are potential romantic interests for our main player character, Yoshi.
He is Katarran, an aggressive warrior species, from a war-torn inner rim world. After leaving the military, he bought a freighter and left Katarra and war behind.
Here’s his preliminary bio page from the crew gallery…

Here’s an in-game screenshot of Kol in the ship’s cargo bay, when Kol discovers Yoshi hiding…

The cargo bay art is still in progress. Designer kjkjmulo is the background artist and is doing a fantastic job so far.
Kol’s artwork was designed by Jacky Black, who likewise is doing a great job capturing the look and feel I’m going for. He is currently working on the next character, Razix. Stay tuned for a preview of our freighter pilot!
If you’re interested in helping fund development, consider becoming a patron on Patreon. All contributions will go into developing the visual novel: paying for graphics, music, and other things I am unable to create myself.