My Stance on Yandere Simulator - Why I'm Staying.

Hi. If you don't know me: I am the voice actress for Yandere-Chan (Ayano Aishi) and I am the casting director for the indie game, Yandere Simulator.



If you have been following its development, it should be no surprise to know that there is drama in the community for the game; specifically towards YandereDev, the main director. A lot of accusations, evidence, and forum talk about YandereDev has taken the community by storm and now just looking up Yandere Simulator brings up so many videos talking about the drama and not about the game.



While this was going on, however, I've been keeping my head to the grindstone working on the game like I'm supposed to do and the other current volunteers are the same way. I record voice over lines, I contact actors for other recordings needed, and I move on to my other works. Yet, despite our work behind the scenes, the drama continues to escalate to the point where we (the volunteers) are now also being questioned about it.



It's come to the point, now, where I am now approached constantly asking for my opinions on the matter; especially since I had a lot to say with the WingedCloud debacle. Why am I sticking around a game that "May never happen" or "Has a damaged reputation"?



My answer is this: It's not my job to be on YandereDev's side. My job is to voice Yandere-Chan and cast for the characters of Yandere Simulator.



Knowing YandereDev personally, I know he would agree that I am not there to be his bodyguard or his devoted supporter. I do not condone or appreciate at ALL the things he has said to others, but I am not his mother nor am I his warden. He is a grown adult who must make his own choices and live with his own consquences. I am just a volunteer for the game.



Why am I staying? Because I want to finish Yandere Simulator.



Four years ago when I found it through a mutual friend, I instantly fell in love with the game and with Ayano's character. I was blessed to be able to bring her character to life and continue to do so for the years to follow me being cast. I have worked on building her character for so long and even continued my studies into Obsessive Love Disorder specifically to help with the role. There has never been a moment in my life where I regret emailing YandereDev and offering my services for the game.



I am NOT going to work on this game forever. I am not an idiot; I know how long it takes for a game to be developed. I am behind-the-scenes with other volunteers, watching what is being done, and I am aware of what work still needs to be fixed, cleaned, and created. It's remarkably unbelievable to see people clamoring that "The game will never get done" when every single volunteer for the game right now is continuing to work with the end goal in minde.



I know the game will either eventually be completed or be dropped. It CANNOT last forever. Whichever happens first, I will stay until then.



Have I been paid for my time? No, but that was MY decision; not YandereDev's.



When I was accepted into the game's development, I discussed and negotiated terms with YandereDev about my work:

Every single actor I cast for the main game would be paid for their time post-KickStarter with certain exceptions (Osana, a major example because she is the main antagonist for the demo, would be paid upfront). My voice actors come first.

I, however, would work solely for free as casting director and voice actress for Ayano unless we hit a certain Stretch Goal in the KickStarter. This term was offered by ME. I love Yandere Simulator that much that I was and am willing to work for free unless enough budget is obtained to where I can be compensated alongside my voice actors.



You may have whatever opinions you may have about YandereDev or Yandere Simulator. You may hate him and the game. You may hate him but love the game. You may love him but hate the game. You may even change your opinions about me for sticking around. Whatever your feelings are, they are valid and they are yours.



However, I want to finish Yandere Simulator because I love the game. I'm sorry if this is not what you want to hear, but my love for Ayano and Yandere Simulator is too precious to drop after four long years of working with them.



If you want a less emotional answer: it's the professional thing to do. As the main casting director and the voice of the main character, it would be insanely unprofessional and irresponsible for me to drop out after working for so long on the game. I must keep drama out of the workplace and continue to drill through my expected workloads so that we can finish the game.



Thank you for taking the time to read this and may you be happy in your life.

~Michaela Laws

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