Hey guys,
I thought I should be as honest and sincere as I can in this post, so I want to disregard all sugarcoating. This evening, we had a wonderful time. Perhaps to you, it was decent and just any other party, but to me, it was special and my last.
For the past few months, I have realized the steep decline in activity and it worried me greatly. It was my job to keep you all entertained and happy, and I still blame myself for not fulfilling everyone's experiences. Anyways, I wanted to change this game and make it something new, but that required a lot of teamwork from both my coworkers and from you guys. Eventually, it dawned upon me that I was one of the few, standing alone, in putting effort towards making the game bigger and better, and it would continue to stay like this as no one - including myself now - has the time to put in that much effort. This is one of the many reasons why I must to leave.
When I announced the information for this party, I was worried and thought it was a risk. The amount of active users was at a low that I have never seen in the Summer, but I was still hope-ful (haha, puns). I also created a full-scale plan of this entire Summer, filled with new ideas, events, parties, and contests - but none of those will see the light now. I decided to still go with what my plans were and host the party, and I was extremely happy and relieved to see some returning users show up. And while we may function as a small community, we are respectful and close to one another - that much I can tell from the party that I hosted this evening. Take a look for yourself:
When looking at these pictures, I feel both grateful and happy. I can see all of the friendships I've made, both the good and bad memories, and how tightly woven this community is. You all have brought a smile to my face or made me burst out laughing, and it's such a wonderful feeling to know and have people who appreciate your company. I hope I've done the same for you too.
When I was younger, I played the first version of this game. The hype, the wonder, the new friends and experiences all in one - I could just indulge in that forever. I recall how I always made time to attend a party, clicking furiously until I got into one of the full rooms or servers. Thinking of those days bring me a lot of good, nostalgic feelings, and I think from the time that I started working here on Chotopia back in 2014, I wanted to make sure that I would be the one to create that same thrill that I experienced when I was a kid.
I know that along the way though, there were some bad times, and I made mistakes here and there. We were all crazy and careless, and we said or did things that were mean or wrong. To any of those that I have hurt or misjudged, I apologize and hope you may forgive me and put behind those dark pasts.
To those who I made friendships with, created precious memories, and laughed till we cried - I will always treasure and remember you and those times. Thank you for putting up with me, through thick and thin.
And to everyone, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for teaching me not only on how to open up, but changing me for the better. Thank you so very much for your commitment, your effort, and your love.
Every single one of you is unique and valued greatly. Be the good in this world, and share love and kindness. So much lies ahead in the future for each of you, and with that, I wish you only the best.
Cheers,
Sylva/Hope/Program/Hiki
