Close Up interview with Yunni Goder, the Co Founder of Delusional

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

My name is Yunni Goder, and I’m one of the Co-Founders and Writer for Delusional.

Delusional is an independent and self-funded developer of interactive Visual Novels (VN), based in Sydney, Australia, focusing on the genre of Josei (Mature) Romance in Otome games, a Romance Dating Simulation for the female audience.

Agent of Love, our first game is currently available on the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore, and we are working on releasing more character routes while planning on releasing future games that are already in the works.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you create your art/comic?

Our art is mainly influenced by Japanese manga, anime and other Otome visual novels, while the inspiration of our stories come from various Asian literature, dramas and movies. Some are even based on true stories and the personal experiences of people of Asian descent. The stories we write present a cultural proximity for Asian players, as well as introduce these cultural elements to other players.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

Caring, Delusional, Visionary, Passionate, Determined.

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

My first job was in customer service for a local bakery while I was finishing my HSC.

I met my husband while I was still in high school and due to an unplanned pregnancy, we married young and we have been together ever since.

We found having children really changed our priorities, because we are now responsible for not just an extra mouth to feed but also another life that is fully dependant on us.

Feeding the one I love – Kouhei Takeuchi

Digital Art, Radiance photo paper 260gsm

48.1 × 54.1 cm, $300.00

After continuing my education at TAFE and completing my Advanced Diploma in Accounting, I then graduated with my Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting through The University of Newcastle.

I was halfway through my Masters of Accounting, when my mother was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer. From there I had to re-organise my priorities and stopped studying to care for my mother.

This is when I met Eva, Delusional’s other Co-Founder through a Facebook Group with a similar interest of Visual Novels.

Then with both family and Eva encouraging me, I started on the path of writing and Delusional was born.
Delusional became a labour of love that was also an outlet and a compilation of stories from what we’ve read, watched, witnessed and personally experienced throughout our lives.

It also became my sanctuary during the period when my mother tragically passed away in 2016 from her struggle with breast cancer.

Since Delusional is all fully self funded, I currently work full time in Accounts Payable/Receivable position which earns me enough income to make a living and support Delusional with all it’s outgoing expenses until such a time it can become more independent.

How do you usually plan your daily activities?

Wake up at 6-6:30am.
Cuddle husband for minimum 10 minutes to power up for the day.
Prepare/Eat breakfast.
Get to work by 8:30.
Get home by 5-5:30pm.
Prepare and eat dinner with family.
Work on Delusional.
Get to bed by 10-11pm.

As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?

The biggest frustration is the difficulties of how to use art both visual and written, to convey the feelings we want and successfully deliver these emotions to the audiences.

Feeding the one I love – Hajime Fukuyama

Digital Art, Radiance photo paper 260gsm

41.8 × 54.1 cm, $300.00

How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

Through social media pages, game gatherings such as IGDA Sydney, Sydney Comics Guild, Exhibitions and conferences etc.

Your advice to an artist who is just starting out?

Make a strategy and plan for it accordingly.

There are a lot of business plan templates that are freely available that can be used as a draft and amended to suit your needs. Don’t instantly quit your job until you can generate an equal amount of income from your art.

How did you find out about ArtSHINE?

I met Queenie Chan through the anime and manga SMASH conference, who recommended me to attend a branch of ArtSHINE called GameSHINE.

Hitorikiri no Michi Agent of Love Music Video

by Delusional and Hideyuki Shima Feat Akatsuki

What is your proudest moment so far?

We were able to attend and exhibit our game for SMASH 2018, and being able to work and meet with different people in the industry that would never have been possible if we never made Delusional.