>>27876
Depends on what you call release ;)
First, I will release an alpha to those any beta-testers AND content creators who want to create scenes, characters, and so on for the game. This is very important because they will help me polish any issues or suggest new approaches/ideas/concepts which may/may not be included into 1.0.
Then it is 1.0, all the way, free forever ;) 1.0 through 2.0 will iron even more bugs, polish the already included content, and TRY to entice Dave and others towards a 2.0 release: my plan was to make a Patreon, and begin gathering money to commission artists/writers to add scenes/concepts/and so on. Any Patreon members will receive the game and any alphas/betas, and probably exclusive content.

ETA for all of this? Give or take, starting from a few months (few, not many) now. I planned to release it sooner, but I have had A LOT of new work with Ph.D and my business. The good things is, if this goes up and generates an steady income, I will probably be able to devote even more people to provide an ever better experience, or try some advanced game concepts I have in mind.