Hello, everyone. I’m the lead developer of the Ren’Py visual novel engine, and I’d like to post to let people know about Ren’Py.
[size=200]Ren’Py[/size] is a digital storytelling tool that lets people create games that combine story, choices, art, and music. Although original designed for visual novels that contain long stretches of text punctuated by a small number of choices, people have used it for a wide range of projects, ranging from kinetic novels (which lack choice) to elaborate simulation games and RPGs.
The Ren’Py SDK runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s batteries-included, containing everything needed to start developing on those platforms. With a single click, it can build standalone distributions for the desktop platforms, and with a slightly more complex process, it can build for Android. I’m currently porting Ren’Py to iOS.
Ren’Py is open source and free for commercial use. Ren’Py has been available since 2004 (over ten years), and in that time it’s been used to release about a thousand games, ranging from simple first projects to games that have won awards and been released on Steam.
Ren’Py games are mostly written using a high-level script language:
In addition to the script language, Ren’Py also has high-level languages for creating animations and for customizing the user interface. It also supports embedded Python, both for defining more complex game logic and extending the engine.
Ren’Py can be downloaded from:
[renpy.org](http://www.renpy.org)
I’d be happy to answer any questions people have about Ren’Py, or about visual novels in general - just post them here. For Ren’Py support, you may also want to consider posting on our forum, as often times, the community will answer the question before I can.
[size=85]Screenshots, from left to right:
- The Elevator by Cyanide Tea
- CAVE! CAVE! DEUS VIDET. by We Are Müesli
- Hate Plus by Love Conquers All Games
- Junipers’ Knot by Dischan
-
Sunrider: First Contact by Love In Space
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