Web Hosting and Visual Novels

Visual novels offer an engaging storytelling medium that blends game mechanics, written text and visuals in one package. Although not technically challenging to produce, visual novels may prove daunting if starting from scratch is necessary. Web Hosting Indicator

Ren’Py is the go-to engine for visual novels, offering a Python scripting environment for creating interactive stories on computers and mobile devices. Ren’Py can be easily used by those without prior coding knowledge; yet still provides enough features to support large visual novels and complex simulation games.

Ren’Py can be made to run in web browsers using a special version written in WebAssembly, making it possible to be played across modern browsers without needing to download additional software. However, this approach comes with certain restrictions which must be considered when designing your game.

Some games require the ability to store data and recall it later, such as remembering a choice made by the player and returning back to that section of script when starting up the game again. This can be accomplished using an image statement at init time (before label start).

As you develop a visual novel, remember that most players prefer games with minimal gameplay but lots of reading content. Many VNs are read in one sitting so it is imperative that the text be legible so the user can progress easily through your game. Avoid including unnecessary minigames that might put off readers or reduce how long they spend playing your game.