Ren'Py is a Python-based engine designed for writing audio-visual novels. Source files of a project are open to software developers and are distributed for free. A project is supported through sponsorship. This program is multiplatform and can be run on Windows devices. We will tell you more about it.

What is this program?

Ren'Py is a free, open-source engine for creating non-commercial and commercial 2D visual novels (graphical quests with a dialogue system).

The interface of the program is designed in the author's style. It is a clear example of a living story written with the use of Ren'Py. The project window is separated from the menu and can be placed on an additional screen.

The Ren'Py's engine is compatible with various formats and supports different files, such as JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, MP3, WAV, OGG Vorbis, MPEG4, OGG Theora, TrueType, SFont, BMFont, and MudgeFont. Game developers should note that some of these extensions must be approved by rights holders.

How does this program work?

The program works by using relatively simple scripts. They can be used to create graphic novels, presentations, and comics or to rewrite and reinterpreter familiar stories. As a result, Ren'Py is not limited to entertainment because this engine can also be a valuable tool in an educational environment.

Primary features

By default, Ren'Py for Windows is already set up to create a typical game of a visual novel genre that contains:

• The main menu with the ability to save, configure, and load the game;

• The automatic game saving;

• The ability to rollback to return the previously shown screen;

• Intelligent image loading to load images in the background and prevent delays during the game;

• Support for controlling the game with a mouse, keyboard, or gamepad (joystick);

• Full-screen and window mode;

• The ability to skip text during playback, including the ability to show only text that has not been shown before;

• Automatic scrolling of the text without using a keyboard (this is useful for significant texts);

• The ability to hide text so that a user can see images behind it;

• The ability to change music, sound effects, and voice volume independently;

• The history is available to view dialogs that have already been read;

• The help screen that shows the primary control keys on the keyboard, mouse, and gamepad, if necessary;

• The customizable "About the game" screen that constraints the title, version, the Ren'Py version, and license;

• Default optimization for mobile devices.

This engine also allows you to present text in both ADV and NVL styles, as well as customize almost any interface element. This builder is popular among amateur developers worldwide, so its interface is translated into many languages. It also includes tutorials to help you learn the development and interface basics.

Support for multiple file formats

Ren'Py supports the following file formats:

• Images: JPEG/JPG, PNG, BMP, and GIF;

• Sound: OGG Vorbis, WAV (uncompressed PCM only), MP3, and MP2;

• Video: Theora, MPEG 4, MPEG 2, MPEG 1.

Ren'Py also supports TrueType fonts and image-based fonts. The engine packs all the resources into RPA archive files to prevent accidental viewing by the player and protect you against spoilers.

Working with variables

Ren'Py for Windows allows you to assign variables to characters and images. It is straightforward to make changes without rewriting the game. The script also allows you to ensure that specific images of text remain unchanged throughout the game.

The engine comes with the jEdit text editor, but the Ren'Py script language is based on text to allow you to work with it in the text editors of your choice. There are also third-party tools for spell-checking and comparing the two versions of the game.

Scripting language features include:

• Dialogue and thought display;

• The player can make choices using menus;

• Showing and hiding images;

• Transitions between screens;

• Playing music, sounds, and voice;

• Tag transitions;

• The use of variables;

• The use of the Python language for more complicated tasks.

Python support

In addition to the basic functionality, Ren'Py for Windows supports the execution of commands written in the Python programming language. This feature allows you to take the final product beyond a dry narrative, add an element of choice in certain situations, and turn a graphical story into a real computer game from the category of quests. The described feature requires a certain amount of knowledge from the author. However, it won't take long to get the hang of it due to various tutorials.

Working with various content

Images, music, and video files are the primary building blocks used to form graphic novels. At the same time, they can participate in scenes both simultaneously and according to a specific sequence adopted by the developer. The change of frames in the stories takes place using various transitions, and the musical accompaniment can be processed due to different sound effects. The smooth fading of the music is the brightest example of this feature.

Both for beginners and professionals

Creating simple games in this builder is available for any user. However, you need to learn and apply the Python scripting language. There are possibilities for making original manga, including connecting videos and using various special effects on the engine. You can also connect mini-games and parameter-counting systems to complicate the gameplay. There is the ability to edit a non-textual script directly from the game using the Interactive Tool in-game editor.

Why should you use this tool?

Ren'Py for Windows has the following features:

• Distribution for free;

• Support for the Windows operating systems, including versions 7, 8, 8.1, and 10;

• Open-source program code;

• Support for Python scripts;

• Support for various file formats;

• The ability to import images, fonts, videos, and music;

• The ability to add transitions between frames;

• A built-in mixer and sound effects are available;

• The ability to save;

• The multilingual interface.

Conclusions

Ren'Py for Windows is a free cross-platform engine that creates visual novels and simulations. The scripting language of Ren'Py allows you to write graphic novels efficiently. There is no need to be a professional programmer to create a game. Users can extend the capabilities of visualization and gameplay in Ren'Py. They are sufficient for creating any two-dimensional story game. If you love visual novels and have ideas to develop them, you can use this software, and its features will not disappoint you.