itch.io

Yep!  You can apply the premade transforms to backgrounds, characters, or entire layers.

I have an update that will include an example of this, but in the mean time you can set the Mesh property to true on a layer(or a transform you make/edit) and apply it to an entire layer, which can include anything on the screen that you add to it.

The master layer is the one you'd want to apply a transform to most of the time, if you're doing screen wide shaders.

Wow!  It's looking great!  And yes, I've actually thought about making a mention to folks using layered sprites to use that since I've had a few people come back and ask how to sort it out.

As for using a variable to adjust the lighting, you could do it with a custom written transform that accepts a variable parameters instead of hard coded ones.  I'll be working on another pack on stream this week, so I'll put some time into getting an example for you to play with on Tuesday!

You're very welcome!  I hope to bring more soon!

And I can't wait to see what awesome things you do with them!  You're welcome to share pictures here of anything you guys make with them!

I hope you're able to get the look you're after with these shaders!  Thanks so much for checking them out!  

Thanks Endi!  I hope you're able to get a lot of mileage out of them!

I sold my soul to help Clovers Conjuring Catastrophe, and now I have too many cats.

I had a great time talking with Heart Punch Studios!  I gave them some advice on their upcoming enhanced edition!

If you are working on your own visual novels, be sure to check out my Twitch channel too for live tutorials, feedback and analysis.

I helped Talleyrand Simulator bring a real sleazy scumbag to you, and I'm still laughing.

I enjoy comedy visual novels, and none much more where you get to be a trouble maker on purpose.  I gave some advice to Talleyrand Simulator's team regarding some of their UX and other things(tm).

If you are working on your own visual novels, be sure to check out my Twitch channel too for live tutorials, feedback and analysis.

I helped Cel By Date and I suffered emotional damage.  And I'd do it again.

I provided a free consultation as part of a limited promotion to help Cel By Date!  Cel By Date's unique presentation style made it an interesting exercise.  Being painted on real cels and then brought to the visual novel is a cool way to do it.

If you are working on your own visual novels, be sure to check out my Twitch channel too for live tutorials, feedback and analysis.

Yep! Found it!  Thanks!

The advocation, solicitation, or promotion of software piracy is not something we want to permit in our spaces and you were removed for that reason yesterday at 11:39 AM.

 At the discretion of the host, you're still permitted to participate in the jam, but the reason the link says it is expired is because you're not able to use it.  Hope that clears up any confusion!

Hey there,  I'm the owner of DevTalk.  

Usually if it says the link is expired and you're using our branded link at https://discord.gg/devtalk, it means that at some point you joined the server and were forcibly removed from it.  You're welcome to send me your Discord information and I can look into it if you believe this was some sort of mistake.

Hey everyone!  I hope you've had a great time participating in NaNoRenO this year!  I'm Nai from Make Visual Novels, though I imagine more of you know me either through our live team building events in DevTalk, or from the other jams and competitions I run.  I wanted to let you guys know that, for a limited time, I'm offering free consultations for jammers participating in NaNoRenO2024.  With those consultations, I'll also be creating VFX for your title screens to help you make a stronger first impression.

So you might be asking...

Why would I even want a consultation, Nai?

• Something went really wrong and you want to know how to fix it .
• Something went really right and you want to know how to take advantage of it.
• You had an objective that you got close to, but couldn't quite hit it.
• You want to go Pro with developing VNs, and you'd like guidance.
• You feel lost in some part of the process, and need help setting goals for your circumstances.
• You tasted VN Dev, you can't imagine a life without it, and you want tools, resources & opportunities.

Okay, but why you?

• I've spent nearly a decade supporting and coaching visual novel developers reaching their personal and professional goals.
• I've read over 500 indie visual novels.  I know what your peers are doing, and where they are succeeding and where they're struggling.
• I run & judge for the largest sponsored visual novel development competition.  That 500 was a conservative estimate.
• My network includes VN engine & game developers, game, book, comic & VN publishers, merchandise providers & manufacturers, marketing professionals, crowdfunding experts, professional programmers, illustrators, animators, graphic designers, VFX artists, 3D Artists(specifically modelling, texturing, rigging, and lighting) editors, pixel artists, Live2D capable artists, authors, narrative designers, translators, composers, musicians, singers, casting directors, voice actors (so many voice actors). And, probably most importantly, people who are living the experiences you're looking for.

In short: If I don't know the answer and/or can't come up with a solution to your very specific goals, I know someone who can.

I'm in.  Now what?

• To be eligible for the free consultation and the VFX, you need to have a game submitted to the NaNoRenO 2024 jam page and follow its rules.
• Having a list of questions to ask is a good idea.  Having goals is an even better one.  If you don't have goals, we can work on setting them.
• For best results, you or a team representative should be present for the consultation.  These are conducted between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM ET on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Message me either here on Itch, over on Discord (discord:naidriftlin), in DevTalk(https://discord.gg/devtalk) to set up a time and day.

Some things to keep in mind: 

• Don't ask me to roast your game/be brutal.  I don't do that.  I can provide critique with suggestions and examples.
• These consultations will be conducted live on https://twitch.tv/makevisualnovels.  My viewers are typically your peers and VN industry folks, and usually not exceeding 10 concurrent viewers.  A VOD recording will be provided to you to download for 30 days afterwards.
• The free VFX for your title screen is eligible for those who complete the consultations.  It will be tailored to your existing title screen visuals and delivered afterwards.  I may opt to stream and record the process of making them.

Based self promo.  A+

What's Vograce? 

It is a platform that can bring your artistic visions to life in the form of custom merchandise. Vograce has rapidly risen in popularity as a go-to destination for creative individuals and businesses looking to turn their ideas into tangible products. They're the perfect partner for visual novel developers like us looking to serve merchandise to our own audiences!

Vograce is your creative canvas, offering a diverse range of products and services that cater to the imagination of artists and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you dream of personalized keychains, eye-catching acrylic charms, vibrant stickers, or branded lanyards, Vograce has you covered.  What sets Vograce apart is its unwavering commitment to quality, affordability, and customization. It's not just a place to purchase off-the-shelf items; it's a platform for you to shape your ideas into reality.

The heart of Vograce's success is its close-knit relationship with the artistic community. Independent artists and designers have found a reliable partner in Vograce.  Vograce offers a unique and growing list of product types with low minimum order quantities, allowing even the smallest of independent visual novel developers get an opportunity to interact with their audiences with custom made merchandise.  Vograce understands that artists need the freedom to focus on their craft. By handling the production, printing, and shipping, Vograce allows creators to concentrate on what they do best – creating art that resonates with their audience.

Customization is Vograce's forte. The platform has simplified the design process, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you're an individual looking to immortalize your favorite character or a business owner aiming to create branded merchandise, Vograce's intuitive platform guides you through the process effortlessly.  Upload your artwork, select from various materials and finishes, and even choose packaging options.

Quality is non-negotiable for Vograce. Each product undergoes rigorous quality control checks to ensure that it meets the highest standards. From the selection of materials to the intricacies of the printing process, Vograce prioritizes excellence at every turn. This dedication has earned Vograce a reputation for delivering products that surpass expectations. For any issues that may arise, Vograce offers 60 days to report quality issues with their products and is happy to work with their customers on resolving them.

Vograce's influence extends far beyond its origins. With worldwide shipping, Vograce's products reach customers and creators across the globe. This global reach has transformed Vograce into the platform of choice for international collaborations and creative endeavors.  

Vograce values community and actively engages with its users through social media and events. They've sponsored the Spooktober Visual Novel Jam this year as another part of that, hoping to help our competition and our community by providing a generous cash sponsorship along with gift cards to be used directly on their store.  Whether you're an artist looking to turn your vision into merchandise, a business owner seeking unique promotional items, or simply a consumer in search of personalized products, Vograce offers a huge variety of possibilities.

You can check out their full catalog and offerings here!

You can update your submissions and are encouraged to.  We downloaded all of the submissions when the submission window closed, so the judges have the files that will be judged already.

What's a JAST Blue?

They're not a fuzzy pet or an aircraft, but they do have stories that touch your heart and take you places. Best known for localizing the NITROL ChiRAL series, JAST Blue specializes in publishing BL visual novels, many of which are 18+. Jast Blue is the Boys' Love branch of the visual novel publisher and localizer JAST USA. Their first release was NITRO ChiRAL's sweet pool, a dark and haunting VN that pushes the boundaries of the genre. They've been in business since 1998, bringing stories from the East to the West and now, all around the world.

Hold up, what is BL?

BL stands for Boys' Love, which is a genre of stories and visual novels around homosexual male relationships. Interestingly enough, they are often aimed at a female-oriented audience, although anyone can enjoy their works. Some reasons why women are drawn to BL are to escape from the social realities of gender suppression, and the ability to experience both masculinity and femininity outside differences in gender. There are BL stories for young

er audiences, but JAST Blue has lots of experience publishing and localizing adult VNs (visual novels). If you'd like to learn more, take a look at some of their BL titles on their website or join their lively discord.

As a subsidiary of JAST USA, they've also released Otome visual novels and dating-sim games, giving them a global presence and extending their reach. You can see their bestselling games here. JAST Blue sponsored us this year, pouring $2000 USD into the prize pool to show their support for indie VN dev community. Now, they're looking to work with VN Devs looking to release Otome and BL games. If you are interested in expanding your audience and removing language barriers, JAST Blue can help. 

What kind of BL visual novels have JAST Blue released? (18+)

 From VNs with VR street battles in cyberpunk worlds to hedonist artists that grant people's darkest desires, some of their titles are gripping and not for the faint of heart. However, you can also enter delicate romance stories where you must choose between an angel and a demon. Or figure out how to survive a hostage situation where the group is forced to perform increasingly depraved acts. The choice is yours.

Stay up to date with JAST Blue's releases and follow them on twitter or check out their discord. If you are interested in JAST USA's other non-BL visual novel releases, check out their facebook, twitter, and discord.

Author to be announce 10-28-2023

Who is Raitalaika Games? They're our top sponsor for the 2023 Spooktober Jam! Let's learn more about them together... At a glance, they seem like dog lovers given their name and their doggo logo.

Do a little digging, and you'll see that true to their name, they have ported doggo visual novel games like A Summer with the Shiba Inu to Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Switch!

They've also ported and published all kinds of visual novels before, from the wolfy to the sapphic candy girl. Many of these started out as itch games. Okay, what's that got to do with me? If you're a visual novel developer looking to port your game to other devices like Nintendo Switch, they can be your companion throughout that journey. With a trusty ally to outsource the porting process to, you can keep a laser focus on your essential tasks and avoid spreading your team too thin. Raitalaika Games ports and publishes all kinds of great games to consoles! They publish and port for all consoles including Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Play Station 5, and Nintendo Switch.

As the top sponsor for (2023 Spooktober Jam), they also fetched us $3000 USD for our prize pool. They've shown their support for our community of indie developers, and they can further support you in the process of publishing and porting of your game.

Do you have any Raitalaika Games title recommendations? Halloween season is upon us, and they've ported many spooky visual novel titles that will keep you up at night. Play as a teenager who can relive the death of any corpse they touch or spend Hallows' Even with your friends in a mountain resort, only to find all kinds of unexpected horrors.

Their website makes it easy to check out all the visual novels they've ported, and they've got a great VN showcase on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LqHFHFn8_I If you're looking for inspiration for the Once Upon a Time Jam coming up, you can check out titles they ported inspired by Alice in Wonderland and classic fairy tale tropes, like a princess trapped in a tower.

(Of course, don't forget to play through other Spooktober Jam games as well.)

Stay in touch with Raitalaika Games! You can keep up to date with the latest games they are working on by following them on instagram and twitter, as well as subscribing to their YouTube channel for their game trailers! If you have inquiries, feel free to email them as well. Ports: ratalaika@ratalaika.com | PR: pr@ratalaikagames.com

Author to be announced 10-2023

Things like filters, adjustment layers and shaders are fine.

Daz3D is fine.  

Yep.  The count down is the authoritative thing adjusted for your time zone.

I would prefer it not be used on the thumbnail of the games themselves, but rather in the games as splash screens or as part of the title screens.  

Your choice on when exactly, though the splash screen and main menu are the easiest for us to see right away.  If you want to display the logo after the player hits "Play", that's fine. It's not a very strict rule, just something we ask to help judges identify games as being part of the jam, and help players discover other entries from the jam.

It is a fixed time.  The time zone and timer at the top of the page adjusts to your time zone so that it always shows the correct time, and all jams on Itch.IO do this.  

Submissions  must be made within that time.

I played the first few minutes of Flesh, Blood & Concrete.  

The style of interaction in the game is acceptable as a hybrid VN.

Thanks for laying out your thoughts, but I'm sorry to tell you the rules around these subject matters won't likely change.  

If you find yourself unable to write a Halloween themed story without encouragement of, instructions for and  on screen depictions of self harm and suicide, then this jam will likely never work out for you.  

Removals based on prior years do not effect any other year's participation.  If you were disqualified from a previous year, it will not carry over to this year.

Death scenes are allowed as long as they respect the other rules of the jam.

Please take some time to read the rules of the jam.

Bullying and taunting people does not violate the self harm rule, though if the bullying constitutes encouragements of suicide (e.g, "You should kill yourself."), it would in that case violate it.

Running into traffic with the intent to escape or flee, but getting harmed in the process is not self-harm.  The intent is to escape, not to inflict harm upon themselves.  If they ran into traffic to kill themselves, that would be intent and expression of suicide.   The intent is important.

I'm not sure I understand your question, please take a moment to rephrase it and ask again.

The rule specifically applies to self harm.  Taking unwise actions that are likely to result in harm, but were not the intended outcome, would not apply. 

Blood by itself is permissible with content warnings.

With content warnings, it's permissable.

The submission period starts September 1st, so at the moment you can't.  

Additionally, all submissions need to be projects that were created during the working period.  We don't accept VNs made outside of it.

Cash prizes are usually distributed through Itch.io's payment system where possible.  

If your game contains gore or violence, it should be marked with a content warning for those two things.

I'm conversing with the judges over it, but here are my initial thoughts.  Note that they are not a final ruling and we'll get back to you on it.

TTS, vocaloids, and similar voice simulation and production software should be acceptable with a valid license to use both the software and voice.

Two reasons:

1)TTS is often used as an accessibility feature and is actually built into some visual novel engines.

2)Vocaloids and the like have very well established licensing and rules regarding their usage. One of our major concerns with the current landscape of generative AI is the dubious nature of copyright, both in the source of the training material and in the ownership of the end product, and thankfully many soundfont packs have this well established.

If you're concerned about your specific scenario, you're welcome to seek approval for it ahead of time through the itch.io community pages here or through our Discord.  I collect prior approvals for concepts and provide them to the judges explaining the intent.  The reason this rule exists is because we've had issues with the subject matter in the past, how it's been treated by former participants, and issues that have arisen as a result of allowing the content.  To protect the hosts, the volunteers of the competition, the participants, and itch.io staff, this rule has been added and will be maintained for this iteration of the event and likely all future iterations.

To answer your question, I'll walk through the wording to help it be more clear. if you're still uncertain, refer back to prior approvals of concepts at the top here.

- Text, whether in-game or in the files of the submission

This means if it is viewable to the players through regular play of your visual novel, or is observable through examining the files contained therein.  

- Instruction:

In this case, any situation depicted where it would provide the reader knowledge or methodology to conduct their own suicide with the intent of doing so.  e.g: How and where to inflict injury, what substances and implements to use for it, etc.   

This would not include situations where the reader or characters are being informed of the danger of something, say a poisonous mushroom, where the intent is to protect them from harm or warn them.  This also would not include situations where a character is taught how to harm another, say a ghost, in methods that could be applied to the character or reader as the intent is not to educate on self harm or suicide.

This would include both step by step depictions, or self evident depictions of suicide.

An exemption we have made to this involved a murder mystery, where the detective had to determine if a death was a suicide and by what means, with the act or result itself never being fully on screen, and the treatment of suicide to be marked as an unglamorous and unfortunate event.  

- Encouragement

In this case, any situation where it encourages the reader or participants to consider suicide through direct statement or glorification of suicide, but also any situation where characters may encourage others to do so in a direct manner.

This would not include situations where a character may be the subject of bullying, which could result in self-destructive behavior, but would include situations where the bullying directly asserts that the subject of the bullying kill themselves.

Glorification would not include heroic sacrifices, where a character puts themselves into harm's way to save someone else.  The goal and intent is to protect something or someone else, not inflict harm to themselves.

We've yet to make an exception to this particular part of the rule.

- Statement of intent

In this case, if any character or body of text expresses the intent or desire to harm or kill themselves.  This includes ambiguous bodies of text within the game or within the files of the game.

This does not include situations like the murder mystery mentioned above, where a suicide note(fabricated or authentic) was a piece of evidence and the treatment of the suicide is unglamorous and unfortunate.

Specific to your questions:

- Allusion

In most cases, allusion to the fact would be fine.  In film, most of Bill Murray's character in Groundhog Day would be acceptable as it doesn't show the act, but displays situations where death by suicide is the likely outcome.

- Historical incident

There's two ways to read this, so I'm going to answer it as both and hope it satisfies what you need to know:

In the sense that "This is a suicide that happened in this narrative, but is being relayed through a third party outside of the suicide event itself" this would be acceptable in nearly all cases.  As an example, a researcher giving a report of a monster in containment that is known to possess people who interact with it to kill themselves.  As long as other rules above  are maintained, I would suspect there would be no issues with it but would encourage prior approval to be certain.

In the sense that "This is a real event that happened and this is in a non-fiction context," the rule would apply as normal.  The origin of the story, fiction or not, does not change the ruling.

- detections of mental states where there is no statement of intent to commit suicide but one might conclude that they're in that state of mind, and less direct stuff like that, for instance? 

Most of these would be fine, but I would recommend that if you're concerned about it you seek prior approval for your specific scenario.