Lemma Soft Forums

Hi guys!
So first off, just wanted to let you know right off the bat that I am new to Ren'py and visual novel making and programming.
So forgive me if this question is kinda stupid/lame but I was wondering: if your visual novel is LONG (like an actual adventure novel with a lot of chapters or a show with lots of episodes), can you release it in parts or chapters? And could you somehow link them together? So that the player/reader can play chapter 1 and then continue where he left off when the next chapter is released (so that all of his stats are saved)? To give you an example (not a very good one, but its the only one I can think of *sigh*), if you ever played Surviving High School, every week (I think) they release a new episode of the storyline. And I'm pretty sure your information is saved when you start a new episode. And how would you do that? (if its possible)

Does this make sense? -.-' I hope it does... Thank you in advance!

I'm not sure since I know zero about the coding aspect right now but.... Wouldn't that basically just involve making a transfer of your save file from chapter 1 to 2?

I do get what you mean~ Like in the Walking Dead game where basically the choices you made in chapter 1 could be imported in Chapter 2~

Worst case if save-game files can't be transferred couldn't you do something like a option?

For example 'Continue from chapter 2'

Method A: save file

Method B: give a small list of important plot choices that carry on into chapter 2?

It can be done, but it's not generally recommended unless you've written at least several episodes ahead of time, because people are dubious about getting involved in "episodic" stories that may not be continued.

I think pytom mention something about persistent data or something? Can't really remember ... but I think it's about some variables that can be used by two/more different games

papillon wrote:It can be done, but it's not generally recommended unless you've written at least several episodes ahead of time, because people are dubious about getting involved in "episodic" stories that may not be continued.
http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewto ... =4&t=18997

Ah okay, I was wondering about doing chapters or parts, I haven't written many previous episodes as I'm a complete beginner so maybe I should hold off on this then.

Yes, it can be done. My group does it to control when a hidden route in one game when the player has already completed another, but it would work for chaptered stories as well, naturally.

The question you have to ask yourself is whether your group and game REALLY need this or would even survive it. You need to hook people in and not let them out of your grasp till you're finished with them.
In case your game is 50+ hours playtime it would make sense. In most other cases I'd suggest you refrain from doing it unless your group has experience, which does not seem to be the case here.

In short: How long is "long" for you? Anything that wouldn't be tagged "Long" on VNDB should best be released in one piece.