Ren'Py Is it possible to make my first Renpy game?

smallparrot53

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May 28, 2020
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Hi there.. I am long time lurker here. I always wanted to make a Renpy VN of my own. I know little bit of coding (C) and I used to write articles for local news paper. But drawing is not my thing. What are the requirements for making a Renpy game? Is there any tutorials or something? Any advice is appreciated...
 

79flavors

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Jun 14, 2018
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This would be my suggestion as to where to start...
https://f95zone.to/threads/a-questi...-doing-the-images-and-code.71453/post-4947970

You'll need in addition to .
RenPy can install a text editor called Atom for you. (it's on the preferences screen. Use RenPy's version, not the official version).
You might also want a graphics editor. Probably Photoshop or .

As for models and other assets... well you could pay for them. Or you could look here.

If Daz3D isn't for you, then you could try HoneySelect, which is less time consuming. Both Daz and HS can be used well or used badly, but players will completely forgive less inspiring images if the story is good enough. I've seen a RenPy game using MSPaint images... but you probably don't want to be that person.
 

bobdickgus

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Apr 9, 2020
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Obviously you will need to learn some python. But if you know C the syntax shouldn't be too hard to pick up. I know C, C+, perl and mainly PHP and I can edit ren'py rpy files without even bothering to formally learn python simply by looking at them it is not a difficult syntax to learn. Learn the basic ren'py framework which is relatively straight forward, decompile some games using unren is actually fairly informative.
Then you need to learn how to produce image and video files to use within the game. You could use "relatively simple" almost realtime options like Koikatsu, Honey Select 1 or 2. There is also Sims 3 + 4 or real porn or Daz etc. Image editor for post production. Sounds just follow the ren'py tutorials. Honey select etc like most programs can look good or look like ass based on how well you use it.
 

smallparrot53

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May 28, 2020
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Hey, Thanks for the reply guys... I think I will get started with Daz3D and some Python syntax... I will update my improvements here...
 

smallparrot53

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May 28, 2020
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40
Hey, One extra question; The story I have in mind is set place in Medieval times. Is there any extra tools required to make medieval games?
 

79flavors

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anne O'nymous

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If you do go down the Daz3D route... then the right assets are going to be critical.
They exists, but the problem is that, unlike for a "future setting", you can rarely mix different period of times.
While you can take something like a dystopian cyberpunk bedroom, and make it be the interior of a 70's utopian lunar base by example, without it feeling odd, you can difficultly do the same with a viking village and a medieval interior, or the opposite.

Therefore, it firstly need that he dedicate a long time browsing the different shops. And, while it's obviously not legal, also browse the piracy sites, where he'll be able to find some interesting assets that aren't sold anymore.
Then, once done he'll have to pass some times adjusting them, because some are for 3delights, other for IRay, and they'll be either for Genesis 3 or Genesis 8 (some even being for Genesis). There's tools to help him doing this, but it's obviously not 100% direct.
From my point of view, it also need to learn at least the basis of assets tweaking. Just knowing how to change a texture can permit, by example, to use the same room for many different places, without it feeling wrong. They'll have the same geometry, but don't effectively look alike thanks to the different textures.

I don't say that to discourage him, it's totally possible. But it will need more preparation time than a game in a modern or futuristic setting.
 

LimitIess

Newbie
Apr 3, 2017
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In addition to the points above:

- Take your time with the story and plot first. Work on the main story arc, develop your characters and settings, and have a clear goal of your story progression. In my opinion, the number one reason why so many games are picked up then abandoned is due to devs jumping straight into Renpy/Daz/etc. with a vague idea of what they want;

- Know your limitations. Continuing from point one, once you have an idea of what you want, you will have a better idea of what you can and can't do. A couple of examples:

1. Daz3D is flexible and has a vast resource market, but does require a good setup for rendering. If you're lacking in this department, maybe move away from a visual novel to a more sandbox game, where assets can be reused.

2. Honey Select is easier and may have the distinct anime-ish art style that you may be looking for, but the built-in maps and environments you can use is limited, thus if you plan to have a lot of locations, Honey Select may not be for you.

- Start small. It may be tempting to add a bunch of features, characters and a Tolkien storyline, but oftentimes we underestimate the complexity and overestimate our abilities.
 
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smallparrot53

Newbie
May 28, 2020
93
40
Hey, Thanks for the replies again... I will definitely try to learn to tweak asset. And yes, I will work on story first; That is my favorite part anyway.