whydidyouleavechicago

[whydidyouleavechicago]

DEMO

I am exhausted, at the end of my rope, but finlly FINALLY it's here. I have no words, am only tired (and there might be bugs. You might also need to play from the beginning), I only pray you like this.

(send asks. it's the only thing I need.)

[whydidyouleavechicago]

I've had this question on my mind for awhile, is it possible for a werewolf to recover from how close to the moon they are? Say, for example, one is about 60% of the way there. Is it possible for that percentage to be lowered, or is that their default state forever?

Bit of a followup. If one is completely with the moon are they gone for good?

Once a werewolf is with the moon they cannot be saved. They will attack and kill anyone around them until they themselves are dead.

Werewolves get closer to the moon their whole lives. Every time they look at the moon, they get a little closer. Every time they give into it, they get a little closer.

Some are naturally resilient, some shelter themselves, deliberately not exposing themselves to things that will bring them closer to the moon, some seem to be unaffected for decades until it all seems to catch up with them all at once.

But there is no stepping back from the moon.

Moon madness is so tragic and devastating because it's incurable. It's a progressive disease that all werewolves have, that is aggravated when they're alone for a long time, when they're exposed to moonlight, and when they experience violence and trauma.

It was inspired, in part, by my tinnitus.

It's there. It's permanent. It's only going to get worse.

But living a bright and vibrant life, surrounding yourself with good kind of noise (love), distracting yourself from it, genuinely does make it much easier to manage and accept.

[whydidyouleavechicago]

What's New In IF? Issue 2 (2025)

By Bex, Dion, Briar and Peter

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

It’s time for a revival!

As you might have noticed, our Column section has been dead for a while. We feel like it’s time to do something about that!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

Send us a message and we will be happy to feature it in our future Issues!

There’s power in numbers!

Are you an IF fan and would like a way to give back to the community? We’re once again looking for new members of our Team!

Do you enjoy keeping up with updates and finding new gems? Maybe you even enjoy working with Google Sheets?

Then our Tracker of News position is made just for you!

Contact us on any of our socials or email and help us stay on the top of our game and make our Database even better!

BEX, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~

Most importantly:

WNiIF? is switching to a bi-weekly schedule!

Keeping up with news and releasing a new Issue every week is exhausting. We have decided to change it up a bit, hopefully preventing a possible burnout. We also hope that this will give us more time to make every Issue a bit better.

We thank you for your understanding.

What else?

Our X/Twitter account is no longer active. Please check out our other social media to keep an eye on releases and news.

We plan on releasing a special What’s 2024 in IF? Issue summing up all Issues that came out last year. This will include New Releases, Event Highlights, Columns, Game Highlights and more, making it easier for new readers to check out the Zine. The date of release is not set yet, but hopefully soon!

More exciting stuff is to be unveiled in the upcoming Issues!

~ EVENT SPOTLIGHT : Queer Vampire Game Jam 2025 ~

🦇 🥀 🕯 🪦 🩸

Queer Vampire Game Jam is a month-long interactive fiction game jam hosted by kit, nyehilism, that will run from January 10 - February 20th, 2025. The goal of this jam is to create more interactive fiction games about queer vampires, focusing both on queer relationships and queer experiences as told through a vampiric narrative.

Last year’s edition had over 50 amazing submissions. Give them a look too!

~ ENDED ~

The Queer Winter Game Jam is in full swing. Those interested can submit their work until January 16th 2025.

~ VOTING ~

Feeling nostalgic about the golden age of text adventures? Relive those days by participating in PunyComp 2024!

IF Short Games Showcase 2024 is a great way to shine some new light on projects made in the past year (Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024). You now have until January 25th 2025 to vote.

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Media depicting healthy examples of polyamory isn’t that common. The PolyJamorous 2024 is trying to break the status-quo!

ShuffleComp is a musical interactive fiction competition where you make games based on songs, which are submitted by other entrants. Creators have until January 20th 2025 to upload their works.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted March 3rd 2025.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

SeedComp! is a 2-round interactive fiction game jam, focusing on creativity and the growth of ideas and the Sprouting Round has just started! Check out the Planting round for inspiration.

BL stands for Boys' Love, a genre that focuses on romantic and emotional relationships between male characters. The Ultimate BL Visual Novel Game Jam is all about that!

Are you a fan of Vampires? Then lucky for you, because the Queer Vampire Game Jam is back!

Sealed With A Kiss Jam 2025 is a fantastical romance jam for all VN lovers!

The eighth annual Ace Jam is a game jam about creating games with asexual spectrum characters.

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Joyride To Hell (Ren’Py) After weeks of not hearing from your girlfriend she called you panicked, wanting to meet up with you. You want nothing more to do with her. But as they say, forgiveness is a virtue.

The Shadow Over Cyberspace (Ren’Py) From the same creators of Arcade Spirits. Time is running out, barter with gods, embrace the deathless aeons, or go offline permanently.

Full moon. Cold night. Dark shadow. Warm gun. The Beast of Glenkildove has stalked Ireland for centuries. Now, you must hunt it in Hunter: The Reckoning — The Beast of Glenkildove (CScript).

In Five Candles in the Meadow (Twine) even in the far flung future, penpals still exist. With a sea of stars between them, two young adults keep correspondence as best they can, with lone data relays acting as their heavenly messengers. @windsoflimbo

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

After Mina Murray is reunited with her childhood friends Jonathan and Lucy Harker, they are all invited on a cruise to Transylvania with a mysterious man named Count Dracula. - Syndromedia's Dracula (Ren’Py)

Rite of Decay (Ren’Py) or, Sense in Self; The testimony of one Nastya V. Yarocz, Rot Physician, on the peculiar happenings at Pavia Manor following the death of honoured Guest Lord Kallistos of Arkhé. And on the even more curious romances she has forged therein.

House of Prestidigitation (CScript) is a school of magic game, a chance for you to pursue a specialty in the magical arts while competing in extra-curricular events, investigating clandestine clubs, and preventing a disastrous curse from carrying away the House before the end of term! You can also explore the strange history of the House itself, or turn your attention towards more romantic endeavours.

What will you do now that you find yourself in the captain’s chair of a starship tasked with exploration and diplomacy? Forge your name in the history of the Astral Alliance as a hero… or a traitor in Captain’s Log - Space Adventure (CScript).

In Time Fall (CScript) — Time does not wait for anyone, even for the one that controls it. Life in the undercity of Draeken, also known as The Depths, is brutal enough. But when an ill-fated encounter leaves you forever altered—your blood itself changed—you’ll soon realize that time is strange, and the thin fabric of reality a fickle thing. Even more so when it’s something you can no longer just witness … but may be forced to control.

Until the Dogs Come Home (CScript) is about war, though you play no part in it. Instead, you are the sole member of your hometown’s postal service, who must venture into fire and brimstone to bring the word of loved ones to the front lines. As the battle rages on and new truths come to light, your seemingly simple job transforms into a rescue mission, where the very lives of the people you were tasked to deliver to are in your hands.

In Velocity's Edge (Twine) as the adrenaline-soaked story unfolds, secrets are unveiled, loyalties are tested, and the pursuit of the checkered flag takes on a life of its own, propelling the characters toward the finish line which is only the beginning of the ultimate race. @velocitysedge-if

In the summer of 1984 you get a letter informing you of your mother's death. The first and only letter you get in ten years since you left your hometown. You stand in the middle of the old, tiny room that you can barely afford to rent and read it over and over again until the buzz at the back of your head quiets down. - There Are No People Left (Twine)

In Bride of Shadows (Twine) step into the tragic and fleeting existence of a Vestal of Dawn—a priestess bound by sacred vows of purity and an unwavering devotion to scripture. But when the sun goddess abandons you, your faith shatters. In your darkest moment, a tempting offer arises. A new covenant. A second chance at life... but at a cost. @bride-of-shadows-if

In Lecture Me Later (Unity) you wake up in a classroom way after your lecture concludes. The person who wakes you up looks familiar. Oh right, it's that one popular guy that everyone likes. With the light of the setting sun on your skin, you engage in conversation with the popular young man, realizing that things are taking a very scandalous turn, and that his interests are far more fascinating than you'd think. @lehxra-arts

~ UPDATES ~

A Shriek of Ash and Fire (CScript) added new content to their demo. @krogpile

Eldritch Tales: Inheritance (CScript) released second portion of Chapter 3. @darielivalyen

Keeper of Life and Death (CSscript) added new content to their demo. @keeperofthesunandmoon

Lightweaver: Chosen (CSscript) updated their demo. @lightweaver-chosen-if

My One and Only (CSscript) added new content to their demo. @reds-corner

Strings of Fate: Origins (CScript) released full Chapter 3.

The Eternal Library (CScript) updated their demo. @leiatalon

The Ultimate Magic Student (CScript) added new content to their demo

Thicker Than (CScript) updated their demo. @barbwritesstuff

Throne of Blood (CScript) released Zero and Cy’s aftermath Chapters. @throneofblood-if

Tri City Monsters (Ren’Py) released Akello Chapter 4. @tricitymonsters

Weeping Gods (CScript) updated their demo. @jcollinswrites

When Life Gives You Lemons (CScript) added new content to their demo. @when-life-gives-you-lemons-if

Chop Shop (CScript) released Episode 4. @losergames

Help! I Got Isekaied as a Lamia (CScript) added new content to the demo @succubus-interactivefiction

Marry My Stalker released Chapter 1.

The King's Hound (Twine) released the second half of Chapter 2. @the-kingshound

Hybrid (Twine) added new content to their demo. @heart-forge

~ OTHER ~

Mathbrush released Learning from the Best of Text [IF History Book], a collection of various historical essays about the history of interactive fiction as told through the lens of IFComp, the XYZZY Awards, and Spring Thing. (We thank Anon for bringing our attention to this release.)

When Winter Comes Again (Definitive Edition) (Ren’Py) is the fully remastered version of the romance visual novel originally released for mobile devices. Now available on PC, this edition brings an enhanced experience with improved visuals, and refined storytelling.

To Ashes You Shall Return (CScript) is looking for beta testers!

Sanguine Sky: Winter Special Collection of the short stories is out! @sanguinesky-if

let’s TEST IF#2: playtesting your game is also out! @golmac

As you might have heard, Dashingdon, a free ChoiceScript game hosting service, will be shutting down at the end of the month. All users and games will be permanently deleted. (Read more here)

If you know about a project that’s moving to an alternative hosting service, please consider updating the link in our Database. Our Team will be working on this in the upcoming weeks, but any help would be appreciated.

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week. We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks. If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week! And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Velocity's Edge by Amelia (Twine).

It's the first F1 based interactive fiction I've seen! Its very unique!

//submitted by anon//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this issue, we would like to thank:

our anons

For sending us a Highlight and news!!

And as always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on last week's issue! What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey!

See you in two weeks!

BEX, DION, BRIAR AND PETER

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2025-ISSUE 2

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Speaker - A Reintroduction Masterpost

Your family is cursed.

The firstborn child in each generation is born a Seer, haunted by visions of the future they can neither stop nor control. For thirteen generations, they’ve suffered in silence, seeing death and disaster before it comes but unable to prevent it or even give it voice.

You are the second born.

Born only a few minutes after your twin sister, you avoided your family’s curse - by either luck or providence. As the twin sibling to your generation’s Seer, however, you have a rare and amazing gift. You are a Speaker, able to understand her visions and translate them in a way other people can understand.

The two of you have made a living hunting down and trying to stop them at the source, plucking people from the clutches of death. You aren’t always successful, and the pay is pretty much nonexistent, but it gives you a sense of purpose and hey, it’s still better than working retail.

The visions are becoming more frequent lately, and their contents more violent. Is there a thread connecting them that you aren’t able to see? Or is this just a sign of the times?

Either way, one thing is for sure: it’s too much for just the two of you. You’re going to need help.

—

Speaker is a modern fantasy character-driven interactive novel focusing on the relationships (romantic, familial, or otherwise) formed within your rag-tag group of misfits. It will be the first book in a series.

It is a work in progress. I try to update at the end of every month, and I post weekly progress reports so you know how things are going! It is created in Twine and hosted on itch.io.

More information on the characters can be found here or on my itch.io page.

You can read it here!

Current word count: 234,052 before code

Last update: 5/7/24

—

What is Idle Hands? More information here!

I have a Patreon and a Ko-fi if you would like to support me and my writing! (ko-fi commissions are currently closed)

We also have a Discord server!

The nsfw tag is “not safe for seer”

Playlists: Official | Azalea | Sebastian | Li | Kana | Rory

I’m Rhi (they/she), and I’ve been a writer for most of my life, though it’s mostly been fanfiction up until this point. I’ve always wanted to write my own novel, and some iteration of the Speaker characters have been floating around in my head for a long time, but it wasn’t until I discovered interactive fiction that I decided to finally put it on paper.

Finally, if you have any comments/questions/requests/anything at all you’d like to know about the game, the characters, or myself, the Ask Box is always open!

[whydidyouleavechicago]

New Chapter Released!

Hello again! Hope your winter has gone well ❄️

With the public release of this new chapter we’re continuing with the Crown's development as a monarch, while romance and courtly intrigue build further:

Friendship scenes to deepen your Crown's relationship with the other characters outside of your main love interest

Diverging paths depending on whether you chose to meet the peri trader in disguise, or arrange a meeting with Kham instead

Within those diverging paths, you will make further decisions on how to handle the peri trader and/or Kham, with big consequences for future chapters

Romance specific scenes, of course, with your chosen love interest!

A and R both have very different scenes for their high romance and low romance routes! D and X romancers are in the clear... for now

If you find any coding errors, typos, pronoun mistakes and such while playing, you can report those through this form! Thank you for all your patience and support, I hope you enjoy the new chapter with the nearing end of 2024 💖

For those that are unfamiliar with the game

A Tale of Crowns is a high fantasy romance story, told in the form of a text-based interactive novel with choice mechanics. The setting is inspired by Kurdish culture as well as other historical settings in the Middle East such as Ancient Persia, but it also draws heavily from other cultures and countries in the region.

Your character is native to Arsur, a vast empire overseen by a single ruler known as the Crown. Unlike traditional monarchies, however, the title is not inherited through blood. Whenever the Crown dies, their famed golden eyes pass on to the one chosen by the Spirits of this world to be the new Crown. In this story, your MC takes on that role.

There are four different love interests to choose from, whose genders will be customized to suit the preferences of your Crown. You can find more info about them on the blog page!

Also note that this current version of the game is safe for those 16 years and older.

Like the premise so far? Play it and give it a try! The entire game is free!

If you enjoyed the game, please reblog! Share it with your friends! Recognition and reader interaction is just about the only thing I get in return for creating it ❤️

[whydidyouleavechicago]

the way i’ve been away from ifs for around a year and you single-handedly reminded me i was obsessed with infamous and made me realize i haven’t played the last update just from stalking your blog ahsjdjd… would you spare some if recommendations pls? 🥺 so curious abt what you’re into lately bc i remember we had pretty similar taste in ifs/ros lmaooo

Damn I was writing this and tumblr closed and I lost it all 😭😭😭

Ok so AGAIN!

@vapolis ! I love the merc so much and orla my Queen 😩😩😩 (I love crazy mcs)

@apt502-if is a slice of life pretty cute with a side of heartbreaking lmaooo just how I like it. (I’m about to brake a couple up)

@pressplay-if is another musician if but the story is told by a bunch of interviews about how your band split up??? Really interesting.

@thesoulforgeorder this one is made by a friend and has TOO MANY CHOICES and variations and I looove.

@taleofcrowns X my beloved!!! I need to replay this whole if before ch 12 comes out cause it’s been a while.

@bloodlegacies !!! I love this one. Cold mc x fiery princess from a rival kingdom??? Yummmmmmmm

@sanguinesky-if siblings!!!!! 🥹🥹🥹 also moreno my beloved I love her. I’m a fan of detective mysteries ✌🏼😗

The bureau by @morbethgames ! I’m not sure yet who I’m gonna romance here but I love the team dynamics and how it is to step into that team as a new agent after the trauma the team went through.

I don’t remember more right now.

Ones I love love love but they haven’t updated in a while, but if you want them!

@swallowthedark I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH. I love ifs that let me have siblings and taking care of them

@speakergame you probably know this one but if you don’t? PLAY IT!

@if-mirrormine this is such an interesting premise it got me hooked immediately. Basically time stuff, you disappear for like 10 years but for u was like a second. So pretty angsty i love. Also love the mom and sibling 🥹🥹🥹

@whisper-game what can I say. I love crazy mcs shhshshsh

I can probably think of more but I think that’s enough for now lmaoooo

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Demo update!!! (18/12/2024)

Hiii! Yes, yes, I know I said the update would be in two days, but I couldn't help myself! I'm very excited to show you guys what I've been cooking, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing this. I think I have spoken about this before, but it was surprising how much it had deviated from the initial path in a pleasant way—and it was enjoyable for me! But first, this update contains heavy themes, including graphic violence, death, and suicide (path dependent). There may also be potentially sensual themes. Please be cautious and take care of yourself first!

With all said, I can't wait to hear what you guys think!

In this update, you can:

gossip a bit with Moon

meet Astaroth face to face and have a talk with him (or have a little spat)

demand sacrifice (or not!)

hookup with a certain blonde

pick your hound and give it scritches

Play the update here. (36K)

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Second Best IF

Demo to come soon

Sibling of the chosen one—the spare. That’s how the people of Aristea whispered your name. Celine, your twin, was blessed by the gods with radiant power and breathtaking beauty, while you, the second born, stood in the shadows. Since the fateful day of the Choosing, when the gods selected your twin and overlooked you, gifting you only the pitiful ability of conversation with beasts, your life has been confinement and disappointment. But now, fate has shifted. Celine has been taken, abducted by monsters during a purification journey. As the kingdom’s finest gather to embark on a discreet rescue mission, a new path unfurls before you: the chance to step into the role of your twin and reclaim your place in a world that has long deemed you unworthy. In Second Best you take control of the spare, controlling their destiny and their path. Will you fight for freedom or stay in your sibling’s shadow?

Second Best is a romance fantasty interactive fiction story with dark elements. This game is made for an 18+ audience and contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics such as swearing, violence, sexual content, injury & more - a full list of warnings will be updated once the demo is released and updated with each new chapter added

Play as the spare and customise them to your tastes

Name

Gender {with male, female and nonbinary options}

Pronouns {choose a preset or create your own}

Appearance {hair colour, eye colour, scars and more}

Personality {make choices that will develop your personality traits and that could change your fate}

Romance one of four potential love interests - with each choice creating a branching path and a new story for you to explore {you will be able to choose the genders of each love interest or randomise them}

Discover the truth behind your twins life and their kidnapping

“I would give my crown and kingdom to keep your heart” | The Royal | Prince/ Princess Wallace Aurelius

Age: 27

Height: 175cm/ 5'9

Build: Average

Eye color: Yellow

Hair color: Black

Character traits: Polite, Kindhearted, Calm, Distant, Lovely, Academic, Repressed

Bio: Heir to the throne of Aristea and Celine’s supposed finance although they never met. Given the moniker 'the kind' - however when you meet they seem polite but distant.

“I will protect you with every fibre of my being, and fight for you until my dying day” | The Knight | Farris Butcher

Age: 26

Height: 195cm/ 6'5

Build: Broad and extremely muscular

Eye color: Blue

Hair color: Ginger

Character traits: Sarcastic, Cold, Duty Bound, Emotional, Romantic

Bio: Childhood friend to the twins and now a head knight of the Royal Order. Farris is assigned to protect you while you pretend to be your twin.

“My soul is bound to yours and I would defy the gods just to keep you close” | The Magician | Leon ???

Age: 28

Height: 170cm/ 5'7

Build: Thin and lanky with long limbs

Eye color: Green

Hair color: Dark Brown

Character traits: Humorous, Witty, Smart, Resourceful, Pragmatic, Flirtatious

Bio: Magician and protector of your house, Leon is a close friend and trusted confidant of your twin, but was asked to stay back to maintain the ruse.

“You are the light in my veins and the shadow that haunts my darkest thoughts” | The Foreign Dignitary | Ludovica/ Ludovico Barboza

Age: 29

Height: 185cm/ 6'0

Build: Well muscled but lean

Eye color: Orange

Hair color: Light Brown

Character traits: Bold, Outgoing, Talented, Scheming, Flirtatious

Bio: A foreign dignitary from a Country neighbouring Aristea, they are here to sign a treaty of trade between the two nations, however they seem to be here with an ulterior motive and flirt with you every time you meet.

[whydidyouleavechicago]

DEMO - Latest release on 11/15/2024 - Current wordcount 90k.

COG forum You've always been angry.

Rage comes naturally to you. With how much life has messed with you it's only fair that you use your anger. That's why you became a boxer. The thrill of breaking an opponent. And hoping they might break you in turn. They never do though. Every fight is a disappointment, almost as much of a disappointment as they pay for each fight.

Enter Jackie Roth, club owner, mob boss, and former god. When she offers you a job you can't say no. Not that you would, not when she and everyone in her gang feel so familiar to you. At least with this job you'll be able to use that rage inside you more.

As you learn the ways of the criminal underground you reconnect with people you never met. Reforge bonds that you've never made. And recall memories you've never had. You were a god once upon a time, can you become one again?

God Syndicate is an interactive novel where you play the newest incarnation of Ares, The God of War. It's 18+ for violence, explicit sexual themes, drug use, morally questionable behavior, and more.

Customize your MC, play male, female, or nonbinary. With transgender options and pronoun selection. Customize your appearance and develop your personality.

Romance or befriend a cast of characters, including gods with more issues than you can count or even a mortal! Asexual and Aromantic options available.

Show the gods why you were feared all those years ago or prove that you're better than your past lives.

Uncover the mystery of disappearing gods as well as the mystery of your past.

Help out Elysium, the club where you'll practically live from now on. It seems to attract gods and that isn't always good.

Take out your anger on people who might even deserve it.

Zeus: Jackie Roth - She/Her. [Not an RO]

Jackie is The King of The Gods and she makes sure everyone knows it. Her word is law in Elysium and beyond. Fail her and you'll have a storm waiting for you. In the years since your disappearance Jackie's love for her family has seem to only grow. But she has a criminal empire to run and you're just the weapon she needs.

Hermes: Riley Liao Zhi - Gender Selectable. [RO]

The Messenger of The Gods. Or in Riley's case, the ever bored personal assistant to Jackie. Riley's an adrenaline junkie with a heart of gold. As the one who found you they feel almost responsible for you. But why do they also seem so afraid of you?

Apollo: Franco Valerio - He/Him. [RO]

As expected of The God of Music, Franco's your classic rich and famous rock star. Well he would be, if only he could get out of Elysium. His love of singing and love of his family are two chains he can't break that tie him here. Will your arrival help break those chains or tighten them?

Aphrodite: Damiana "Dame" Rivette - Gender Selectable. [RO]

Quiet and Serious, Dame is no longer The God of Love they once were. The passion of their life faded and now bitterness grows where love should. The only friend they have in Elysium seems to be their fiance, Johnny. To make their life even worse, you arrive.

The Mortal: Sigourney Hawthorn - She/Her. [RO]

Newly divorced from a god, Sigrouney struggles with juggling her (demigod) child, relentless job, and love life. As her daughter, Claudia, grows she wonders if she can keep up or if she'll be left behind. And now with your arrival Claudia's godly family gets bigger and her presence gets smaller.

Artemis: Rebel Reyes - Gender Selectable [RO]

How can The God of the Hunt thrive in the city? The prey here are either too weak or too annoying to hunt. The only thing Rebel craves is to feel that thrill again. With your arrival they have a perfect chance, who better to hunt than the God of War? They can't wait to meet you.

The Old Flame: Harper Ward - Gender Selectable [RO]

A friend from a better time. Harper and you were once inseparable. They saw you at your darkest and kept you calm. Years after an explosive break up they've reemerged into your life far different than you knew them. Can you find the dying embers of your old friend? Is it even worth the pain?

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Crown of Exile – Limited Access up to Chapter Ten

With Christmas around the corner and progress steadily approaching the final two chapters of Crown of Exile, I've decided to make the current Patreon demo available to the public for a limited time.

Time start: 21 Dec 2024, 8AM GMT +2

Time end: 22 Dec 2024, 10AM GMT +2

Link to game.

How it works:

During this time, the demo up until Chapter Ten will be made available on the public game page on itch.io. It will be available only to be played in the browser – no downloads will be available, sorry!

You will be unable to use saves from the current public demo so you'll need to restart the game from the beginning. The demo will remain until the end time on 22 December 2024, afterwards, it will be removed and the old demo up to Chapter Eight will return to the game page.

Why are you doing this?

It's been a hot minute since the last public update and a lot has been written since then. Everyone who has followed me on Tumblr and itch.io have been incredibly supportive and without you, a lot of the early chapters wouldn't have made it online. This is a thank-you gift for Christmas and a way for me to gather feedback from the broader public outside my Patreon.

Please keep in mind that I've been working on new chapters, not edits, so nothing new has been added to the earlier chapters. This demo access will allow you to play Chapters Nine and Ten.

None of this would be possible without my incredibly generous Patrons who voted overwhelmingly in favour of allowing public access to the demo for a limited time.

Reblogs will be appreciated! 💖

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Lights, Camera…Chaos.

[PLAY HERE] (October 23rd, 2024) Act 1, Chapter 1, 64.2k words.

For as long as you can remember, your dream has stayed the same—you want nothing more than to make it as an actor in Hollywood. After years as an overlooked, overworked talent, your big break comes from an unlikely source. And it’s one that changes everything, for better or worse.

Hollywood is its own character within this world—sometimes it loves you, sometimes it wants nothing more than to see you crash and burn. Navigating this ever changing landscape while balancing your own interpersonal relationships is only half the challenge. The other half is memorizing your lines.

Navigate the red carpet, bloodthirsty paparazzi, cut-throat tabloids and complicated relationship dynamics with A-list celebrities (who may or may not be completely insane.)

But, hey: isn’t this what you’ve always wanted?

Key Features:

- Customize your Actor: are you a classic Hollywood heartthrob? An eccentric and unconventional recluse? Are you kind and genuine despite the fame, or a cutthroat diva with undeniable talent?

- Navigate scandal, paparazzi, and stan culture: dodge or embrace the flashing lights. Interact with your fans, or distance yourself from them for your sanity. Wait—who are they shipping your character with?

-Build your legacy: choose between the stability of superhero blockbusters or turn into an indie darling. Or, maybe forgoe both to become a household name in the horror genre.

- Network and build relationships: whether they’re manufactured by your well-meaning publicist or spawned from real feelings, forge dynamic and ever changing relationships with other industry icons.

- Try to manage your mental health: the dark side of the industry lurks in every corner—the highs are high, but the lows are ever lower.

Characters:

Kendall Mays (gender selectable)—ever the loyal best friend, Kendall followed you into the throes of showbiz without hesitation. From fighting over toys on the playground to helping you run lines for a major motion picture, you can always count on them to have your back. That is, before they met Mason—their ever-present boyfriend who demands more and more of their time. You were never that great at sharing.

[Note: Kendall is not a romance option.]

Sutton Foster (he/him, she/her)—child star turned award winning powerhouse. Sutton Foster has everything an actor could want—well, minus the countless stays at rehab centers around the world. It’s undeniable that Sutton is a generational talent, but what’s even more notable is their messy personal life. You yourself have been caught in Sutton’s gravitational pull, once upon a time. The question lies in whether or not you’ll pull yourself away.

Wyn Grace (he/him, she/her)—on stage, Wyn is electric. The same cannot be said for Wyn off-stage. The lead singer of the up-and-coming Indie band is struggling with their meteoric rise to fame. As the awards pile up and the crowds get bigger, Wyn is unraveling at the seams. All they wanted to do was make music with their friends, but the fame makes them reconsider it all.

Lex Moreau (he/him)—an older, award-winning director with an…eccentric disposition. Yet despite his volatile nature and obsession with perfection, anyone who’s anyone would kill to work with him. Lex is always in search for a muse, a great beacon to pour all of his artistic vision into. And now, he thinks he’s found that in you. Lucky you?

[C is a conditional character, only appears based on choices you make.]

Carlo/Carmen Mencina (gender selectable)—C is harder to pin down than a stable acting gig in LA. When you’re together—it’s kismet. The problem lies in when you’re apart. C’s frequent disappearances abroad leave a bad taste in your mouth, and when a shocking truth comes to light, it’s not just your relationship in the spotlight—it’s your life, too.

Flings and other mini-romances will be available as well. But these I will let be revealed as the story progresses.

When writing this game, I knew what themes I wanted to focus on, and the care/detail needed to do so. Hence, this game is strictly 18+.

TW: death, substance abuse, suicide, bullying, explicit language, violence, and explicit (skippable) sexual content.

Thank you for reading my intro! Reblogs are welcome, and my ask box is open (:

And major thank you @thecutestgrotto for the gorgeous headers!

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Water to Blood: Chapters 1-3 Here

Somethings never change.

Place after place you've been shunned, attacked or hunted. All for the blood that drips from your mouth. From the pain of a curse that was forced upon you. Only in a twin flame, someone just like you, have you ever found peace. Decades turned to two centuries as you travelled the world together, sharing the same burden.

Then they were gone. Dead? Alive? It didn't matter because you were alone.

Soon came the High Council. Older and stronger, they thrust you into a position you didn't want, forced to adapt to a new life while still grieving the one you lost. Overwhelmed and tired, you created your own brand of sanctuary, a safe place to drown out your feelings and numb the pain that never really left. 

Now the very same people who pushed you into this position of power have come to reap what they feel is owed: End the vampire that threatens their power. Kill the Insurgent.

Who can you trust? Have you ever been more than a pawn? Does any of it even matter?

Water to Blood will be an 18+ game for drugs, alcohol, violence, gore, optional sexual content and other adult themes.

WHO YOU'VE MET:

Arlo/Aida Martin Moreno [m/f]- RO- The vampire from your past. Chance had you encounter each other not once, not twice, but in a series of meetings throughout time. Begrudgingly or not, you stayed side by side for decades until one day they abruptly left. After years of absence, they once again appear in your life. Define your history together, build something new.

Edwin/Edith "Eddie" Reagan [m/f]- RO - The werewolf business partner. For the past decade, the two of you built a night time kingdom from the ground up. Below the board agreements and possible unscrupulous deals have elevated your business into something untouchable. Recently having left their pack, these past few years you've seen more of them than you ever had before. Shape your relationship and strengthen your bond.

Amelie Cadman [f]- RO - The hunter, the human. The two of you have had many run ins in the past. Determined to fix the marred relationship between supernaturals and hunters, she always wears a big smile when faced with your suspicion. Her presence in your life lately has been up more than ever. How could you trust her? A hunter who's oath is not to protect you, but to kill you. And when the time comes... will you? Create a relationship or let it crumble before it even starts.

Halley and Kade Timmons [f&m] - Twin telepathic bartenders at your club.

The Insurgent [m]- ROish- Not much is known about him. Presumptuously strong and influential enough to threaten the council. Wanted for treason but still remains at large. It’s your job to find him.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE:

Play as the reluctant high vampire of the city.

Customize your character and your club.

Decide which path is right for you as you are pressured to act: the vampires, the werewolves or the humans.

Define your relationships with those you know and try to build new ones with others.

Develop a romance with one of the three main characters. Or try your chances at someone else. (Romances will not be locked out based on the path you choose.)

Explore the interworkings of supernatural and human organizations.

Attend a gala.

Attend a coup?

--

(Current) Character Descriptions Here

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Hi Interact-if! I'm looking for a game (99% sure it wasn't a WIP) where you interact (eh) with a computer (like it's mainly/all inside a computer). I remember it has mini-games and there was an internet browser (in-game), and you could talk to an AI/program too. I think? the game got some awards/kudos too?

Hi Anon!

Well... there are a handful of games that could fit what you are looking for (interacting with a computer/AI), but we think these two might come the closest to what you described in your ask:

Computerfriend by @adz

DOL-OS by @manonamora-if

Do either of these seem familiar?

[whydidyouleavechicago]

crime. cars. cash. unfulfilled at work, struggling for money and witnessing the exponential success of your best friend, you learn that your intel at autoluxe insurance services™ is not entirely useless. the call for a new opportunity arrives, abruptly dragging you down into an underground car-theft ring. meet a crew that runs a shady auto body business and face the world that is fuelled by greed, risk, ego... and a lot of gasoline.

chop shop is a crime-action in development. this story is strictly +18 for language, themes and potential explicit content.

DEMO DROP – 3RD DEC '22 | PROLOGUE + CH. 01

genre – crime, action, thriller.

player character creation – determine your pc’s appearance, personality, background and gender identity.

character driven narrative – bond with many side characters and the main crew, conceal your new double life, test morality within an underground criminal enterprise and witness the growth of your new counterparts.

pursue relationships or play the field – flirt, fuck and find out.

learn the tricks of the trade – gain skills in high-speed driving, lock-picking, pickpocketing, mechanics and critical-thinking to pull off espionage jobs, boost cars and uncover secrets.

what's your motive? – fuel your need for adrenaline or play it safe, reap the rewards to help out those in need or keep the money to yourself for your own spending pleasure.

your choices matter. crime always comes with consequences

Four – [he/him, 41] – the mourning | the team principal [limited] – an unnatural team leader, skilled mechanic and annoyingly strong headed; four provides the rocky foundation of this operation. still troubled and unable to accept personal loss, guilt threatens the cracks of his struggling business. Dilani – [they/she, 36] – the resenting | the analyst [limited] – unable to fulfil family expectations, dilani turned their genius elsewhere. logically minded and technologically adept, she can crack any computer systems, infiltrate any network or whip up a gadget in no time. Sunny – [he/him, 33] – the searching | the artist – after flunking out of art school, sunny’s expert craft is expressed out on the road, transforming and fine-tuning cars into unrecognisable beauties – whether it be for genuine customers or to dupe law enforcement. Maz – [they/them, 28] – the recovering | the driver – former up and coming superstar, maz was ready to inherit greatness. now an embarrassment to the family and unable to face their reality, they turned to the back-alley car world. Aimee – [she/her, 30] – the reforming | the thief – with no real life-goal in sight, aimee's made a living out of taking what's not hers. whether it be a pen, a partner or the keys to that porsche outside. but for how long is this job sustainable?

so, are you in it for the thrill or the money?

🔗 – NAV | FAQ | PINTEREST | KO-FI

[whydidyouleavechicago]

D E M O - Play Here!

Updated: July 21, 2024

Rated: 18+

Romance-Focused Sports IF

You're a formula racing driver.

You're a professional.

But besides your recent success, you are far from the finish line.

Now you're busy searching and finding sponsors and signing deals left and right. You're trying to make the right decisions. After all, you do have to maintain a certain image. On top of all of that, your ex is back and climbing the ranks after falling off the grid for five years.

Can you deal with it all?

Or will you crash and burn?

Riley Veluz (m/f): The Mechanic. 27. Southeast Asian. (m) brown eyes and thick, messy black hair that is sometimes slicked back. (f) brown eyes, and layered black hair that falls to waist.

Lane Kingston (m/f): The Ex. 25. Spanish and black. (m) brown eyes, short curly hair on top with shaved sides. (f) brown eyes, shoulder length curly afro.

Ryder Benedetti (m/f): The Competition. 25. Italian, British, and Spanish. (m) blue-green-hazel eyes, with brown, wavy, tousled hair. (f) blue-green-hazel eyes, wavy brown hair to waist.

Phoenix Justt (m/f): The New Engineer. 27. Irish. (m) red hair kept in a short quiff hairstyle, green eyes, cheeks and shoulders splattered in freckles. (f) red hair that falls to waist, green eyes, cheeks and shoulders splattered in freckles.

. D E M O .

See the F.A.Qs.

Stroll through PINTEREST for story and RO aesthetics.

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Welcome to Lunarflatts

You never expect to be attacked by a werewolf in the streets of 2000s Seattle, but that’s how your life changed forever. Left with the curse of the wolf and no idea how to control it, you’re taken under the wing of Clare, a fellow werewolf who brings you to the small desert town of Lunarflatts. There, hidden among the red rocks and juniper trees, you begin a new life as a park ranger, learning to balance your human and wolf selves while becoming part of Clare’s family pack.

But all is not well in Lunarflatts. A strange sickness is spreading through the land, twisting the very nature of the desert, and mysterious wolves have been spotted at the pack’s borders. As a new member of the pack, you'll need to navigate the growing tensions, protect the land, and uncover the truth about these strange invaders. Your choices will shape the future of Lunarflatts, the pack, and yourself.

Are you ready to face the wild within?

The game is 18+ for the presence of sexual themes, violence, gore, abuse, and death.

ROs ◈ Lore ◈ Tag ◈ Demo (TBD)

[whydidyouleavechicago]

Press Play Track 2: Untamed Youth now up on Dashingdon!

Chapter 2 (or Track 2, as I've titled it): Untamed Youth is finally ready for you! Mind the content warnings.

Trigger warnings: discussions of self-harm, suicidal ideation, mental illness, implied parental abuse, unhealthy relationships, underage drinking and smoking and substance abuse. [18+.]

Press Play.

61k words added; full demo length now at 118.885 words

psst! reblogs are appreciated (if you like this)!

[teasers/mild spoilers] In this one, you will:

meet Zima, completing the cast!

have an impactful discussion with Kalena and Russell Graham.

learn about the MC's past hospitalization and customize its cause.

learn about and customize the MC's past relationship with Zima.

receive an invitation.