Let me start by saying I got sick recently and forgive me if this Dev Log is not as detailed as the ones before. Today I want to talk about one of the processes I love the most while making this game, which is writing the script of the game itself. The way I do it is very simple, and probably what most people that write scripts for TV and films do as well. I separate each episode into the three parts: Introduction, Development and Conclusion. And what I meant with time machine is that as I'm writing my script I'll always leave notes for my future self. Think of it like it's a written storyboard (because I can't draw to save my life), so it kinda feels like a time machine because my present self is directly communicating with my future one (in which case they become my past self, heh).

So for example, let's say I'm writing a scene; it would go something like this:

Character X - *insert dialogue here*Character Y - *insert dialogue here*# Character X does a backflip and shoots Character Y in the face# Close-up of Character's X face with an evil smile

That's a VERY ROUGH example, but the main reason for those comments after the # is that future me will remember how the scene looks visually by the time I start rendering. Sometimes I will add emotions and camera angles in those #comments as well. The most precious thing I have learned really quickly as a writer is that you have to CONSTANTLY write notes, or believe me, YOU WILL FORGET STUFF. That's why I write everything; my OneNote notebook for this game is filled with lots of information, even basic stuff like what the girls like to eat, or what type of music they listen to. This helps A LOT to keep things consistent. Also, sometimes you will get some REALLY GOOD ideas when you are lying down in your bed trying to sleep or in the shower for example, and yes, as soon as possible I just grab the nearest thing I can write on and do it (usually my phone).

Now, let's take a simple dive into the structure of the three parts or ACTS of an episode:

Introduction

Also known as "The Beginning". This is when you want to introduce either the main elements of the episode, or continue from a bridge that has been set in the last episode. Since the next release will be Episode 1, we will continue from where the Prologue Demo ended, and then extend from there. This part of the script can be used to also set other minor stuff, like side characters, or side plots. The main priority here is the hook, which is the "interesting" element that will keep readers wanting to know more about what's going to happen next. If I can't keep people interested in wanting to learn more during this part, I have failed.

Development

Also known as "The Middle". This is when you want to explore and extend the elements you have introduced in "The Beginning"; it's also when you want to prepare things for the next part. This is probably the most flexible part of the process, because you can also explore and extend side plots and elements that can either complement the main ones, or simply serve as an extra bonus for those who love world-building. But don't think those extra bonus stuff are only meant for fan service or world-building; you can even set up a bridge or a certain Russian playwright's "gun" in those moments. Like I said, this is the most flexible part of the script, but you want to be careful as to not exaggerate and go too off the rails; the golden rule is always thinking about what purpose the thing you are writing serves. Of course there are exceptions, especially when you are writing a slice-of-life story, sometimes life is more mundane, sometimes a character is just contemplating his existence, sometimes two characters are just having a natural conversation between friends; this is one of the best and most fun parts of writing a visual novel in my opinion.

Conclusion

Also known as "The Climax". This is when you want to wrap it up. This is when the culmination of the two parts that came before happens. This is also when you can write the bridge for the next episode. It doesn't necessarily have to be a cliffhanger, which is something most people already know what it is nowadays. It can be a closed chapter that also leaves the door open for the next thing or introduces a cool and new element that will be explored in the future. I also don't believe it NEEDS to close with a BANG, and don't get me wrong, writing some badass and epic climax is always fun and cool, but sometimes the best ending is neither happy, epic or bad, it's just an ending.