PixælSoft

What is PixælSoft?

PixælSoft is a small game studio specializing in visual novels (VN), run by Ryne D (thebackup).

What is a Visual Novel (VN)?

A visual novel is a genre of game that is very popular in Japan. They are defined by their minimalistic gameplay; you are presented with a story with vivid graphics, usually (but not always) in the style of Japanese anime. Interaction is mostly clicking the screen to advance the story. Occasionally you'll be presented with a screen of choices - and those choices determine one of the many endings you'll get.

Today's games are judged on its graphical qualities and innovative gameplay, rather than its storyline. Game developers put much effort into their games emphasizing the latest trends. Most often you would see a game trailer of the latest FPS shooter, or any other genre, showcasing its graphical prowess. While not a problem, sometimes the story gets neglected, and there are people out there who play such games just for the story. The VN addresses this issue by placing emphasis on the story first. The graphics come second, thus strengthening of what the story has to say.

VNs are substantially easier to create compared to other genres; when creating an RPG, you have to deal with not only the story, but decide on the game system, character skills, and whatnot. In a VN, you have to just deal with the game's story and character development, as well as the graphics.

If you don't like reading screens of text and looking at static images for so long, then the VN is not for you. On the other hand, if you love a great story, juxtaposed with vivid graphics, and don't mind sitting around the screen for so long, then this game genre is for you.

The majority of VNs can be considered to be bishojo games, aka games featuring attractive anime girls. Attractiveness is very subjective, and the aesthetics in a VN are according to the game's designers. Characters are not only attractive in their looks, but also in their personalities. The game's designers play with our sense of "ideal."

The VN can be considered an art form in its own right.

Who is Ryne D?

I am a college graduate with a bachelor's degree in arts and technology, formerly a computer science major. Throughout my college career I explored a variety of art media, from paintings to live performances. One day, I was deciding on an art project, which could be anything you wanted. Because anime artwork fascinates me, I decided to create a visual novel, and have fell in love with it since, using it in subsequent art projects.

On the topic of being a former computer science major - why did I drop it? Math. I had no problem with algebra and pre-calc courses, passed them with little difficulty. But when calculus came around the corner that's when my brain exploded trying to understand the concepts. I was quite disappointed in a way that to get into the more interesting classes (like data structures) you have to take calculus. So instead of fighting an exploding brain I decided to go for a less mentally taxing major, like arts and technology. It's a nice alternative if you like working with computers but don't like all the crazy math. (To those just entering college / in college but deciding a major - don't take this as a discouragement from taking a computer science major! In fact I encourage you to take whatever major you feel happy with, regardless if the classes are difficult.)

I can be pretty lenient and easygoing, and like to take my time on things most of the time. Because of my computer knowledge, I am often asked by friends and family to help fix their computers - you can say that my knowledge is attributed to spending much time on the computer :) When I'm not doing computer things I like to watch anime and enjoy anime artworks, as well as compose music and watch basketball.