When I continued the @GamerGirl-Studios™ business this year (now last year), I wanted to start my first game. Since I was new to Danganronpa at the time, I decided to make a game inspired by that. The only problem I had was deciding which software to use. I tried out a few: GDevelop 5, Godot, TyranoBuilder, and Ren’Py. To be honest, the only software I was able to learn easily were TyranoBuilder and Ren’Py.

Learning TyranoBuilder

Now, for TyranoBuilder, I was able to learn pretty quickly. I didn’t have many tools to work with, and I felt like there weren’t a lot of customization options. Since I was still working on the story and characters, I wanted to switch to different software, which led me to GDevelop.

Trying Out GDevelop

With GDevelop, I learned how to add dialogue and make characters change their expressions. The only concern was that everything had to be added to one scene, which made it difficult to organize and manage. And again, like with TyranoBuilder, I didn’t have much creative freedom. Making a visual novel with no code is fun, buuuuut I wanted more flexibility and creative freedom.

Ren’Py & Godot

I tried Ren’Py, but I got confused immediately. I will admit, I could’ve followed some tutorials, but I was too lazy and quit on the spot. Then I tried Godot, and that’s when I realized I had to actually code. I used an add-on called Dialogic for a while, which requires no coding for some parts, but eventually I had to code scenes, menus, and settings from scratch. That’s when I realized Godot wasn’t good for me.

Back to Ren’Py

I eventually became the bigger person and went back to Ren’Py, and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Yes, I still had to code, but some things were already set up for me. After finally watching a few tutorials and experimenting, I got the hang of it. The best part? I had tons of creative freedom. I could add achievements, mini-games, and more. I even saw someone make a puzzle game, and Ren’Py can be used for RPGs too! While working on the game, I was having so much fun adding features. I felt like this game could actually be something special because I could put anything I imagined into it.

Laptop Cardiac Arrest

Unfortunately, my laptop overheated. At first, I thought it was a small issue. It turned on, but the screen didn’t show. I knew the computer was old, and eventually, it wasn’t going to work anymore. Support said there was nothing they could do, so I had to accept my fate. Luckily, everything was saved on OneDrive, so when I get a new computer, I can continue exactly where I left off.

Moving Forward

Lately, I’ve been updating the story, developing the characters, working on a wiki, updating the game page, and promoting the game a bit to try and earn money for a new computer. This time, when I do get the money, I’ve decided to switch to a desktop, since laptops overheat quickly. Once I get it, I’ll be able to continue building the game I’ve wanted to release for so long.

What Game Is It?

So, the game I’m working on is called Wanting Shock. Development started in late February 2025 when I hopped through different softwares (GDevelop, TyranoBuilder, Godot, Ren’Py) before settling on Ren’Py.The name “Wanting Shock” actually came from GDevelop. It randomly generated a name, and for some reason, it clicked. I considered changing it to “Shock Value” or “Trigger Happy,” but “Shock Value” didn’t really match the game, and “Trigger Happy” could’ve caused legal trouble with Spike’s Trigger Happy Havoc. So, Wanting Shock stuck and now I wouldn’t change it even if I could.

What the Game Is About

The game follows a girl named Owari Davis and her friend Sebastian Reed who have discovered a closed case about a killer who murders people and uses makeup and acting to disguise themselves as the victim. Why? Well, that’s something you’ll have to wait for in the full game. It’s inspired by Danganronpa, and I’ve been taking inspiration from its mechanics, adding my own features, and learning how to code them along the way. If the game gets popular (Which I hope it does), I’ve even thought about spin-offs, merch, and building a cool fanbase (hopefully without a bunch of weirdos and internet drama). And of course, I dream of popular YouTubers like Berleezy or KubScouts trying it out, mainly for their funny reactions.

And, that’s all...

I’ve had some troubles, overheating laptops, and software hopping, but I’m finally in a place where I feel confident enough about making something that could actually matter.

*Originally posted on November 02, 2025.

Ignore tags #gamedev #blog #itchio #wantingshock #gamergirlstudios