TyranoBuilder Visual Novel Studio Receives Major 3.0 Update

STRIKEWORKS has released Update 3.0 for their video game creation tool TyranoBuilder Visual Novel Studio.

The update adds multiple new features and useful tools for developers to make use of, and can be applied by right-clicking on "TyranoBuilder Visual Novel Studio," selecting the gear icon, clicking, Properties, then Betas, and selecting "v3,00beta" from the menu.

For more, here is the overview of what has been added as provided by STRIKEWORKS' original announcement. You can also purchase TyranoBuilder Visual Novel Studio by heading over to the Steam page.

What's New:

Upgraded to the Latest TyranoScript V6 Series

TyranoBuilder now uses TyranoScript V6, replacing the older V5 version.

This brings a significant increase in available features, improved middleware performance, faster execution, and greater stability.

Previously, some of the newest TyranoScript tags were not available in TyranoBuilder — that’s now resolved.

Six New System UI Themes

We've added several new "Themes" that allow you to completely change the system UI of your game with just a few clicks.

Message SFX (Popopo Sound) Feature

You can now play retro-style "popopo" sound effects in sync with message text.

■ Demo: https://tyrano.jp/demogame/popopo/
You can assign different sounds to each character or freely change the sound at any point.

It’s easy to set up — just drag and drop the "Popopo Sound" component from the "Message" category into your timeline.

Auto Layout and Customization for Choice Buttons

Previously, choice buttons had to be positioned manually.

Now, they can be automatically arranged without setting coordinates each time.

Gamepad and Keyboard Support

You can now play your games using only a gamepad or keyboard.

For example, players can use arrow keys to navigate choice buttons and press Enter to select — no mouse required.

This setting can be enabled under Game Config → "Keyboard & Mouse" → "Controls" tab.

Localization (Translation) Features

If you're developing for an international audience, TyranoBuilder now offers robust translation tools:

Auto-detection and extraction of translatable text

Language switching in a single build

Auto-detection of player’s system language

Exporting translatable content to CSV (for editing in Excel or other tools)

You can seamlessly convert between multiple languages, such as:

• Japanese → English
  
• Japanese → Chinese
  
• English → Japanese
  
• English → Chinese
  

Zoom & Focus on Speaking Characters

A new feature highlights the currently speaking character by zooming in or applying focus effects.

Enhanced Cursor Customization

You now have full control over the cursor:

Change the cursor at any point in the game

Adjust cursor hitboxes for precise interactions

Automatically hide the cursor after inactivity

Show click or tap effects during interactions

Character Expression Parts System

Previously, each expression variation required a separate image file.

Now you can use modular character parts to create expressions dynamically.

For example:
With 3 outfits, 5 expressions, and 5 hairstyles — you’d traditionally need 75 images.
With the new system, you only need 13 parts, reducing file size and improving performance.

This system can also be used for dress-up and still image variations.

Simple Frame-Based Animation (Eye Blink & Lip Sync)

You can now easily animate characters by cycling through prepared image frames.

This works not just for blinking or talking, but for animating any character parts.

Lip-syncing can also be triggered automatically during conversations.

Upcoming: Free English Release of TyranoStudio

An English version of "TyranoStudio" — a powerful tool for developing TyranoScript — is coming soon.

It will be released on both Steam and our official website.

 

(Special shout out to Arisu Wonderland for bringing this to our attention on Bluesky.)