Ryugaku Ren'ai News

[p]Yuri Kissaten completed its first full year as a game studio in 2025, and wowzers was it an adventure![/p][p]If you remember, we embarked on the "5 for '25 Campaign," an effort to work on and announce five different games throughout 2025. In the end, we only released one full game, Winter Heat, and one smaller game, "Life of a Dispatch English Teacher in Japan," though we learned a whole lot in the process. And we really did end up revealing all 5 games as planned![/p][p]Look at all the games we worked on in 2025:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]We ran our first crowdfunding campaign, we attended our first live event and first Steam events, we made three different showcase videos, we did social video marketing... It was a big year of firsts.[/p][p]And so, 2026 will be just as ambitious, but with more targeted, specific goals. I have no clue how many games we'll announce, and how many games we'll release is still in flux (it seems like four, but it could be three or five depending on what gets finished soonest). But I do know we're going to strive for our Six Sapphic Goals for 2026, and I'll share them with you.[/p][p][/p][h2]#1 Release demos early and often.[/h2][p]While we will release 3-4 games in 2026, we're still working on plenty of projects, and we want to at least get demos out for every unreleased game by the end of the year. Store pages are nice, and a really big mark of progress, but demos are best because y'all players can experience them, and it's a lot easier to share. Even for games several years out, we'll try to get a demo out soon.[/p][p][/p][h2]#2 Work on RPGM projects![/h2][p]We've only done visual novels so far, but we had a lot of fun working on the imminently upcoming Oomfie RPG sub-game for Winter Heat. Both of us (Bea and Fruz) have experience making top-down adventure games in our younger years, and we want to bring that passion into Yuri Kissaten soon too. Narrative games in all shapes and sizes are great![/p][p][/p][h2]#3 Collab with new people.[/h2][p]So far, we've worked with extremely small teams in our games, and one of the two of us has led every project announced so far, except for Gay It Loud which is helmed by the admirable Joi Massat. We're looking to expand that roster, though, and work with other creative friends and help them bring their dream game to fruition. We'll probably have one project like that ready to announce in a couple months... So stay tuned for that.[/p][p][/p][h2]#4 Get 10 reviews on launch day for our new releases.[/h2][p]10 reviews is that almighty Steam threshold for your game to not get buried immediately in the new games category, so ideally you want to hit the mark as soon as possible. Steam's algorithm basically doesn't even activate until you've reached 10 reviews! While we got there with Love is in the Airship eventually, it took many months, and the game wasn't very visible until then. [/p][p]So it's a matter of getting more and more wishlists for our games before we launch, and making games good enough that people want to review them on the first day.[/p][p][/p][h2]#5 Post 67 project progress updates.[/h2][p]We’re trying to keep Yuri Kissaten as transparent as we can make it. We want to level-up and keep posting as much as we can–At least to Patrons. 😏[/p][p]So we’ll post at least 67 Progress Updates in 2026. Some short, some longer, some more about life than about projects, but whatever. We have so many games in development that it’s a shame not to show you more about them.[/p][p][/p][h2]#6 Start our first licensed game project.[/h2][p]Ever since we released Love is in the Airship, we’ve dreamed of the possibilities of making Yuri games with existing IP from other companies. We semi-successfully reached out to some groups early on, but now that we’ve made more stuff and have more connections we’re actually ready to take on this kind of project. We already used Squiddles in Winter Heat, but we’re aiming for something bigger… Full Squiddles game anyone?[/p][p][/p][h2]Keep in Touch in 2026![/h2][p]Remember to keep in touch by following Yuri Kissaten on Steam, as well as via these handy places that'll give you immediate updates:[/p]

• [p]Our main site (and its RSS feed)[/p]
• [p]Our Bluesky (you can also follow via Mastodon and allegedly Threads by using Bridgy Fed)[/p]
• [p]Our Patreon (free members get updates too!)[/p]

[p]We'll make sure to keep posting periodic news updates on our Steam games, but if you want your Yuri Kissaten news fast and direct, these are the best options.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p]Kyoto, Japan - December 13th, 2025 - The newest Yuri Kissaten Espresso showcase for Winter 2025 premiered on Youtube today and gave the world an overview of 5 new and upcoming Yuri game releases for 2025 and 2026.[/p][p]Watch the full showcase here: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Here’s a round-up of everything we saw from Yuri Kissaten and from partner studios:[/p][hr][/hr][p]Winter Heat:[/p][p]Launching TODAY![/p][p]After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Winter Heat has finally released for the world to enjoy. It will also receive several free content updates throughout 2026, including an Oomfie RPG expansion and an Epilogue storyline.[/p][p]A narrative game about love in the digital age, Winter Heat follows the story of Shio, a woman living in snowy Kyoto, and Javi, a woman living in sweltering Santiago. Follow their long-distance love through online chats, video calls, and social media apps. Plus, there’s a smorgasboard of side content through in-game apps like an educational Maps app, the parody microblog Wittier, and the deckbuilder-flavored mini-RPG Oomfie RPG![/p][p]Website: [/p][p]https://yurikissaten.com/winter-heat-press-kit/[/p][p]Steam: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][hr][/hr][p]Desert Blossom:[/p][p]Welcome to a fantasy yuri RPG set in a continent of another world. In the deserts of the Baihe Continent, a girl named Mars was born, breaking the curse. -- Embarking on a journey, composing an epic adventure about courage, life and love.[/p][p]Features multiple endings, 300+ items, dozens of character illustrations, and a total playtime of 10-12 hours.[/p][p]An English translation of the demo is now available, and the full game will be available in English in 2026.[/p][p]Steam: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]ZH RPG Studio: [/p][p]https://bsky.app/profile/zh-rpg.bsky.social[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Gay It Loud:[/p][p]Dating in the dreamy shopping mall of 1995! Hang out at the food court, have sloppy makeouts in the dressing room, loiter in the arcade, and collect nostalgic toys. Live the ultimate Gen X slacker dream, complete with pre-rendered 3D backgrounds, overly introspective twentysomethings, and a whole lot of window shopping.[/p][p]Experience lesbian dating with three girls (and one guy) to go out with! Five story routes, 50,000+ words, and more than 10 endings.[/p][p]Gay It Loud releases Spring 2026.[/p][p]Steam: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]London: Echoes of the Past:[/p][p]London: Echoes of The Past is a short yuri mystery visual novel that released in November 2025.[/p][p]A mysterious woman returns back from the dead, and the dusty past surfaces. Between a gloomy school girl and a glamorous ex-girlfriend, every clue interwines. Who is the mastermind behind the scene? Play as a detective heroine in 1935 London, embark on a journey of love and growth.[/p][p]Features over 90,000 words, 3 endings, and over 25 CGs. Plus, a bonus time travel side story![/p][p]Steam: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]Stellar Artificier Games: [/p][p]https://x.com/SAGames1009[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Occult Hand of the Blood Lily:[/p][p]A Gothic-Punk yuri visual novel about a magician on the run and her mysterious vampiric guardian. Journey by airship across a war-torn Europe and search for a legendary flower with the power to destroy nations.[/p][p]1877. The Dominion has fallen, and Europe has descended into fetid squalor. The Sky Wars rage on as raiders and crusaders duel in the air and pillage the ruined cities below. Vampiric lords carve up the continent and leave the scraps for distant empires to colonize and exploit.[/p][p]Milli and Ellison, a pair destined by fate and brought together by war, are the only ones who can destroy the Occult Hand once and for all by finding the legendary Blood Lily.[/p][p]Occult Hand of the Blood Lily releases in October 2026.[/p][p]Steam page coming very soon![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]About Yuri Kissaten:[/p][p]Yuri Kissaten is a game studio that makes narrative-focused games about girls loving girls, founded in 2024 by Fruz and Bea. We create experiences with strong stories and memorable characters. All Yuri Kissaten projects focus on LGBTQ+ characters and their relationships, romantic and otherwise. We hope you enjoy our games![/p][p]Visit the site: [/p][p]https://yurikissaten.com[/p][p][/p][p]Follow on Bluesky: [/p][p]https://bsky.app/profile/yurikissaten.com[/p][p][/p][p]Subscribe on Youtube: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]Support on Patreon: [/p][p]https://www.patreon.com/yurikissaten[/p][p][/p][p]Contact: [/p][p][email protected][/p][p][/p]

[p]Love is in the Airship is participating in this week's Choose Wisely Festival 2025, hosted by Studio Ephua.[/p][p][/p][p]Please check the festival out and look at all the recently released and upcoming narrative games all over Steam. There's lots of LGBTQ+ games included, as well.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]To help celebrate, Airship is currently 30% off, its deepest sale yet. The funniest Yuri dating sim of 2024 can also be the greatest gift to any lesbian in your life this holiday season. Just think about it.[/p][p][/p][p]Please support Yuri Kissaten as we try very hard to release 4+ games in 2026! We're also releasing free updates to this game throughout the year, so really, this game is the gift that keeps on giving. It helps us keep food in our bellies, and also helps that dear lesbian who's just aching for a game that keeps getting content updates after she's already beaten it.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Check out 9 Yuri games, including Life of a Dispatch English Teacher in Japan and Winter Heat, featured in the Yuri Kissaten Espresso showcase for Summer 2025![/p][p]Most of the showcased games are also available on Steam, so check them all out:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]So much Yuri!!!!![/p]

[p]Coming to Kickstarter on August 1st![/p][p]Winter Heat is more than a love story. It’s the texts, notes, games, and digital worlds of a couple across years of their lives. This wholesome visual novel chronicles a modern romance in a uniquely digital way.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Javiera Vera is a freelancer living in the sweltering summer of Maipú, Santiago, in Chile. Fukkoshi Shio is an office worker living in the snowy rural town of Miyazu, Kyoto, in Japan. Though they live on different sides of the world, they share something that transcends all boundaries: an internet connection.[/p][p]How will their friendship deepen during one special December? Find out through the apps Javi and Shio use every day.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We’re raising finishing funds for Winter Heat to help expand the game further and further. Not only will we have an extensive main story, but we’ll also have a boatload of in-story “apps.” Some are educational, some flesh out the characters, some are even full-fledged minigames.[/p][p]More Kickstarter backers means more in-universe apps to explore and even more content for the main storyline. Back the campaign to follow our progress…[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]…and let Javi and Shio’s story unfold.[/p][h3]Digital Love with Digital Apps[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Enjoy the classic late 00s browser-based kid-friendly MMO Froguelike in special flashback chapters \[Game not actually playable]! See how Javi and Shio first met as young teens, and how they reunited after many years apart.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Learn more about Javi and Shio’s towns through the Maps app. Find out the best spots in Kyoto and Santiago, the local haunts, and plan your inevitable Yuri Tourism trip.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]With the Wittier app, find Javi and Shio online—along with trolls and other weird strangers. Then smash keywords together to post engagement bait. Can you rack up 10,000 followers?[/p][p]We’re working on many more apps as well, and with your crowdfunding support, we can make them better and better. And, with stretch goals, we’ll even add brand-new apps![/p][h3]Welcome to Oomfie RPG[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]But of course, our most important app is a full-fledged sub-game: Oomfie RPG![/p][p]Each copy of Winter Heat comes with a ROM of one of Javi and Shio’s favorite nostalgic games (and pieces of riffing material): Oomfie World IV: The 1994 Saga of Turbo. Why does the title include “1994”? We’re not sure. Probably because that sounded futuristic in 1993.[/p][p]After her best friend Sam is sucked into the hot new game console, Oomfie must traverse the digital world of Turbo and collect pieces of the Virtual Cuboid Console to send them both back.[/p][p]Discover a comfy town and four mazelike adventure zones, switching from a classic overhead view to first-person face-offs in the Chili Forest and other whimsical locales.[/p][p]Every run through an adventure zone is different, with its own special events. Meet friends and not-so-friends on the road, and decide whether to trade, help, or run away really fast. The further you go, the more forks in the road.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Then oomf your way through tricky turn-based batles. Use Action Points to attack, but watch out: your AP is also your health! Healing at the right moments and reading your opponents’ moves are the keys to victory.[/p][p]You have space for eight moves…and items. Together. Will you pick up a weapon, or a healing hamburger? Make tough choices on the road, and pray that the merchant has a good selection.[/p][p]Only your customized Oomfie can beat all four adventure zones and save the day![/p][h3]And You’ve Gotta Help![/h3][p]Oomfie is counting on you to support our Kickstarter when it launches on August 1st! We’ll also be launching a brand-new demo on Steam and Itch so you can try out the new apps and the Oomfie RPG.[/p][p]We’re overjoyed to show the world this game that’s so close to our hearts.[/p][hr][/hr][p]Kickstarter link:[/p][p]https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thedude3445/winter-heat-yuri-visual-novel[/p][p][/p][p]Steam link:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Itch link:[/p][p]https://yuri-kissaten.itch.io/winter-heat[/p][p][/p][p]Press kit:[/p][p]https://yurikissaten.com/winter-heat-press-kit/[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Visit our site:[/p][p]https://yurikissaten.com[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Follow on Bluesky:[/p][p]https://bsky.app/profile/yurikissaten.com[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Subscribe on Youtube:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p]Support on Patreon:[/p][p]https://www.patreon.com/yurikissaten[/p][p][/p][p]
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