Black Closet

Lore & Background

Black Closet was developed by Hanako Games founder Georgina Bensley, a full-time independent game developer for ten years prior to the game's release. The game was created in a customized fork of the Ren'Py engine and was initially prototyped on paper to test the gameplay concept. Development took roughly three years. The concept was inspired by the espionage work in Floor 13 and Bensley's own experience in an Episcopalian private school, with some situations drawn from real-life events she had seen. The RPG aspects were influenced by western RPG series such as Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age, emphasizing freedom to shape the character's personality and story.

Reader's Guide

Black Closet combines visual novel storytelling with strategy RPG mechanics. Players control Elsa, a student at the prestigious all-girls school St. Claudine's, who becomes student council president. She must solve procedurally-generated mysteries to increase her leadership abilities, using a group of fellow student assistants. One of these students is a traitor, and Elsa must discover their identity. The game also includes yuri elements, allowing players to romance up to five women. The game was well received by critics, with Katherine Cross of Rock, Paper, Shotgun noting it 'punctures misogynist stereotypes around teen dramas,' and Graham Smith calling it a 'smart, well-written, choice-and-consequences game.' Leigh Alexander of Boing Boing found the concept 'engaging' and 'refreshing.' John Bridgman of Indiegames.com called the concept 'interesting' despite saying it 'lacks polish.' The game was an IGF finalist for Excellence in Narrative in 2016.

Did You Know?

• Black Closet was a finalist for the Excellence in Narrative award at the 2016 Independent Games Festival.
• The game was developed in a customized fork of the Ren'Py engine.
• The concept was inspired by the espionage work in Floor 13 and the developer's own experience in an Episcopalian private school.
• The game's RPG aspects were inspired by western RPG series such as Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age.