Visual Arts Unveils New Brand VISUAL ARTS Scripts and First Game Sayagatari
Visual Arts, a name synonymous with deeply emotional and narrative-rich experiences in the visual novel world, has just made an exciting announcement that is set to captivate fans worldwide. The company has officially launched its brand new visual novel label, VISUAL ARTS Scripts, signaling a fresh wave of captivating stories for players to immerse themselves in. Alongside this significant reveal, the inaugural title under the new brand has also been announced: Sayagatari -Promise of the Cursed Blade- (Sayagatari -Yōtō no Yakusoku-), slated for release this year.
This highly anticipated new game will first be available as a physical release, a treat for collectors and traditionalists, before making its way to Steam at a later date, ensuring accessibility for a broader global audience. The introduction of VISUAL ARTS Scripts promises to uphold the high standards of storytelling that fans have come to expect from Visual Arts, while potentially exploring new creative horizons.
Sayagatari: A Romantic Tale of Cursed Blades and Fateful Kisses
The narrative of Sayagatari -Promise of the Cursed Blade- immediately draws players into a world of supernatural intrigue and blossoming romance. The story begins with ex-Kendo practitioner Kanemori Toya, whose life takes an unexpected turn after he dispels a seal on a forbidden shrine. This act leads him to a mysterious encounter with Saya, a girl who wields a unique sword. Toya, with his inherent obsession for blades, instinctively reaches for the weapon, only to discover it is a cursed blade that awakens a terrifying urge to commit murder within him.
His salvation comes in a dramatic and intimate form: a kiss from Saya. This kiss is not merely an expression of affection but possesses a special power capable of undoing the blade's curse. Saya then enlists Toya's help, urging him to work with her to destroy other demonic blades that plague their world. As they embark on this perilous journey, living together under one roof and battling formidable demons with the very demonic blade Toya now wields, their bond deepens. The Steam page teases an intriguing development: the meaning behind Saya's life-saving kisses begins to subtly change, hinting at an evolving romantic dynamic. Players are promised an unforgettable romantic experience, filled with action, mystery, and plenty of tender moments.
The creative team behind Sayagatari is equally impressive. Mii Yamaya is credited for crafting the game's compelling scenario, while Taisuke Takanashi provides the atmospheric music. The original illustrations that bring the characters and world to life are drawn by Riichu, and the charming SD (Super Deformed) illustrations are handled by Pero.
Expanding Horizons: Two More Intriguing Projects Teased
Beyond Sayagatari, VISUAL ARTS Scripts has already teased two other fascinating game projects currently in development, showcasing the brand's diverse narrative ambitions.
One of these projects is Tekkai Jōsai no Haika (The Ash-Gray Flower of the Iron Rebar Fortresses), featuring art by chibi and scenario by Kōji Dōgu. This game is set a century after a catastrophic fire, in a world where the burnt-out, abandoned hulls of illegally constructed buildings are ominously referred to as "Iron Rebar Fortresses." The story follows Yuma Kuze, an archeologist on an expedition, who encounters a mysterious girl named Haika within these desolate fortresses. Haika's declaration, "I'm searching here for a treasure worth dying for," sets the stage for an intriguing quest.
The second teased project is Honjō Renyoku to Ushinawareta Naharas, with art by Yōko. This title transports players to Showa 44 (1969), a time brimming with excitement over the Apollo 11 mission's historic moon landing in July. Amidst this global fervor, the protagonist encounters a peculiar girl in Kanda-Jinbōchō, Tokyo's renowned district for secondhand books. Unlike the rest of the world gazing skyward, this girl remains unconcerned with the Space Age. Instead, she meticulously scours the book-laden streets below, like a hungry cormorant seeking prey, in search of a single, rare book: Nietzsche's Wahnsinn, a tome so elusive it might not even exist.
The Vision Behind VISUAL ARTS Scripts and Visual Arts' Legacy
Visual Arts describes its new VISUAL ARTS Scripts brand as a visual novel label dedicated to enabling "emotional experiences that change the everyday world." This mission statement aligns perfectly with Visual Arts' long-standing reputation for delivering profound and impactful stories through its beloved Key brand.
Key has an illustrious history of creating iconic visual novels that have garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim. Franchises like Kanon, Air, Clannad, Little Busters!, and Rewrite are celebrated for their compelling characters, intricate plots, and ability to evoke strong emotional responses from players. More recently, the Key brand continued its success with Summer Pockets, launched for PC in June 2018 in Japan, with updated versions and an English release on Steam in February 2020, and even an anime adaptation premiering in April 2025. Visual Arts/Key also announced the anemoi romantic adventure game in 2024, slated for an April 24 release in Japan.
With the launch of VISUAL ARTS Scripts, Visual Arts is clearly expanding its commitment to crafting diverse and meaningful visual novel experiences. The new brand, with its initial offerings, appears poised to continue the company's legacy of storytelling excellence, promising fresh narratives that will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The future of visual novels looks bright under this new banner.
