Develop and debug a game with your BFF in upcoming Japanese indie RPG/visual novel Debug Girl

Japanese publisher Waku Waku Games announced the action RPG Debug Girl by indie developer Chicken. The game is scheduled for release in 2024 for the PC (Steam). 

Debug Girl is a game that combines elements of a 2D action game with the elements of a visual novel. The story revolves around the debugging process of game development. The main character of Debug Girl just so happens to reunite with their high school friend Sakura Kurumi for the first time in 2 years while visiting a game shop. The two of them hit it off and decide to use their summer vacation to work on making a new game together. 

Sakura Kurumi is a big fan of the games made by the main character, and is good at playing video games, so she is put in charge of the debugging process. She plays the action RPG developed by the protagonist, and reports each bug that she finds in order to improve the quality of the game. There are various bugs in each stage of the game, and Sakura deals out criticism enthusiastically, saying things like “It’s not working at all!” and “I can’t pick up the items!” 

Players can actually play the action RPG part of Debug Girl in the role of Sakura, aiming to defeat various powerful enemies and beat the game while looking for bugs. This game within a game is an action side scroller where you fight enemies with your sword, and you can strengthen your character by defeating enemies and acquiring skill points and items. There is also a skill tree and an alchemy system. 

Debug Girl also has visual novel-like segments. As Sakura guides the main character with her straightforward and bright personality, they don’t only work on the game, but also enjoy their summer together by going to the beach and whatnot. This component features a favorability system and multiple endings based on choices made, with the story branching out depending on the player’s choices. 
 

This game is being made by Japanese indie developer Chicken, who has created novel games and action games so far. The heroine Sakura Kurumi was designed by Pico Games, known for their involvement in titles such as Witch Explorer and Doll Explorer.  

Debug Girl is scheduled for release on PC (Steam) in 2024. 

Written by. Sean Parker Sullivan based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2023-11-07 19:01 JST)