I Write Games Not Tragedies
Release date: Nov 14, 2025
Developers: Studio Wife
Publishers: Yotsuba Interactive
Genres: Adventure, Casual, Indie
Categories: Single-player, Steam Achievements, Family Sharing
Supported languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

“Sometimes I wish all of my pain was fake ” I Write Games Not Tragedies is a narrative-driven rhythm game that pays homage to British emo and goth subcultures. Follow Ash’s journey of self-discovery from young goth in the early 2000s to elder emo in the 2020s, via a battle with addiction in the 2010s. Welcome to the goth parade Like most baby bats, Ash’s secondary school life is not so great. Trapped and feeling misunderstood by so-called friends and the awful popular kids, his only solace is the punk music playing through his Skullcandy headphones… and maybe a certain beautiful blonde normie - except why does he have to be so nice?! From eyeliner to exhaustion and everything in between, Ash tells it all. Explore his past and present while glimpsing into his future all in characteristically cringe glory. Give them hell When life feels like it’s becoming all too much, just take to the stage inside your head and rock out! Hit the important lyrics to the beat and sing or scream your lungs out during the chorus. Try to get the emo thermometer to the max, the louder the better! Key Features A witty, sarcastic and self-depreciating narrative about growing up while struggling with romance, addiction and self-acceptance Sketchy, messy art that represents our fractured soul.. we’re in the business of misery, folks A vibes-based rhythm game, just feel the beat pulsing through your veins! Original music by indie punk rock artists from the United Kingdom, Japan and Hong Kong Enough cringe to set you free 

Press reviews: “Exactly The Glorious Emo Cringefest It Sounds Like” The Gamer “Although it’s a bit hard to imagine what this game is about, once you actually play it, you find it’s a delicate work that you’d never expect from its outrageous visuals.” 4gamer “Though Ash is bewildered when the popular Ade starts talking to him, the way he gradually opens up has a faintly bittersweet quality that even a grown-up journalist can’t help but find heart-fluttering.” Famitsu 

Notes: "I Write Games Not Tragedies," explores alcohol abuse and mental health struggles as key narrative themes. If you have a sensitivity to these topics, we recommend that you play with care. The game also contains references to tobacco, self-harm and casual sex.