Short version: a quick reference for the genre and community terms used around adult indie games, so you can read a game page or a changelog without guessing.
Game types
- Visual novel (VN): story told through text, character art and backgrounds, with choices that change what happens. Browse visual novels.
- Kinetic novel: a visual novel with no choices, read like a book.
- Sandbox: you choose where to go and what to do each day, with events unlocking over time. Sandbox games.
- RPG: combat, exploration and progression alongside the story. RPGs.
- Dating sim: focused on building relationships with characters.
- Otome: romance games with a female lead, aimed mostly at women. BL (boys' love) focuses on male/male romance. Otome & BL.
Story and choices
- LI (love interest): a character you can romance.
- Route: a story branch, often focused on one LI.
- Flag / points: hidden values your choices change, which unlock scenes or endings later.
- Harem route: a path where you pursue several love interests at once.
- Gallery / replay room: a menu to rewatch scenes you've unlocked.
- Walkthrough: a guide (or an in-game mod) showing which choices lead where.
Content tags
Adult games use tags so players can find what they like and avoid what they don't. Good developers list them clearly on the game page and in-game, often with toggles to turn specific content off. Always check the tags and content warnings before buying.
Development and releases
- Early access / WIP: the game is released in parts while still being made.
- Public build: the version everyone can get, usually a few weeks behind.
- Patron build: the newest version, released first to paying supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar.
- Changelog: list of what changed in each update. Read it to know if your saves still work.
- Complete: the story is finished. Some players wait for this to buy once and play it all.
- Demo: a free first part to try before buying.
Tech terms
- Ren'Py, RPG Maker, Unity: the most common engines. How to tell which one a game uses.
- APK: an Android app file, installed outside Google Play. Android guide.
- DRM-free: no copy protection; the files are yours. What DRM-free means.
- Rollback: going back to earlier lines in a Ren'Py game, often to change a choice.
- Patch: a file that updates or restores content. How to install one safely.
FAQ
What does LI mean in adult games?
LI stands for love interest: a character you can romance.
What is the difference between a visual novel and a sandbox game?
A visual novel follows a story with choices at key moments. A sandbox lets you choose where to go and what to do each day, and story events unlock as you play.
What is a patron build?
The newest version of a game in development, released first to supporters on Patreon or SubscribeStar. The public build follows later.
What does 'complete' mean on an adult game?
The developer has finished the story. Some players wait for the complete version to buy once and play everything.