FAQ for Visual Novels and Printable Oracle Decks

Welcome to the Hasalynx Games' Frequently Asked Questions Section!

List of all questions answered below:

• Why are all games paid?
• Why were the demos discontinued?
• Why won't you list future games on Kickstarter?
• Why are all games marked as 18+ if they don't have explicit adult content?
• Will these games work on Mac or Linux? Or on my phone?
• How to install the games, and launch them?
• Your game flared up my Avast!
• Will the games be ever released on Steam?
• Help! I bought something that was removed!
• Why was the rating and comment section disabled?
• Are your games that you're selling respecting copyrights?
• Are you using AI content in your games?
• I saw your game updated to (website link). Can I buy it there?
• Can I review your games for (website link)?
• Can I record a gameplay for my Youtube channel?
• Can I return the game that I have bought?
• How can I contact you?
• How can I report a bug?
• Can I print more than just one copy of the deck?
• Can I take photos of the cards for my blog?
• Can I record a reading with those cards for my YouTube channel? And monetize the video?
• Can I use the cards in other creative projects?
• Can I use these cards to make a fortune-telling app for my website?
• Can I return the printable card deck that I have bought?

Why are all games paid?

We understand that there are many talented creators on itch.io who offer their games for free. As an indie start-up, we face financial constraints that make it challenging for us to follow the same model. Developing games requires significant investments of time, effort, and money. While we strive to deliver high-quality games, we have limitations on what we can offer for free.

Why were the demos discontinued?

We made the decision to discontinue offering demos because we found that people were downloading demos without purchasing the full versions. It's important to remember that our team relies on game sales to sustain themselves. 

While we do acknowledge that not everyone may be able to afford the full versions of our games, it is a fact that they have always been priced affordably, often equivalent to the cost of a cup of coffee.

Why won't you list future games on Kickstarter?

Launching a successful campaign on Kickstarter can be challenging. It requires time to build a supporter base, and donations are subject to different tax regulations. Additionally, unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading a studio to either abandon a project or make changes for various reasons. We would prefer not to let our supporters down in this way. Therefore, we choose to sell the games we have already developed rather than offering them for free.

Why are all games marked as 18+ if they don't have explicit adult content?

Some scenarios are derived from short stories, novels, and novellas that may include adult content. To ensure clarity, we choose to label all games as 18+ as a precaution.

Will these games work on Mac or Linux? Or on my phone?

Our games are currently exclusively available for PC Windows. They won’t work on Mac, Linux or phones. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

How to install the games, and launch them?

After purchase, you will find that the games are packaged in .rar archives. To extract a .rar archive, you will need WinRAR, a free software for extracting archives.

Once you have WinRar, right click on the archive and choose "Unpack here..." After unpacking, click twice on the folder. After opening it, you'll see another folder, and a list of files. Please find the .exe file with the game's icon, and click on it twice to launch the game. Make sure not to move the .exe file out of the folder, as then, the game won't work!

Tip: As you play, new files might appear in the folder, since the game writes down your progress. To save your game, though, you must make a save through the game's main menu.

Your game flared up my Avast!

Unfortunately, all games exported from TyranoBuilder Visual Novel Engine, flare up Avast. We don't know why this happens, but can guarantee that the original versions of our games (the ones you're buying on this itch.io shop) are safe and free from viruses. We take the safety of our players very seriously.

Will the games be ever released on Steam?

Most likely not. After carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages, we have chosen to remain exclusive to itch.io. One significant factor in our decision to not release on Steam is the notably high publishing costs and the inability to have troll feedback removed.

We are generally receptive to criticism and appreciate negative feedback as it aids in our growth as a game studio. However, we have minimal tolerance for hate speech and derogatory "your mom" type comments.

Help! I bought something that was removed!

If you have purchased something that has been removed, please note that it is your responsibility to download it within two weeks of purchase. We cannot guarantee that the same games will always be available, as occasionally we may take them down. Hasalynx Games retains the right to remove its projects when necessary.

Why was the rating and comment section disabled?

The decision to disable the rating and comment section was made to proactively prevent potential abuse. In the current climate, there is a concerning level of negativity directed towards AI-generated content, and we have opted to shield our platform from hurtful comments. Additionally, our games tackle sensitive topics such as LGBT issues, and it is our priority to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment free from any form of trolling.

Are your games that you're selling respecting copyrights?

Yes, during the pre-AI era games, only resources that were licensed as public domain or available for commercial use without requiring attribution were utilized. In instances where attribution was mandated, such as with music, proper credit was duly given.

In the case of AI-era games, we employ a premium engine that prioritizes upholding copyright laws. It explicitly forbids the inclusion of copyrighted images or photos in its image database. Furthermore, all images generated by this engine are recognized as unique, original creations credited to the individual creating them.

We also utilize AI technology to assist in generating texts. Our approach involves utilizing a premium professional engine for this purpose. 

In cases where original published texts were utilized, they were either in the public domain, making them free for redistribution and commercial use, or we obtained the required copyright permissions from the authors. Rest assured, there is no need for any concerns regarding this matter.

Are you using AI content in your games?

Yes, we firmly believe in the power of AI. AI is a valuable tool and can be highly beneficial when used responsibly, with due consideration for copyrights, among other factors. Please refer to the previous question to discover more about how Hasalynx Games prioritizes copyright protection.

I saw your game updated to (website link). Can I buy it there?

Hasalynx Games exclusively operates on itch.io. If you come across our game being shared on other platforms, even if it's for review purposes, please be aware that it has been done without our authorization, and unfortunately, we are unable to take any action in such cases. We strongly advise against purchasing our games from unauthorized sources, as these may not be genuine copies, and you may be uncertain about the product you are acquiring. Aside this, the money doesn’t go to us, but to the third party that broke our copyright!

Can I review your games for (website link)?

If you wish to review our game for your personal blog, you are welcome to do so. However, if the review is intended for publication on another platform such as Visual Novel Database, please note that this requires prior written consent from Hasalynx Games.

Can I record a gameplay for my Youtube channel?

We only allow gameplay recordings that feature your face and voice. Recording and uploading our games to YouTube without these elements can negatively impact our sales. So, we do not encourage them. 

Can I return the game that I have bought?

Typically, Hasalynx Games does not offer refunds, as once the game is downloaded, there is always a chance that it will be played... We do, however, support returns in case where the game doesn’t run on your computer. If this is your case, please kindly reach out to itch.io support for assistance. Refunds cannot be processed directly from our studio's page – we do not have this power.

How can I contact you?

Please contact one of our team members, Rachel Chen, here, with your inquiry. Before the main content of your comment, do write (HASALYNX GAMES) so that it is clear where you came from.

How can I report a bug?

Please contact one of our team members, Rachel Chen, here, with your inquiry. Before the main content of your comment, do write (HASALYNX GAMES) so that it is clear where you came from. We will take care of it as soon as only possible. In the meantime, thank you for being patient with our games! We plan to offer an option to become a Hasalynx Tester (volunteer) in the future.

Can I print more than just one copy of the deck?

You are allowed to print up to five physical copies of this deck, for the sole purpose of gifting them (free of charge!) to your friends / family. Making more physical copies and gifting / selling them to others counts as illegal distribution of copyrighted material, so please don't do it.

Can I take photos of the cards for my blog?

You are permitted to capture photos of the cards solely for the purpose of deck review. Please refrain from uploading these photos to stock galleries at a later time. Also, please keep in mind that taking photos of singular cards, or screenshotting them with the purpose of sharing with others, is not allowed because it counts as illegal distribution of copyrighted material.

Can I record a reading with those cards for my YouTube channel? And monetize the video?

Yes, definitely! We would greatly appreciate it. Kindly remember to include the link to the cards in your video description for viewers who may be interested in purchasing them.

Can I use the cards in other creative projects?

No, these cards are considered a final product and cannot be viewed or utilized as a resource to be integrated into other creative projects. Incorporating them into other games (physical or digital), apps, websites, or crypto/NFT projects is strictly prohibited. Please refrain from doing so.

Can I use these cards to make a fortune-telling app for my website?

No, unfortunately, that counts as use in other creative projects and we don’t allow it. Please refer to the previous point for detailed explanations.

Can I return the printable card deck that I have bought?

Hasalynx Games does not support refunds, as once the print & play game is downloaded, there is a possibility that it may be printed and played. Still, if you have not downloaded the printable card deck yet, you may contact itch.io support directly and ask for a refund.