Visual Arts Announces New Brand "VISUAL ARTS Scripts": First Stop Sayagatari!
The giant of the visual novel world, Visual Arts, has made a major announcement that has excited its fans. The company behind genre cornerstones such as Clannad, Air, and Kanon has officially introduced its new brand, named VISUAL ARTS Scripts. The first fruit of this new venture, Sayagatari -Promise of the Cursed Blade-, is preparing to meet players in 2026. The company did not stop with just one game, revealing two other projects currently in development and presenting an ambitious vision for the future of the genre.
The first game in the series, Sayagatari -Promise of the Cursed Blade-, tells the mystical story of Kanemori Tōya, a former kendo athlete with a passion for swords. When Tōya breaks the seal of a forbidden shrine, he falls under the influence of a cursed blade that fills him with an uncontrollable urge to kill. The only power that can save him from this dark curse is the "healing" kisses of Saya, the shrine maiden who is the sword's true guardian. The game's scenario is written by rising talent Mii Yamaya, while the character designs bear the signature of the famous illustrator Riichu, known for The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess series.
This new brand move is seen as one of the biggest strategic steps for Visual Arts since its acquisition by tech giant Tencent in 2023. Genki Tenkumo, who took the CEO seat following the retirement of company founder Takahiro Baba, defined the brand's goal as "offering emotional experiences that change the everyday world." The other two announced games, Tekkai Jōsai no Haika and the retro-styled, Nietzsche-themed Honjō Renyoku to Ushinawareta Naharas, prove that the brand will focus not only on romance but also on philosophical and mystery-filled stories.
For visual novel enthusiasts, this development is an indication that the genre is not just sticking to its classic roots but expanding with new forms of storytelling. VISUAL ARTS Scripts plans to release its games first as physical editions in Japan, and subsequently in the global market via Steam. In particular, how the famous emotional depth of the Key studio will take shape in these new projects has already become one of the most discussed topics within the community. 2026 looks set to be a very busy and emotionally charged year for visual novel lovers.
