# A year of springs

> 2021 video game

**Wikidata**: [Q110037713](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110037713)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a-year-of-springs

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for *A Year of Springs*:

---

## Summary  
*A Year of Springs* is a 2021 visual novel video game developed by Japanese indie developer npckc. It follows slice-of-life narratives and is available on multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, and consoles. The game explores themes of identity and relationships through minimalist storytelling.

## Key Facts  
- **Genre**: Visual novel  
- **Developer**: npckc (Japanese indie developer)  
- **Publisher**: Ratalaika Games (for consoles) and npckc (for PC/mobile)  
- **Initial Release Date**: May 14, 2021 (itch.io/PC), with subsequent releases on Steam (September 29, 2021), Android (November 4, 2021), and consoles (December 10, 2021)  
- **Platforms**: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch  
- **Game Modes**: Single-player  
- **Ratings**: ESRB Teen (for sexual themes), PEGI 12  
- **Languages**: Supports 9 languages, including English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese  
- **Distribution**: Digital download via Steam, itch.io, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, and Google Play  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is *A Year of Springs* about?  
A: It’s a visual novel exploring slice-of-life stories with themes of identity and relationships, presented through minimalist art and narrative.  

### Q: On which platforms can I play *A Year of Springs*?  
A: The game is available on PC (Windows/macOS/Linux), mobile (Android), and consoles (PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch).  

### Q: Who developed *A Year of Springs*?  
A: It was created by npckc, a Japanese indie developer, with console versions published by Spain-based Ratalaika Games.  

## Why It Matters  
*A Year of Springs* stands out in the visual novel genre for its accessible, emotionally resonant storytelling and cross-platform availability. Its minimalist design and focus on LGBTQ+ themes cater to niche audiences often underserved by mainstream games. The collaboration between npckc and Ratalaika Games highlights the growing influence of indie developers in global markets, particularly in bringing diverse narratives to consoles. Its multi-language support further broadens its appeal, making it a notable example of indie games bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.  

## Notable For  
- **Multiplatform Release**: Rare for an indie visual novel to launch simultaneously on PC, mobile, and major consoles.  
- **Language Support**: Offers 9 languages, including less commonly supported ones like Thai and Brazilian Portuguese.  
- **Deck Verified**: Officially compatible with Steam Deck, ensuring optimized handheld play.  
- **Indie Collaboration**: Combines Japanese development with Spanish publishing for wider distribution.  

## Body  
### Development and Release  
- Developed by npckc, a Japanese indie studio.  
- Initial release on itch.io (May 14, 2021), followed by Steam (September 29, 2021).  
- Console versions published by Ratalaika Games (December 10, 2021).  

### Technical Details  
- **Engine**: Not specified in source material.  
- **Ratings**: ESRB Teen (sexual themes), PEGI 12.  
- **Steam Deck**: Verified for compatibility (April 27, 2023).  

### Distribution  
- Digital-only, available on:  
  - PC: Steam, itch.io  
  - Consoles: PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop  
  - Mobile: Google Play  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "A Year of Springs",
  "description": "A 2021 visual novel exploring slice-of-life narratives, developed by npckc.",
  "url": "https://ayearofsprings.crd.co",
  "gamePlatform": ["Windows", "macOS", "Linux", "Android", "PlayStation 4", "PlayStation 5", "Xbox Series X", "Xbox Series S", "Nintendo Switch"],
  "author": {"@type": "Organization", "name": "npckc"},
  "genre": "Visual novel",
  "datePublished": "2021-05-14",
  "playMode": "Single-player",
  "contentRating": "ESRB Teen"
}

## References

1. Microsoft Store
2. Steam
3. [Source](https://npckc.itch.io/a-year-of-springs/devlog/253254/a-year-of-springs-out-now)
4. [Source](https://apptopia.com/google-play/app/com.npckc.ayos/about)
5. Nintendo eShop
6. RAWG
7. GameSpot
8. [Great on Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
9. Q124398839
10. PlayStation Store
11. Q117507113
12. Q117506892