# Scarlet Hollow

> 2020 horror visual novel

**Wikidata**: [Q117448550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117448550)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Hollow)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/scarlet-hollow

## Summary
*Scarlet Hollow* is a 2020 horror visual novel developed by indie studio Black Tabby Games, blending supernatural horror, dating sim elements, and a branching narrative. Released episodically, it follows a protagonist navigating eerie events in a small town, garnering critical acclaim for its storytelling and atmosphere.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: The game's demo launched on **September 25, 2020**, with full episodes released between **2021–2022**.
- **Developer**: Created by **Black Tabby Games**, an indie studio, and written by **Abby Howard**.
- **Genre**: A **horror visual novel** with elements of **supernatural horror** and **dating sim**.
- **Platforms**: Available on **Microsoft Windows**, **macOS**, and **Linux**, with verified compatibility for **Steam Deck**.
- **Engine**: Built using **Ren'Py**, a popular visual novel engine released in **2004**.
- **Episodic Structure**: Divided into **4 episodes**, released sequentially between **2021–2022**.
- **Critical Reception**: Scored **84/100** on OpenCritic (Top Critic Average) and **100% recommendation** from critics.
- **Funding**: Successfully crowdfunded via **Kickstarter**, raising **$81,814** from **2,726 backers**.
- **Distribution**: Sold on **Steam**, **itch.io**, and **Humble Store** as a digital download.

## FAQs
### Q: What is *Scarlet Hollow* about?
A: *Scarlet Hollow* is a horror visual novel where players navigate a supernatural mystery in a small town, making choices that affect relationships and outcomes. It blends horror, romance, and branching narratives.

### Q: Who developed *Scarlet Hollow*?
A: The game was developed by **Black Tabby Games**, an indie studio, with **Abby Howard** as the primary author.

### Q: On which platforms can I play *Scarlet Hollow*?
A: It is available on **Windows**, **macOS**, and **Linux**, with verified support for **Steam Deck**.

### Q: How many episodes does *Scarlet Hollow* have?
A: The game consists of **4 episodes**, released between **2021 and 2022**.

### Q: Did *Scarlet Hollow* receive positive reviews?
A: Yes, it holds an **84/100** score on OpenCritic and a **100% recommendation** from critics.

## Why It Matters
*Scarlet Hollow* stands out in the visual novel genre by seamlessly integrating horror, romance, and player-driven storytelling. Its episodic format and crowdfunding success demonstrate the viability of indie horror narratives, while its critical acclaim highlights the growing demand for mature, branching narratives in gaming. The game’s use of **Ren'Py** also showcases the engine’s flexibility for indie developers. By blending supernatural horror with relationship-building mechanics, it appeals to both horror fans and visual novel enthusiasts, pushing boundaries in interactive storytelling.

## Notable For
- **High Critical Acclaim**: Achieved an **84/100** OpenCritic score and **100% critic recommendation**.
- **Successful Crowdfunding**: Raised **$81,814** from **2,726 Kickstarter backers**.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: One of few indie visual novels verified for **Steam Deck**.
- **Unique Genre Blend**: Combines **horror**, **dating sim**, and **supernatural mystery** in a branching narrative.
- **Episodic Release Model**: Pioneered a structured, episodic approach for indie visual novels.

## Body
### Development and Release
- Developed by **Black Tabby Games**, an indie studio specializing in narrative-driven games.
- Written by **Abby Howard**, known for her work in webcomics and interactive fiction.
- The **demo** launched on **September 25, 2020**, with full episodes released as follows:
  - **Episode 1**: June 11, 2021
  - **Episode 2**: March 7, 2022
  - **Episode 3**: December 3, 2022

### Gameplay and Features
- **Genre**: Horror visual novel with **supernatural themes**, **romance options**, and **branching pathways**.
- **Engine**: Built using **Ren'Py**, an open-source visual novel engine.
- **Game Modes**: Single-player only, with choices affecting relationships and story outcomes.
- **Platforms**: Officially supports **Windows**, **macOS**, and **Linux**, with **Steam Deck** verification.

### Reception and Distribution
- **OpenCritic Scores**:
  - **84/100** (Top Critic Average, as of December 8, 2022).
  - **100% recommendation** from critics (as of February 21, 2026).
- **Distribution**: Available on **Steam**, **itch.io**, and **Humble Store**.
- **Kickstarter Success**: Funded in **2022**, raising **$81,814** from **2,726 backers**.

### Technical Details
- **Steam ID**: **1609230**
- **Compatibility**: Verified for **Steam Deck** ("Great on Deck" status).
- **Language**: Primarily in **English**, with limited localization.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "VideoGame",
  "name": "Scarlet Hollow",
  "description": "A 2020 horror visual novel developed by Black Tabby Games, blending supernatural horror and dating sim elements in an episodic format.",
  "url": "https://www.blacktabbygames.com/press-sh",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107542665",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Hollow"
  ],
  "gamePlatform": [
    "Microsoft Windows",
    "macOS",
    "Linux",
    "Steam Deck"
  ],
  "author": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Black Tabby Games"
  },
  "genre": [
    "Horror",
    "Visual Novel",
    "Supernatural",
    "Dating Sim"
  ],
  "datePublished": "2020-09-25",
  "operatingSystem": [
    "Windows",
    "macOS",
    "Linux"
  ]
}

## References

1. Steam
2. OpenCritic
3. [Source](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1609230/view/3647382450227569952)
4. GameSpot
5. [Great on Deck](https://store.steampowered.com/greatondeck)
6. [Source](https://gamerprofiles.com/game/v7Xx2/Scarlet-Hollow)
7. Q124398839
8. Gematsu