MetaWare High School (Demo) is a meta-narrative visual novel released by Not Fun Games in 2020. Characters who know they live in the game face players directly, discussing choices, destinations, and their own existence.
| Title of the work | MetaWare High School (Demo) |
|---|---|
| The publication date listed in the materials | 2020-04-02 |
| Platform | PC |
| Genre | Visual Novel |
| Development | Not Fun Games |
| Game engine | Ren'Py |
| Website address recorded by the source | https://not-fun-games.itch.io/metaware-high-school |
Characters in the "demo."
Chris looks forward to seeing players but cannot be sure if the so-called full version will exist; Hope invites players to visit a mochi shop; Aspen hopes to achieve a better ending through the help of the player. Nari refused to make a statement during the official introduction, while Isadora was dissatisfied with the order of the introduction. The characters' different understandings of the game itself form part of the communication.
Selection and work form
The game uses RenPy, where players enter different branches and endings through dialogue options. The author provides a full experience duration of about two to three hours. The 2020 notes described the game as both a standalone complete experience and an underdeveloped concept prototype; "Demo" is not just about the trial content waiting for future unlocks.
Background of the Creation
Marc Laroussini composed music under the name Ahmaykmewsik, released the game under the name Not Fun Games, and was responsible for the script, code, and music for the game. The main image materials were produced by SparkBag, Keeby, and Alexander A. McDonald. In the fifth anniversary review, the author explained that the project was formed during his studies at the California Institute of the Arts and was supported by the "Heartbeat Literary Department!" The narrative style that hides the real type is influenced by the film.
Original sound and additional materials
The original soundtrack consists of 25 tracks, approximately 74 minutes long, produced using Logic Pro. Special Features also include a 45-page developer commentary booklet, unused music and sounds, and about ten minutes of early playable prototypes.
Release and Subsequent Maintenance
The game was released on April 2, 2020, and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Update 1.1.0.0 on January 31, 2025 upgraded RenPy from 7.2.2 to 7.8.4, improved Linux endgame features, and added graphical and accessibility menus. The older engine version will continue to be reserved for older systems; The author also announced that the main content will be locked, with future focus on compatibility maintenance.
Source: Structured works maintained by the Bangumi community, filtered and rearranged by this site.
Related entries
- Characters:Chris（MetaWare）
- Characters:Hope（MetaWare）
- Characters:Aspen（MetaWare）
- Characters:Nari（MetaWare）
- Characters:Isadora（MetaWare）
- Script/Program/Music:Marc Laroussini
- Original Soundtrack:MetaWare High School (Demo) Soundtrack
- Creating Materials Pack:MetaWare High School (Demo) Special Features
- Updated versions:MetaWare High School (Demo) 1.1.0.0
- Creative Impact:Heartbeat Literature Club!
References
- Bangumi work entry: MetaWare High School (Demo)
- Bangumi Copyright Notice
- Not Fun Games：MetaWare High School (Demo)
- Not Fun Games：Questions Answered & The Future of MetaWare
- Not Fun Games: 1.1.0.0 update
- Not Fun Games: Fifth Anniversary Review
- Not Fun Games: MetaWare Original Soundtrack Product Information
Source author: Bangumi article contributor and community maintainer; License: CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/); Adaptation: This site filters and reorganizes structured facts, without copying the article summary.
Data compiled on: 2026-10-07.