The player reads through the story, making choices that determine its direction, and takes the role of college student Ichiko Hanamaki, who goes to the town of Okunezato to investigate the disappearance of her brother together with her friend Hino Kagutsuchi.

The game was directed and written by Tomio Kanazawa, with character designs by Chinatsu Kurahana and music by Yuki Sugiura.

Throughout the game, items are added to the player's "TIPS" glossary, including explanations of terms and background stories for characters and locations.

[3] 7'scarlet was developed by Otomate and Toybox Inc.,[1] and was directed and written by Deadly Premonition producer Tomio Kanazawa,[4][5] with character designs by Chinatsu Kurahana,[6] and music by Yuki Sugiura.

[7] Famitsu gave the game their Gold Hall of Fame award, saying that they enjoyed its mystery theme and how it was well integrated with the otome format despite how it was unusual to see the two elements combined.