It is almost exclusively used with the KAG (KiriKiri Adventure Game System) framework as a visual novel engine.
As TyranoBuilder is to TyranoScript, there are several programs which create a graphical editor on top of the KAG script.
[10] Due to a lack of updates since October 2010, from 2013 onward the code has been forked and continued as Kirikiri Z (吉里吉里Z).
A number of cross-platform clones have been written, the best-known being ONScripter,[14] an example of free and open-source software implementation.
Its popularity among the visual novel localisation community is attributed to the ease of modifying the engine to support languages other than Japanese.
Its stated goal is to provide an easy porting target for translation projects, with emphasis on Western languages.
Since September 2009, it is maintained by Mion of Sonozaki Futago-tachi, the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni translation group.
[17][18][19] NVList is an open source visual novel engine that runs on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and even online (through an applet).
[25] It features an easy to learn script language[26] that allows anyone to efficiently write large visual novels that can contain more advanced RPG mechanics like an inventory[27] and quests.
[33] The provided Visual Debugger allows easy testing of scripts, and facilitates packaging of game files.
Projects created in this engine can be compiled for use on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and browser-based web apps.
[34][35] Geek & Sundry said it uses "a simple drag-and-drop system and the interface makes it easy to see how the scene will look as you change elements on the fly.
[37] TyranoBuilder acts as an interface for TyranoScript, a web-focused engine created in Japanese language[38] (a partial English version exists).
[citation needed] Asobu, an independent game development community and shared workspace,[40] hosted a TyranoBuilder Meetup in Japan in January 2020.