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I Write Games Not Tragedies

An emo-inspired narrative rhythm game exploring growing pains, addiction, romance and music. Scream with Ash as he makes the transition from baby bat to elder emo, guide him through his crash outs and help him navigate his (teenage) dirtbag life through music.

Steam Page
Developer
Release
November 14, 2025
261 days ago
Steam Reviews
Very Positive54 reviews100.0%

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Updated: Jul 14, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
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About the Game

“Sometimes I wish all of my pain was fake

I Write Games Not Tragedies is a narrative-driven rhythm game that pays homage to British emo and goth subcultures. Follow Ash’s journey of self-discovery from young goth in the early 2000s to elder emo in the 2020s, via a battle with addiction in the 2010s.

Welcome to the goth parade

Like most baby bats, Ash’s secondary school life is not so great. Trapped and feeling misunderstood by so-called friends and the awful popular kids, his only solace is the punk music playing through his Skullcandy headphones… and maybe a certain beautiful blonde normie - except why does he have to be so nice?!

From eyeliner to exhaustion and everything in between, Ash tells it all. Explore his past and present while glimpsing into his future all in characteristically cringe glory.



Give them hell

When life feels like it’s becoming all too much, just take to the stage inside your head and rock out! Hit the important lyrics to the beat and sing or scream your lungs out during the chorus. Try to get the emo thermometer to the max, the louder the better!

Key Features

  • A witty, sarcastic and self-depreciating narrative about growing up while struggling with romance, addiction and self-acceptance

  • Sketchy, messy art that represents our fractured soul.. we’re in the business of misery, folks

  • A vibes-based rhythm game, just feel the beat pulsing through your veins!

  • Original music by indie punk rock artists from the United Kingdom, Japan and Hong Kong

  • Enough cringe to set you free