In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing Ren'Py 7.7.3 on your Chromebook. Ren'Py is a popular visual novel engine that allows you to create interactive stories with ease. Whether you're a budding game developer or just curious about visual novel creation, this tutorial will help you get started.

Compatibility Note

Before we begin, it's important to note that this tutorial is specifically designed for Chromebooks with Intel or AMD CPUs that support Linux Apps. Unfortunately, Chromebooks with ARM64 architecture CPUs are not compatible with this method. If you're unsure about your Chromebook's specifications, you can check our lists of Intel-based Chromebooks and AMD-based Chromebooks.

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide, please refer to the following video tutorial. It provides step-by-step instructions that complement the written guide below.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Follow these steps to install Ren'Py on your Chromebook:

1. Update your system

First, we'll update the Linux container's package repositories:

sudo apt update

2. Install required packages

Next, we'll install a menu editor (kmenuedit) and a file manager (nemo) that Ren'Py requires:

sudo apt install kmenuedit nemo

3. Download Ren'Py

Now, let's download the Ren'Py SDK:

wget https://www.renpy.org/dl/7.7.3/renpy-7.7.3-sdk.tar.bz2

4. Extract the downloaded file

Extract the contents of the downloaded archive:

tar -xf renpy-7.7.3-sdk.tar.bz2

5. Launch Ren'Py

Run Ren'Py to ensure it's working correctly:

./renpy-7.7.3-sdk/renpy.sh

6. Create a desktop launcher

To make it easier to launch Ren'Py in the future, we'll create a desktop launcher:

kmenuedit

In the menu editor, choose a category, click on "New Item", and enter a name for the desktop entry. The command should be the path to the renpy.sh file.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information and advanced usage, you can refer to the Google Doc used in the tutorial.

Visit the official Ren'Py website for documentation, tutorials, and community forums.

Chromebook Resources

If you're interested in exploring more about Chromebooks and their capabilities:

• Check out our list of all currently supported Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.
• Browse our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide for help choosing the right Chromebook for your needs.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Ren'Py on your Chromebook. This powerful visual novel engine opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you're planning to create your own visual novels or explore existing ones, you now have the tools at your fingertips.

Remember, the world of game development and visual storytelling is vast and exciting. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn, and most importantly, have fun with your new Ren'Py installation!

If you encounter any issues during the installation process or have questions about using Ren'Py, feel free to leave a comment on our YouTube video. We're here to help you on your creative journey!