One of the more bizarre concepts for a visual novel can be found inHatoful Boyfriend, a dating simulation where all of the possible suitors are birds. Combined with the player character being a human girl that lives in a cave, the game is filled with strange, funny, and sometimeshorrifying scenariosthat players can explore.
WhileHatoful Boyfriendwas originally released back in 2011, it has since gained quite the cult following, as well as a holiday-themed sequel. Many flock to it due to its sense of humor, briefly appearing human designs for the birds, and the more serious moments the game doesn’t shy away from.
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Despite this fan-following, bothHatoful Boyfriendand its sequel,Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Starwill no longer be available on certain platforms after May 2021. These platforms are iOS, Andriod, andthe PSN store. Those who already own these games on the aforementioned platforms will still be able to own them, but no more updates will likely come to them unless they are relisted at some point in the future.
The reason behind this delisting is due to the publishing agreement betweenHatoful Boyfriend’s creator and its publisher coming to an end. Those who still wish to purchase the game, however, can still buy theEnglish translationon Steam, as that isn’t involved in the publishing agreement causing this delisting. At this timeHatoful Boyfriendis available for a base price of $9.99 USD. Prospective players can also purchase theHatoful BoyfriendComplete Pack Bundle for $25.56 USD.
This news was initially put out by Moa, the original creator ofHatoful Boyfriend,on her Twitter page. She additionally clarified that any further questions on the matter should be sent to Mediatonic as it has the authority to make decisions onHatoful Boyfriend’s publishing and not her. It is currently unknown if theHatofulgames will be returning to PSN, iOS, or Android at any point.
The publisher behind the current version ofHatoful Boyfriendis well known indie game publisherDevolver Digital. Some may recognize it behind the publishing ofFall Guys: Ultimate Knockout,Enter the Gungeon,Hotline Miami, and theSerious Samgames. It is known that Devolver Digital became involved withHatoful Boyfriendwhen it was remade by Mediatonic in 2014. This would make the publishing contract having lasted around seven years. With not much having come out ofHatoful Boyfriendas a series in a while, it is probably unlikely that Devolver Digital will publish the games once more. Once again, however, the status of renewal is unknown.
Hatoful Boyfriendis currently available on Steam for Mac and PC.
