Character Creator Update

Story Thyme v1.14.0 introduces the highly anticipated Character Creator, allowing creators to design, customize, save, and use their own original characters directly within Story Thyme. This update also includes new sprite sizing and positioning tools in the Story Editor, providing greater control over how characters appear within scenes.

This release marks the beginning of a long-term expansion of Story Thyme's character creation tools, with additional assets, age groups, body types, and customization options planned for future updates.

Character Creator

• Added the new Character Creator.
• Create original characters using a growing collection of character assets.
• Customize hairstyles, eyes, expressions, clothing, and accessories.
• Mix and match assets to create unique character designs.
• Added support for customizable base and accent colors on supported assets.
• Added support for transparent character backgrounds.

Saved Characters

• Characters can now be saved for future editing and customization.
• Previously saved characters can be reloaded directly within the Character Creator.
• Allows creators to maintain and expand a reusable cast of characters over time.
• Provides a convenient workflow for updating characters as stories evolve.

Account Character Sprites

• Created characters can now be added directly to a user's Story Thyme account.
• Character Creator sprites can be selected and used in stories just like traditional sprite assets.
• Simplifies the process of bringing original characters into visual novel projects.

External Project Support

• Character Creator characters may be exported for use outside of Story Thyme.
• Allows creators to use their characters across multiple creative projects.
• Story Thyme attribution is requested when Character Creator assets are used externally.

Story Editor Improvements

To support Character Creator sprites and provide creators with greater flexibility, several improvements have been made to the Story Editor.

• Added custom sprite sizing controls.
• Added improved sprite positioning controls.
• Sprites can now be resized independently within individual frames.
• Expanded character placement options for more precise scene composition.
• Added support for custom sprite sizing during story playback.
• Added support for custom sprite positioning during story playback.
• Improved compatibility between Character Creator sprites and existing sprite assets.

Asset Library Expansion Plans

The Character Creator launches with an initial collection of assets, but this is only the beginning.

• Additional hairstyles, clothing, accessories, and expressions are planned.
• Future age groups are planned, including child, adult, and elderly characters.
• Future body type options are planned, including muscular and plus-sized character variations.
• Additional customization tools and creator-focused improvements are planned for future releases.

Looking Ahead

The Character Creator represents one of the largest additions ever made to Story Thyme. By giving creators the ability to build and manage their own reusable cast of characters directly within the platform, Story Thyme continues its goal of making visual novel creation more accessible, flexible, and powerful.

We look forward to expanding the Character Creator with even more assets and customization options in future updates.

Thank you for helping Story Thyme grow. More exciting updates are on the way!