Visual Novel Framework
Visual Novel Framework lets a modpack or world run dialogue scenes written as scripts, with 2D character sprites, branching choices and variables that track progress.
What it does
Scenes are written in a Python-based scripting language, a pseudo DSL the author describes as an SDK for script development. Dialogue appears in visual-novel style, with sprites placed on screen and aligned to set positions, and several sprites can share a scene. Choices create branches, and a variable tracking system keeps values from one line to the next so later dialogue can depend on earlier answers.
Scripts are installed the same way as a vanilla resource pack: a folder dropped into the resource packs directory. A script is started by naming a mob with a trigger word and right-clicking it with an item, which makes the talk begin. Requires Script Play to run. The mod is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only and is published for Forge and NeoForge across 16 release versions, 1.19 – 1.21.10. It is needed on the client and the server alike.
The author links a source repository, an issue tracker and a wiki, and a separate SDK repository exists for writing scripts. Since script development is distinct from mod development, the framework is mainly used by people who already write Python.
Key features
Branching dialogue
Choices in a scene lead to different lines, so one script can follow several paths depending on what the player picks.
Variable tracking
Values set during a scene are stored and reused, letting later dialogue react to earlier decisions.
Multiple sprites
Several 2D character sprites can appear in one scene and be aligned to fixed screen positions.
Python scripting
Scenes are written in a Python-based scripting language, with an SDK for building new scripts.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x10 of 10 versions with builds
1.20.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.19.x5 of 5 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Writers and pack authors who want story scenes in a Forge or NeoForge world and are comfortable writing Python-style scripts.
How it compares
VNDialog is a Forge and NeoForge mod for 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 that runs client and server and is open source under the MIT License. Hollow Engine supports Fabric, Forge and NeoForge for 1.18.2 – 1.21.1, uses the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike 4.0 license and is not open source. Visual Novel Framework covers 1.19 – 1.21.10 on Forge and NeoForge, with the LGPL license and a client and server environment.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Novel Framework | Forge and NeoForge | 1.19 – 1.21.10 | Client and server | 2025-10-19 |
| VNDialog | Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2025-08-15 |
| Hollow Engine | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.18.2 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-09-15 |
Questions
Does Visual Novel Framework require another mod?
Does the server need Visual Novel Framework?
Which loaders does Visual Novel Framework support?
In the catalog
Visual Novel Framework is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,576 Library mods for Forge. 15,569 mods support Minecraft 1.21.10.
Similar mods
What the author says
The mod leverages Vanilla Resource Pack system, so installing a script is identical to installing a Resource Pack. Drag and drop into the Resource Pack folder. Inside the script, usually, there should be a 'trigger word' Name a mob this 'trigger word' and right click it with the item to talk with it.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/visual-novel-framework
- Owner
- FallenAcademy
- Published
- 2024-11-02
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-10-19
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15