Overview
ArtRise Illustrator Growth Plan: Are you kidding me? is a free-to-play, text-based role-playing game that drops you into the shoes of a freelance illustrator just starting out.
Developed by ZavirWani and ChenHsuYuan, and published by ZavirWani, this indie simulation launched on Steam on October 17, 2026. It's a single-player experience with Steam Cloud support and Family Sharing, and it currently supports Traditional Chinese.
The game is built around the day-to-day grind of an artist: taking commissions, talking with clients, haggling over payments, and dealing with the occasional copyright headache. It's a grounded look at the creative industry, where every choice can tip the balance between frustration and hope.
Highlights
- Text-based storytelling: The entire experience is driven by narrative and choices, making it a story-rich visual novel-style RPG.
- Real-world art career mechanics: You'll juggle commissions, client communication, payment disputes, and copyright issues—all part of the freelance artist's life.
- Meaningful decisions: Your choices affect relationships and your character's emotional journey, leading to a personal conclusion about whether an art career is worth it.
Who It's For
If you're an artist, an aspiring illustrator, or just someone curious about the creative industry, this game offers a relatable and sometimes harsh look at the freelance life. Fans of visual novels and choice-driven simulations will also find plenty to enjoy.
The game is free to play, so there's no barrier to trying it out—just keep in mind that it's currently only available in Traditional Chinese.
Game Info
- Genre: Indie, Simulation, Free To Play
- Developer: ZavirWani, ChenHsuYuan
- Publisher: ZavirWani
- Release Date: October 17, 2026
- Modes: Single-player
- Features: Steam Cloud, Family Sharing
- Language: Traditional Chinese
ArtRise Illustrator Growth Plan doesn't shy away from the tough questions. It asks whether pursuing art is really worth the struggle—and leaves the answer up to you.
