{{Short description|American video game developer and publisher}} {{Notability|1=Companies|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox company | name = Studio Élan | logo = | logo_caption = | type = [[Privately held company|Private]] | industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]] | founded = {{Start date and age|2017}} | founders = {{Unbulleted list|Josh Kaplan}} | hq_location_city = | hq_location_country = U.S. | key_people = | website = {{URL|https://vnstudioelan.com/|vnstudioelan.com}} }} '''Studio Élan''' is an [[independent video game developer]] and publisher founded in 2017 by Josh Kaplan.<ref name=Gematsu>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/companies/studio-elan|title=Studio Elan|work=Gematsu|date=28 January 2022 |access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> They specialised in [[Yuri (genre)|''yuri'']] [[visual novel]]s and are best known for their first two titles, ''[[Highway Blossoms]]'' and ''[[Heart of the Woods]]''.
==History== Studio Élan first began as an amateur game development group under the name Alienwork. Between working on another project within Alienwork, Syon Santeria pitched fellow member Josh Kaplan on creating a yuri visual novel as a smaller side project, the idea interested Kaplan and the pair began development of [[Highway Blossoms]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yuriempire.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/preparing-for-a-yuri-road-trip-an-interview-with-highway-blossoms-developer-j-kaplan/|title=Preparing for a Yuri Road Trip: An Interview With Highway Blossoms Developer, J. Kaplan|work=Yuri Empire|date=June 3, 2016 |accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> [[Sekai Project]] announced the game at Anime Weekend Atlanta on September 26, 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sekai Project Adds Wagamama High Spec, Darekoi, More Visual Novels |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-26/sekai-project-adds-wagamama-high-spec-darekoi-more-visual-novels/.93424 |access-date=April 11, 2023 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> and in 2016 opened a [[Steam Greenlight]] page for the game.<ref name="Estrada">{{cite web |last=Estrada |first=Marcus |date=February 17, 2016 |title=Take a Yuri Road Trip with Highway Blossoms |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/news/take-a-yuri-road-trip-with-highway-blossoms/193415/ |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=Hardcore Gamer}}</ref> ''Highway Blossoms'' was initially released without any voice acting and its sound was limited to an acoustic soundtrack. An adult content patch was made freely available.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Friedman |first=Erica |author-link=Erica Friedman |date=June 20, 2016 |title=Yuri Visual Novel: Highway Blossoms (English) |url=https://okazu.yuricon.com/2016/06/20/yuri-visual-novel-highway-blossoms-english/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |website=Okazu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tarason |first=Dominic |date=September 17, 2018 |title=Steam's first sexually explicit Adult Only games are out now, but not in every region |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steam-adult-only-regional-restriction |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref> The developer later released a remastered version of the game featuring voice-overs for the characters.<ref>{{cite web |last=Manente |first=Kristina |date=March 26, 2019 |title=Nerdy Jobs: The voices behind dating sims and visual novels |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/nerdy-jobs-the-voices-behind-dating-sims-and-visual-novels |access-date=April 9, 2023 |publisher=[[Syfy]]}}</ref>
''Highway Blossoms'' received positive reviews for its visuals, story, and soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Rebecca |last2=Gremillion |first2=Mexi |date=January 1, 2023 |title=The 10 best visual novels on PC in 2023 |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-10-best-visual-novels-on-pc |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Valens |first=Ana |date=May 20, 2021 |orig-date=October 26, 2019 |title=Eroge, visual novels, and hentai: Your guide to adult visual novels |url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/visual-novel-eroge-hentai-games/ |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[The Daily Dot]]}}</ref><ref name="Terese">{{cite web |last=Terese |first=Tyler |date=May 22, 2018 |title=15 PC Visual Novels That Every Gamer Should Play |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/originals/390241-15-pc-visual-novels-that-every-gamer-should-play |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[GameRevolution]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ahlbrand |first=Maddison |date=February 9, 2023 |title=9 Best LGBTQ+ Visual Novel Games |url=https://www.thegamer.com/best-lgbtq-visual-novel-games/#our-life-beginnings-amp-always |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=TheGamer}}</ref> Kaplan also noted that the game "ended up being unexpectedly successful," stating that "it found an audience of primarily [[LGBT]] readers who appreciated what they felt was a more realistic approach to same-sex relationships."<ref name="Rowe3">{{cite web |last=Rowe |first=Willa |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Studio Élan on Doing Romance Right in Video Games: "Fans Want Nuanced, In-Depth Stories" |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/studio-elan-romance-video-games |access-date=April 9, 2023 |work=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]}}</ref> Due to the game's success, Kaplan went on to found Studio Élan in February 2017.<ref name="Gematsu" /><ref name="Rowe3" /> In October, ''Highway Blossoms''{{'}}s publisher [[Sekai Project]] announced that Élan would be working on two further visual novels.<ref name="Estrada-17">{{cite web|last=Estrada|first=Marcus|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/news/studio-elan-creating-two-new-yuri-visual-novels/274352/|title=Studio Élan Creating Two New Yuri Visual Novels|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=October 3, 2017|access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> One of these was ''Heart of the Woods'',<ref name="Estrada-17" /> which would be released in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/06/heart-of-the-woods-launches-july-8-for-switch-in-august-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-and-xbox-one|title= Heart of the Woods launches July 8 for Switch, in August for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, and Xbox One |work=Gematsu|date=June 12, 2021|accessdate=July 9, 2023}}</ref> The studio's work would go on to garner a reputation for commonly featuring LGBTQ+ and [[Terminology of homosexuality#Sapphism|sapphic]] themes.<ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Jade|url=https://www.thegamer.com/pride-month-picks-studio-elan-gay-visual-novels/|title=Pride Month Picks: Studio Elan Is The Master Of Sapphic Visual Novels|work=TheGamer|date=June 29, 2022|accessdate=January 4, 2024}}</ref> In a 2018 interview, the head of the studio stated that "the majority" of studio members are LGBT women.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jay|first=Mitch|url=https://ricedigital.co.uk/studio-elan-interview-visual-novels-yuri-steam/|title= Studio Élan Interview – Visual Novels, Yuri, Steam and More |work=Rice Digital|date=September 6, 2018|accessdate=May 11, 2024}}</ref>
In 2019, the studio announced ''Lock and Key'', a [[magical girl]] ''yuri'' visual novel.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Aimee|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2019/12/lock-and-key-a-yuri-visual-novel-that-includes-magical-girls-is-announced/|title= Lock and Key, a yuri visual novel that includes magical girls, is announced |work=[[Gayming Magazine]]|date=December 9, 2019|accessdate=May 11, 2024}}</ref> In February 2020, Studio Élan announced that they would begin publishing visual novels under their newly formed "Bellhouse" label, with ''First Snow'' as their first title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vnstudioelan.com/publishing/announcement/|title=Branching Out: Bellhouse|work=Studio Élan|date=February 29, 2020|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> They further released ''Highway Blossoms: Next Exit'', [[downloadable content]] (DLC) for ''Highway Blossoms'' in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://old.vngameden.com/behind-the-scenes-with-studio-elan/3094/|title=Behind the Scenes with Studio Élan|work=VN Game Den|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> Also in February, the release a trailer for ''Summer At the Edge of the Universe'', which was set for release in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/news/studio-elan-unveils-new-solarpunk-visual-novel-summer-at-the-edge-of-the-universe/367578/|title=Studio Élan Unveils New Solarpunk Visual Novel Summer at the Edge of the Universe|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=February 12, 2020|access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Aimee|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2020/02/studio-elan-announces-summer-at-the-edge-of-the-universe-a-lesbian-visual-novel/|title= Studio Élan announces Summer at the Edge of the Universe, a lesbian visual novel |work=[[Gayming Magazine]]|date=February 13, 2020|accessdate=May 11, 2024}}</ref> In April 2021, Studio Elan announced plans for a console port of ''Highway Blossoms''.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Hart |first=Aimee |title=Studio Élan reveals popular lesbian game Highway Blossoms is coming to console - Gayming Magazine |url=https://gaymingmag.com/2021/06/studio-elan-reveals-popular-lesbian-game-highway-blossoms-is-coming-to-console/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |website=[[Gayming Magazine]]|date=21 June 2021 }}</ref>
In October 2022, the studio merged with Studio Coattails.<ref>{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/vnstudioelan/status/1587187901481328641|title=Happy Halloween everyone! We've got several announcements for today 🎃✨ Studio Élan is growing bigger with our merger with Studio Coattails! They're the co-developers of Highway Blossoms and we've worked closely with them for years- and now, we're joining forces.|user=vnstudioelan|number=1587187901481328641|date=October 31, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> In November, the studio released ''Please Be Happy''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Aimee|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2022/11/please-be-happy-is-studio-elans-new-lesbian-visual-novel/|title=Please Be Happy is Studio Élan's new lesbian visual novel|work=[[Gayming Magazine]]|date=November 23, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> In April 2023, ''Heart of the Woods'' received a limited physical release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2023/04/yuri-visual-novel-heart-of-the-woods-to-receive-limited-physical-edition/|title=Yuri visual novel Heart of the Woods to receive limited physical edition|work=[[Gayming Magazine]]|date=April 6, 2023|accessdate=January 4, 2024}}</ref> Later in October, the studio published ''Twofold'', a visual novel following non-binary college student Olive Penn.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hart|first=Aimee|url=https://gaymingmag.com/2023/10/studio-elan-releases-twofold-a-visual-novel-featuring-a-non-binary-protagonist-today/|title=Studio Élan releases Twofold, a visual novel featuring a non-binary protagonist, today|work=[[Gayming Magazine]]|date=October 27, 2023|accessdate=January 4, 2024}}</ref>
==Games== ===Games developed=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Title !! Platform(s) !! Publication date !! Ref |- | ''[[Highway Blossoms]]'' || [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[MacOS]], [[Linux]]|| {{dts|2016|06|17}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=Highway Blossoms on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/451760|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''The Waters Above: Prelude'' || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2018|06|27}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=The Waters Above: Prelude on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/885650|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''[[Heart of the Woods]]'' || Windows, MacOS, Linux, [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]], [[Xbox One]], [[Xbox Series X/S]] || {{dts|2019|02|15}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=Heart of the Woods on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/844660|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Please Be Happy'' || Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S || {{dts|2022|11|21}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=Please Be Happy on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/844670|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''A Tithe in Blood'' || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2025|06|16}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=A Tithe in Blood on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/2989270|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=June 22, 2025}}</ref> |- |''Upwards, Rain! The Post Office of Farewells'' |Windows, MacOS, Linux |July 1, 2025 |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upwards, Rain! The Post Office of Farewells on Steam |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/3449030/Upwards_Rain_The_Post_Office_of_Farewells/ |access-date=2026-02-12 |publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] |language=en}}</ref> |- | ''Lock and Key: A Magical Girl Mystery'' || Windows, MacOS, Linux || September 30, 2025 || <ref>{{cite web|title=Lock & Key: A Magical Girl Mystery on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1803850/Lock__Key_A_Magical_Girl_Mystery|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- |''Witch You Want'' |Windows, MacOS, Linux |February 14, 2026 |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-03 |title=Witch You Want - Witch You Want releasing on Valentine's Day! - Steam News |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/4253760/view/521988948159891180 |access-date=2026-02-12 |publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]] |language=en}}</ref> |- | ''Summer At the Edge of the Universe''|| Windows, MacOS, Linux || TBA || <ref>{{cite web |title=Summer at the Edge of the Universe |url=https://vnstudioelan.com/games/summer/ |publisher=Studio Élan |accessdate=July 9, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Our Home, My Keeper '' || Windows, MacOS, Linux || TBA ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Home, My Keeper|url=https://vnstudioelan.com/games/our-home-my-keeper/|publisher=Studio Élan|accessdate=July 9, 2023}}</ref> |- |}
===Games published=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Title !! Developer !! Platform(s) !! Publication date !! Ref |- | ''National Park Girls'' || Studio Coattails || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2019|03|14}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=National Park Girls on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1036580|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Without A Voice'' || L³ || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2020|03|20}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=Without A Voice on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1262190|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''First Snow'' || Salty Salty Studios || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2020|08|19}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=First Snow on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1259430|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Who Is The Red Queen?'' || 4noki || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2022|08|15}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=Who Is The Red Queen? on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1930440|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Twofold'' || Salty Salty Studios || Windows, MacOS, Linux || {{dts|2023|10|27}} || <ref>{{cite web|title=Twofold on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1749770/Twofold/|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- | ''Love In a Bottle'' || lovelandisle || Windows || TBA || <ref>{{cite web|title=Love In a Bottle on Steam|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1947030/Love_In_a_Bottle/|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|accessdate=July 7, 2023}}</ref> |- |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{vndb|7226|p}}
[[Category:Indie game developers]] [[Category:LGBTQ and video games]] [[Category:Video game companies established in 2017]] [[Category:Video game publishers]] [[Category:Yuri (genre)]]