A Shot in the Dark - Part 1
Early access since Dec 2023
A Shot in the Dark is a choice-driven adult visual novel about new possibilities and dark secrets.
76% positive · 214 reviews
Not yet
In early access, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Not yet
In early access, content planned but development status unclear
Low confidence
Content Planned
Development Uncertain
Where to buy
Steam $9.99
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Evaluation
A Shot in the Dark is a chapter-based adult visual novel currently on Early Access. The game shipped Chapter 4 on April 24, 2024, which the developer confirmed is the halfway point of the full story — meaning roughly half the planned content remains undelivered. Following that release, the team actively worked on Chapter 5 through the summer and fall of 2024, reaching approximately 2,509 renders and ~44,000 words before work slowed.
On January 30, 2025, the developer published a detailed explanation: the lead writer and 3D artist, Josselyn, has had to step back from development because her child is dealing with serious ongoing health issues requiring full-time homeschooling and care. The developer was candid that development is effectively paused, and advised fans to hold off on pledging support until work resumes more regularly. They stated they do intend to finish the game, but cannot provide a timeline.
On June 23, 2025, a follow-up post noted that there "may" be a potential solution to allow development to resume, but that nothing would be confirmed until the end of 2025 or early 2026. As of June 22, 2026, that window has passed with no further announcement from the developer on Steam, leaving real uncertainty about whether and when development will resume.
The game's store description still references Chapter 5 as planned content, and the developer has not announced cancellation. However, Chapter 5 has not shipped, the team has been publicly silent since June 23, 2025, and the promised update on their path forward has not materialized on Steam.
Evidence
Developer posts a cautiously hopeful update: they 'may' have found a solution to resume development, but won't know with certainty until end of 2025 or early 2026. Confirms development remains paused and Chapter 4 is being rebranded as 'Part 1' (the halfway point). Directs ASITD fans to check back at end of year or early next year.
Developer discloses that the lead artist and writer (Josselyn) has had to step back from the game due to her child's serious health issues. Development is paused indefinitely. The developer states intent to finish the game but cannot give a timeline, and advises fans not to pledge until development resumes regularly.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Details
Developer
Publisher
ViM Studios
Achievements
127
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
Current version information
The current version (Chapter 4) of A Shot in the Dark includes:80+ scenes, 150K+ words, 7K+ renders, 375+ animations, 140+ songs, 90+ sound effects
Development of Chapter 5 is currently in progress and planned to release later in 2024!
Are you ready to take a shot in the dark?
A Shot in the Dark is a choice-driven adult 3D visual novel that intertwines romance, drama, and a dark, psychological mystery. Navigate romance, relationships, and rivalry as a young man during your first semester of college in this story-rich interactive fiction game. Can you make a fresh start, or will the past catch up with you?A mystery to solve
You play as a young man hoping to make a fresh start in college in this male-protagonist dating sim. When a sorority girl goes missing, any hope of a normal semester disappears along with her. Will you be able to solve the mystery of her disappearance before it's too late?Your choices matter
Choose wisely. There is no right or wrong. There is no one "happy path." From the first chapter to the last, your decisions can have permanent impacts on the story. Many branching story paths—each with its own joys and tragedies—will eventually lead you to one of the multiple endings.Compelling characters
Ten main love interests represent a variety of body types, personalities, and skin tones, each with their unique stories. Your choices will decide how each relationship progresses, whether passionate encounters or dramatic confrontations. All lewd scenes are optional.Transparent gameplay
The mystery is in the story, not the gameplay. You will always know what aspects of the game your choices affect, for optimal replayability. No grinding or repetitive minigames. Every mechanic is designed to move the story forward, not to slow it down.Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 22, 2026
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