I’ll be honest—when I first heard about a “hacker doggo conspiracy visual novel,” I thought it was an elaborate meme. But Autumn with the Shiba Inu flips that script: launching on September 30, 2025, Quill Game Studios’ latest indie invites you to play as Quei-li, a hacker Labrador determined to expose a Shiba Inu–run dystopia. It sounds wild, but this canine caper delivers surprising depth alongside its charm.
From the moment you boot up the game on Steam (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux), you’re greeted by cartoon-inspired doggos who radiate personality. Autumn’s playful art style draws you in, but its branching narrative and optional hacking mini-games keep you engaged well beyond the first day of fall.
From Meme to Mystery
At first glance, Autumn with the Shiba Inu feels like a cheeky riff on internet culture. But Quill Game Studios has layered a serious story beneath the dog-eared humor. Your character, Quei-li, infiltrates an island kingdom controlled by a powerful Shiba Inu regime. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden data nodes, piece together classified memos, and expose the conspiracy that grips the island’s canine population.
This isn’t just a linear tale. Early previews suggest multiple branching paths that lead to secret subplots and alternate endings. Will you rally a resistance? Sabotage the Shiba government from within? Or maybe broker a fragile peace? Your decisions really do steer the narrative engine.
Branching Choices & Hacking Puzzles
Autumn’s core gameplay loop revolves around narrative choice and puzzle solving. Most moments in the story present you with dialogue options, but key plot points trigger optional hacking sequences. These mini-games range from logic-based grid puzzles to simple code-matching challenges. Skip them if you must—but keep in mind that every solved puzzle unlocks extra intel, secret scenes, and shortcuts through the story.
From decoding encrypted files in the governor’s office to rerouting security drones, the hacking mechanics feel integrated rather than tacked on. They offer a satisfying mental workout without derailing the pace of the visual novel.
Real Agency at Every Turn
How many times have you clicked through dramatic dialogue only to discover that your “big choice” barely mattered? Autumn sidesteps that trap by ensuring genuine consequences: ignore a hacking puzzle and NPC behavior shifts in unexpected ways; choose a conciliatory approach in a tense negotiation and entire story branches open up. Reputation points track Quei-li’s standing with different factions, and the island reacts dynamically to your playstyle.
In early demos, testers reported unlocking distinct dialogue trees and unique side characters based solely on whether they embraced the puzzles or skirted around them. That level of reactivity promises high replay value.
Expressive Art & Immersive Audio
Visually, Autumn opts for a stylized cartoon aesthetic that highlights each canine character’s unique quirks. From the solemn Shiba general to the jittery lab assistant, every portrait feels alive. Though full details on display settings haven’t been confirmed, the developers emphasize customizable text size, contrast modes, and UI scaling—showing a clear commitment to player comfort.
Complementing the art is an original soundtrack that blends upbeat chiptune riffs with tense, atmospheric tracks during pivotal hacking missions. Sound effects—from keyboard clicks to distant dog barks—round out the immersion.
Developer Spotlight: Quill Game Studios
Based in Toronto, Quill Game Studios has built a reputation for narrative-driven experiences with strong character focus. While Autumn with the Shiba Inu is their most ambitious project to date, it leans into the studio’s strengths—engaging writing, layered storytelling, and player agency.
Co-founders Maya Lau and Dev Singh have spoken openly about their passion for blending interactive fiction with unconventional protagonists. In a recent interview, they noted that a hacker Labrador offered “the perfect lens to explore themes of autonomy, surveillance, and resistance.”
Themes That Bite Deeper
Behind the fur and floppy ears lies an exploration of power structures, data privacy, and personal freedom. Autumn doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions: What happens when information becomes the currency of control? Can one determined underdog—literally—upend an entire regime? These weighty topics give the game a resonance that belies its cute surface.
Platforms & Accessibility
Autumn with the Shiba Inu will be available exclusively on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The studio’s emphasis on accessibility features—font adjustments, color-blind palettes, and modular UI—ensures that a wide range of players can dive into Quei-li’s journey without barriers.
Why Autumn with the Shiba Inu Stands Out
With its playful art style, meaningful hacking puzzles, and genuine narrative branching, Autumn with the Shiba Inu promises to shake up the visual novel scene. It’s not just another choose-your-own-adventure—it’s a clever fusion of comedy, conspiracy, and canine charm.
Quick Facts
- Title: Autumn with the Shiba Inu
- Developer & Publisher: Quill Game Studios (Toronto)
- Genre: Visual Novel, Interactive Mystery
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (Steam)
- Release Date: September 30, 2025
Want to join Quei-li’s cause? Wishlist Autumn with the Shiba Inu now on Steam and prepare to bark up the right tree this fall.