Japanese Style

From OELVN Community Wiki

written by DaFool

Opinion: Should I make my visual novel anime-style, since I like Japanese visual novels?

Among the first question one asks is if one can create a visual novel similar to the games one has enjoyed, which are usually Japanese. And if other people who have enjoyed such games will enjoy yours as well.

But the irony is that sometimes it is the very people who like visual novels for their Japanese-ness that will be most resistant to OELs and 'imitations', namely, your game.

First thing to remember is that people who play OELs only overlap with those who play Japanese games, just like not every gamer plays homemade games. Also, you may even be closer to the casual gamer market than you think.

So, do not force a Japanese style. Do what you are most familiar with and what you are best at. If its a very Western style, so be it. In fact, some Japanese visual novel players look forward to playing games in the western style.

On the other hand, if you believe you are most competent doing the anime style, go for it! Just make sure that the story you want to do is what you really want to do, not just because it is the popular thing.

Just remember: 1.) You are most probably not a professional visual novel software developing company. So it is pointless to try to match professional production values. You can come close to it, but not without sacrificing some things. 2.) Its better to make something closest to your vision and sacrifice production values as long as you can complete it with your full story. 3.) The author of this wiki had witnessed first-hand the differences in attitudes and philosophies between those who play games, those who translate games, and those who develop them. You will find most sympathy from developers. But if you want to try your luck at entertaining the other crowds, you better have a thick skin and extreme confidence in your work.