What the Hell is a Visual Novel?
Heads up: I previously explained this is in a video. Whether you choose to listen to me talk or read my article is a preference of suffering. Proceed at your own risk!
I’m all into this visual novel thing. Well, I know I’ve got three in me … at least. Peddling books has always been a tall task for me, so I knew trying to sell a VN would be no walk in the park. But even ole Schleprock Bradford didn’t anticipate the challenge I was in for on the marketing tip.
So how’s it going? Not good. Kinda like — when I bring up visual novels on social media, the post typically generates one of the following reactions from human audiences:
1. People ignore it like the typical post
2. They try to correct me by calling it a graphic novel (this really pisses me off!)
3. They have no idea WTF I’m even talking about
These are factual metrics gleaned from the fictional data processor in my head, but if I had to pick from the bunch, I’d say number three is closest to reality. The sad truth is that visual novels are a living, breathing novelty. One the average human has no idea even exists.
The Great Discovery
I ran across visual novels while browsing itch.io for indie games to review on my YouTube channel. That web browsing venture changed my life because I went from scouting video games to almost exclusively obsessing over a new creative passion.
After digging in, I learned that visual novels were an entirely new concept, yet oddly familiar, to me personally. They reminded me of those fantasy-filled adventure books I used to read as a kid. The ones that let you choose what happens next. For instance, “Having been knocked over a cliff, Occho is barely hanging on to a lone tree branch:
If Occho should pull himself back up and re-engage the enemy, turn to page 26.
If Occho should let go and brave the raging waters below, turn to page 83.”
The options in this example are a major part of the visual novel experience. There’s also characters and background art as well as music and various sound effects. They’re typically formatted (exported) into software programs, so I think it’s fair to call the visual novel a cross between your classic novel and video game, with comic book and cinematic elements sprinkled in for good measure.
Visual Origins
Visual novels got their start in Japan, where they are still immensely popular. This is why a lot of the games, as they’re often called, bear a strong resemblance to anime and manga; in terms of both artwork and storylines. In fact, a vast majority of North American fans tend to go for visual novels that are true to the native roots.
Along comes a mold-shattering mofo like me, who likes to shape cool things that already exist, and make them even cooler by spinning them with my own unique weave. So instead of designing a visual novel set in feudal Japan, or serving up oodles of fan service with jail-baiting female characters, I’ve chosen to simply adapt my existing stories. Though two of my more obscure works, The Rave and Sorry That You’re Dead were best suited for the great conversion — short, character-driven stories with small casts, simple concepts and minimal locations. Bringing them to life in this all new world was a real bitch, but the core ideas were more or less straightforward.
I’m not totally bastardizing the game, though. I pay homage to the craft by designing my characters in that classic anime style. I also incorporate the interactive facets the trend was founded upon. Still, the choice of distinct titles and (relatively) quirky themes has my visual novels sticking out like a sore thumb while being in a needle in the proverbial haystack. Too different to catch the eye of enthusiasts, and too unfamiliar to appeal to casual humans. That’s how it appears to me, any way.
The Struggle Continues …
Real struggle aside, my excitement has not wavered. Ebooks have slowly but surely become more interactive. For their part, I see visual novels as the future of storytelling. They’re just too damn cool to be a regional novelty act. What’s more, they’re already available on popular commercial platforms such as Steam and PlayStation consoles. And thanks to user-friendly programs like TyranoBuilder and CloudNovel, even boobs like me can create their very own visual masterpiece from scratch.
In order for this thing to take off in a meaningful way, it’s gonna require a team effort. We need talented creators, preferably traditional authors included, on the production side, cranking out compelling stories for the engaged masses to consume. More importantly, we need consumers willing to take the gamble.
Given the chance, I think both readers and non-readers alike would appreciate the entertainment value a well crafted visual novel brings to the table.
Contel Bradford is a mystical and complex individual. You can attempt to unravel some of the mystery by visiting his author site at countkrewpublications.com.
