Thinking about what I like, and fandom
Last time I talked about having a good idea. Now I need to admit that getting started, and finding a consistent time to write, is difficult. I want to commit to a consistent schedule for creating a VN.
If I remember how to use the lj-cut tag correctly, then you'll see my thoughts about fandom, and what I currently like, below:
First, it's been almost ten years since I started with Three Sisters Story. I became active in visual novel / romance game fandom a few years later. And that's why I'm thinking about what I currently enjoy, and why I'm still a fan.
Second, I've learned that Sturgeon's Law is true for anything. No matter what style, form, or genre you're dealing with; and no matter where, when, or how the creative work was made; at least ninety percent of everything is crud. Everything can be done poorly or well.
I still like some harem visual novels. But I also like a number of stories with other pairings (GxB and GxG), and VNs which aren't about the relationships between fictional characters. Likewise, I enjoy some complex romance games, and some relatively mainstream video games which have relationship elements.
Right now, I'm not sure what one thing I'd really want. There's some game concepts which are uncommon which could benefit from some exploration, such as multiplayer/couple-friendly romance games, or games centered around matchmaking, or games with a variety of pairings, or a less grimdark take on western RPGs. There are gameplay ideas which could use refining and experimentation, such as emphasis on social links, bringing text/graphic adventure elements back, and the "virtual date" concept. And I've had a few thoughts about fan sequels -- what if the next Sakura Wars or Idolmaster game were written in English? But overall, I'm not sure what I'm looking forward to.
At times, I've definitely thought about leaving fandom. There's been some embarrassing incidents, frustrating setbacks, and so on. It often seems that fans have to fight for each and every release. And it's not as if I have no other interests... I'm a fan of video games in general, anime/manga, board games, sports, and more.
But at least every few months, I find a game or VN that keeps me interested. Last year, there was The Flower Shop: Summer in Fairbrook, the translated version of Sakura Wars 5, RE: Alistair, and the fan-made translation of Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side for the DS. So far this year, it's been Canvas 2 and the partial English fan translation of LovePlus.
In case you're curious, I'm looking forward to a number of projects. Lucky Rabbit Reflex and Winter in Fairbrook are both getting close to completion, and should be available in the next couple months. Translators working on Katahane plan to finish up in a few more months. Mangagamer expects to release Go Go Nippon - My First Trip and an improved version of Edelweiss soon. And I'm hoping that JAST will release Aselia the Eternal (Eien no Aselia) in the near future.
If I remember how to use the lj-cut tag correctly, then you'll see my thoughts about fandom, and what I currently like, below:
First, it's been almost ten years since I started with Three Sisters Story. I became active in visual novel / romance game fandom a few years later. And that's why I'm thinking about what I currently enjoy, and why I'm still a fan.
Second, I've learned that Sturgeon's Law is true for anything. No matter what style, form, or genre you're dealing with; and no matter where, when, or how the creative work was made; at least ninety percent of everything is crud. Everything can be done poorly or well.
I still like some harem visual novels. But I also like a number of stories with other pairings (GxB and GxG), and VNs which aren't about the relationships between fictional characters. Likewise, I enjoy some complex romance games, and some relatively mainstream video games which have relationship elements.
Right now, I'm not sure what one thing I'd really want. There's some game concepts which are uncommon which could benefit from some exploration, such as multiplayer/couple-friendly romance games, or games centered around matchmaking, or games with a variety of pairings, or a less grimdark take on western RPGs. There are gameplay ideas which could use refining and experimentation, such as emphasis on social links, bringing text/graphic adventure elements back, and the "virtual date" concept. And I've had a few thoughts about fan sequels -- what if the next Sakura Wars or Idolmaster game were written in English? But overall, I'm not sure what I'm looking forward to.
At times, I've definitely thought about leaving fandom. There's been some embarrassing incidents, frustrating setbacks, and so on. It often seems that fans have to fight for each and every release. And it's not as if I have no other interests... I'm a fan of video games in general, anime/manga, board games, sports, and more.
But at least every few months, I find a game or VN that keeps me interested. Last year, there was The Flower Shop: Summer in Fairbrook, the translated version of Sakura Wars 5, RE: Alistair, and the fan-made translation of Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side for the DS. So far this year, it's been Canvas 2 and the partial English fan translation of LovePlus.
In case you're curious, I'm looking forward to a number of projects. Lucky Rabbit Reflex and Winter in Fairbrook are both getting close to completion, and should be available in the next couple months. Translators working on Katahane plan to finish up in a few more months. Mangagamer expects to release Go Go Nippon - My First Trip and an improved version of Edelweiss soon. And I'm hoping that JAST will release Aselia the Eternal (Eien no Aselia) in the near future.