Why so many unfinished VN?

[TrickWithAKnife]

I believe it's very unlikely that the LSF mods are going to enforce any rules about what people must do before creating a WiP thread.

My only suggestion would be having a link to a forum page when people register, which simply contains links to vital topics, and the title of those topics, or perhaps links to relative posts within the same topic.
Examples could be:

• What to do before announcing your future project.
• Which software is best for your purpose.
• Useful free and commercial software for game making.
• How to create a game in Ren'Py.
• What to do before recruiting other people.
• Where to get advice on coding, writing, art, sound or video.
• Where to find free resources.

[Faze]

Sorry, but if someone doesn't know to make a plan beforehand, they're probably not going to have the ability to write their VN, either. It's easy enough to learn how to outline your story without needing a template - I'm sure all creative writing classes teach that kind of stuff.

For the story? Sure, I agree with you. There's no point in a template for outlining a story. But a GDD template would also include a gameplay description as well as the assets the game is going to be using, which could really help people realize what they are missing and whether their project is out of their scope or not.

I believe it's very unlikely that the LSF mods are going to enforce any rules about what people must do before creating a WiP thread.

Oh I know. Anything stricter than moving dead or inactive threads isn't really something even I would seriously suggest. It would require too much work from the mods and it wouldn't really help much.

I just mentioned that having a GDD would be a completely unfeasible requirement. What I meant was that a thread on GDDs could be useful just as something people could look at, but they wouldn't be forced to. Sorry if my post was unclear.

[sake-bento]

I believe it's very unlikely that the LSF mods are going to enforce any rules about what people must do before creating a WiP thread.

Actually, we do have a set of (not so strict) guidelines, and we move threads out of WiP if they don't demonstrate at least some amount of work already done. But no, we don't require a design document or a schedule, or a complete outline or anything like that.

[MJDAlleria]

( . . . ) I'm just lazy - if I'm working alone.
That'd be the only reason why nothing has moved for my stuff.
Other than that, I bite off WAY too much what I can chew.

[llplldll]

90% of the people here making VNs are hobbyist, so there's absolutely no obligation for them to finish a project.
Its not like this is a job, where results are expected.
I would imagine if everyone here received a cut of salary for completing their project, completed VNs would increase 110%.

[sapiboonggames]

I guess it's because there are many people in this forum that's like me :X

Most likely they're too busy with their real life, and when they're starting the game again, they think the game is not as good as they thought before. They scrap the project and move onto another one. Just like me

[J-Ray]

Isn't it usual for any art? Great artistic minds are always overwhelmed with new ideas and sometimes do not care much about the final realization. I think it's completely OK, because sometimes it's a process what makes us happy, not a result.
There is nothing wrong about abandoned ideas - some people tried and decided - it's not what they want; some just get bored with the routine... Imagination flies free, but realization can be painful.
I've created many projects and abandoned a few because my imagination is moving forward and some ideas became a dust even before I expressed them
I'm working on my first Visual Novel right now and I don't care very much if I will stop or transform it to different project at some point - I enjoy this process alot right here, right now!

[curry nochi rice]

Oh god all these necros.

[MimirollCookie]

Well. Many people can't finish their games for many reasons.
Like time management, final week on school, laziness (WHAT), etc.
I can't finish my games because of my time and laziness. 0_o
Or lack of assets. (Main problem of many people are music, sprites, GUI, and BGs)

[vntru]

I agree with Taleweaver. the best way to start a visual novel is to experiment with the software/tool you plan to use and make some samples.
when you are good at using them quickly ,then start building the visual novel. test your skills/abilities before getting into the actual project.
keep the things simple, and expand it further. also don't try to make a big visual novel at once. build step by step and release what you have completed already.

[vntru]

90% of the people here making VNs are hobbyist, so there's absolutely no obligation for them to finish a project.
Its not like this is a job, where results are expected.
I would imagine if everyone here received a cut of salary for completing their project, completed VNs would increase 110%.

that's why there is a thing called patreon. you can get the support and money from your fans for the game.

[Nylan]

90% of the people here making VNs are hobbyist, so there's absolutely no obligation for them to finish a project.
Its not like this is a job, where results are expected.
I would imagine if everyone here received a cut of salary for completing their project, completed VNs would increase 110%.

that's why there is a thing called patreon. you can get the support and money from your fans for the game.

You're absolutely right.

...but Patreon didn't exist when that post was made

[Katta]

Or lack of assets. (Main problem of many people are music, sprites, GUI, and BGs)

The main problem is always writing, because it's the only thing that is absolutely needed and almost impossible to find for free/relatively cheap, everything else can be stock/CC/free help

that's why there is a thing called patreon. you can get the support and money from your fans for the game.

You have to get those fans first and it's difficult without good social/marketing skills even when you've already have something to show.

[Ghost of Crux]

^ Basically. Patreon is still a subscription, and you're not getting money simply by creating-- you get paid when someone likes your creations enough to pay you as thanks. Imho it can be a great return for all the work someone does and can help them create more, but for people who hasn't made a respectable fan base it can be extremely discouraging.

[Royality]

Most people getting random idea's from reading other vn's or watching anime's. And they think HA! i can do that better.
One of the most important things is that people don't get responds. When people are reacting like , wow great job! Or giving criticism. People are getting more enthusiastic. Are will spend more time into creating their visual novel. Then people that never get's reactions about their project, they mostly think people wouldn't even like it. Even if its finished.

Also of course the problem that people are thinking to big. 500k words, 50 endings, and 20 character designs. And then the problems start, people getting out of inspiration. Use standard sprites, and using the program to create their visual novel isn't that easy as they hoped. So yea. They give up really quick then. Its such a shame because i see really good idea's. but then people just stop working on it