Genres

[ActionSage]

I've been really thinking wether I should continue my project or not, It seems the genre I picked isn't really popular with many. I posted my ideas somewhere else and it was
shredded lol. Anyway I don't see the point of putting all this hard work into something that won't be played.

So, What are the main type things majority of you guys want/look for in your VNs

[Camille]

The most important thing is that you work on a project you like and can really get behind. It's hard to get motivated and excited about a project that you're only making because you think it might be popular. No matter what genre you pick, there will be people who like it. Take any criticisms with a grain of salt.

[Anna]

Are you sure it was the genre and not your ideas which were critiqued? 'You picked the wrong genre' is not valid critique, there is no wrong genre if you can decide your target audience yourself.

[ThisIsNoName]

Also remember that what you see and how others see your ideas can be radically different. For example, Lord of the Rings could be pitched as both "A nerdy loner goes on adventures with his wacky friends" or "A hero appointed by a mystical wizard goes on a quest to save the world". Both are technically true, but neither is a very good representation of the books/movies.

Try pitching your idea on different websites, and from different points of view (Character oriented, plot oriented, setting oriented, gameplay oriented, etc.) That way, you can see what different people like, and don't like, about your idea.

EDIT: Oh, and by the way, please continue your idea, even if you do think it's bad. In my opinion, there's no such thing as a bad idea. Only a bad implementation.

[Greeny]

It's not necessarily a bad idea, it may just be too early in the stages of development. Also, people like pictures. If you get as much as one pretty picture, I guarantee you will yield a positive result. Sadly, if this is your first project, because you don't yet have any reputation, you're probably not going to get an artist on board until you have a substantial bit of work done.

[fleet]

By all means pitch your idea on different web sites.
Example: I posted links to one of my VNs on two web sites.
After one month, downloads from website "A" totaled three, while downloads from website "B" totaled 3500.

As a PLAYER, I look for an art style that appeals to me and a 'teaser' (brief description of the plot/characters) that sounds interesting.
As a CREATOR, in my own story ideas, if I'm not enthusiastic about it, I'll drop the idea. If I am enthusiastic about it, I'll ask a VERY small circle of trusted friends (ones I know will be honest with me) how THEY would CHANGE the story to make it better.

[ActionSage]

The most important thing is that you work on a project you like and can really get behind. It's hard to get motivated and excited about a project that you're only making because you think it might be popular. No matter what genre you pick, there will be people who like it. Take any criticisms with a grain of salt.

Gotcha

Are you sure it was the genre and not your ideas which were critiqued? 'You picked the wrong genre' is not valid critique, there is no wrong genre if you can decide your target audience yourself.

eh, ideas mostly but considering the website, this was expected

It's not necessarily a bad idea, it may just be too early in the stages of development. Also, people like pictures. If you get as much as one pretty picture, I guarantee you will yield a positive result. Sadly, if this is your first project, because you don't yet have any reputation, you're probably not going to get an artist on board until you have a substantial bit of work done.

I honestly have no problem doing the art myself, At least in the start. I just wanted more support I guess

By all means pitch your idea on different web sites.
Example: I posted links to one of my VNs on two web sites.
After one month, downloads from website "A" totaled three, while downloads from website "B" totaled 3500.

As a PLAYER, I look for an art style that appeals to me and a 'teaser' (brief description of the plot/characters) that sounds interesting.
As a CREATOR, in my own story ideas, if I'm not enthusiastic about it, I'll drop the idea. If I am enthusiastic about it, I'll ask a VERY small circle of trusted friends (ones I know will be honest with me) how THEY would CHANGE the story to make it better.

Ah, I see, I plan on creating some type of better Art sample soon

Also remember that what you see and how others see your ideas can be radically different. For example, Lord of the Rings could be pitched as both "A nerdy loner goes on adventures with his wacky friends" or "A hero appointed by a mystical wizard goes on a quest to save the world". Both are technically true, but neither is a very good representation of the books/movies.

Try pitching your idea on different websites, and from different points of view (Character oriented, plot oriented, setting oriented, gameplay oriented, etc.) That way, you can see what different people like, and don't like, about your idea.

EDIT: Oh, and by the way, please continue your idea, even if you do think it's bad. In my opinion, there's no such thing as a bad idea. Only a bad implementation.

Okay I might try this

[nyaatrap]

If some random person posted an ideas of "Fate stay night", many people would laugh at it because of its cheapness.
I'm thinking the fundamental element which makes something into a masterpiece is work, not idea.

[ActionSage]

If some random person posted an ideas of "Fate stay night", many people would laugh at it because of its cheapness.
I'm thinking the fundamental element which makes something into a masterpiece is work, not idea.

I have no idea what your trying to say here. My ideas are my own, and I didn't copy off anything else.

[Camille]

If some random person posted an ideas of "Fate stay night", many people would laugh at it because of its cheapness.
I'm thinking the fundamental element which makes something into a masterpiece is work, not idea.

I have no idea what your trying to say here. My ideas are my own, and I didn't copy off anything else.

They're saying it's more about the execution of the idea than the actual idea itself. Even things that are really good, if you were to boil them down to an idea, they'd sound silly. Like "Fate Stay Night" is very popular now, but the plot summary by itself doesn't sound that great. They weren't accusing you of copying.

[ActionSage]

They're saying it's more about the execution of the idea than the actual idea itself. Even things that are really good, if you were to boil them down to an idea, they'd sound silly. Like "Fate Stay Night" is very popular now, but the plot summary by itself doesn't sound that great. They weren't accusing you of copying.

Ah, I see...My bad.

[nyaatrap]

Ah, read on my post and then I noticed it can be misunderstood.
Anyway, if there is a thing I possibly accuse you is that you are losing your confident.
In my opinion, creators should always keep their confident, and just think how to proceed their ideas.

Code: Select all

What are the main type things majority of you guys want/look for in your VNs

Yuri. Nothing else. At least I can't make other games

[gekiganwing]

I've been really thinking wether I should continue my project or not, It seems the genre I picked isn't really popular with many. I posted my ideas somewhere else and it was shredded lol.

Not everyone will like Liquid Metal Angel. But please remember that every creator everywhere has to deal with criticism. You gotta know who to, who not to listen to. They're gonna hit you from all sides, better make up your mind. Therefore, remind yourself to ignore most imageboards, and don't bother reading comment spam. Feeding trolls is never beneficial. People who can be anonymous online will often go to great lengths to tear down your writing, and they rarely provide any constructive criticism or reasons for their negativity.

And yes, professionals have to put up with rejection too. For instance, here's page one of Famous Authors' Harshest Rejection Letters. It's amazing to think that many now-renowned creators were turned down dozens or hundreds of times before they finally published their works.

That said, keep writing Liquid Metal Angel to the best of your ability. If you need assistance, be sure to ask for help.

[redeyesblackpanda]

I've got to agree with everyone. It's really the execution that matters. Even with the coolest ideas, most people don't bother to comment (trolls are an exception because they like abusing everyone). People don't care as much until you show them your work. It's the execution of the ideas that matter, and a well executed "unoriginal" and "boring" idea is far more enjoyable than an "amazing" idea that has had little put into it.

Also, you shouldn't really expect too much excitement in the early stages of a project. You may think no one cares, but when you release the game, you could be be proven very, very, wrong.

That all being said, I personally don't like the idea of working on something to have it be "popular." Popularity is inspiring, but I work on my projects because I want to complete them and they are something that I want to exist for myself. Having other people like it is nice, but trying to please as many people as possible can often have opposite effects, especially if you feel uninspired because of it.

Shortened Version: If you like it, stick with it! Your interest and inspiration will make their way into the game and into your audience.