Many times we find ourselves in the situation of wanting to give shape and image to an idea, story or project. With each of the advances that technology has offered us today, there are different ways to create. Before, the ways to share a story were much more limited, so we must take advantage of the advantages we have in our time. A very practical example to tell a story, are visual novels. Sometimes also known as Graphic Adventures, although throughout this post we will be referring to them as “Visual Novels”.
In this post we are not only going to explain how a visual novel should be built. And indicate what software to use for its development. But also explain that it is a visual novel, and of course what skills you must master to be able to make a novel properly.
We warn you beforehand that this is closely linked to the development of video games. Although you don’t necessarily have to be an expert programmer to be able to make a visual novel. More because the engines to create video games (Or also known as enginers). You have the possibility of being used without programming. Thanks to an intuitive interface, usually being a drag and drop.
On the other hand, if this type of content does not attract your attention.
What is a Visual Novel?
Of course, in this article we will teach how to make a visual novel. The most logical thing is first to stop and explain what it is. Although you may already have an idea of what it is when you decide to enter this entry, a brief explanation for those who are not informed never hurts.
To put it in simple words. A visual novel is a hybrid between a literary novel and a video game. Although it is often debated how much of a “Video game” Visual Novels have. But its grace is to allow the developer to tell a story through writing (which can also be narrated by a voice). And a series of illustrations, or failing that “Characters”. They appear on the screen, carrying out the dialogues and starring in the scenes in the story.
In general, this format is usually widely used by the Japanese (Who in fact have explored this genre more in video games). But that is not why he is limited to only resorting to a Manga / Anime aesthetic in his illustrations.
Another of the thanks that Visual Novels have is that some developers add (At certain points in the story) the possibility for the reader to make decisions. Which depending on which one you choose, you will be able to perceive a different ending at the end of the novel.
What is needed?
Something must be taken into account, as it is a literary and digital development project. Obviously you are going to need to develop (or at least know how to defend yourself) some skills. Among these we have highlighted the following:
- Knowledge of the concepts that every writer must master. Being a novel (that is, a literary story). Obviously you are going to need to know the basic fundamentals that every writer should be able to know. Among which stands out the narrative, writing, spelling, character development, setting, etc. Although even expert writers have flaws with these points, at least knowing how to structure a story must be understood.
- Digital art or illustration. This is a point that is mandatory, and at the same time not… Let me explain, on the one hand, if you know how to draw or have skills in it, being able to illustrate the scenes or create the characters will be a piece of cake. However, if this is not your case, go to alternatives on the internet for what you are looking for, or pay a cartoonist who can collaborate with your work.
- Music. One of the advantages that Visual Novels offer over an ordinary novel. It is the ability to play music, so that can help you better set the scenes or emotions of your characters. If you don’t know how to compose, again you can go to free music libraries on the internet.
What software do you require for its development?
A visual novel can be built using any 2D game engine, an example among the most popular is Unity. However, we recommend another one called Novelty or, failing that, Tyranos Builder. Both are specific graphics engines for the development of Visual Novels. So all the tools that you are going to need to make your novel, you can find them there.
Not only that, but these engines also have an intuitive development interface. To which it will not be necessary to have programming knowledge to be able to create the novel. Which means a plus for those who have no programming knowledge.