While objectively the easiest to develop, I daresay kinetic novels are the biggest challenge for a VN dev. We would have to make the game interesting enough for players to get invested when the only input is advancing the text - that takes some SERIOUS writing skills, even if the art is subjective.
Kinetic novels are strictly defined by lack of choices, but they can still benefit from having some form of immersion - whether the player is directly referenced by the characters, having encounters with characters based on relatable/desired real-life archetypes, or a moral/lesson aimed at the player is woven into the story. Done right, the player can take something useful, if not healthy, with them when they walk away.
And the best part is that the story doesn't necessarily have to teach a lesson to be that good. If the point of the story is just to tell a story, it can serve as a form of escapism, allowing the reader's mind to relax so they can truly enjoy themselves (though I do think it is pretty savvy to slip a kind of encouraging/relatable message in there, so that the reader feels empowered at the same time).
I will always do my best to make my literary anvils as light as possible but using fantasy tropes not only allows me to cloak the story in symbolism but also enjoy writing it - I love the genre and the use of symbolism that much!
#renpy #vn #visualnovel #kineticnovel #discussion #gamedev #solodev #writing #story #interactive #rpg #mentalhealth #advice
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