So, we haven't updated for about half a year. Obviously, this will raise some questions about our status and our future plans, so we'd like to address those questions in this blog post.
First of all, the long delays were caused by an influx of work from university for both of us and real life doing its thing, which sadly left little time to work on our projects. Right now we have some breathing space again, so hopefully we can pick up where we left off. The little time we had to spare went straight into Locus Magici, our big project, and nearly all background lineart is done at this point in time (and believe me, there are a lot of backgrounds).
That also means we will not participate in NaNoRenO 2014, instead focusing on Locus Magici. While NaNoRenO is always an enjoyable and useful experience, right now it is more important to work on our main project and get back on track. Hopefully, next year, we will be able to participate again :p
~Kiki
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Achievement unlocked: sprites!
AHAHAHAHAHA
It is complete!
We got there! Finally, the sprites are all done! Even though it felt as if some omnipotent force tried to do everything it could to prevent that.
So now that we're done, it's time to brag :D! And the best way to do it is by showing how much I made myself suffer over the past months (images blurred to prevent spoilers):
 |
| Individual sprites (unique poses or outfits) |
 |
| Sprite variations (expressions, added items, etc) |
And for the unlocked achievement, I'll show you one of the completed spritesets (not including all expressions or outfits of course) - Sirus:
And that's all for now, onto the next step; backgrounds!
~Anna
Thursday, July 11, 2013
5 myths of screen resolutions
I'll freely admit this post is written with only one thing in mind:
the arguments people sometimes use when defending using lower
resolutions for their visual novels. Often, those are based on either
inaccurate observations or misunderstood information. I want to point
out some of the more common 'myths' and discuss why they aren't true.
1. Downscaling is destructive.
This theory states that downscaling for whatever reason is incredibly destructive. By putting out a low resolution of the visual novel, all can play the game windowed on native size or upscale in full-screen mode.
In fact, it is downscaling which is preferable. With downscaling, the scaling algorithm can look at the neighbouring pixels and average those out. With upscaling, there are no surrounding pixels to go by, so all the computer can do is some glorified guesswork. This causes either a blocky or a blurry appearance.
Of course, that doesn't mean we should all put out full HD games, either. Upscaling a little is of course preferentially to downscaling a lot, since most scaling algorithms aren't good enough to handle a large factor. It is best to sit somewhere in the middle of your expected audience's computer resolution, so people will have to scale as little as possible. If it is possible, you can look into offering multiple resolutions.
2. High resolutions cost more work to draw.
The amount of strokes needed for both low-resolution and high-resolution are of course the same - the main difference is the amount of pixels in between the two strokes. You might want to add some more detail to take advantage of the higher resolution, though.
3. High resolutions are too big in file size
Another often heard argument is that higher resolutions are too big in file size, causing longer downloading times for the user.
The effects high resolutions have on file size is quite minimal. For example, let's take a look at the optimized image files of 'Days of the Divine', which are roughly ~260 images:
1920x1080 40,4 MB
1280x720 23,4 MB
1024x576 17,9 MB
Something important to keep in mind here is the word 'optimized' above. The original 1920x1080 .png image files are a whopping 217 MB, but there is no reason not to use at least a little optimization if you're worried about file sizes. While the many ways to optimize are too complicated to explore swiftly, using compressed .jpg images where there is no notable difference and basic compression when exporting images is far more rewarding than using lower resolution sprites.
4. It's what Japan does
They don't, or at least not anymore. Although PC gaming in Japan is relatively niche compared to the West (and with it high-end computers), a more important factor is the fact that once a translation patch is released and word of mouth has started spreading, the VN is already a few years old. Most recent VNs from Japan are at least in 1280x720, so there is no reason we should stay behind.
5. Nobody cares about higher resolutions
There are enough people that do. No-one uses 800x600 monitors anymore, and playing a lower-resolution game on a higher-resolution monitor is choosing between seeing a small post stamp on your desktop or going full-screen, ruining the images due to upscaling. Even if it was once acceptable, times change and your audience does too.
While there can be legitimate reasons to choose for smaller resolutions (one example being stock art being harder to locate for higher resolutions), keep in mind some people will care, so think for yourself if it's worth it in the end.
~Kiki
1. Downscaling is destructive.
This theory states that downscaling for whatever reason is incredibly destructive. By putting out a low resolution of the visual novel, all can play the game windowed on native size or upscale in full-screen mode.
In fact, it is downscaling which is preferable. With downscaling, the scaling algorithm can look at the neighbouring pixels and average those out. With upscaling, there are no surrounding pixels to go by, so all the computer can do is some glorified guesswork. This causes either a blocky or a blurry appearance.
Of course, that doesn't mean we should all put out full HD games, either. Upscaling a little is of course preferentially to downscaling a lot, since most scaling algorithms aren't good enough to handle a large factor. It is best to sit somewhere in the middle of your expected audience's computer resolution, so people will have to scale as little as possible. If it is possible, you can look into offering multiple resolutions.
2. High resolutions cost more work to draw.
The amount of strokes needed for both low-resolution and high-resolution are of course the same - the main difference is the amount of pixels in between the two strokes. You might want to add some more detail to take advantage of the higher resolution, though.
3. High resolutions are too big in file size
Another often heard argument is that higher resolutions are too big in file size, causing longer downloading times for the user.
The effects high resolutions have on file size is quite minimal. For example, let's take a look at the optimized image files of 'Days of the Divine', which are roughly ~260 images:
1920x1080 40,4 MB
1280x720 23,4 MB
1024x576 17,9 MB
Something important to keep in mind here is the word 'optimized' above. The original 1920x1080 .png image files are a whopping 217 MB, but there is no reason not to use at least a little optimization if you're worried about file sizes. While the many ways to optimize are too complicated to explore swiftly, using compressed .jpg images where there is no notable difference and basic compression when exporting images is far more rewarding than using lower resolution sprites.
4. It's what Japan does
They don't, or at least not anymore. Although PC gaming in Japan is relatively niche compared to the West (and with it high-end computers), a more important factor is the fact that once a translation patch is released and word of mouth has started spreading, the VN is already a few years old. Most recent VNs from Japan are at least in 1280x720, so there is no reason we should stay behind.
5. Nobody cares about higher resolutions
There are enough people that do. No-one uses 800x600 monitors anymore, and playing a lower-resolution game on a higher-resolution monitor is choosing between seeing a small post stamp on your desktop or going full-screen, ruining the images due to upscaling. Even if it was once acceptable, times change and your audience does too.
While there can be legitimate reasons to choose for smaller resolutions (one example being stock art being harder to locate for higher resolutions), keep in mind some people will care, so think for yourself if it's worth it in the end.
~Kiki
Friday, July 5, 2013
Nanolife translation: German version released
Good news time: the latest version of Nanolife is now fully translated into German!
Below you can find the download links for all platforms. Please note some engine-specific text couldn't be translated. Many thanks to Marcel Weyers for his hard work on the translation - he's a cool guy. We hope you'll enjoy it~
Download
Installer -- Windows XP/Vista/7
Application bundle -- Mac OSX
Zip file -- all platforms
And yet there isn't a dutch version :D...
~Kiki
Below you can find the download links for all platforms. Please note some engine-specific text couldn't be translated. Many thanks to Marcel Weyers for his hard work on the translation - he's a cool guy. We hope you'll enjoy it~
Download
Installer -- Windows XP/Vista/7
Application bundle -- Mac OSX
Zip file -- all platforms
~Kiki
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Two types of main characters in visual novels
This is a topic which will undoubtedly cross the mind of many visual novel creators and perhaps even a few readers too - the type of main character (MC).
While some MC's have a bit of both, in general you can classify them into the following two categories:
Visuals and Narrative
Basically everything you can see on the screen and the way writing is handled, such as point of view. The reason why I'm taking these together is because they overlap in visual novels.
Personality-based MC
As the MC does not represent the reader in this type, it's possible to show him/her alongside the other characters of the VN. This strengthens the idea of the MC having its own personality, which in turn helps the reader with their expectations of what type of MC and choices to expect. Of course, it's still possible to relate to the MC, so seeing the events from their point of view is equally valid. Since either (visual) point of view is possible, the choice depends on which one fits the creator's goals, story set-up and narrative better.
Self-insert MC
Most visual novels with self-insert characters are seen from first-person point of view. After all, this increases immersion as you don't see the self-insert, and it can be 'you'. While some games like western RPGs give you the option to customize your main character to enhance attachment, this isn't done as much in visual novels because of the detailed art and lesser budgets.
Inner thoughts
While both types might show their inner thoughts during the story, they serve a different purpose.
Personality-based MC
The thoughts of a personality-based MC are about the events in the story ('A werewolf infestation? Is the local witch behind it?'), but should also reflect his motives behind his actions ('My sense of justice does not allow me to walk away!'). As the reader needs the thoughts of the MC to understand him, it is important to not hide critical ones. If the MC takes an unexpected action without explaining himself, the reader won't understand him and will feel less connected with him. This also includes motives the reader cannot connect with, like a serial killer killing for fun.
Self-insert MC
In the case of a self-insert MC, his/her thoughts should either be about the events of the story or express thoughts the reader is likely having as well. Try to avoid thoughts that might not reflect those of the reader: if the MC is very sad at an event while the reader is not, the reader will feel more disconnected with the MC.
Choices
The kind of choices you encounter in the story.
Personality-based MC
With personality-based MCs, a choice can never be something which would be out of character. This includes matters where the reader is presented with choices about what the main character thinks of a situation. Since the MC has its own personality, he/she should already have an opinion based on their personality, so it makes no sense for a reader to decide.
It's still possible to give the reader a choice, but all options should be plausible courses of action for the MC. Examples of such choices are action choices (Stab the guy or blast him with magic?), order choices (visit the left room or right room first?), or moral dilemma's that are both valid options for the MC (kill the guy who killed your family or not?). Choices like these will create the feeling of being in control of the character - but not its mind - which we are also used to from games with this type of MC.
Self-insert MC
Contrary to personality-based MCs, for this type of MC all important decisions are up to the reader, as well as who to like and who to hang out with. You can even add choices that have little to do with the story, but give the reader the opportunity to role-play and grow closer to the self-insert. Longer stories can even tally how often certain responses are picked, and make the MC more angry, snarky or whatever relates to the answers best as a result. However, most VNs aren't long enough to utilize this effectively.
In short, the type of main character is dependent on which aspects fit the story better. Otome/bishoujo games benefit more from a self-insert MC, while some plot-heavy visual novels will probably want a MC with a predefined personality so the MC can take action on its own. Keep in mind what type of MC you want in your story, and model the visuals, narrative, thoughts and choices accordingly.
~Anna
While some MC's have a bit of both, in general you can classify them into the following two categories:
- personality-based MC (the character has a defined personality)
- self-insert MC (the character lacks a personality and is a stand-in for the reader)
Visuals and Narrative
Basically everything you can see on the screen and the way writing is handled, such as point of view. The reason why I'm taking these together is because they overlap in visual novels.
Personality-based MC
As the MC does not represent the reader in this type, it's possible to show him/her alongside the other characters of the VN. This strengthens the idea of the MC having its own personality, which in turn helps the reader with their expectations of what type of MC and choices to expect. Of course, it's still possible to relate to the MC, so seeing the events from their point of view is equally valid. Since either (visual) point of view is possible, the choice depends on which one fits the creator's goals, story set-up and narrative better.
Self-insert MC
Most visual novels with self-insert characters are seen from first-person point of view. After all, this increases immersion as you don't see the self-insert, and it can be 'you'. While some games like western RPGs give you the option to customize your main character to enhance attachment, this isn't done as much in visual novels because of the detailed art and lesser budgets.
Inner thoughts
While both types might show their inner thoughts during the story, they serve a different purpose.
Personality-based MC
The thoughts of a personality-based MC are about the events in the story ('A werewolf infestation? Is the local witch behind it?'), but should also reflect his motives behind his actions ('My sense of justice does not allow me to walk away!'). As the reader needs the thoughts of the MC to understand him, it is important to not hide critical ones. If the MC takes an unexpected action without explaining himself, the reader won't understand him and will feel less connected with him. This also includes motives the reader cannot connect with, like a serial killer killing for fun.
Self-insert MC
In the case of a self-insert MC, his/her thoughts should either be about the events of the story or express thoughts the reader is likely having as well. Try to avoid thoughts that might not reflect those of the reader: if the MC is very sad at an event while the reader is not, the reader will feel more disconnected with the MC.
Choices
The kind of choices you encounter in the story.
Personality-based MC
With personality-based MCs, a choice can never be something which would be out of character. This includes matters where the reader is presented with choices about what the main character thinks of a situation. Since the MC has its own personality, he/she should already have an opinion based on their personality, so it makes no sense for a reader to decide.
It's still possible to give the reader a choice, but all options should be plausible courses of action for the MC. Examples of such choices are action choices (Stab the guy or blast him with magic?), order choices (visit the left room or right room first?), or moral dilemma's that are both valid options for the MC (kill the guy who killed your family or not?). Choices like these will create the feeling of being in control of the character - but not its mind - which we are also used to from games with this type of MC.
Self-insert MC
Contrary to personality-based MCs, for this type of MC all important decisions are up to the reader, as well as who to like and who to hang out with. You can even add choices that have little to do with the story, but give the reader the opportunity to role-play and grow closer to the self-insert. Longer stories can even tally how often certain responses are picked, and make the MC more angry, snarky or whatever relates to the answers best as a result. However, most VNs aren't long enough to utilize this effectively.
In short, the type of main character is dependent on which aspects fit the story better. Otome/bishoujo games benefit more from a self-insert MC, while some plot-heavy visual novels will probably want a MC with a predefined personality so the MC can take action on its own. Keep in mind what type of MC you want in your story, and model the visuals, narrative, thoughts and choices accordingly.
~Anna
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Animecon 2013!
It's convention-time!
This weekend, you can find me and Kiki in the dealerroom at Animecon 2013 (Netherlands)! We're totally hyped, we would love to see you all again and we booked a hotel for the first time ever. That last one means you won't be looking at corpses on the last day (goodbye camping out~).
We sadly don't have anything new to show due to our visual novel works, but we bring along our usual goods. Visit us for works like Firefly, bookmarks, keychains our full-colour manga and other goods! Even better; combine old with new as you get a free copy of our first work Cogitare with every purchase of Rose of Glass (as long as the stock lasts~).
Of course, you can always just drop by toadmire chat with our awesome humble selves.
We hope to see you there!
~Anna
This weekend, you can find me and Kiki in the dealerroom at Animecon 2013 (Netherlands)! We're totally hyped, we would love to see you all again and we booked a hotel for the first time ever. That last one means you won't be looking at corpses on the last day (goodbye camping out~).
We sadly don't have anything new to show due to our visual novel works, but we bring along our usual goods. Visit us for works like Firefly, bookmarks, keychains our full-colour manga and other goods! Even better; combine old with new as you get a free copy of our first work Cogitare with every purchase of Rose of Glass (as long as the stock lasts~).
Of course, you can always just drop by to
We hope to see you there!
~Anna
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Android news: Days of the Divine released, Nanolife updated
Since we love VNs on Android, we've recently added a few things.
Nanolife
The Nanolife version has been updated to run with full HD resolution (1920x1080), the PC-version's font and some other cool things now. You can check the Google play page below for more information and the download.
Keep in mind you will need an Android 2.2+ device for this version. Those with 2.1 will not receive this update.
Days of the Divine
Like Nanolife, Days of the Divine is now on Android! Complete with full HD resolution and the other bonuses of the Nanolife release, it's perfect to play on your phone and tabletand totally free /o/.
Below are some previews:
For more information, click the button below to get to the Days of the Divine Android page. Note that like with the Nanolife update, we support any Android 2.2+ device.
Have fun!
~Anna
Nanolife
The Nanolife version has been updated to run with full HD resolution (1920x1080), the PC-version's font and some other cool things now. You can check the Google play page below for more information and the download.
Keep in mind you will need an Android 2.2+ device for this version. Those with 2.1 will not receive this update.
Days of the Divine
Like Nanolife, Days of the Divine is now on Android! Complete with full HD resolution and the other bonuses of the Nanolife release, it's perfect to play on your phone and tablet
Below are some previews:
For more information, click the button below to get to the Days of the Divine Android page. Note that like with the Nanolife update, we support any Android 2.2+ device.
~Anna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)