itch.io

VN Competition Judge Offering Free Live Consultations & Title screen VFX!

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:05:45 GMT

Hey everyone! I hope you've had a great time participating in NaNoRenO this year! I'm Nai from Make Visual Novels, though I imagine more of you know me either through our live team building events in DevTalk, or from the other jams and competitions I run. I wanted to let you guys know that, for a limited time, I'm offering free consultations for jammers participating in NaNoRenO2024. With those consultations, I'll also be creating VFX for your title screens to help you make a stronger first impression.

So you might be asking...

Why would I even want a consultation, Nai?

Something went really wrong and you want to know how to fix it .
Something went really right and you want to know how to take advantage of it.
You had an objective that you got close to, but couldn't quite hit it.
You want to go Pro with developing VNs, and you'd like guidance.
You feel lost in some part of the process, and need help setting goals for your circumstances.
You tasted VN Dev, you can't imagine a life without it, and you want tools, resources & opportunities.

Okay, but why you?

I've spent nearly a decade supporting and coaching visual novel developers reaching their personal and professional goals.
I've read over 500 indie visual novels. I know what your peers are doing, and where they are succeeding and where they're struggling.
I run & judge for the largest sponsored visual novel development competition. That 500 was a conservative estimate.
My network includes VN engine & game developers, game, book, comic & VN publishers, merchandise providers & manufacturers, marketing professionals, crowdfunding experts, professional programmers, illustrators, animators, graphic designers, VFX artists, 3D Artists(specifically modelling, texturing, rigging, and lighting) editors, pixel artists, Live2D capable artists, authors, narrative designers, translators, composers, musicians, singers, casting directors, voice actors (so many voice actors). And, probably most importantly, people who are living the experiences you're looking for.

In short: If I don't know the answer and/or can't come up with a solution to your very specific goals, I know someone who can.

I'm in. Now what?

To be eligible for the free consultation and the VFX, you need to have a game submitted to the NaNoRenO 2024 jam page and follow its rules.
Having a list of questions to ask is a good idea. Having goals is an even better one. If you don't have goals, we can work on setting them.
For best results, you or a team representative should be present for the consultation. These are conducted between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM ET on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Message me either here on Itch, over on Discord (discord:naidriftlin), in DevTalk(https://discord.gg/devtalk) to set up a time and day.

Some things to keep in mind:

Don't ask me to roast your game/be brutal. I don't do that. I can provide critique with suggestions and examples.
These consultations will be conducted live on https://twitch.tv/makevisualnovels. My viewers are typically your peers and VN industry folks, and usually not exceeding 10 concurrent viewers. A VOD recording will be provided to you to download for 30 days afterwards.
The free VFX for your title screen is eligible for those who complete the consultations. It will be tailored to your existing title screen visuals and delivered afterwards. I may opt to stream and record the process of making them.

Question about RPG elements

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 04:54:13 GMT

Hello,

When designing a visual novel, are we allowed to have some interactive mechanics in the game (for example, a small turn-based battle system of some kind, or court/evidence segments like in ace attorney), as long as the game is heavily story based?

Where does the line usually get drawn?

Thanks,

novice