The Birth and Evolution of Visual Novel Games

Around 30 years ago, a distinct mutation of adventure games from the United States crossed oceans and found its unique footing in Japan, evolving into what we now recognize as visual novel games. While the concept of a game resembling a novel might seem commonplace, it originated in Japan, initially confined to its market. However, in the 2000s, these games traversed back across the seas, now in the hands of individuals worldwide, exploring further possibilities.

Early 1980s computer games captivated enthusiasts with text-based puzzles and interactions, involving solving mysteries through computer dialogue. However, limitations in vocabulary and natural language processing led to the recognition of the drawbacks of text input. As a result, the 'word selection' system, where users chose from a prepared list of words, gradually gained prominence, especially in Japan.

Emphasis on Storytelling
A shift towards emphasizing storytelling and engaging gimmicks occurred around 1987-1988, epitomized by Hideo Kojima's 'Snatcher' (1988). However, this narrative-driven approach posed its own challenges, often conflicting with the interactive gaming experience. Game designer Toyoo Tamamura early on envisioned a "novel-like adventure game" but faced the difficulty of constructing quality story branches, a feat he couldn't achieve. Yet, Chunsoft's "Sound Novel" series succeeded in this aspect, as seen in 'Otogirisou' (1992), elevating story branches to enhance both narrative and gameplay, marking the establishment of visual novel games.