Fact Check: Are VNS games?

Are VNS Games?

Introduction

The claim under scrutiny is whether visual novels (VNs) can be classified as games. This question arises from the unique nature of visual novels, which blend narrative storytelling with interactive elements. While many sources assert that visual novels are indeed a form of video game, the nuances of their interactivity and narrative structure invite further examination.

What We Know

1. Definition of Visual Novels: Visual novels are described as a form of digital interactive fiction that primarily conveys a narrative through text, often accompanied by static or animated illustrations. They allow for varying degrees of interactivity, which can include branching storylines based on player choices 14.

2. Characteristics: Visual novels typically feature rich storylines, anime-inspired art styles, and soundtracks. They may include elements from other genres, such as role-playing games (RPGs) and dating simulations 35. Some visual novels are categorized as "kinetic novels," which do not offer branching paths and are more linear in nature 3.

3. Game Classification: Many sources categorize visual novels as video games due to their interactive nature. For instance, Honey's Anime states that the interactivity in visual novels is a defining characteristic that aligns them with video games 3. MasterClass also emphasizes their classification as text-based adventure games, reinforcing the idea that they fit within the broader gaming genre 4.

4. Development and Design: Visual novels are noted for being quicker to develop and less costly compared to other game genres. This accessibility has contributed to their popularity among indie developers 7.

Analysis

The classification of visual novels as games is supported by various sources, but the reliability and potential biases of these sources warrant scrutiny.

1. Wikipedia: As a widely used reference, Wikipedia provides a general overview of visual novels, but its open-edit nature raises questions about the accuracy and neutrality of its content. While it does cite sources, the reliability of those sources can vary 12.

2. Gaming Websites: Articles from sites like Honey's Anime and MasterClass present a favorable view of visual novels as games, highlighting their interactive elements. However, these sources may have a bias toward promoting gaming culture and may not critically engage with counterarguments 34.

3. Academic Sources: ResearchGate and the ACM Digital Library provide more scholarly perspectives on visual novels, discussing their design implications and narrative structures. These sources are typically more reliable due to their peer-reviewed nature, but they may focus on specific aspects that do not encompass the broader debate about the game classification 6810.

4. Conflicting Views: Some discussions suggest that the primary purpose of visual novels is storytelling rather than gameplay, which could challenge their classification as games. For example, Anime Amino emphasizes the narrative focus of visual novels, suggesting that their interactivity is secondary to the story 9.

5. Methodological Concerns: The definitions and classifications of visual novels can vary significantly across sources, leading to potential confusion. A more standardized definition, supported by empirical research, would help clarify their status as games.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the classification of visual novels as games, primarily due to their interactive nature and the incorporation of player choices that influence narrative outcomes. Sources such as Honey's Anime and MasterClass explicitly categorize visual novels within the gaming genre, highlighting their defining characteristics of interactivity and storytelling.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the classification is not universally accepted. Some perspectives emphasize the narrative focus of visual novels, suggesting that their interactivity may be secondary. This nuance indicates that while visual novels can be classified as games, they occupy a unique space that may not align with traditional definitions of gaming.

Moreover, the reliability of sources varies, and biases may influence the portrayal of visual novels. Academic sources tend to provide more rigorous analysis, yet they may not fully address the broader debate surrounding the classification.

Readers should remain aware of these limitations and critically evaluate the information presented. The classification of visual novels as games is supported, but the discussion is complex and multifaceted.

Sources

1. Visual novel - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_novel
2. Visual novel - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_novel#:~:text=Visual%20novels%20are%20often%20associated,as%20a%20visual%20novel%20game.
3. What is Visual Novel (VN)? [Gaming Definition, Meaning] - Honey's Anime. https://honeysanime.com/what-is-visual-novel-vn/
4. Visual Novels: 5 Characteristics of Visual Novel Video Games - MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/visual-novels-explained-plus-notable-visual-novel-video-games
5. What Is a Visual Novel Video Game? - MUO. https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-visual-novel-video-game/
6. (PDF) What is a Visual Novel? - ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355121908_What_is_a_Visual_Novel
7. What's a VN? | Illuminated Games. http://illuminated.games/whats-a-vn/
8. What is a Visual Novel? | Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3474712
9. Visual Novel | What are CG's? | Anime Amino. https://aminoapps.com/c/anime/page/blog/visual-novel-what-are-cgs/vqtn_un8ZMREB2YJrjvKpD1l116lXg
10. What is a Visual Novel? - ACM Digital Library. https://dl.acm.org/doi/epdf/10.1145/3474712