Hi.
I’m currently working on a small hobby project (VN) that focuses more on the inner life of a single character than on the actual plot of the story. A small part of the VN is already finished, and I definitely see potential in it, but I also know that this is obviously just my subjective opinion.
Before I start randomly asking people what they think about my story/game or asking them to join the project, I first want to make sure I find someone who has roughly the same taste in stories and media as I do. You wouldn’t exactly ask someone who mainly reads romance for their opinion if you were writing a horror story.
So I thought it would be a good idea to first list some of the themes of my VN.
Isolation, existentialism, nihilism / meaninglessness, boredom / apathy, alienation, societal expectations
etc. That’s roughly the direction it’s going in.
Here are some works that can be compared to my Game and in what way:
The Coffin of Andy and LeyLey
This game is mainly comparable to my VN in terms of style and atmosphere. I’ve played the game and I also want to make something in a similar direction, but in my own way. I haven’t copied any story elements from it and I didn’t base the story itself on it.
Omori
Omori is probably the game that can be compared to mine the most overall. There are some clear similarities, even though the tone is different and the story and plot are very different from my own.
I wasn’t consciously inspired by Omori while writing, but I think the game probably influenced me subconsciously. It’s not even my favorite work on this list, but looking back, I can definitely see some similarities that probably come from that.
Joker (2019) and Taxi Driver (1976)
In terms of storytelling and atmosphere, these are probably the closest to my own story. Especially Taxi Driver.
However, I didn’t have either of these works in mind at all while writing my story. I haven’t copied any elements from them or consciously taken inspiration from them.
Now, as for what I’m actually looking for:
First of all, the VN will not be particularly long, at least as I currently have it planned. It’s going to be a relatively short game, so despite the level of ambition I have for the story, the actual workload for the writing partner should remain manageable.
I’d rather make a short but impactful and memorable game than drag something out unnecessarily. The actual workload of developing the game itself will mainly be on me anyway.
This is both my first game and my first project that I’m trying to actually finish, (more or less). I’m looking for someone who can tell me whether my idea works in the first place, what I could improve, and guide me a bit with the writing while also teaching me something along the way.
What’s especially important to me is storytelling, dialogue, and good pacing, so that the VN stays interesting throughout and doesn’t become boring for the player.
So I’m looking more for a creative writing partner than an employee. Someone with some experience who I can discuss the story with, come up with ideas together, and learn from.
The game is still pretty early in development.
Of course, it’s possible that what I’ve written so far isn’t actually that good. I’m completely open to criticism, though, and I’m willing to fundamentally change my ideas if that results in a better story.
And if things work out well, I’m also open to the writing partner gradually having a much bigger influence on the story and the writing.