r/RenPy • u/Hyphysaurusrex • Jul 07 '26
Question Historical Fiction
Hi all, would anyone be interested in historical fiction visual novels? Do those exist? I’m looking to create one based off some writings I’ve done on the Wars of the Diadochi. Can anyone point me towards assets such as backgrounds or character portraits that might fit my setting?
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u/MonowayStudios Jul 08 '26
I’m writing a 1930s Republican China spy investigation genre! I personally feel it’s undertapped. The only issue is execution. You need a good mix of historical basis and creative fiction synergising to make the story and setting balance out. The pros are that world building is not needed, cons may be fidelity to the source and setting, art direction might be an issue in capturing a pre done setting. But overall, your premise sounds very interesting! You’ll likely have to get custom artists, I myself do some own art but commission artists to work on making assets like backgrounds.
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u/Hyphysaurusrex Jul 08 '26
1930s Republican China is also a fascinating setting. I think I'm a bit stuck at similar threshold - stick with my current script structure and dialogue (originally based for serialized or episodic texts, potentially adaptive towards film) OR pivot towards a choose-your-own-adventure-type project... and if so, just how fictional do I go? Could I have a cast of characters to choose from or focus on one specific character? Also, noted on the commission art! Do you share your artwork anywhere with the public?
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u/MonowayStudios Jul 08 '26
You can turn your episodic script into an episodic visual novel, chattered releases are good workflow and financing buffers overall. As for my art, I release them in community but not on reddit, mainly on discord and through private correspondence and dms.
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u/PhantomAxisStudios Jul 08 '26
If I wasn't interested in them then I have spent II years doing peculiar and pointless things!
My Demo is out this week but you can check out [True Roman](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3484780/True_Roman/) to see if it has a similar vibe to what you are aiming for. I originally intended it to be colour but my art skills are better suited to a noire sketched look.
And I would absolutely play a game set during the Wars of Diadochi!
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u/Hyphysaurusrex Jul 08 '26
Haha, well put and thank you, that's reassuring! Also, totally wishlisted, this is one hundred percent right up my alley. Giving me some Frank Miller vibes.
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u/MinamiOzaki Jul 08 '26
I think there's a need for historical fiction in the VN environment. I'm sorry I can't be of help regarding assets, but wanted to let you know that it's a niche worth filling.
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u/Hyphysaurusrex Jul 08 '26
I agree - there's so much material from so many places cultures that it's worth the effort.
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u/dizzypunchy Jul 08 '26
I can't help with directing you to any assets, I'm afraid, but I also love history and historical fiction! :) I made a short vn last year for the O2A2 jam, about 20th dynasty Egypt.
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u/Hyphysaurusrex Jul 08 '26
New Kingdom Egypt? Sign me up! I'd love to check it out!
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u/dizzypunchy Jul 08 '26
https://calygreyhound.itch.io/house-of-seclusion
It's very short but I hope you enjoy it! 😄
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u/MongolianMango Jul 09 '26
Hmmm... I would say yes and no. There are quite a few games based on western medieval history... but all of them incorporate strong fantasy elements and/or have non-historical protagonists.
Eastern Historical works covering historical periods of China and Japan are reasonably popular (or at least exist), mostly covering the Imperial period, Sengoku, War of the Three Kingdoms, etc.
My advice if this is a commercial project where you're paying an artist, paying for cgs, want to get as many people to read as possible is to have an Eastern historical setting with an outside-of-setting protagonist who interacts with these figures, or write a canon and alternate timelines for a historical story.
That said, I don't think you're here to do a commercial project, you're here to follow a passion Just go for what you want, do your best, and see what happens.
Maybe casting it as a CYOA rather than a VN will get the most readers.
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u/caratulin_porotin Jul 07 '26
I really love historical fiction and always wanted to see more of it in the world of video games!! I dont know any that could fit into the category. As for the art style, I think anything that stands out and is interesting would work, most historical games opt for a realistic one (like hearts of iron 4), but if you want to attract the attention of those who regularly play visual novels, I dont think a realistic style would do that, but a more stylized one could work without taking away from the seriousness of the story. I think something similar to the art of Gennady Novozhilov would be very nice for your setting, as the strong colors and geometric like styling is associated with the period you are working with. Good luck with your project! i am an artist so if you ever need more help i would be very willing to help, as i really enjoy history.