Let’s talk about light novels adapting game scenarios this week. Otome games are by now something of a trope for light novels. But how popular are otome games really? Why does it feel like every other LN is playing in a otome game scenario when there are so many video game genres that are so much more popular. There is an argument to be had that the other half of video game related light novels is based on some fantasy (VR)MMO with basic RPG mechanics.

There are also single series that pick up some unusual game/genre like Minecraft in Survival in Another World with My Mistress or a God Sim in The NPCs in this Village Sim Game Must Be Real!. But those are outliers and I want more of stuff like that. There are enough LN about generic fantasy RPGs and otome games already. I want something fresh. Where’s my Anno city/empire builder LN?

Another point for discussion: is Re:Zero a souldborne LN? Lots of death and suffering with respawns at certain points that reset the world.

Some META:

I’ll be on vacation for the next two weeks and if someone has an idea for a Midweek discussion I would be glad If someone else could answer the call of duty. (Or want to post about non-Japanese LN or even fat novels but fear my vengeful wrath? This is your chance!)

I’ll try to have an eye on here in those two weeks and Myne will post her two threads as usual, but whatever I’ll do will be very sporadic and not in a timely fashion.