An Eroge Game is a type of video game originating from Japan that contains explicit and/or erotic content such as nudity, sexual themes, and adult situations. Eroge games date back to the early 1980s and were typically played on computers such as the PC–8801 and later on the PC–9801. Most eroge games feature a story with various characters and multiple endings, allowing the player to make choices that affect the overall outcome of the game. Although eroge games usually contain explicit content, newer titles often focus more on story than on sexual content.

A visual novel is a form of digital semi–interactive fiction that combines a narrative with static or animated illustrations and varying levels of interactivity. Visual novels often feature branching storylines and multiple endings, with the player‘s choices determining the story‘s outcome. They typically feature minimal gameplay, with the player usually clicking to keep the text and graphics moving, while making narrative choices. Visual novels often revolve around character interactions and dialogue choices and often involve complex branching dialogues and multiple perspective storytelling. They are popular in Japan, and are sometimes adapted into light novels, manga, or anime.

People find visual novels enjoyable because they provide an exciting and immersive experience. With their branching storylines and multiple endings, they give players the freedom to explore and make choices that will shape their experience in the game. Additionally, visual novels often feature complex plots, engaging characters, and mature themes, all of which can draw players in and keep them invested in the story. The addition of audio and static or animated illustrations also helps to create an immersive experience that is not usually found in other mediums.

Visual Novels have a long history, beginning with the 1983 release of Portopia Serial Murder Case which featured non–linear elements, branching dialogue and multiple endings. Subsequent games such as Snatcher (1988) and Mirrors (1990) further refined the visual novel formula, introducing complex plotlines and audio CD music. In 1996, YU–NO: A Girl Who Chants Love at the Bound of this World revolutionized the genre with its Automatic Diverge Mapping System and branching timeline system, leading to the production of more ambitious visual novels such as EVE Burst Error (1995) and Machi (1998). 428: Shibuya Scramble (2008) would later introduce multiple perspectives and up to 85 different possible endings, while games such as Fate/stay night (2004) combined visual novel elements with role–playing video game elements. Visual Novels today remain popular in Japan, and have been adapted into other mediums such as light novels, manga, anime, and more recently, video games.

Visual novels are a form of digital semi–interactive fiction that combine a textual narrative with static or animated illustrations, and character sprites. They often feature multiple storylines and multiple endings, as well as decision points within the story that determine the outcome. Visual novels may have minimal gameplay, relying instead on players to click to keep the text and graphics moving. They often have morality systems, relationship–building mechanics, and complex branching dialogues. Some visual novels use live–action stills or video footage and others may incorporate RPG elements or require the player to perform certain actions. Pixel art is a common visual style among visual novels, although some games may utilize 3D models or live–action video.