#silentwhispers

[crimson--soul]

✒️ Understanding Otomes

❓ What is “Otome”?

🅰️: Otome (乙女) is a Japanese word meaning “maiden”. In gaming culture, it is commonly used as a shorthand for Otome games (乙女ゲーム / オトゲ ; Otome gēmu / Otogē), which are story-driven romance simulation video games specifically designed for women as target audience. This game genre focuses on featuring female protagonists, who develops romantic relationships with male lead-interests (LIs).

Joseimuke (女性向け ; “for women”) is a broader term used for games aimed at women audience. These games are without explicit romance, while Otome usually implies a romance-focussed core. These genres were inspired from Shōujo (少女) genre of manga/anime, where the demographic classification are women.

❓ Who pioneered the Otome genre? And what inspired it’s creation?

🅰️: It was invented by Keiko Erikawa, who’s now widely regarded as the “mother of Otome games.” A visionary in her own right, she recognized how the gaming industry was overlooking women as players. Rather than waiting for a change, she took the initiative and created ‘Angelique’, the first game designed with focus on women as players. Her persistence not only turned the ‘Angelique’ series into a major success, but also established what we now know as the Otome genre. (If anyone’s interested in her story, do let me know. I would be happy to make a post dedicated to her.)

❓ Can queer players enjoy these games?

🅰️: Of course! Everyone is free to enjoy Otome games in their own way. While queer players may not be the intended audience, they are welcome to have fanons within their own spaces. That said, there are general expectations to keep distinctions between personal fanons and canon material. Pushing fanon into canon spaces, or insisting on fundamental changes such as demanding gender-neutral or maleMC within established Otome frameworks tends to be met with resistance. These tensions often arise from differing expectations about the genre itself. Otome games are designed around a specific perspective, and seeking entirely different forms of representations within that structure leads to friction. It is worth remembering that women gamers have historically had limited spaces tailored to them, often being expected to play as male protagonists or overlooked as an audience altogether. Respecting the intent of the genre and the creators, by keeping personal interpretations in appropriate spaces, helps keeping Otome communities more balanced and welcoming for everyone.

❓ Then which categories cater to queer or non-women audiences?

🅰️: There are game categories specifically tailored for queer audiences. These include Mecha, Amare, Danjokenyou Renai (男女兼用恋愛ゲ), Bǎihé (百合), GL (‘girl’s love’; Yuri), Dānměi (耽美), BL (‘boy’s love’; Yaoi), Moegē (萌えゲ), Charagē (キャラゲ), Galgē (ギャルゲ), Bishōujo (美少女), Ichaicha (イチャイチャ), Danseimuke (男性向け), Zen-nenrei muke (全年齢向け), et cetera. Please take your time to explore, and choose whichever titles from these categories best suit your tastes.

❓ What drives the defensiveness often seen among Otome players?

🅰️: This largely stems from how Otome players are treated by others in the wider gaming community. Many of us are often dismissed or mocked for enjoying the romance-focussed aspects of Otomes, with the genre frequently reduced to something superficial despite it’s rich storytelling and worldbuilding. Women gamers have long faced exclusion rooted in prejudice, and the spaces created for them have been hard-won. Then there are individuals who engage in harassment and zealotry under the guise of ‘fandom police’, often spreading unfounded claims that escalate into larger conflicts. Because of these repeated experiences, Otome players can come across as protective of the genre. It’s not about hostility, but about preserving a space that many feel has been undervalued or targeted in the past.

[mycloneismywaifu]

That one Shaco’s back. Oh god.

I’m Back, used to be around a long while ago, I also pretty much caused a pandemic involving [REDACTED], DM if you want to know more, I’m not starting it again. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -12+ Years Rp experience -Returning after 3 year hiatus (Oof) -Fucking idiot -Loves plot and surprises during the RP -Open for chats, questions, asks and whatnot in the inbox/Chat -Wants to be YOUR friend. (Don’t tell anyone else ok?) -Dark themes in rp, not that into smut for this character unless it makes sense. -Can be sunshine and rainbows if you want though, fuck it. -Also swears a lot. -MTG nerd -Lactose free.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like for a random quote in your Ask box to start and RP Reblog to share and make me smile c: Comment your favorite meme/vine or whatever and I’ll love you forever

[carnivalterrortime]

gonna try to doodle my boi if I ever get these essays done ugh

[silentwhispersnetwork]

Become part of the SilentWhisper community - A network centered around positivity. The purpose of the Whisper network is quite innocent and simple; to make one happy when they’re sad or to entertain when one is bored. Whichever suits one’s current mood. Our network consists of art,  recipes, crafts, photography, daily music, articles, poems, stories, quotes, music, videos, body postivity, cute animals, ideas of what to do when bored, movie, k/jdrama recommendations, and more!

In order to become a member, you MUST re-blog this and follow the blog SilentWhispersNetWork. Please read the rest of the rules below. 

Rules Apply

Please help spread the word by re-blogging! 

[crimson--soul]

If any of you are interested in the upcoming 3D Otome game “Silent Whispers”, then feel free to follow my “Quiet Murmurs” blog. I will be sharing updates and lore tidbits about the new game there. 🤍

[mycloneismywaifu]

[mycloneismywaifu]

//New icon because @regalentempire is an awesome artist!

Old icon was lovely but I think this one suits my portrayal way more.

Also Dapper boi in his mad hatter getup :3c

[mycloneismywaifu]

//Sorry I’ve not been active/making replies recently, I’ve been really busy doing some work and going out, Tomorrow I’ll try and do some answers to asks and some replies to large rps. love you guys lots, shaco does to...I think.