Fanwork

Fanworks are pieces of media related to a visual novel (or other media), which are neither created nor commissioned by the creator of the original media. Fanworks can be created for many reasons, including to continue a story, to show alternate versions of the characters, to explore an aspect of the game that the original creators didn't focus on, or just as a tribute to something the fan enjoyed. They can take many forms, from simple fan art and fiction to complex mods that completely overhaul the game.

Common Types

Fanfiction is writing that continues or extends the story of an existing work. It may be a sequel, a prequel, or just tell an "alternate universe" version of events.

Fanart is artwork inspired by an existing work. This can include drawings, digital paintings, or even sculptures.

Cosplay is a hobby where people dress up as characters from their favorite works. It's a way for fans to show their love for the source material and interact with other fans who share their interests.

Fan Videos are videos that use footage or music from existing works to create something new. This can include AMVs (anime music videos), remixes, or machinima (animated movies made using video game engines).

Mods are modifications to an existing work. This can range from simply changing some images to creating completely new levels or stories within the game.

Let's Plays and Let's Reads are videos or written accounts of someone playing through a game or reading a book/manga, often with humorous commentary. The person creating the Let's Play may be experiencing the story for the first time (called a "blind playthrough") or experiencing it again. They can be used to show off a game that people might not have heard of before, or just as a way for fans to share their love of the source material.

Fan Translations are translations of works from one language to another that were not officially translated by the creators. This is often done by fans because the official translation was poor quality, or because the work was never officially released in the fan's native language.

Distribution and legal considerations

While fanworks are often created for personal enjoyment, some fans may choose to share their creations with others online. This can be done through sites like DeviantArt (for artwork), FanFiction.net (for writing), YouTube (for videos), or modding communities.

Some fanworks can also be commercialized. For example, some artists sell prints or commissions of their fanart, and some authors may try to get paid for their fanfiction. However, this is generally frowned upon by fans and creators alike, as it can be seen as profiting off someone else's work.

It's important to note that creating fanworks can potentially put you at risk of legal action from the original creator. Many creators are okay with fanworks as long as they're non-commercial and don't harm the source material, but some may be more aggressive about protecting their intellectual property. It's a good idea to understand copyright law and fair use before creating or distributing any fanworks.