Is it just me, or are OCs almost nonexistent in the otome fandom?

[osanajimimi]

Hiii! This is something that's been on my mind lately, and I'd like to hear other people's perspectives.

I think this mostly happens with console otome games. In joseimuke media in general, where male characters are the main focus, fans have a lot of freedom to create original characters and different scenarios.

Meanwhile, in otome games, most fanart is centered around the MC x LIs. It's uncommon to see OCs, even though part of the player base self-inserts. I know self-inserts and original characters aren't the same thing, but what I'm trying to say is that neither is very common on social media.

Maybe it's because it's a more delicate topic (?), and people who draw OCs prefer to share them only with their friends (?)

Are you the type of person who enjoys seeing OC or self-insert fanart? Or do you prefer to stick with the canon? What are your thoughts on this topic, especially in relation to the yume aspect?

 

[qzz]

oh my gosh yes I rarely see OCs when it comes to otomes and its really surprising for me considering the genre of game that it deals with. As someone who reads a lot of blvns mainly I see much more ocs from this genre compared to otomes which I genuinely can't explain why??? It's honestly really interesting.

On the topic of seeing oc and self-insert vs canon fanart I do prefer canon most of the time. I used to be more public with yumeshipping and posted self insert drawings myself but now I stick to canon material usually when not in dms. Unless it's someone I'm good friends with I don't think I could personally get too invested in other peoples ocs,,.

 

[satory]

There are many OCs in amare games, where everyone can create their own character from scratch, and there are OCs in otome fandoms where MC's appearence can be changed, like LADS, so it's different for every game. But usually there is an MC with a fixed design (that is beautiful and matches game's setting) already existing in a story, so no point in creating a new one?

And I think a part of self-insert readers insert in MC, so no point in changing anything, just imagine being on MC's place and that's all, no need to create your avatar if one is already here

 

[osanajimimi]

oh my gosh yes I rarely see OCs when it comes to otomes and its really surprising for me considering the genre of game that it deals with.

So real, it's good to know that I'm not the only one that I noticed that. Though I think it's more of an exposure issue, having a fixed MC it's like compete with her.

But usually there is an MC with a fixed design (that is beautiful and matches game's setting) already existing in a story, so no point in creating a new one?

And I think a part of self-insert readers insert in MC, so no point in changing anything, just imagine being on MC's place and that's all, no need to create your avatar if one is already here

Yeah, it may be a reason like that.
About self-insert can also be that reason, you emboy the character and "your new appearance", which gives free interpretation to each one seeing your art (a hypothetical case)

 

[enren]

There was a topic about yume shipping and OCs with LIs before.
Most view yumes and self-inserters in a negative light (outside of Asia I think).
They get bullied online. Maybe that's why you don't see any.

 

[RedLipsSourApples]

I think its because the Mc already normally serves the purpose an oc would for a self insert?

 

[hashi]

I think one reason is that, since otome games revolve around romance, some people feel uncomfortable with OCs because it can come across as if the OC is "taking" their favorite love interest. OCs also tend to reflect their creator's personal attachment and vision, which can make the topic even more sensitive.

I think that's why many people who create yume (self-shipping) fanfiction or comics for otome games tend to keep them within private circles instead of posting them publicly. So it doesn't really surprise me that you don't see much of that kind of content on social media.

 

[NoveiaVonGeorgia]

I can't imagine making an OC to insert itself in the game.
If i have to describe the feeling, it's like wearing a flashy dress in a friends wedding. It feels too self-absorbed. Even reading at the Japenglish name of the OC makes the hair of my arm hand stood out. Everyone's free to make an OC and imagine of course, no ones stopping them, but I just can't imagine making one myself. What is my OC even supposed to do? Be potted plant or sing a song to attract the LI's? I'd cringe at myself. But I don't mind if other people do it, it's their world and their fantasy. Self-insert and OC for me feels too close because the creator builds the character entirely around their liking. OC just happens to have a physical body separate from the MC in the game. Is that not self-insert level 2? Anyways, that's just my opinion.

It only gets harmful when these yume and oc shippers harass an otome company for the heroine. Well, that's probably for another topic.

 

[SmallEagle]

Huh I've never noticed it but, now that you mention it, you're right.

Maybe it's because otome and VN tend to be much more limiting with customization and choices, because I am also into Interactive Fiction and you see OCs all the time. From there the line between IFs and amare games is quite small, so that would also explain why you see a lot of OCs in amare games.

 

[BiscuitB]

Yea it's difficult you'll pretty much get the answer of if you wanted an OC you best stick to Amare games or Interactive Fiction then Otome

 

[Aikourou]

You can find them on games like Touken ranbu

 

[Adoris]

You can find them on games like Touken ranbu

Touken ranbu is not an otome game anyway....

 

[Adoris]

I guess one of the reaons might be, to create an OC and to design plot of falling love with LI produce something similar with NTR if they share pulicly in the community...? If MC is the person that LI loves the most, then he won't fall in love with the OCs, and if the creator didn't design any specific plot, there is no point for her to create another character. So in the community, people only talk about MC and LI no matter they are self-inserting player or just reader. They might add some own interpretation on MC ( and sometimes even LI ) but will not create a new character completely.

I personally don't mind yume content at all. If anything, I've come across some genuinely gorgeous art and beautifully written pieces. Sometimes I can't help but wonder what kind of love it takes to make someone long so deeply to stand beside their LI as the version of themselves they find the most fitting and the most beautiful...

 

[Daisy Magnus229]

I think it should be from otome game with a customizable MC. A customized MC like the one in Love and Deepspace (I think Light and Night too, but it isn't as freely as LADs? cmiiw). I see a lot of OCs in the LADs fandom, featuring MCs with various fashions, hairstyles and skin colors.

However, in general otome games (well, most of the ones I play) they already have a fixed look for the MC. Maybe that is because her hair color or her clothes are connected to the story (or need to match with the LIs' fashion). This makes self-inserting quite hard, meaning the game lean towards immersion instead.

I don't know the etiquette on whether it's okay to replace MC with your OC, because I've never seen any JP artist do it. They always draw the official MC with LI they really adore. Well, there's Yumeship so... it's okay, maybe?

 

[Aikourou]

Touken ranbu is not an otome game anyway....

I forgot to clarify, I meant that in most games like ensemble stars and touken ranbu, not really an otome genre, They have alot of yumeshipping and oc in general while in otome you just need to insert yourself in the heroine's shoe