Missing Stars is a visual novel. Since visual novels were pioneered in Japan, most VNs use manga-style artwork.
But Missing Stars isn't most visual novels.
Keen readers and frequenters to the forums might have noticed a decline in releases of concept art. That is because the artistic direction of the project has shifted.
Missing Stars will now be using digital photographs for character sprites.
The user interface and promotional materials will still feature drawn artwork, whenever necessary.
Given the game's setting and our aspirations for the broadest audience possible, this is a logical choice. After all, most if not all of our backgrounds were intended to be filtered photographs and photorealistic (w)renderings. However, this does present us with production related challenges. Our strive for visual realism has upped our demand for on-location photographs since rendered images will just have to be that much better(and time-consuming) to keep up. Fortunately, our staff advisor on Austrian culture has graciously offered his services in providing photographs of Viennese locations.
Props being prepared for chroma-key photography to become object sprites.
With that out of the way, now for the big hurdle.
We need live performers. That's right, models/actors will be playing the characters.
-No voice acting is currently planned, so you can leave your accent impressions at home.
-Most of our characters are young adult females, but roles of parents, classmates, and faculty will need to be filled as well, so all ages and genders will be considered.
-Most of our characters are citizens of European countries, but we can be flexible with ethnic background.
-All body types and hair colours will be considered.
-There will be no monetary compensation. None of the dev team is being paid for their services due to licensing and logistical issues.
-Performers must be active online and willing to provide ongoing input throughout the VN's production.
-The work will be done in still photography, but we are experimenting with various methods and applications of basic motion capture.
-Cosplay and costuming experience would be helpful but not required.
-Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age at the time of photography. No exceptions.
If you're interested, submit an application here. Please include a head shot, a full-body portrait, or link to an online portfolio containing them.
If selected, we'll arrange a photo shoot with the nearest Somnova Dev with a camera or prepare instructions for a local photographer of your choosing. The staff is spread out across four continents, so almost anything is doable. We'll be furnishing costumes and traveling to you at our own personal expense possibly multiple times, so serious applicants only, please.