Q1). About the game you are currently working on, M&M. Do you know why it is a free game? The company http://vndb.org/p1605 seems to only release nukige titles so this one seemed to me quite out of place.

M&M Enchanting Magic & Sweet Charms is not a free game. As with all fan translation groups, my work is free. I’m not responsible for the entries placed on the Visual Novel Database, the entry was added without me knowing about it.

Q2). It’s quite rare to find translators motivated by a noble cause like yours. Do you think you can attribute your love of VNs to one or two titles that you have played long ago?

Let’s see, my love from visual novels started when I saw some screenshots of Runaway City. I was under the impression it was a point and click adventure game when I saw options like, look, think, talk. However, it turns out that wasn’t the case but playing Runaway city opened my eyes to whole new type of computer games I’ve never played before. So to sum it up, you could say my love for visual novels started with the game Runaway City.

Q3). Have you had difficulty finding additional translators.

Yes, I have, translators are a rare breed. When you think about it, they’re giving up their free time translating a game they can already play so that others can play it. Add the fact most people who download and apply their patches will probably never give even a word of thanks, I can see why most people don’t bother.

Q4). I see that Sanarara is mostly stalled for the time being. Is that true?

Not at all, due to low number of visitors I tend to add updates to TL Wiki instead. However, for major milestones I will also add updates to my own page as well.

Q5). Who are the other people working in your team?

For M&M, I’m the only person who is still active. The game was translated by Tetris no Meko and Aya. For Sa.Na.Ra.Ra, the game is being translated by fischer22 and by anonymous wiki visitors.

Q6). What is so great about M&M ~Torokeru Mahou to Amai Jumon?

For me, its the art. The story is so-so at the beginning, but picks up towards the end. Marie’s route is quite touching, it almost brought tears to my eyes, but I managed to hold it in.

Q7). What would you say to a person who has never played the game to convince them to play?

Unfortunately, visual novels are something you either like or hate. The only thing I’d say to try and convince people to play is to take a look at the screenshots. Maybe even ask them to watch the opening animation if the game has one. If they still don’t like it then there’s nothing more I feel can be said to persuade them.

Q8). Lastly, what is your stance on translating non-free games. I see that (I think) you only tackle games that are free-to-play(?). Is there a specific reason why you will only translate free games?

My stance is if a game doesn’t look as though it will ever be released officially then why not? People might say it infringes on company’s intellectual property and they’re right, but its not like they’ll ever sell the licence. Besides people will still need to buy a copy of the original game to apply the patches anyway.

Q9). Would you ever join a project on TLWiki?

Sure I would, in fact you could say that Sa.Na.Ra.Ra is a game I’m working with along side the TL Wiki community.

ev

Thanks to ebilpie for the reply.