A visual novel is an interactive storytelling medium that combines text, images, and sometimes audio to create an engaging narrative experience. Players read through a story, making choices that can influence the plot and character relationships. This format often features anime-style artwork and can include branching storylines, multiple endings, and character development. Visual novels are popular in gaming communities, especially in Japan, where titles like Doki Doki Literature Club! and Steins;Gate have gained significant acclaim. They can cover various genres, including romance, horror, and mystery, appealing to a wide range of audiences.