Yoran Heling, known as Yorhel and founder of the Visual Novel Database (VNDB.org), died on March 17. Site moderators announced his passing and are planning ways to preserve the resource. VNDB has been a key archive for the visual novel genre since 2007.
Yoran Heling, better known online as Yorhel, launched The Visual Novel Database in 2007. He created the site after struggling to find detailed information on the visual novel Ever 17: The Out of Infinity. Over the years, VNDB.org grew into a comprehensive resource, cataloging release dates, titles, sub-genres, staff credits from programmers to voice actors, character details, play lengths, availability, community rankings, and related media like anime adaptations. It has served as one of the longest-running databases for visual novels, a genre influential in gaming history despite its niche status in some markets. Moderators announced on March 22 that Heling passed away on March 17. In a statement, moderator beliar wrote: “As many of you have already suspected, the VNDB.org has lost its founder and soul Yorhel. He will be dearly missed by the moderation team and by the fans of visual novels. He was a great friend and a great boss.” Visual novels have roots in the industry's early days. Many major studios began with them sold in computer shops, and Hideo Kojima's projects like Policenauts, Snatcher, and Tokimeki Memorial helped pave the way to Metal Gear Solid. The genre remains popular in Japan and has expanded globally, with examples including Ace Attorney, Doki Doki Literature Club, and Danganronpa. Indie developers favor visual novels for their accessibility, aided by tools like Twine. With Heling's death, moderators are evaluating preservation options. Beliar added: “At the moment I can only say that we are working on certain channels to preserve the website, but [we] cannot give much information today.”