Sword Art Online's success has led to more light novels exploring the themes of isolation and community within a virtual or unique world. In the story, the characters are both alone in the virtual world but also form communities. This has inspired light novel authors to play with similar ideas, where characters have to balance their individuality with group dynamics in an unusual setting.
Sword Art Online has increased the popularity of the VR - based storylines in light novels. After its success, more light novels started to incorporate elements of virtual reality worlds. It also showed that a story with a strong focus on a game - like setting can attract a large audience.