Dating simulators have existed since 1983, when their popularity surged throughout Japan. They became increasingly popular in the 90s and continue to be well-known today. Dating simulators, more commonly known as dating sims, are storytelling games where the player’s choices lead the narrative. Some of the many ways dating sims have influenced storytelling are their focus on characters and relationships, allowing players to impact the plot, and how immersive they are.
Game storytelling is typically linear, with a dedicated beginning, middle, and end, but dating sims flip the narrative.
Focus on Building Relationships with Characters
Dating sims are essentially games focusing on relationships and characters. Dating sims mainly revolve around romantic relationships. However, some include scenarios for friendships and other professional relationships (such as teacher and student).
When starting a dating sim, players are usually quickly introduced to all the potential love interests. From there, typically, the player chooses from a few options, and those options play a part in driving the story forward. The more the player focuses on specific characters, the more those characters will become a central part of the story.
Changing the Plot and the Genre
Dating sims have influenced storytelling because the narrative changes when the player makes different choices. The objective is usually to end up with one character the player will “be in a relationship with.” However, there are various dating sims, some of which aim to keep everyone alive.
Doki Doki Literature Club is one of the more popular horror dating sims, depicting many disturbing, dark, and grotesque scenes significantly dependent on the player’s decisions. If a happy ending is desired, avoid the horror dating sims and stick with the cute.
Immersive Storytelling
Dating sims have influenced storytelling by making their plot immersive and exciting. Dating sims are available in different mediums, such as PC gaming, mobile gaming, and virtual reality. In dating sims, the player is in the leading role rather than another specific main character, which is not bad when surrounded by beautiful anime characters.
The player chooses from multiple dialogue options and then has to deal with the consequences of those results.
Dating sims have opened the door to new ways of storytelling. It gives the player an immersive experience and allows them to control the narrative. From romance to horror, dating sims have several genres to keep each new game different and exciting. Allowing the player a choice makes the game feel more personal and allows them to embody a persona based on their options. Dating sims continue to flip the narrative of typical gaming storytelling.
Ferry Godmother Productions is working on its own dating sim; details will be announced soon! For updates, keep an eye on our site!