datingsim

Dating sim, short for dating simulator, is a video game genre in which players pursue romantic relationships with fictional characters. Core play usually centers on dialogue choices, character interactions, and events that affect affinity or relationship status. While many dating sims are visual novels with branching storylines, other games integrate dating elements into life-sim, puzzle, or rhythm formats.

Gameplay typically features dialogue trees, affection metrics, and multiple routes or endings. Time management, stat systems, and social interactions may unlock dates, conversations, or endings. Some titles incorporate mini-games, character customization, or voice acting to vary pacing.

The genre originated in Japan in the 1990s, with Tokimeki Memorial widely regarded as foundational for romantic routes and date events. Western releases and improvements in localizations expanded audiences in the 2000s, helping the form spread to mobile platforms. Subgenres include otome games, which center romance options for players who prefer female leads, and reverse-harem variants, where several characters vie for a single protagonist.

Notable examples span several platforms and styles, including Tokimeki Memorial, Hatoful Boyfriend, Mystic Messenger, Dream Daddy, and HuniePop. Contemporary dating sims often emphasize accessibility, including non-traditional settings or inclusive relationship options, while varying in tone from wholesome romance to mature themes.

Critics debate representation, consent, and tropes in dating sims, as well as the balance between narrative choice and player agency. The genre remains a flexible category within the broader field of visual novels and life-simulation games.