恋愛シミュレーションゲームrenai shimyureshon gemu
Quick definition:A dating sim is a video game in which the player builds relationships with characters through conversations and choices, with the story changing according to how the player responds.
Meaning
Dating sim, short for dating simulation, is a game genre built around forming relationships with characters. The player reads dialogue, chooses responses, gives gifts and spends time with different characters, and the choices change how each character reacts. Many of these games are visual novels, though some include management or other game elements.
The aim is usually to reach a particular ending, such as a friendship or romance with a chosen character. Games may use calendars, statistics or timed events, so the player must decide how to spend limited time. Stories are often set at school, and each character has a distinct personality and storyline.
Dating sims are an important part of Japanese game culture and have inspired anime, manga and other media. Some are made for a broad audience and are suitable for everyone, while others are aimed at adults, so fans pay attention to the age rating of each title before they play.
Origin:Dating sim is an English shortening of dating simulation, a translation of the Japanese renai shimyureshon gemu, meaning love simulation game. The genre developed in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s, with early examples on home computers, and later spread overseas through translations and online communities. The abbreviation sim is also used for other simulation games, such as city-building or driving titles.
Example:At the start of the school term, the player chooses how to spend each afternoon: studying in the library, joining a club or walking home with a classmate. Over many weeks, the choices shape which characters become friends and which story route the player ends up following. Some choices are obvious, while others have effects that only show up much later.
Did you know?Tokimeki Memorial, released in the 1990s, is often named as one of the most influential dating sims, helping to shape the genre's use of schedules and statistics. Its success led to sequels, anime and a long line of imitators.
