Dating sim

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Dating sims, also known as dating simulation games, are a video game subgenre of simulation games with romantic elements. While resembling the visual novel genre in presentation, true^{[weasel words]} dating sims utilize an additional statistical and time management layer in their gameplay. The player is given a specific amount of time on an in-game calendar, while scheduling dates, correctly answering questions, and performing various activities will increase a certain character's attraction to the player until the player gains their love. The additional subgenre^{[vague][original research?]} of erotic dating sims are a form of eroge, and include sexually graphic cutscenes. The idea that love can only be earned through time and attention has prompted concern that it oversimplifies romance and depicts a "nice guy" view that may lead to unrealistic expectations from women.^{[relevant?][1]}

Dating sims, typically in the form of bishōjo games with a male protagonist and female supporting characters, are extremely popular in Japan, taking up a large fraction of the software market, but far less prominent elsewhere.^[2] In Western gaming media, the "dating sim" label is often given to any game with romanceable characters, regardless of their gameplay.^{[by whom?]} Parodic dating sims are a more recent^[when?] phenomenon, poking fun at the genre by allowing the player to date unusual characters, such as realistic but sentient birds in Hatoful Boyfriend.^[3]