Difference between revisions of "Virtual Dating Simulations"
(→Criticism and Reception) |
|||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
===Nonlinear=== | ===Nonlinear=== | ||
| − | Nonlinear, or open world games, give players the freedom to customize their playable character and more regions to explore. They also have multiple ways to boost statistics through mini games and regular actions. More strategy is required for nonlinear dating simulations; there are multiple "correct" answers to questions, and the player's actions play a very large role in determining who the player ends up with. These games also have multiple possible endings. Recently, new features such real time game play as well interactive character settings allow for more realistic portrayals of romantic relationships between users and their game characters. Having time correlate with reality allows for different types of interactions and events to occur during either night or day. Also, special events occur on exact holidays. New interactive settings such as enabling microphone technology to sing and speak to virtual characters allows for more physical interaction. <ref>Wakabayashi, Daisuke. "Only in Japan, Real Men Go to a Hotel With Virtual Girlfriends" Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011. | + | Nonlinear, or open world games, give players the freedom to customize their playable character and more regions to explore. They also have multiple ways to boost statistics through mini games and regular actions. More strategy is required for nonlinear dating simulations; there are multiple "correct" answers to questions, and the player's actions play a very large role in determining who the player ends up with. These games also have multiple possible endings. Recently, new features such real time game play as well interactive character settings allow for more realistic portrayals of romantic relationships between users and their game characters. Having time correlate with reality allows for different types of interactions and events to occur during either night or day. Also, special events occur on exact holidays. New interactive settings such as enabling microphone technology to sing and speak to virtual characters allows for more physical interaction.<ref name="wsj">[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703632304575451414209658940.html Wakabayashi, Daisuke. "Only in Japan, Real Men Go to a Hotel With Virtual Girlfriends" Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.]</ref>. |
Popular examples of this style ranges from the extreme like in [http://secondlife.com/, Second Life] where players have the freedom to do whatever they choose and there are no limitations, to the more controlled, like in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Ocean, Star Ocean], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_Megami_Tensei:_Persona, Persona series], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Moon_(video_game), Harvest Moon]. | Popular examples of this style ranges from the extreme like in [http://secondlife.com/, Second Life] where players have the freedom to do whatever they choose and there are no limitations, to the more controlled, like in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Ocean, Star Ocean], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_Megami_Tensei:_Persona, Persona series], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_Moon_(video_game), Harvest Moon]. | ||
==Popularity== | ==Popularity== | ||
| − | Dating simulations have large audiences within East Asia, and Japan is one of the lead developer of these games in the world. A major difference between dating sims in Asia and the United States is that in Asia, visual novels are more prevalent and are considered more romantic and complex <ref> | + | Dating simulations have large audiences within East Asia, and Japan is one of the lead developer of these games in the world. A major difference between dating sims in Asia and the United States is that in Asia, visual novels are more prevalent and are considered more romantic and complex<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2011/02/17/visual-novels-a-cultural-difference-between-the-east-and-west/ Ishaan. "Visual Novels: A Cultural Difference Between The East And West." Siliconera. Retrieved 4 Oct. 2011.]</ref>. Their Western equivalent would be interactive, computerized versions of romance novels. |
A well known Nintendo DS game known as Love Plus+ was released on July 10 for males. A specific aspect of this new game is focused on the ability of the user to spend real money over the game to treat their virtual dates. The game’s setting is based off the real resort town, Atami, Japan, once known for the many honeymooners that were present year-round. Overall, the trips to this town over the Nintendo DS internet service can costs actual money, can be expensive, and meant to imitate real life vacation. For example, some users are willing to pay double the rate for the hotels in the game in order to gain a companion since these virtual hotels charge per individual and not per room. A night stay with a virtual girl can cost almost $500. | A well known Nintendo DS game known as Love Plus+ was released on July 10 for males. A specific aspect of this new game is focused on the ability of the user to spend real money over the game to treat their virtual dates. The game’s setting is based off the real resort town, Atami, Japan, once known for the many honeymooners that were present year-round. Overall, the trips to this town over the Nintendo DS internet service can costs actual money, can be expensive, and meant to imitate real life vacation. For example, some users are willing to pay double the rate for the hotels in the game in order to gain a companion since these virtual hotels charge per individual and not per room. A night stay with a virtual girl can cost almost $500. | ||
Other realistic options in the Love Plus+ series include the synchronization of an actual calendar and clock. Thus, time also determines when the virtual girls are available and birthdays and holidays are essential dates to remember. | Other realistic options in the Love Plus+ series include the synchronization of an actual calendar and clock. Thus, time also determines when the virtual girls are available and birthdays and holidays are essential dates to remember. | ||
| − | Overall, this game attracted 1,500 users within the first month of promotions. In addition, sales of restaurants and shops on the real resort town in Atami have increased dramatically due to the popularity of the game. Many players actually choose to take a vacation to the real town in order to play their games in its “legit” location, increasing the romantic feeling associated with the game.<ref | + | Overall, this game attracted 1,500 users within the first month of promotions. In addition, sales of restaurants and shops on the real resort town in Atami have increased dramatically due to the popularity of the game. Many players actually choose to take a vacation to the real town in order to play their games in its “legit” location, increasing the romantic feeling associated with the game.<ref name="wsj"/> |
Recently, Japan has created a new addition to their dating simulation and visual novel collection known as Webkare, or web boyfriend. A web game geared towards females, the site gained over 10,000 members just five days after its release on September 10, receiving around 3.5 million page views. This website is blend of social networking and a dating sim where players have to work with other players in order to advance in the game. The game also includes tweeting and status updates of players relationships. In general, Webkare’s social network functions are quite basic. Included is the profile page which features small icons that let users decorate their page, a instant messaging system and chat box, and discussion board that allow users to include all their status updates. As of now, usage is free with display ads and affiliate links being the main source of revenue for the company. Feature ideas of expanding the game include transforming it into a video game or dream novel, selling merchandise, creating cell phone apps of it, or adding premium features for paid users. | Recently, Japan has created a new addition to their dating simulation and visual novel collection known as Webkare, or web boyfriend. A web game geared towards females, the site gained over 10,000 members just five days after its release on September 10, receiving around 3.5 million page views. This website is blend of social networking and a dating sim where players have to work with other players in order to advance in the game. The game also includes tweeting and status updates of players relationships. In general, Webkare’s social network functions are quite basic. Included is the profile page which features small icons that let users decorate their page, a instant messaging system and chat box, and discussion board that allow users to include all their status updates. As of now, usage is free with display ads and affiliate links being the main source of revenue for the company. Feature ideas of expanding the game include transforming it into a video game or dream novel, selling merchandise, creating cell phone apps of it, or adding premium features for paid users. | ||
| − | <ref> | + | <ref>[http://techcrunch.com/2008/09/20/webkare-a-girls-only-combination-of-social-network-and-dating-game-from-japan/ Toto, Serkan. "Japanese Girl Sensation: Virtual Boyfriends (Webkare)" TechCrunch. Retrieved 5 Oct. 2011.]</ref>. |
==18+ Adult Games== | ==18+ Adult Games== | ||
| − | The birth of dating sims originally came from popular adult games back in the 1980's like Koei’s “Night Life” and Enix’s “Lolita Syndrome.” In these versions as well as many adult games in today's era, players can have romantic and sexual relationships with game characters. These games generally fit under the category of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_Game, H Games]. These games are usually made by private companies in Japan and are only available on the PC. They occasionally feature censorship, and are available to individuals 15+ in Japan and are only available in the US to those 18+. The main reason for why they are on the PC and not on major platforms like Playstation and Nintendo is centered around public disapproval and cost. Adult dating simulations on the PC are generally much cheaper since the images are 2D and static. In addition, Francesco Fondi, 37, who founded Play X in Italy in 1998, the first magazine outside of Japan dedicated to dating sims states, “The games are cheap ways to experiment with new stories.” Corporate companies are unlikely to take major risks in developing highly explicit games due to the high cost and limited amounts of users.<ref> | + | The birth of dating sims originally came from popular adult games back in the 1980's like Koei’s “Night Life” and Enix’s “Lolita Syndrome.” In these versions as well as many adult games in today's era, players can have romantic and sexual relationships with game characters. These games generally fit under the category of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_Game, H Games]. These games are usually made by private companies in Japan and are only available on the PC. They occasionally feature censorship, and are available to individuals 15+ in Japan and are only available in the US to those 18+. The main reason for why they are on the PC and not on major platforms like Playstation and Nintendo is centered around public disapproval and cost. Adult dating simulations on the PC are generally much cheaper since the images are 2D and static. In addition, Francesco Fondi, 37, who founded Play X in Italy in 1998, the first magazine outside of Japan dedicated to dating sims states, “The games are cheap ways to experiment with new stories.” Corporate companies are unlikely to take major risks in developing highly explicit games due to the high cost and limited amounts of users.<ref>[http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/dating-simulator-games-inspire-legion-of-followers%E2%80%94and-detractors Galbraith W, Patrick. "Dating simulator games inspire legion of followers—and detractors". Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.]</ref> |
==Criticism and Reception== | ==Criticism and Reception== | ||
While there are positive reviews for the creativity and original game play of certain dating sims, there are many arguments against them. | While there are positive reviews for the creativity and original game play of certain dating sims, there are many arguments against them. | ||
| − | Critics generally argue that dating simulations detach people from reality. Instead of going out and meeting people in real life or on dating sites, the introverted and lazy can escape through dating sims. They can also cause people to hold unrealistic expectations of romantic partners. This separation from reality is considered unhealthy by many, and is seen as degrading principles and morals due to the explicit games available within this genre <ref> | + | Critics generally argue that dating simulations detach people from reality. Instead of going out and meeting people in real life or on dating sites, the introverted and lazy can escape through dating sims. They can also cause people to hold unrealistic expectations of romantic partners. This separation from reality is considered unhealthy by many, and is seen as degrading principles and morals due to the explicit games available within this genre <ref>[http://www.geniuscoaching.com/blog/2011/06/the-missing-human-connection/ "The Missing Human Connection" Genius Coaching - Great to Significant. Retrieved 5 Oct. 2011.]</ref>. |
On recent studies done in 2008, comparing virtual and reality relationships and dating, many participants agreed that while virtual environments and stimulations allow for diverse relations there is still much to be desired. The first study revealed that individuals prefer offline, real relationships over games and internet relations since the latter has less rewarding real world payoffs. The second study proved that virtual interactions rarely provide enough experience for users to apply in real-life situations. <ref>Frost J.H, Chance Z., Norton M.I., Ariel D. (2008). People are experience goods: Improving online dating with virtual dates. Journal of Interactive Marketing (51-61). Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and Direct Marketing Educational Foundation, Inc</ref> | On recent studies done in 2008, comparing virtual and reality relationships and dating, many participants agreed that while virtual environments and stimulations allow for diverse relations there is still much to be desired. The first study revealed that individuals prefer offline, real relationships over games and internet relations since the latter has less rewarding real world payoffs. The second study proved that virtual interactions rarely provide enough experience for users to apply in real-life situations. <ref>Frost J.H, Chance Z., Norton M.I., Ariel D. (2008). People are experience goods: Improving online dating with virtual dates. Journal of Interactive Marketing (51-61). Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and Direct Marketing Educational Foundation, Inc</ref> | ||
| Line 50: | Line 50: | ||
Virtual Dating Simulation games oftentimes end by either winning or losing, with the player losing by failing to "finish" off another member of the opposite sex, with the term "finishing" referring to either marriage, having sex, or falling into an eternal love <ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dating_sims</ref>. As players learn the tricks to most effectively and efficiently win the game, especially in linear models, it can be argued that for some players, the line between reality and the online environment will become blurred and for those players, unnatural expectations in dating situations experienced in real life will occur. | Virtual Dating Simulation games oftentimes end by either winning or losing, with the player losing by failing to "finish" off another member of the opposite sex, with the term "finishing" referring to either marriage, having sex, or falling into an eternal love <ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dating_sims</ref>. As players learn the tricks to most effectively and efficiently win the game, especially in linear models, it can be argued that for some players, the line between reality and the online environment will become blurred and for those players, unnatural expectations in dating situations experienced in real life will occur. | ||
| − | There are also many who view these simulations as another type of drug used to curb loneliness and depression. However, as games like Love Plus+ and Webkare become too realistic many choose to rely on them to satisfy their social rejection. It has been estimated that if a new version of Webkare does appear, 2.0, and if it does curb loneliness among users, Japan plans to expand the game to the US and Europe. This is the same for Love Plus+, it can be expected to release in the US if users like college student Tatsuya Fukazawa, continue admitting that “…there isn’t a lot of romance in my life and this (game) helps me cope with some of the loneliness.” <ref | + | There are also many who view these simulations as another type of drug used to curb loneliness and depression. However, as games like Love Plus+ and Webkare become too realistic many choose to rely on them to satisfy their social rejection. It has been estimated that if a new version of Webkare does appear, 2.0, and if it does curb loneliness among users, Japan plans to expand the game to the US and Europe. This is the same for Love Plus+, it can be expected to release in the US if users like college student Tatsuya Fukazawa, continue admitting that “…there isn’t a lot of romance in my life and this (game) helps me cope with some of the loneliness.” <ref name="wsj"/> |
The need to fulfill fantasies and dreams may become too powerful, to the point individuals may end up rejecting reality all together or could potentially lead to a more relaxed view towards unwanted sexual advances and an increase in rapes. | The need to fulfill fantasies and dreams may become too powerful, to the point individuals may end up rejecting reality all together or could potentially lead to a more relaxed view towards unwanted sexual advances and an increase in rapes. | ||
| − | In regards to rape, the dating simulation industry has had constant struggle with the issue of rape in their games. Recently on June 2, Japan issued a new list of criteria for judging and terminating explicit games and simulations dealing with rape. This action required nearly 200 companies to change their product lineup.<ref | + | In regards to rape, the dating simulation industry has had constant struggle with the issue of rape in their games. Recently on June 2, Japan issued a new list of criteria for judging and terminating explicit games and simulations dealing with rape. This action required nearly 200 companies to change their product lineup.<ref name="rice">[http://www.destructoid.com/japan-bans-rape-games-all-of-them-133788.html Rice, Brian. "Japan Bans Rape Games. All of Them" Destructdoid. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.]</ref> |
Japan subsequently followed up with propositions detailing the overall banding of underage pornography, including animated forms. | Japan subsequently followed up with propositions detailing the overall banding of underage pornography, including animated forms. | ||
| − | Foreign nations like the US strongly supported this action since there is common belief that dating simulations are seen as an open door for those seeking child pornography.<ref | + | Foreign nations like the US strongly supported this action since there is common belief that dating simulations are seen as an open door for those seeking child pornography.<ref name="galbraith">[http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/dating-simulator-games-inspire-legion-of-followers%E2%80%94and-detractors Galbraith, P.W."Dating simulator games inspire legion of followers—and detractors" JapanToday. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.]</ref> |
| − | While rape is explicit and socially unacceptable, distributors of these genre of games have fought back with making their online website feature downloadable content and only accessible in Japan to avoid foreign issues. Even those in the US have argued that by withholding the printing and distribution of these types of games is a direct impingement of freedom of speech and promotes censorship.<ref | + | While rape is explicit and socially unacceptable, distributors of these genre of games have fought back with making their online website feature downloadable content and only accessible in Japan to avoid foreign issues. Even those in the US have argued that by withholding the printing and distribution of these types of games is a direct impingement of freedom of speech and promotes censorship.<ref name="galbraith"/>. Individuals have stated that while "...rape is bad. I don't think anyone can deny it. But do rape games encourage rape? Hardly. Just look at these statistics on rape. Japan comes in at #54. Surely you think they'd have a higher rape statistic if it was really a problem that it's so prevalent in their media, right?"<ref name="rice"/> |
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Revision as of 07:45, 18 December 2011
Virtual Dating Simulations, or dating sims, are a subgenre of adventure games and are modeled after the style of role-playing games that have gained popularity in recent years. In such a game, the player gains and develops a romantic relationship with one of the featured characters.
Contents
Characteristics
Players start by choosing a name and gender for their playable character. They can choose from a set of personality traits and physical attributes to give their character dimension. Users then complete a set of tasks in order to receive points and boosters for their personality statistics, such as attractiveness and intelligence. Characters will show increased or decreased attraction to the player based on decisions they make. Throughout these simulations, time plays a key role by helping to determine when specific events will occur as well as control the energy status of the player. Players are able to develop a storyline from their actions. They can then become friends with characters that they are not romantically pursuing. Rivalries and conflict come into play in most dating simulations, making them more realistic.
Styles
Dating simulations are usually divided into two different styles, linear and nonlinear.
Linear
Linear games have a set storyline and the least amount of game play. Within dating sims, linear games are most prevalent as visual novels. These games focus more on a storyline, and value dialogue over player mobility. Players have set actions and cannot explore different areas of the game. There are almost no statistics in these games, so a player’s ability to gain a relationship with a character is based solely on their answers to specific questions asked by the game characters. While being linear, these types of games do come with multiple different endings that give the game some form of diversity in addition to the different characters the user can pursue.
A popular game in this style is Surviving High School.
Nonlinear
Nonlinear, or open world games, give players the freedom to customize their playable character and more regions to explore. They also have multiple ways to boost statistics through mini games and regular actions. More strategy is required for nonlinear dating simulations; there are multiple "correct" answers to questions, and the player's actions play a very large role in determining who the player ends up with. These games also have multiple possible endings. Recently, new features such real time game play as well interactive character settings allow for more realistic portrayals of romantic relationships between users and their game characters. Having time correlate with reality allows for different types of interactions and events to occur during either night or day. Also, special events occur on exact holidays. New interactive settings such as enabling microphone technology to sing and speak to virtual characters allows for more physical interaction.[1].
Popular examples of this style ranges from the extreme like in Second Life where players have the freedom to do whatever they choose and there are no limitations, to the more controlled, like in Star Ocean, Persona series, and Harvest Moon.
Popularity
Dating simulations have large audiences within East Asia, and Japan is one of the lead developer of these games in the world. A major difference between dating sims in Asia and the United States is that in Asia, visual novels are more prevalent and are considered more romantic and complex[2]. Their Western equivalent would be interactive, computerized versions of romance novels.
A well known Nintendo DS game known as Love Plus+ was released on July 10 for males. A specific aspect of this new game is focused on the ability of the user to spend real money over the game to treat their virtual dates. The game’s setting is based off the real resort town, Atami, Japan, once known for the many honeymooners that were present year-round. Overall, the trips to this town over the Nintendo DS internet service can costs actual money, can be expensive, and meant to imitate real life vacation. For example, some users are willing to pay double the rate for the hotels in the game in order to gain a companion since these virtual hotels charge per individual and not per room. A night stay with a virtual girl can cost almost $500. Other realistic options in the Love Plus+ series include the synchronization of an actual calendar and clock. Thus, time also determines when the virtual girls are available and birthdays and holidays are essential dates to remember. Overall, this game attracted 1,500 users within the first month of promotions. In addition, sales of restaurants and shops on the real resort town in Atami have increased dramatically due to the popularity of the game. Many players actually choose to take a vacation to the real town in order to play their games in its “legit” location, increasing the romantic feeling associated with the game.[1]
Recently, Japan has created a new addition to their dating simulation and visual novel collection known as Webkare, or web boyfriend. A web game geared towards females, the site gained over 10,000 members just five days after its release on September 10, receiving around 3.5 million page views. This website is blend of social networking and a dating sim where players have to work with other players in order to advance in the game. The game also includes tweeting and status updates of players relationships. In general, Webkare’s social network functions are quite basic. Included is the profile page which features small icons that let users decorate their page, a instant messaging system and chat box, and discussion board that allow users to include all their status updates. As of now, usage is free with display ads and affiliate links being the main source of revenue for the company. Feature ideas of expanding the game include transforming it into a video game or dream novel, selling merchandise, creating cell phone apps of it, or adding premium features for paid users. [3].
18+ Adult Games
The birth of dating sims originally came from popular adult games back in the 1980's like Koei’s “Night Life” and Enix’s “Lolita Syndrome.” In these versions as well as many adult games in today's era, players can have romantic and sexual relationships with game characters. These games generally fit under the category of H Games. These games are usually made by private companies in Japan and are only available on the PC. They occasionally feature censorship, and are available to individuals 15+ in Japan and are only available in the US to those 18+. The main reason for why they are on the PC and not on major platforms like Playstation and Nintendo is centered around public disapproval and cost. Adult dating simulations on the PC are generally much cheaper since the images are 2D and static. In addition, Francesco Fondi, 37, who founded Play X in Italy in 1998, the first magazine outside of Japan dedicated to dating sims states, “The games are cheap ways to experiment with new stories.” Corporate companies are unlikely to take major risks in developing highly explicit games due to the high cost and limited amounts of users.[4]
Criticism and Reception
While there are positive reviews for the creativity and original game play of certain dating sims, there are many arguments against them. Critics generally argue that dating simulations detach people from reality. Instead of going out and meeting people in real life or on dating sites, the introverted and lazy can escape through dating sims. They can also cause people to hold unrealistic expectations of romantic partners. This separation from reality is considered unhealthy by many, and is seen as degrading principles and morals due to the explicit games available within this genre [5].
On recent studies done in 2008, comparing virtual and reality relationships and dating, many participants agreed that while virtual environments and stimulations allow for diverse relations there is still much to be desired. The first study revealed that individuals prefer offline, real relationships over games and internet relations since the latter has less rewarding real world payoffs. The second study proved that virtual interactions rarely provide enough experience for users to apply in real-life situations. [6]
For women, there is even more criticism that comes from the fact these types of games are unnecessary and are seen as an inability to be coupe and speak for themselves in the real world [7].
Others say that role-playing games are learning experiences. They argue that players are able to judge their morals in these games and usually choose options that fit their ethics and principles. The idea is that certain actions that are frowned upon in games give hints of what is acceptable in reality. In addition, while there may be consequences in reality, virtual role-play games allow individuals to explore and reason with an open mind, as well as learn from their mistakes in a less demanding environment.[8].
It can also be argued that dating sims are beneficial to the LGBT community, as many games feature same-sex relationships. These games are usually under the title "shoujo ai" or "girl's love" [9] and "shonene ai" for "boy's love" [10]. Many see it has an opportunity to explore their sexuality or express themselves without scrutinizing glances from the public.
Ethical Concerns
Virtual Dating Simulation games oftentimes end by either winning or losing, with the player losing by failing to "finish" off another member of the opposite sex, with the term "finishing" referring to either marriage, having sex, or falling into an eternal love [11]. As players learn the tricks to most effectively and efficiently win the game, especially in linear models, it can be argued that for some players, the line between reality and the online environment will become blurred and for those players, unnatural expectations in dating situations experienced in real life will occur.
There are also many who view these simulations as another type of drug used to curb loneliness and depression. However, as games like Love Plus+ and Webkare become too realistic many choose to rely on them to satisfy their social rejection. It has been estimated that if a new version of Webkare does appear, 2.0, and if it does curb loneliness among users, Japan plans to expand the game to the US and Europe. This is the same for Love Plus+, it can be expected to release in the US if users like college student Tatsuya Fukazawa, continue admitting that “…there isn’t a lot of romance in my life and this (game) helps me cope with some of the loneliness.” [1]
The need to fulfill fantasies and dreams may become too powerful, to the point individuals may end up rejecting reality all together or could potentially lead to a more relaxed view towards unwanted sexual advances and an increase in rapes.
In regards to rape, the dating simulation industry has had constant struggle with the issue of rape in their games. Recently on June 2, Japan issued a new list of criteria for judging and terminating explicit games and simulations dealing with rape. This action required nearly 200 companies to change their product lineup.[12] Japan subsequently followed up with propositions detailing the overall banding of underage pornography, including animated forms. Foreign nations like the US strongly supported this action since there is common belief that dating simulations are seen as an open door for those seeking child pornography.[13]
While rape is explicit and socially unacceptable, distributors of these genre of games have fought back with making their online website feature downloadable content and only accessible in Japan to avoid foreign issues. Even those in the US have argued that by withholding the printing and distribution of these types of games is a direct impingement of freedom of speech and promotes censorship.[13]. Individuals have stated that while "...rape is bad. I don't think anyone can deny it. But do rape games encourage rape? Hardly. Just look at these statistics on rape. Japan comes in at #54. Surely you think they'd have a higher rape statistic if it was really a problem that it's so prevalent in their media, right?"[12]
See Also
- Online Dating
- Virtual Child Pornography
- Virtual Environment
- Virtual Reality and Computer Simulations - Philip Brey
- Women in Gaming
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wakabayashi, Daisuke. "Only in Japan, Real Men Go to a Hotel With Virtual Girlfriends" Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.
- ↑ Ishaan. "Visual Novels: A Cultural Difference Between The East And West." Siliconera. Retrieved 4 Oct. 2011.
- ↑ Toto, Serkan. "Japanese Girl Sensation: Virtual Boyfriends (Webkare)" TechCrunch. Retrieved 5 Oct. 2011.
- ↑ Galbraith W, Patrick. "Dating simulator games inspire legion of followers—and detractors". Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.
- ↑ "The Missing Human Connection" Genius Coaching - Great to Significant. Retrieved 5 Oct. 2011.
- ↑ Frost J.H, Chance Z., Norton M.I., Ariel D. (2008). People are experience goods: Improving online dating with virtual dates. Journal of Interactive Marketing (51-61). Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and Direct Marketing Educational Foundation, Inc
- ↑ Royse, Pam, Joon Lee, Baasanjav Undrahbuyan, Mark Hopson, and Mia Consalvo. "Women and games: technologies of the gendered self." New Media Society 9 (2007): 566-572.
- ↑ Simkins, David W., and Constance Steinkuehler. "Critical Ethical Reasoning and Role-Play." Games and Culture 3 (2008): 338-342.
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuri_(genre)
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dnen-ai#Sh.C5.8Dnen-ai
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dating_sims
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Rice, Brian. "Japan Bans Rape Games. All of Them" Destructdoid. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Galbraith, P.W."Dating simulator games inspire legion of followers—and detractors" JapanToday. Retrieved 17 Dec. 2011.
