Okay before you answer, hear me out. 

There’s the argument that “it’s just a game”. And it is “just a game”. You play it, it goes off, you go back to your regular life. And repeat. But what about the time in between? The game time. We’ve seen all types of stuff come from playing games. I’m not talking about marrying your favorite character, rage breaking controllers, or bedrotting. I’m talking about loss of finances, in person events, and loss of quality of life. This is a reality of games. And more specifically dating games.

DISCLAIMER:

I usually don’t write disclaimers for uncomfy cushion, but this is a topic I’m sure that doesn’t really fit into my typical topics. This is a think piece. Please just take it as such.

This is a mix of fact, fiction, and satire. Whatever relationship you are in is up to the consenting adults. I do not want to be involved in any argument you guys have from reading through articles and stumbling upon this one. And there’s no personal attacks towards anyone. Except maybe myself, but that’s a topic for another day.  Secondly, the target audience for this is adults. GTA should not be on your radar little kids. So please check out our other articles for some cool things in entertainment! Last, but not least: Editing. Please do not rip me apart because of a spelling error. And please don’t come in with an “actually-” attitude. We love to seeyour comments here and would love for you to come in with the discourse! Especially on topics like this that really have people rethinking their lives. Again, a lot of this is a conversational tone and I hope you understand.

Origins of dating games:

I know we’re not talking about dating games. But we are. And hear me out. Dating games work in this situation as you are playing a role of a mate. See? Okay let’s jump into the basics. So what’s a dating sim? It’s a dating simulation. Meaning you are kind of playing pretend dating someone. Just like the Sims is a simulation of real life. Unless you mod yourself to fly or you are Bella Goth. 

The official first dating game was released in 1992 called ‘Dōkyūsei’. And from there we got some really good games and some bad games. There’s a dating game for everyone. And more is being developed. I will say, I am not necessarily negative or positive when it comes to talking about dating games. When they are solely about dating,it is a tad bit wild. Especially if you have a partner already. That is wild. I can’t defend that because it’s not “just a game”. What’s your purpose? And if you have done this or are currently doing this, drop it in the comments, I wanna see something. Not to expose you, but to hear you out, because right now, I can’t.

This question has resurfaced again with the anticipated release of GTA 6. We’ll get back to this game in a minute. I am not surprised to hear this as I see so many wild comments. Like y’all are some gooners fr,fr. And I get it, if you stay immersed in a world long enough you actually start to believe in it. Like take a movie, sometimes you really leave there believing in that world. And when rational thinking is missed (ex. “This is just a movie, this is fiction”), and delusion takes its place, you really start to believe it. Immersing yourself in a world is only supposed to be temporary. And if you don’t it gets pretty bad.

When it starts to feel real:

I think a great way this was tackled without really saying anything was the game ‘MiSide’. Yes it’s extreme, yes the game went too far with the emotions of the character, but it shows how unhealthy it is. Like Y/N really was empty without Mita. And when in the game everything went well for a long time (until it didn’t). But it shows how people sacrifice a lot (including their well-being) for games. And specifically the simpitry of the players who play these games. Like it’s bad.

And I can see both sides. Never in my life have I wanted to run and play a game and treat this character like we were dating, but I have played these games. One I used to play was some boyfriend simulator. And I was in high school, and was 1010% single. So no worries there. If anything, I was cheating myself. I think in a way from playing that one, I would say… just talk to someone. Of course I was playing the free version of it, but the argument stays the same. The conversations were stale, there was no storyline. And in a way, you felt very aware that you are playing yourself in a game with this heavily pixelated character. And I guess that’s what kept the longevity not so long. I didn’t really feel the need to play it.

On the other hand, I find some very realistic, and that’s when I must say…it’s tethering closer to you being in the doghouse. An example: LADs. A popular one I currently play. What is LADS? Well it’s full name is ‘Love and Deepspace’. I’m sure you heard of it. The majority of the criticism comes from men that love running into the comment section to cry about this game. And yes it’s an action, story telling game, but most of its marketing is the thirst traps. Oh you’ve seen them. To be fair, I didn’t see as much steaminess when I first downloaded it, but the comment section was the exact image of the definition of thirst. Seriously. 

When it starts to feel real…

And it’s only gotten worse due to external factors. Not because of the game, because again, games can go off.  Not because of the community either. The community on LADS (except for those who wanted Valko gone- you know who you are), is very chill! And I usually see a lot of live events and cosplays and I love to see it. I do think there’s bad apples in every community and that can’t be changed, but the majority of people are chill. Going back to the cheating part, let’s talk about it. Because all of those spicy scenes are wild. And the reactions I’ve seen showed that this is more than a game to many of you. And to that…l don’t think I have to fill in the blanks. Especially when you are going to the meet-ups with cosplayers and drooling over them. I’m sorry this cannot be excused. In a way…it’s acting on their part. But! But! Is it acting on yours? I say the same about fanservice in other places. And customer service in others. They play a part, but what is your excuse? Mind you there’s a bunch of MC’s cosplayed to meet the 5 men there. Likeeee….

And again. I was pressed when I didn’t go to the one in LA at Anime Expo.I wanted to be there! But again I am single. A simp? Can’t say I’ve never been. What about it? I’m a lover not a fight okayyyyy?! XD I think things like that also closes the gap more from differentiating what is real vs what is reality. If you think about it, now you can see your favs who act, talk, and move just like the character you have been simping over. Now this person is off of the screen and is now a part of your regular Tuesday at a cafe event or even a convention. And I am not saying these things shouldn’t happen. And I am definitely not saying you should ever make an actor feel uncomfortable from you not understanding acting. Ever. We’ve seen that too many times and I have experienced this before too. It’s creepy and gross. Respect your fellow cosplayers.

From the dawn of time I have heard about the GTA girls. Dude…this right here…this is goon island. Idc, idc. Instead of wanting to know what the communities were based on, y’all went straight into trying to know who the GTA cover girl was. When I was little I used to think they were the baddest, I won’t lie. Ima give a girl credit where credit is due. But y’all went too far. And with the recent upgrades to the girlie that is in the storyline, y’all went feral. I can’t. I won’t. I will not hear you out. 

Some of y’all were in the chat saying you’re going to buy her everything. Wanna jump in the game type beat. Y’all are trying to be a virtual girly’s sugar daddy. Forget Jason huh? You making it Y/N. You forgot you’re Jason. Please be real. Pleaseeeeeeeeee. I am begging. This is cheating. This is a no-brainer. And you want her to cheat too. If you could Steve your way through the screen- no blues clues, you’re doing it. No questions asked. And I would do it too for a check-FOR A CHECK! For myself and not to simp on a mfs clothing okay?

Also forget Story mode. Games are an escape. Sometimes we create better (or in this case, worse) versions of ourselves to get a break from reality. Y’all first thing is to grab a luxury car, hit the town, hit a few ladies of the night, and grab some more cash. And mind you, y’all are committed to the bit. Also you DON’T HAVE TO PURSUE THE RELATIONSHIP! So if you really think about it, it’s 100% your choice. So going back to story mode where they give you a story to customize, y’all in a relationship and ready to throw away the month’s paycheck on Lucia. Please…please be so real.

The fact the game is going to be priced around $100 and on top of that you’re spending for the other possible content recommended. ANDDDDD you’re talking about sponsoring Lucia?! Go to the streets bro. And the streets of GTA are not an option for you. Now I see why some of y’all want the game so much. And I think most of it has to do with the physics of the ji-

Just kidding! I know some of you really just want to beat the game before your homies or favs. It’s serious. I talked to a friend and they wanted me to put down that $100 for them. But I told them to get me some tix to my favorite group and so the deal fell through. Y’all don’t play about GTA! Even down to contracts in your relationships??? To have a certain amount of committed time playing the game on DND…chile. And another thing…does that mean your partner is also getting an equivalent? Cause this is fire.

Some peace and quiet? Also you better set aside time like this for date night. Because the planning goes crazy. And when the game is old and there’s something they are anticipating, I hope you do the same and don’t look at them wild. Seriously, we don’t want double standards in this household! Also what if your partner wants to get immersed in this world of Grand Theft Auto? Huh? Would you let them? 

The time and energy allocated towards something else can be seen as cheating. Depending on your relationship. But In my opinion- (since that’s what you’re reading), I don’t think it’s cheating. I don’t. I can see where people might think it is when you’re more committed into playing a game than spending time with your partner. That is excessive and is cheating. But this is a complicated topic.

And we don’t even have to get philosophical in here. We can pull out the argument of mimesis…because that fits pretty well (especially with replicating someone’s jiggle). I won’t pull out that card this time though. I haven’t seen an event where GTA is there and there were the guys and gals from the game. At least to my knowledge, I haven’t seen it. (doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or didn’t happen on a large scale). I don’t think it would be a good idea anyways. But! There is a thing in Miami where GTA is going to do a lot of advertising there. There’s controversy on it, but I see both sides. Yeah…bad example. Sure influence. No it’s not real. It goes back to the topic of self-control, reality, and people understanding themselves. Even if it looks real, it doesn’t mean it’s okay. And it seems like GTA 6 is showing you consequences for your actions. Not that GTA as a franchise didn’t already show you this…I don’t know what I am missing. Please explain if you are against it.

If it all boils down to it, I do think that a game is just a game. A movie is just a movie. And a book is just a book. UNLESS proven otherwise. That’s with anything. Art can be used as an escape, an outlet, or just as is (art). I do think entertainment is an escape in most cases. And a game like GTA is just one of those games people like to play. I had my time playing it too at a friend’s house. And there’s nothing that aligns with me. It’s just a game. Love and Deepspace is just a game. Even though I find Sylus as close to my ideal type irl, he’s just a game character. And if you think Lucia is attractive, period. She has a boyfriend! Respect the game bro. Jason:1 You: none. GG! XD

Let’s talk the actual discourse:

The actual topic at hand from what my understanding is that playing GTA 6 and playing the role of Lucia or Jason is cheating. That is…that is certainly a discourse to be had during your first date because it might be a deal breaker for many. Especially in these “cold seasons” people love to get booed up and play house. So…have that talk. Cause GTA 6 is supposed to be out in 2 months. And unless they move it again, it is definitely happening.

And I do want to touch on a few things I read. So I guess there’s not much discourse on the vice versa part. Where people are playing Lucia and taking care of Jason. My point still stands. If you are treating Jason better than Jeffery at home, there’s a problem. You are in fact emotionally cheating. And if you could you would probably creep with Jason. It is what it is. No one gets an excuse.

And for LADs… y’all have Xavier, Rafayel, Zayne. Then you got Sylus. And then Caleb. And then (cause it kinda counts) Valko. We have to be fair. That’s a lot of people. And some of y’all can’t choose. Spend tons of money and emotionally invested in them. Me too, I love me some Sylus. But again, I get it’s an escape. I know it’s a game. And most importantly, I AM SINGLE!!!

And Emotionally cheating is still cheating. We just like to put things at extremes these days. Just because you don’t catch them in the sheets at the crib doesn’t mean they aren’t. I think looking forward to talking to someone everyday in a romantic way is far worse sometimes. Especially if you really enjoy their company over mind. And the only defense you have is “We’re not hooking up”. Might as well break up so you can.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner and what you think cheating means. Again, I am not a counselor. I don’t care what you do in your relationship…it’s up to you. And if you both are happy, I am too. Just be happy.

Oh and one more thing. Non excusable reasons include: Chatbots (especially ones that to everything you say), VR games, and any of those freaky ones you guys play. I know, you know. That’s 100% cheating and you know it.

Let’s be real, if you have to ask, it’s cheating. Point. Blank. Period. But let me know, do you think playing dating games is cheating? I want to know in the comments. And make sure to check out our other content on Regal Attraction. We’re going to talk about games a lot more here, so stay tuned! Not just this kind of discourse, but updates, gameplays, and more!

Written by: A.P.