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Virtual Boyfriends Fueled by AI Are Gaining Traction in China
The popularity of the dating simulation game 'Love and Deepspace' showcases evolving relationship standards and the increasing influence of technology on personal connections.
In recent months, there's been a notable increase in the popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) virtual boyfriends in China, particularly following the debut of the dating simulation game 'Love and Deepspace' in January 2024. Created by Paper Games, a Shanghai-based company, this game has drawn an estimated six million monthly active users, allowing players to connect with AI-generated male characters as romantic partners.
Alicia Wang, a 32-year-old newspaper editor from Shanghai, exemplifies the many users who favor these virtual relationships.
She has developed a fondness for her AI boyfriend, Li Shen, also called Zayne, a character characterized as tall, attractive, and attentive to her desires—features that underscore a significant change in how some women are seeking companionship.
'Love and Deepspace' utilizes AI and voice recognition technologies to deliver an immersive experience, where players interact with five male characters who respond uniquely to in-game messages and calls.
The game’s availability in various languages, including Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, has further broadened its audience.
Yao Runhao, the 37-year-old founder of Paper Games, has seen extraordinary financial success with this project.
With an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, Yao possesses a majority share in a company currently valued at over $2 billion.
Analysts indicate that this valuation mirrors the increasing trend within the gaming industry, noting that rapidly growing studios typically achieve valuations about three times their annual revenue.
Since its founding in 2013, Paper Games has reported global sales of around $850 million.
The game has not only topped download charts in China but has also gained popularity among users in the United States and other regions.
Players are eager to spend money to unlock enhanced gameplay features and interactions with their AI boyfriends, contributing to the game's success.
For example, Wang has invested roughly 35,000 yuan (approximately $4,800) in the game to enrich her virtual experiences with Zayne.
The emergence of AI in personal relationships, as evidenced by user engagement in 'Love and Deepspace,' signifies broader societal changes in how people experience technology and intimacy.
Alicia Wang, a 32-year-old newspaper editor from Shanghai, exemplifies the many users who favor these virtual relationships.
She has developed a fondness for her AI boyfriend, Li Shen, also called Zayne, a character characterized as tall, attractive, and attentive to her desires—features that underscore a significant change in how some women are seeking companionship.
'Love and Deepspace' utilizes AI and voice recognition technologies to deliver an immersive experience, where players interact with five male characters who respond uniquely to in-game messages and calls.
The game’s availability in various languages, including Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, has further broadened its audience.
Yao Runhao, the 37-year-old founder of Paper Games, has seen extraordinary financial success with this project.
With an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, Yao possesses a majority share in a company currently valued at over $2 billion.
Analysts indicate that this valuation mirrors the increasing trend within the gaming industry, noting that rapidly growing studios typically achieve valuations about three times their annual revenue.
Since its founding in 2013, Paper Games has reported global sales of around $850 million.
The game has not only topped download charts in China but has also gained popularity among users in the United States and other regions.
Players are eager to spend money to unlock enhanced gameplay features and interactions with their AI boyfriends, contributing to the game's success.
For example, Wang has invested roughly 35,000 yuan (approximately $4,800) in the game to enrich her virtual experiences with Zayne.
The emergence of AI in personal relationships, as evidenced by user engagement in 'Love and Deepspace,' signifies broader societal changes in how people experience technology and intimacy.
