Love Is Not Around: Wandan-likes and Narratives of Self-Actualisation

The document analyzes "wandan-likes," a subgenre of one-male, many-female dating games, focusing on Love is All Around (Intiny, 2023) and its cultural impact in China. These games feature short video clips with branching narratives and multiple endings, characterized by a saccharine tone where male protagonists receive undeserved affection. Love is All Around achieved significant success, amassing approximately 1.64 million purchases and nearly 65,500 concurrent players, spawning numerous inspired titles due to ease of production and Chinese gamers' familiarity with FMV and dating games.

The central argument posits that the unexpected popularity of Love is All Around and subsequent wandan-likes stems from their appeal to disenfranchised masculinity, which is often marked by self-deprecation and hopelessness. These games offer players a sense of control over their virtual romantic destinies. However, this comes at the cost of female objectification, as women are portrayed as unattainable commodities rather than individuals facing similar societal challenges.

The analysis employs a thematic approach, examining 16 different wandan-like games selected based on having at least 500 "Very Positive" or higher ratings on Steam. The methodology involves gathering data points on main characters' preferences, past misfortunes and reversals, and the presence of male comic relief friends. It also investigates procedural mechanics such as affection meters, reaction markers, achievements, and the ability to reverse story choices. The findings indicate that wandan-like mechanics emphasize romantic control through reversible storylines, immediate feedback on choices, and achievements gained by exploring all romantic options. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that male protagonists offer little beyond their interest, while female characters function as proxies for socio-cultural mobility and markers of individual success, with romantic achievement often equating to social advancement and increased spending.