AI Dating Sim_
AI Dating Sim_
In Japan, where fear of rejection has led many to avoid dating entirely, which in turn has contributed to extreme decline in birth rates, we built something different: the NTT AI Dating Simulator for Nintendo 3DS. Disguised as a familiar dating sim, it quietly rewired the experience—placing an AI-powered avatar between the user and a vast pool of real-life potential matches.
As users build a connection with the avatar, it gathers emotional signals and conversational cues, filtering toward compatible partners and gently guiding users into real-world relationships. Intimate, safe, and smart—this isn’t just a game. It’s a cultural reset, designed to restore confidence and connection in a country that urgently needed both.
Continuous Improvement (Kaizen) Model Profile
AI-Powered Dating Simulation
Stream music and movies with your sim, bonding over new obsessions and timeless comfort picks.
Find the perfect place to hang out or spark romance with your sim—whether it’s a casual meetup or a meaningful date night.
Your sim adapts to your interests, recommending activities that encourage bonding and interaction.
We use hyper-location to bring you closer to familiar places and fresh nearby hangouts for you and your sim.
Contributions
Concept Development, Creative Direction, Experience Design, Workshop Facilitation, Testing Coordination.
Go on virtual dates in real-world locations—take a walk and a selfie in Shinjuku Gyoen park during the cherry blossoms, and grab coffee and conversation at Kita Sando Coffee. We blend real environments with interactive moments to make each date feel like an adventure.
Legacy
Years later, what began as closed pilot on the Nintendo 3DS inspired national action. In 2024, the Japanese government launched a variation on the AI-powered dating app to combat the country’s record-low birth rates. Our pilot proved the model, which was later adjusted and deployed nationwide.
Disclosure
Originally the pilot program was built around the Nintendo 3DS XL due to it’s central roll in dating simulation at the time, also citing it’s web-connectivity, and the ability to hardware gate keep the initiative. However, due to timing limitations, it was decided to build the experience in a web app for mobile use.
Make authentic, meaningful connections in the real world through NTT’s AI-powered dating game. This unique platform transforms traditional dating by blending technology with genuine interaction, the virtual and physical worlds, allowing individuals to explore potential real-world relationships.