Mind Map + Writeup: Working With System Dynamics – Mayshu

Our Dating Sim is still in the process of prototyping. The following writing is only about my personal thought on the potentiality of the game:

Central to our Dating Sim are values such as self-growth, emotional intelligence, and community support. Players embody an angel tasked with dating, improving, and releasing partners back into the dating pool. This mechanic encourages reflection on personal growth and careful decision-making, while interactions reveal red flags and potential pitfalls, fostering learning and development.

The main gameplay loop revolves around balancing dating with loneliness. Players accrue ‘loneliness points’ for each turn spent single, and reaching five points compels them to date the next available partner, regardless of compatibility. This dynamic introduces an element of urgency that mirrors real-world social pressures. Players can offset loneliness by engaging with friends, sharing advice, and taking supportive actions, emphasizing the importance of community and solidarity. These mechanics create a cycle that rewards strategic play and continuous learning.

Narrative arcs unfold through the evolution of both the angel and the dating pool. Choices shape outcomes, influencing personal development and the broader dating ecosystem. Positive and negative interactions weave together to form a cohesive story, highlighting how accumulated experiences impact future decisions. Incorporating supportive features like swapping dating tips reinforces themes of shared wisdom and healthy relationship habits, turning each loop into a meaningful chapter that contributes to the larger narrative of empowerment and resilience.

This design integrates empathy into gameplay, shows how mechanics and storylines shape player perception. Here, the mechanics of building connections and avoiding negative consequences echo broader themes of resilience and community, illustrating how thoughtful design can guide players toward certain values and experiences.

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