Romancing the phone: Women who play romance sims speak out

- Romance sim player "Mook"

A new article at Vogue dives into the world of mobile romance simulators for women -- known also as "otome games," though the article doesn't use the term. Three different players of the games -- Japanese, Thai, and American -- are interviewed, as are some of their developers.

It's an interesting look at a burgeoning genre that has been unlocked outside of Japan by the rise of downloadable software, particularly on mobile. 

All three players argue that the fantasies of appealing virtual boyfriends can help balance out real life relationships, too. 

“I won’t be on a date and say, ‘You remind me of my virtual boyfriend,’ but it’s healthy to practice a consistent relationship, even if it’s virtual,” says the American player interviewed, Tempestt Storm.

It's an interesting story and one that opens up a window into a type of game that's quickly gaining global currency.