14 DAY TRIAL // A lot of people out there have stated that they simply love video games, and considering some of the quality products out there no one can blame them. But few individuals would feel comfortable enough to take their love to the next step and actually marry their beloved game. It may not be considered “kosher” for people of the same sex to get married, but it seems like one can get away with marring their handheld. Don't let your imagination fly off the hook, we're talking about Nintendo's DS and its dating sim, Love Plus, the game that has Japanese social and emotional outcasts feel there is someone out there that understands them.
Some three weeks ago, we saw that the game even managed to impress Hideo Kojima as he saw it sweep the employees of his company off their feet. Now, this dating sim that takes a slightly different approach to the genre has really managed a feat worthy of recognition. Last week, in a church in Guam, a priest had the opportunity to join, in what should be holy marriage, a man and his virtual girlfriend. The couple held a reception for the wedding yesterday, and everyone could watch, since Nico Nico Douga decided to broadcast the event live. The media was also invited, and pictures of the couple's history were shared with everyone. By pictures, we mean, of course, screenshots.
The lucky woman is none other than Nene Anegasaki, one of the three available characters in Love Plus. The authenticity of this event can only be speculated on at this moment, but the chances that this is a publicity stunt are pretty small. First, the game never received a proper publicity campaign for its launch, and did just great without it, so there's no point in wasting money on one now. Secondly, the game is known for turning its users into absolute fanatics, as Kojima observed himself along with other people that witnessed strange displays of familiarity with the DS dating sim.
The last nail that would set this story as plausible is that Japan in itself has a history of bizarre events and people, and the otakus are known for some of the strangest ways of manifesting affection towards the virtual world. From anime pillows, to romantic dating sims, the otaku tradition of loving the inanimate things that, for lack of free will, accept them is a broad and eventful one. Still, you shouldn't judge this man until you see Anegasaki-chan for yourself. Or date her, for that matter.