As of April 2025, the gaming industry continues to deliver emotionally rich and immersive experiences that explore the complexities of love and relationships. From heartfelt visual novels to innovative dating sims, here are some of the standout romance games that have captured players’ hearts this year.
1. Afterlove EP
Released on February 14, 2025, Afterlove EP is a poignant visual novel developed by Indonesian studio Pikselnesia. Set in Jakarta, the game follows Rama, a grieving musician who must create an extended play for his band within 28 days, a year after the death of his girlfriend, Cinta. The narrative intertwines elements of rhythm gameplay and dating simulation, allowing players to navigate Rama’s emotional journey and potential new relationships. The game has been praised for its heartfelt storytelling and unique blend of genres.
2. Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme
Launched on March 27, 2025, Venus Vacation Prism marks a significant evolution in the Dead or Alive Xtreme series. Developed by Team Ninja, this dating sim places players in the role of a resort manager on a tropical island, interacting with a diverse cast of characters. The game emphasizes romantic adventures, with multiple story outcomes influenced by player choices. Its immersive visuals and engaging photo mode have garnered attention, though it’s currently available only in select Asian countries.
3. Eternights
Eternights, released in September 2023, continues to be a popular choice for romance game enthusiasts. This action role-playing game combines dating sim elements with fast-paced combat, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players can build relationships with various characters, each with unique storylines and romantic paths. The game’s dynamic blend of genres offers a fresh take on the romance genre, appealing to a broad audience.
4. Split Fiction
Released on March 6, 2025, Split Fiction is an action-adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios. While primarily focused on cooperative gameplay, the narrative explores the evolving relationship between the protagonists, Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster. Their journey through a world shaped by their own stories delves into themes of trust, collaboration, and emotional connection, offering a unique perspective on romance within a broader adventure context.
5. A Space for the Unbound
Originally released in January 2023, A Space for the Unbound received a mobile release in April 2025. This adventure game follows Atma and his girlfriend Raya as they navigate their relationship amidst supernatural events in 1990s Indonesia. The game has been lauded for its magical realist setting and heartfelt storytelling, earning accolades such as Best Storytelling at the 2020 SEA Game Awards.
6. Thronglets
A recent addition to the interactive romance genre, Thronglets was released on April 10, 2025, as a mobile game tie-in to Netflix’s Black Mirror Season 7 episode “Plaything.” Developed by Night School Studios, the game allows players to nurture tiny, demanding creatures in a life simulation format. While not a traditional romance game, its unique blend of charm and psychological elements offers a fresh take on interactive storytelling.
7. Date Everything
Date Everything is an experimental dating sim where players can form romantic relationships with personified household objects. This unconventional approach to the genre has sparked discussions about the boundaries of romance in gaming, offering a humorous and thought-provoking experience.
These titles exemplify the diverse and evolving landscape of romance games in 2025, offering players a range of emotional and interactive experiences. Whether you’re seeking heartfelt narratives or innovative gameplay, this year’s offerings provide something for every romantic at heart.
