Playing with affections, digitally

Affection games require players to flirt, hug, kiss, or make love to meet their goals. They are games whose core actions are affections. They are bereft of the complex narratives of dating simulations and differentiate themselves via short, situated play. In a society that still aligns digital play with violent play, affection games offer sharp and meaningful contrast. Affection games are the make love, not war experience of a contemporary play. These games afford players the opportunity to kiss their favorite celebrity, flirt their way into hearts, or practice pleasing an intimate partner. As a genre with demonstrable growth between 2010 and 2013, they offer an engaging and growing set of case studies.