There’s a game in China called Love and Producer. It’s one of the most popular mobile games in the country, making hundreds of millions of dollars a year, and it’s not about fighting, adventure, or even social media influence.
It’s a dating simulator where women romance four attractive, anime-style virtual boyfriends.
It’s not AI-driven—at least, not yet. It’s a choice-based, scripted narrative, where players pick dialogue options and get responses that make them feel like they’re in a real relationship. But the success of Love and Producer proves something massive:
People—especially women—are willing to pay huge amounts of money for virtual companionship.
And with the rise of AI, we’re not far from a future where virtual boyfriends and girlfriends don’t just follow a script—they actually respond in real-time, learn from their users, and simulate an almost-human relationship.
So, what happens when AI-powered partners become as emotionally satisfying as real ones?
And who’s going to embrace them more—men or women?
The Virtual Boyfriend/Girlfriend Market Is Already Huge
Right now, most virtual relationships are scripted experiences, where you make choices and get pre-programmed responses.
- Love and Producer (China’s most popular dating sim) has over 100 million players, mostly women.
- Mystic Messenger (Korean dating sim) had over 10 million downloads, with players spending hours a day texting their virtual love interests.
- Hatoful Boyfriend (yes, the one where you date pigeons) was a cult hit, proving that people will fall in love with almost anything if the emotional connection is strong enough.
These games are highly structured—you pick a choice, and the game responds like a choose-your-own-adventure book. They’re not AI-driven, but they still create genuine emotional connections for their players.
Now, imagine what happens when AI removes those limitations—when a virtual partner isn’t just following a script, but actually learning and responding in real time.
AI Companions Are Already Here
We’re already seeing early versions of AI-driven virtual relationships.
- Replika – One of the most advanced AI chatbot companions, designed to create emotional intimacy with users.
- Nomi AI & Caryn AI – Personalized AI girlfriends that charge users a subscription fee to chat with them.
- Japanese AI Chat Apps – Many apps now simulate virtual boyfriends/girlfriends, learning user preferences over time.
They’re not fully advanced AI yet, but they’re getting better every year.
Will Men or Women Use AI Relationships More?
Right now, most AI girlfriend apps target men, while scripted romance games dominate the women’s market.
But as AI develops, who is more likely to embrace virtual relationships—men or women?
1. Men Are Already Using AI Girlfriends
- AI girlfriend apps like Replika, Nomi AI, and even adult chatbots are massive industries.
- Many men struggle with real-world dating expectations and find AI less stressful and more consistent than actual relationships.
- AI can be programmed to be emotionally supportive and never reject them—something many lonely men seek out.
2. Women Are More Likely to Spend Money on Emotional Relationships
- Love and Producer shows that women are willing to pay for emotionally fulfilling virtual relationships, even when they’re not AI-driven.
- Women generally seek emotional connection more than physical interaction in virtual relationships, meaning AI-driven boyfriend experiences will likely thrive.
- Voice AI and romance-focused AI companions will probably be more advanced for women, since women care more about conversation quality than simple scripted responses.
Will People Choose AI Over Real Relationships?
The real question isn’t if people will use AI relationships—they already are. The question is whether AI partners will replace real ones.
Right now, AI is limited—it can mimic emotional connection, but it can’t truly feel or understand the way a human does.
But as AI advances?
- AI partners will become indistinguishable from real people in text and voice interactions.
- Some people will prefer AI over human relationships, especially if they’ve had bad real-world experiences.
- The rise of sex robots combined with AI personalities could create fully interactive virtual and physical relationships.
There will always be people who crave real human connection, but for some? AI will be enough.
And in 10-20 years, the idea of “dating” an AI might not be weird at all.