Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and challenges of the interactive romance game industry, particularly focusing on the success of "I’m Surrounded by Beauties!" and its sequel, highlighting the market dynamics and player expectations [4][6][10]. Group 1: Market Performance - "I’m Surrounded by Beauties!" sold 1.9 million copies and generated over 80 million yuan in revenue within its first year [4]. - The game continues to sell tens of thousands of copies monthly, indicating sustained interest [4]. - In contrast, its sequel, "The Prequel," launched with a 75% approval rating, which later dropped to 69%, reflecting a decline in player reception [5]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The interactive romance game sector has seen over 60 new titles on Steam in 2024, but 90% of these games sold fewer than 2,000 copies, indicating a highly competitive and saturated market [5]. - The success of "I’m Surrounded by Beauties!" has created a perception that "borderline content can be profitable," leading to a proliferation of similar games [5][6]. Group 3: Player Expectations - Players express a desire for emotional engagement and validation through these games, often seeking experiences they feel are lacking in real life [12][45]. - The article suggests that male players often equate in-game benefits with affection, indicating a complex relationship between desire and emotional fulfillment [16][18]. Group 4: Creative Approaches - The article notes that while many new titles follow the "borderline" trend, some creators are attempting to innovate within the genre, such as "Sweetheart AI Capture Plan," which combines romance with mystery [22][25]. - However, despite positive reviews, innovative titles struggle to gain traction, suggesting that players prefer traditional romantic narratives over complex storylines [25][29]. Group 5: Gender Dynamics - The article highlights a growing market for female-oriented games, yet emphasizes that the demand for male-targeted content remains significant, with interactive romance games filling a gap for male players seeking emotional connection [36][44]. - The male player demographic on platforms like Steam remains dominant, with over 70% of users being male, indicating a sustained interest in content that resonates with their experiences [46].