It takes quite a lot to stand out in the Japanese dating sim genre. Dating sims and romance games are big business in Japan, many of which rely on graphics sex scenes or depictions of various kinks to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Upcoming virtual reality (VR) title Niitzuma is trying something different – an actual marriage.
Niitzuma translates as ‘new wife’ which might give you some indication as to where this is going. Niitzuma, or to give it the full title, Niitzuma LovelyxCation, is not just about winning the heart of the player’s chosen beloved, it carries on into married life, including a detailed depiction of the wedding ceremony.
To promote the game, developer Hibiki Works have announced that they will be holding a virtual reality marriage ceremony where fans get to don a tuxedo and walk up the aisle to say ‘I Do’ to whichever of the three girls they have chosen. The ceremony will be held at an actual wedding chapel in Tokyo, though the exact location has yet to be confirmed. A wedding coordinator will be on hand to help the aspiring ‘groom’s into formal wear and guide the groom through the ceremony until he stands at the altar and dons a VR headset to say his vows with either Yuki Isurugi, Aiko Kurihara or Nono Naruse.
Niitzuma LovelyxCation is due to go on sale on 28th April. Applications for fans to become the ‘groom’ will be accepted between 28th April launch day and 28th May. The ceremony itself will be held on 30th June. Applications can be sent via the official Hibiki Works website.
VRFocus will bring you further information on interesting marketing campaigns for Vr properties when it becomes available.