Have a digital relationship with “My Virtual Boyfriend”

By James Branson

Real people are annoying, we know. They smell, firstly. They have annoying habits like picking their nose and wiping it on the couch. They make heinous demands on your time by asking you to come get coffee. They complain when you forget your anniversary or get them a cheap gift for valentines day.

Now you can take avoiding real people to another level with the My Virtual Gay Boyfriend app. In some ways, the game simulates a real relationship: while you’re able to customise your digital BF, you still have to give him compliments and engage in small talk and flirting.

“We all want to be loved,” said the game’s developer, Mike Amerson.  “And no matter how advanced or realistic an A.I. is, it cannot offer the authenticity that a human can.”

“Not that all humans are authentic all of the time, but in a romantic engagement with that person we certainly hope they are being genuine. The game employs a bit of flirty romance intermixed with some humor to keep the mood light and fun. If anything I think this game contributes to relationships as you have to learn to practice patience and compromise to get to higher levels—just like in real life.”