Looking for a new dating sim to play? Consider supporting an indie game demo! From workplace romances to fantasy adventures, these six dating sim demos from Southeast Asian developers offer a glimpse into a diverse range of heartfelt stories.
Best of all, by playing them, you’ll be supporting indie devs and becoming part of their game development journey!
1. Thorn for the Villain: Reincarnated as an Extra in an Otome Game?! – Anta (Philippines)
Created by Filipino solo developer Anta, Thorn for the Villain follows an office lady who finds herself isekai-ed into the game “Eternal Blessing of the Stars”. Now reborn as Teresa von Ambrose, originally a minor character in the game, Teresa sets out to prevent the events of the game’s disastrous storyline.
Along the way, she catches the attention of the nobleman Count Vincenzo Brillhart, as well as the butler Edel, all while trying to escape the looming threat of assassination. Find out how this story unfolds in the game demo!
2. Merry Crisis – Monsoon Games (Singapore)
You’re a New York resident who’s back home in Singapore for the holidays, hoping to mend a broken heart after leaving a relationship of 4 years. But this Christmas is far from relaxing – you end up running into your estranged first love, an unexpected visit from your recent ex, and a bold new neighbour you have an undeniable connection with.
Merry Crisis allows you to select the genders of your player character and love interests, providing for a fully customisable dating sim experience. Try the demo for yourself on Steam.
3. High Times – Yangyang Mobile (Philippines)
You work at a special donut shop where your donuts can change the emotions of your customers – from flavours that give them more courage, to ones that cheer them up. If that wasn’t complicated enough, you’re also tasked with navigating things between you and your exes, with the possibility of rekindling a past romance.
In High Times, the donuts you serve will affect the endings you unlock, with scenes brought to life by a star-studded cast of voice actors, including names such as LilyPichu, Michael Kovach, and Joshua Waters. The game is slated for a 24 July release, with a demo out now.
4. Office Crush Dating Simulator – Lunartic Studio (Malaysia)
You’re an intern at Pixel Playground Studios, a workplace staffed by five eligible bachelors. Will you fall for the strong and dependable Event Manager, the shy Graphic Designer, the playboy Social Media Strategist, the cunning Creative Director, or the quiet Exhibition Coordinator?
Things aren’t all as they seem, though. Soon, you can’t help but notice the strange occurrences and unexplained disappearances lurking beneath the surface. Take a peek at what this game has to offer in its demo.
5. Jest Messters – Papertrail Studios (Singapore)
Ever played a dating sim that was full of puns? In Jest Messters, you play as a girl who was “blessed” by a mysterious Jester at the cost of your memories, only find yourself unable to stop blurting out terrible puns and painfully awkward dad jokes.
A few years later, you transfer to the prestigious Marney High, where you become close to five quirky classmates. But sinister schemes are brewing behind the scenes – and your curse might just be the key to unravelling the mystery. Get your first look at Jest Messters in its demo.
6. Low Effort Romance – azureXtwilight (Indonesia)
You’re Emma Yang, a 28-year old working her first real corporate job while juggling being broke, the work drama in her head, and her dreams of a low effort romance – like the parasocial relationship she has with a 2D yandere otome love interest.
But try as she might, romance still insists on finding her at every turn, from her golden retriever ex, to her irritatingly helpful coworker Raymond, and the IT guy she keeps running into. Navigate the trials of burnout and office romance in the demo.
Are there any Southeast Asian dating sims we missed out on? Let us know in the comments!
