Love Is All Around

*Love Is All Around* is a full-motion, interactive video game developed and published by the Chinese studio intiny. Released on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store on October 18, 2023, the game later became available on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch in August 2024. The game is a romance simulation that places the player in the first-person perspective of Gu Yi, an art entrepreneur who is deeply in debt. The central premise revolves around Gu Yi's interactions and burgeoning relationships with six distinct women. The gameplay of *Love Is All Around* aligns with the conventions of visual novels and dating simulators, presented through live-action footage. Players navigate the narrative by making choices at key moments, which directs the story down various paths. The game features over 100 story branches, leading to twelve possible endings. This branching narrative structure is designed for multiple playthroughs, with hidden storylines and bonus scenes to discover. In addition to dialogue choices, players must also find clues within the scenes to unlock certain plot developments. An "affection" system is in place, where choices can raise or lower a particular character's feelings toward the protagonist. A total affection score across all the women is required to advance through the game's chapters. The narrative centers on Gu Yi's struggle to manage his financial woes while simultaneously navigating the complexities of his relationships with the six female protagonists. The women he encounters each have a unique personality, described as charming, innocent, intelligent, wild, sexy, and glamorous. The cast of characters includes Zheng Ziyan, a femme fatale and magazine editor, and Li Yunsi, an older and more mature art curator. The story is presented as a blend of romance and drama, with some comedic elements. Upon its release, *Love Is All Around* achieved significant commercial success, topping Steam's sales charts in China and reaching the global top 10. The game also garnered substantial attention on social media platforms like Bilibili and Douyin, with related hashtags accumulating over 1.3 billion views. The six lead actresses in the game also experienced a rise in their public profiles as a result of the game's popularity. Critical and player reception for *Love Is All Around* has been mixed. On Steam, the game holds a "Very Positive" rating based on a large volume of user reviews. Some reviewers have found the game to be entertaining due to its silly and over-the-top narrative, suggesting it is best not to be taken too seriously. Others have criticized the story for being confusing and disjointed, though they acknowledge that the game's mechanics are functional. The developer, intiny, has stated that their goal was to create a fantasy for players who prefer virtual romance. The success of the game has led to the release of a sequel, *Love Is All Around 2*, as well as downloadable content, including a prequel that explores Gu Yi's university days.