Discover ValiDate: A Revolutionary Dating Simulator

ValiDate: Struggling Singles in your Area is a game that breaks free from heteronormative conventions, featuring a diverse cast of beautiful Black and Brown characters. As my top game of the year, it embodies the kind of creative work that I admire - unapologetically representative of its developers and audience. This title has reignited my enthusiasm for indie game developers and their capacity to produce innovative, inclusive content. ValiDate is a visual novel that follows the lives of 13 individuals in their 20s as they navigate love, life, and self-discovery. In the first volume, players take on the roles of Malik, Inaya, Isabelle, and Emhari, guiding them through the challenges of adulthood. Each character has a dedicated chapter focused on a love interest, with narrative paths that can lead to positive, negative, or secret outcomes. These paths are shaped by the player's choices, which can be more complex than they initially seem. For instance, when playing as Malik, the player must decide how to approach a restaurant date with Isabelle, who is aware that Malik has never been to the restaurant before and is unsure about what to order. The player is given the option to either pretend to be confident and offer to buy everything or be honest and ask for Isabelle's guidance. If the player chooses the former, Isabelle calls out Malik's unnecessary attempt to show off, and she storms off, leaving Malik to reflect on his poor decision. On the other hand, if the player chooses to be honest, the date turns out to be enjoyable for both characters. This interaction highlights the importance of honesty in relationships. The game is full of these "aha" moments, where the player is encouraged to think critically about their choices and the consequences that follow. ValiDate's writing is sharp and thought-provoking, tackling various subjects in a way that is both humorous and relatable. The narrative is not just populated by queer people of color; every aspect of the characters' dialogue, speech, and attitudes feels authentic and genuine. The game's use of cultural competency is impressive, making references to family, community jokes, and topics that are specific to the characters' identities. This level of authenticity can only be achieved by a team of Black and Brown creatives who are passionate about telling their stories. As a cishet individual, I appreciate how the game addresses queerness in a way that is both respectful and thought-provoking. In one chapter, Malik is getting to know Alonzo, a personal trainer, and they are hanging out in his car. It is clear that both characters are attracted to each other, and the scene is cute and endearing. However, when the subject of Malik's attraction to men comes up, he becomes unsure and retreats to the "I don't know" phrase, still grappling with his bisexuality. Alonzo responds in a matter-of-fact way, telling Malik that he likes who he likes, and the personal trainer eventually exits, refusing to wait for Malik to figure himself out. The route ends with Malik reflecting on his feelings, a common theme throughout the game. The point is that, regardless of one's queerness, leading someone on when unsure of oneself is an insult, and it is essential to take the time to understand one's feelings. The game's art direction is impressive, with bright environments and colorful scenes. The music selection is also noteworthy, making the game an immersive experience. In summary, ValiDate was my game of the year because it is the antithesis of watered-down media. It is a game that features people of color living their lives, with all the messiness and complexity that comes with it. The game proves that anyone can be the main character, and good writing can be both queer and colorful when creators have the freedom to express themselves. Playing ValiDate feels like watching an episode of HBO's Southside or Rap Sh!t - it is clever, refreshing, and unapologetically queer and colorful.