China's 'Revenge on Gold Diggers' video game fuels sexism debate
One of China's best-selling new games has renewed a debate around sensitive gender issues in a country grappling with plunging marriage rates.
Revenge On Gold Diggers , a full-motion video interactive game, soared to the top of Steam's revenue charts in China since its launch a week ago. Selling at US$6 (RM25) apiece, it's now among the country's top 10 best-selling titles on the PC platform, surpassing enduring hits like Black Myth: Wukong and Baldur's Gate 3 .
Developed by a little-known indie studio, the game unfolds as a series of choose-your-own-adventure episodes, where the player acts as a male protagonist interacting with five women. The female characters range from a live-streamer to a coffee shop barista, each of them exploiting their male counterparts for money. One of the women in the game boasts about her manipulation by saying, "He's more obedient than a dog.'
These storylines have stirred controversy on China's social networks, with critics slamming the game as a sexist fantasy. The developer responded by renaming the title to the more palatable Emotional Fraud Simulator while keeping all content intact.
Opinions have been split. A state newspaper in Beijing opined this week that the game helps "creatively strengthen young people's awareness of safety in romantic relationships', with other official outlets reposting the sentiment.
Marriage numbers in China have been falling for most of the past decade and plunged to a record low last year – compounding a demographic crisis that's proliferating across the world's second-largest economy. Facing job insecurity and uncertain futures, young people are finding solace in things like video games, pet ownership and trendy collectibles like Labubu.
Revenge On Gold Diggers has also been compared by Chinese social-media users and local media such as Sixth Tone with a recent real-life tragedy. Last year, a young gaming influencer nicknamed "Fat Cat' killed himself and the Internet attacked his girlfriend.
A legion of Chinese indie games studios are trying to make it on Steam in the romance simulation genre, after 2024's surprise hit Love Is All Around . Featuring live-action footage, these games typically portray a male protagonist romantically pursuing multiple women and offer varying endings based on a player's dialogue choices. – Bloomberg
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
23 minutes ago
- The Star
Maggie Cheung, 60, joins Xiaohongshu; responds with grace to negative comments
In 'The Mood For Love' actress promises her followers exciting content using some more than 20 Xiaohongshu via China Press Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung, who has kept a low profile in recent years – her last on-screen appearance was in 2013 – has officially joined Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (Red Note). In her debut video on Aug 8, the 60-year-old is seen strolling outdoors while sharing why she decided to go online, though her explanation remained intriguingly vague. 'A lot of things don't need an answer. Timing is very personal. When you feel it is the right time, then it is the right time,' she said, as quoted by 8days. Sharp-eyed viewers also noticed her outfit. Known for her luxury shopping habits, Cheung surprised fans by wearing a T-shirt from an affordable brand. In later videos, she showcased her trademark style by mixing simple basics with luxury accessories. Cheung quickly amassed an impressive following – reportedly 800,000 within days – but some netizens left unkind remarks. 'Wow! She looks old. Did she let herself go?' read one scathing comment. Unfazed, Cheung responded with warmth. 'Welcome to my garden. Thank you for your love and support. On the very first day, I have already met so many friends. I personally edited the video for my debut post. 'Your comments have made me so happy, encouraging me to keep sharing all kinds of things from my garden with you,' she shared. In The Mood For Love actress added that her followers can expect content that is 'new,' 'fun,' 'sentimental,' 'very light,' 'meaningful' and 'interesting' – just a few of the 25 adjectives she used.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
A movie star's struggle with matters of the heart
Compiled by JUNAID IBRAHIM, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN MULTI-TALENTED Amelia Henderson's life may seem nearly perfect with her fame, looks and brains. Yet, when it comes to love, her path has been less than straightforward. The actress, model and host, known for her roles in productions like the action-packed Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, among others, experienced a failed marriage eight years ago. Since then, Amelia has chosen not to rush back into marriage, BH Ahad reported. 'I will never set aside my work just to focus on a relationship,' the 29-year-old said. Her approach is not about rejecting love but allowing it to unfold naturally. 'Meeting the right person is beyond my control. I leave it to fate. 'Currently, the energy is pulling me more towards work. I don't want to go against it.' Amelia also said that she was grateful that, in her nearly two-decade career, she has managed to steer clear of any scandals. > Noor Dyana Sudin, 23, has never viewed the large mole under her lip as a flaw, but rather as a unique feature that makes her who she is. Metro Ahad reported that the mother of one, from Pandan Indah, Selangor, said her family's support has helped her embrace the birthmark with confidence, despite being the only one among nine siblings born with such a mark. When her late mother once suggested removing the birthmark, Dyana chose not to, saying the birthmark was a special gift and a sign of God's greatness. 'My family is okay and always accepts me. 'Only my late mother once suggested I remove it, since nowadays there are treatments like lasers that can do that. 'But I chose not to remove it because I see the birthmark as a special gift, not everyone has one like mine, and it's proof of God's greatness. 'I go out as usual and never thought of covering up the birthmark, even when wearing makeup,' she said. She admitted to being ridiculed as a child, but said she now lives confidently, even when people stare or ask questions. Her husband, Mohammad Khairul Ai'imullah Mohamad Zamri, 27, has always accepted her appearance, never questioning her difference, and the couple is now happily married with a son. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Kenyan acrobatics coach cherishes over 40-year bond with China
Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita (1st R) instructs a child to practice acrobatics in Thika, Kenya, on July 11, 2025. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship.(Xinhua/Han Xu) NAIROBI (Aug 18): With over 1,000 youths having passed through his training, Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita beamed with pride when recalling his 41-year bond with China, one that has transcended time and geography to flourish. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship. For two years, Kavita and 23 other compatriots were domiciled at the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe where they underwent rigorous training, culminating in mastery of the revered sport. Shortly after completing the program, Kavita returned to his homeland, worked as an acrobatic coach for a private company, and later founded his own company in the mid-1990s to nurture the next generation of acrobats. At a gated and leafy neighborhood in central Kenya's industrial town of Thika, the bubbly acrobatics coach was in his element when he assembled a group of children for a one-hour training session, featuring jumps and rope climbing. 'I have been in this field ever since I was taught acrobatics by the Chinese,' said Kavita, dressed in traditional Chinese soft-soled black shoes, commonly worn by the elderly in the Asian country. His two male assistants wore uniforms inscribed with 'Hebei Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School.' In July 2024, Kavita visited Wuqiao County, located in north China's Hebei Province, to participate in a two-month acrobatics training and exchange program, funded by the Chinese government. 'When I set foot on this land after 41 years, I truly felt like I had returned home. For over forty years, I have cherished my memories of China,' said Kavita. Kavita has preserved a 'treasure trove' of mementos from his connection with China, including a graduation certificate from Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, a visa from his first trip to the Asian nation, and group photos taken during past training sessions. In June, Kenya marked 40 years of acrobatic exchange and cultural cooperation with China at a gala event where Kavita chaperoned youngsters to showcase their prowess in the time-honored sport. Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita (1st L) instructs a child to practice acrobatics in Thika, Kenya, on July 11, 2025. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship.(Xinhua/Han Xu) Over the years, Kavita observed that the popularity of acrobatics in Kenya has grown tremendously, fueled by children and youth eager to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. 'Acrobatics has evolved since I came back from China 40 years ago. What I learnt last year in China is what I want to implement in our acrobatics training here in Kenya,' said Kavita. 'With all these exchanges, it is really giving us hope in our acrobatics that we might do it internationally.' Kavita's mastery of acrobatics has not only provided him with steady income as a coach but also inspired youth to embrace the sport. Eric Musyoka, a Nairobi-based young talent, has become an accomplished acrobat, thanks to Kavita's training and mentorship since 2017. He proudly demonstrated his expertise during a home-based training session for multiracial children in a gated neighborhood. Musyoka, one of Kavita's assistants, also took part in the exchange program with Hebei Wuqiao Acrobatic Art School, where he immersed himself in Tai Chi and Chinese martial arts, while enjoying the scenic beauty of the countryside. According to Kavita, an increasing number of Kenyan youth, schoolchildren, and their parents embraced acrobatics for physical and mental wellbeing. One of Kavita's trainees at the gated community outside Thika town is Tafari, a 10-year-old boy who said his health has improved tremendously since he started acrobatics lessons. Kenyan acrobat Mathias Kavita (1st L) instructs a child to practice acrobatics in Thika, Kenya, on July 11, 2025. Slightly before his 12th birthday in 1983, Kavita's journey to China to study acrobatics under a government scholarship marked a turning point in his life, ushering him to a brave new world of cross-cultural interactions and enduring friendship.(Xinhua/Han Xu) 'I feel like gymnastics is a good sport because it keeps you fit and it helps you in life. Children should do it more, so that when they grow up, they will have more opportunities to be better in the sport,' Tafari said. Madeline Herschdorfer, Tafari's mother, said the boy started practicing acrobatics three years ago, while her daughter Ngina, aged 12, ventured into the sport when the family was living in Britain. 'We came to Kenya and found that the way they train children is much better. This is the first sport that they started doing seriously every week,' said Hershchdorfer. 'I think it is important that we connect with different cultures and take home some of the good points,' she added. – Xinhua
