Recently, a new way of "hand-crafting AI text games" has become popular on social platforms. Netizens use apps like Lingguang, which are full-code AI assistants, to create text game simulators through natural language conversations. Some creators have uploaded these self-made text games to social platforms and sold them at prices ranging from 9.9 to 30 yuan. AI text games refer generally to text-based games that drive plot generation and interaction using large language models. This experience satisfies the creative desires of young people and has also become a new carrier for emotional economy.
For example, a netizen used Lingguang to create a "Paw Cat Shelter Simulator," allowing players to simulate various aspects of cat care—feeding, breeding, adoption, and vet visits. One user created a "convenience store," simulating online store operations where virtual customers can enter dynamically and say things like "a bottle of mineral water, two boxes of milk, a piece of chocolate, need a bag," giving users a real shopping experience. Others have recreated classic IPs, creating a "Tongfu Inn" management log, putting themselves into roles like Tong Xiangyu and Bai Zhanfang, continuing to welcome guests in a digital world.
(Lingguang user's hand-crafted life simulator)
Although these AI text games lack dazzling visuals, they have gained massive popularity due to their high level of personalization and emotional projection. A creator admitted, "Hand-crafting applications satisfied my creativity, and everyone can play with extremely low barriers." On social platforms, there are also small applications like "PhD Simulator," "Internet Giant Company Simulator," "Aotai Line Crossing Simulator," and "Apocalyptic Survival Simulator," reflecting the outpouring of creators' creativity and becoming a new carrier for emotional economy.
Lightweight text games have achieved lower entry barriers thanks to AI. A digital culture observer pointed out, "When young people desire a sense of control, healing, or nostalgia, AI text games provide a low-cost and highly resonant outlet. It is not replacing traditional games, but filling the gap of 'emotional needs,' giving rise to new micro-entrepreneurship paths." An industry professional also pointed out that AI text games are not an ultimate form, but more like the first step in validating demand. In the future, as multimodal large models explode, the delivery forms of AI text games can also integrate images and videos.
