"I'd like to be one of the beta testers then! It sounds interesting just from hearing it out. But I am rather a poor player though, will you be able to give me as many chances as possible? Hehe..."
A girl with rounded eyes beamed with joy. The ends of her mouth could not stop curling upwards at the opportunity presented to her. Her excited appearance resembled that of a giddy young girl who was about to be given a plushy.
Someone should remind her that she's already twenty six.
"It would be similar to your usual visual novel simulation game in way that the scenario depends on what actions and responses you've taken. The catch is that we, the developer, will not provide you, the player, with scripts so that you'll be able to creatively say your own lines. The algorithm is made to capture on the emotions of the speaker first then your choices of words. Which means, the capture targets... shall be replying to your honest feelings regardless of how contradicting your words are."
The girl tilted her head to the side wondering what could she mean by her last words. She thought she could have given her an example to portray her point. Before she could ask away, the woman on her laptop screen brought up a registration form via screen share.
"If you'd agree to the terms and conditions then, please fill in this form to complete your registration as our beta tester."
Terms and conditions are not that important and interesting to take a look at - she scrolled fast to the bottom and clicked to tick the two click-boxes. She pressed the next button.
There are a few questions on her personal information like full name and age etc. She filled them fast and moved on to the next page.
"Personality Test and Compatibility Rating Test?"
"Yes, for your character settings, it will be based on your personality. This will also influence your character's appearance, profession and a little bit of backstory. As for Compatibility Rating Test, it is a prediction tool. The capture target that you have high ratings with could be your partner that is suitable for you - or the route you'll have high probability taking. As for this test, the outcome will not affect the capture targets in any way - not in their treatments towards you etc."
A soft whistle came out from her pale lips. She gave a thumps up at the developer's idea in utilising the tests. She had preferred it this way as opposed to the player themselves choosing which built in persona they wished to apply.
Finishing up the two tests, she found the Submit button at the bottom.
"Looking forward to the beta testing session!"
With a cheeky grin on her foolish face, the Submit button was clicked on.
***
"As per the agreement of the developer's Terms and Conditions, this player 1. Will have 33 chances or 'lives' - when the number reaches zero, it means Game Over*. 2. Cannot exit the game before obtaining the Good End or Bad End..."
Sitting on the stool by the table, Jane had flipped the pages of the virtual book to the Notice section in order to get more information.
After reading them, she flipped herself.
Three months ago, a woman was connected to her laptop via a video call application. She was from an indie game developer company.
Apart from her hobby of writing, Jane liked playing games. Especially those with unique and distinct concept. She was immediately hooked with the woman's proposal.
If only she has the power to travel back in time, Jane would have said,
"Janeeeee, you should read the terms and conditions!"