Tinder brings experimental AI dating game to UK iOS users

Tinder has launched The Game Game, an experimental artificial intelligence (AI) chat experience, for iOS users in the UK.

Following an earlier rollout in the United States, the feature is now available to British singles, offering a novel way to test their flirting skills in real time with AI-generated dating scenarios using OpenAI's latest voice technology, GPT-4o.

The Game Game invites users to navigate quirky and exaggerated dating situations – described as a blend of Love Island chat-ups and romantic comedy audition scenes – all powered by AI voices and characters that respond in real time.

Tinder's Future of Dating Report has indicated there is an appetite for playful and even awkward dating experiences, with 64% of young singles internationally stating they are comfortable with cringey or awkward situations if it allows for authenticity. According to the company, The Game Game aims to facilitate low-pressure practice for users to develop different communication styles and build confidence.

The Game Game allows users to access its experience by tapping the Tinder logo on the home screen. The AI then generates a card-based scenario tailored to the user's Discovery Settings, such as age and gender preferences, introducing an AI persona with a distinctive scenario.

Users interact with the AI persona through vocal responses, attempting to win a 'date' by employing charm, humour, and conversation skills. The AI provides immediate responses, steering conversations based on the user's input and offering prompts or feedback if it detects rudeness or unproductive dialogue.

Performance is measured using a three-flame score system, with real-time feedback helping users adjust their approach. At the end of each session, participants receive a summary highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, and they are encouraged to share their scores with friends. Each user is limited to a maximum of five Game Game sessions per day.

Alex Osborne, Senior Director of Product Innovation at Match Group, described the project as an experiment in how AI can shape the dating experience. "This project gave us a chance to experiment with how AI can make dating a little more fun and a little less intimidating," Osborne said. "We worked with OpenAI to create something that's light hearted but rooted in real tech—blending personality, feedback, and just enough playfulness to keep people on their toes."

OpenAI's Head of Go-To-Market Readiness, Sara Caldwell, commented on the collaboration, stating, "We're continuing to work with platforms like Tinder that are deploying OpenAI thoughtfully in their products to help people build practical skills and confidence. With Realtime API, Tinder is using AI to build fun, engaging experiences with the clear intention of enabling real-world connections and making dating a little less scary."

The Game Game utilises OpenAI's Realtime API, GPT-4o, GPT-4o mini and Moderation API, incorporating privacy and safety measures, with the assurance that user data will not be used to train AI models. The feature is available to UK Tinder users on iOS for a limited period.

The functionality is part of Tinder's ongoing approach to enhance user engagement through digital tools and interactive experiences. The company reports that the app has generated over 100 billion matches and served approximately 50 million users per month across 190 countries and in more than 45 languages.