Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
Season 1
Overview
Tomoya Aki, an otaku, has been obsessed with collecting anime and light novels for years, attaching himself to various series with captivating stories and characters. Now, he wants to have a chance of providing the same experience for others by creating his own game, but unfortunately, Tomoya cannot do this task by himself. He successfully recruits childhood friend Eriri Spencer Sawamura to illustrate and literary elitist Utaha Kasumigaoka to write the script for his visual novel, while he directs. Super-group now in hand, Tomoya only needs an inspiration to base his project on, and luckily meets the beautiful, docile Megumi Katou, who he then models his main character after. Using what knowledge he has, Tomoya creates a new doujin circle with hopes to touch the hearts of those who play their game. What he does not realize, is that to invoke these emotions, the creators have had to experience the same feelings in their own lives.
Episodes
1. An Error-Ridden Prologue
A chance encounter with a beautiful girl during spring break inspires Tomoya to make a dating simulation video game. He tries recruiting Eriri and Utaha to assist him.
2. A Girlfriend Without a Raised Flag
Tomoya asks Megumi out and gives her a lecture on how a perfect heroine should be like. He invites her to his home for an even more detailed lesson!
3. Retake the Climax
Tomoya continues to procrastinate despite a fast approaching deadline for his project proposal. Eriri and Utaha wonder if he's really serious about creating a dating sim.
4. Budget, Deadline and New Development
Tomoya sets up a meeting with his recruits to discuss the game. After seeing Megumi with a boy, he can't help but feel jealous!
5. The Date Event of Crossing Paths
Utaha manages to write out the plot of their game, but it might not be what Tomoya is looking for. Megumi and Tomoya go on a date.
6. Deciding the Night for Two
Tomoya leaves Kato in the middle of their date to meet up with Utaha. She takes him to a hotel, and they spend the night together. Alone…
7. Friend, Foe or a New Character
While Tomoya is preparing for the Summer Comiket, two familiar faces from his past show up. Will this affect his game and all the preparations?
8. A Wingman's Traumatic Recollection Mode
Megumi makes a concerted effort to understand dating sims. Later, Megumi and Tomoya assist Izumi during Summer Comiket.
9. One-on-one Route After 8 Years
After Tomoya hurts Eriri's feelings by praising Izumi's book, Utaha and Megumi urge him to make up with her in order to keep their group together.
10. A Melody of Reminiscing and Support
After an argument with her dad, Michiru runs away and decides to crash at Tomoya's place for a while. In the circle meeting, it is decided that background music is needed for the game. Will they find someone to help them out?
11. Ready to Start Resolving the Subplots
Tomoya continues his attempts to recruit Michiru to his cause. Her critical words, however, cause Tomoya to question the dedication of his circle's members.
12. The Ups and Downs at the End of Each Day
The group goes to see Icy Tail's first-ever concert. Before performing, Michiru's bandmates reveal a startling secret.
