The Character Romance thread (Official)

I think it's not an ideal solution for asexuals, but best what Bioware can do for them is to make the sex scenes optional (like Dorian) or to create some characters who have no sex scene (like Josephine, where it remained ambigous). You can't pander to every small group. I think it's better to have some companions who easily engage in sex and others who need to build up a relationship at first...this doesn't need the label demisexual though. I think the developers should stick with the three sexualities (homosexual, bi, straight) or make the characters playersexual... all other orientations can't and shouldn't be adressed directly in "each game", because it'd become too confusing and stretching then. As I said, you can make some characters ambigous like Josephine or the sex scenes optional, or you create some characters who want to build up a relationship at first before they engage in sex...it's not that difficult and doesn't need a label. Real asexuality works good with the Salarian, but I think there aren't enough resources to give us an asexual/demisexual/transsexual companion in each game. Not that I wouldn't want them to be included, but as I said: there have to be limitations resource wise. You can't make everyone happy. Because the list of sexualities gets longer and longer, and some day you'll have 100 different sexuality types.

1. Yep. In regards to these games, people will always whine. This is not exclusive to romances. By your logic, if something is whined about incessantly by portions of the fanbase, then it should be scrapped from the game. If that were the case, there would be no game. Romances are one aspect of the games that one could argue have made them incredibly popular, and accrued a large and diverse fanbase of people from all sorts of different sexuality and orientation, and yes they are entitled to whine about the romances and other aspects of the game much like the fanbases of other games. Because its whined about should not mean it should be scrapped. 

2. Don't bring my Khaleesi into this please. (_joke)

3. Could well be. Because when for so long members of our society, equal members of our society, have for so long been denied equal treatment and human rights along with everyone else, and are only now starting to see themselves be accepted and tolerated and treated equally, you can bet they are going to want to see positive and inclusive representations of themselves be included in an industry that for too long has been ignoring huge parts of its audience. This isn't a problem exclusive to video games, but part of film and other areas of media and entertainment too.

4. You know just the whole rest of your argument seems to me to be an argument of someone who knows that in terms of romance options, they are covered, and have nothing to whine about, besides petty stuff about Cora's haircut, or Peebee's eyebrows. So when others whine rightfully express their right to criticize an aspect of the game they feel they will be let down by again, which at this stage is a lot of straight women and LGBT players, check your privilege before posting stuff that implicates we are whining for no reason. Cause really, one could argue your just whining about people whining.

Oh, I get it now. It seems we have a different definitions and expectations in mind when it comes to romances. I want an emotional package. Funny and feels, all that. I think the lgqbrxyz community deserves the same options and quality as well. But now as I read your post it seems you all just interested in the naked 'representation'. That's what really 'matters'? Well bad news: there won't be an explicit gay sex scene in the game (or any upcoming BW title) and nor should be. Same goes for the straight scenes. Leave that kind of imagery for porn and fanart.



Prince E:

1. I meant the 'ideal' state, where there's x number of options for all tastes. People wanted gay LI party member, they got a gay LI party member. Nope, still not good enough. Stereotype. Well duh, every romance option is a stereotype. Daddy issues left and right, 'reach the soft heart past the hard interior' type, etc.

2. It was a joke. Kinda. Dragon age. Dragons. *winkwink* That must be a thing too. Hey, I'm not judging.

3. Yeah, well it's a bit tiring at this point. I support equal rights and stuff but you can't force the rest, because it will only breed resentment. "Oh *groups* are at it again...". It has to be a natural progress. And I agree, for this the changes has to be made on the creators side.

4. So 'whine' is the trigger word? Got it, I'll think of something else. You missed my point, they should (consider, they won't) scrap romances not because some people have issues with the current options but because it'll get increasingly difficult to please everyone. I imagine, even if they're all nods and smiles, it's somewhat annoying for the writers and animators to be constantly criticized about their work. On the other hand, and this is what you didn't (want?) understand, friendships are easier. No pressure and demands on that front and these scenes are generally well received (round of wicked grace, shooting bottles with Garrus, the whole citadel and trespasser dlcs).

Btw you assumed wrong, I like Cora's hair and was a fan of PB from the start, but nice try. I was more worried about their personalities and voices since it's more important to me but after the recent videos they'll be all right.

Okay, this wasn't directed at me, but, I feel the need to respond anyway... I'm really not sure how you came to the conclusion that that was what @liarashepard was saying? At all? I interpreted her post as saying that they don't necessarily need to represent every iteration and combination of every sexuality in the game, while slapping a neat label on it. It's enough to just have a fair balance of options for gay and straight players. Because when you start catering specifically to some of the more obscure/very minority orientations - when does it end? I'm inclined to agree....

So instead of creating a stated asexual romance-able character, which is going to potentially disappoint a lot of players (because the majority would be let down by the idea that their PC will never have sex with the character, regardless of whether it's actually shown - we're not talking porn scenes here, just the nature of the relationship) have it be left ambiguous or optional - like with Josie or even Solas (provided you didn't choose that one easy-to-avoid dialogue option that suggests you're sleeping with him). So asexual players can imagine they're in an asexual relationship, and non-ace players can pretend their PC and LI are at it like rabbits behind the scenes, or even get that scene in the game through optional dialogue. Seems a decent solution, as resources for romances are limited. Same with demisexuality. I rather identify as being on the demi- spectrum myself but I don't need a character to state "I am a demisexual!" One where sex (whether it's referenced through dialogue like with Garrus or if there's an actual cinematic) happens later in the romance so I can roleplay that character is enough.

I'm not sure I necessarily advocate player-sexuality. I've heard good arguments for or against so I'm rather on the fence about it. But I do think all squadmate romances should be bi. Realism be damned. Or at least make sure everyone has a choice of two, if there's enough squad mates to have more varied representation, or if there really is some story-specific reason for a character to be gay or straight specifically (like with Dorian, or even arguably Alistair/Morrigan where the romance is tied up in baby making shenanigans - though I rather hope never to see that again, thank you very much).

You described it much better than I did.   Thanks for clarifying. My English isn't that good unfortunately. But I'm glad to see there are people who understand what I tried to say.

Should the first page be updated with Peebee, since it's confirmed by Bioware (on twitter)?

gamerant.com/mass-effect-andromeda-peebee-romance-120/

Some romances are leaked by Daveliam on the first page, and it looks like he's right on the number. Bioware has already confirmed Peebee, and she will likely swing both ways.

And,

Let it be true!

That's good point. LGBT+ characters do exist outside of romances (which is also shown in BW games a bit) and taking romances out of game wouldn't make all characters straight suddenly.

I remembered Bioware going on record to say that there will at least be another human male romance option for Sara besides Liam (if only I can remember which article that was). I think it's obvious that not all of the characters are unveiled yet. And romance speculations/leaks are likely based on what's been shown, rather then it being meant to be the final overall score.

The chances for ScottXLiam are so tiny that is better deal with it already

PS. I love reading you guys