The Evolution of Romance in RPGs: From Storage Babies to Meaningful Bonds

For many years, the depiction of romantic relationships within role-playing games has been a subject of evolving design and player experience. Initially, these narratives often centered around the player's avatar as a largely undefined entity, with companions serving as potential romantic interests whose stories unfolded primarily in relation to the protagonist. This approach, while offering players a sense of agency, often led to relationships that felt superficial or contrived, lacking the depth and realism found in compelling storytelling.

Reframing In-Game Affection: A Deeper Look at RPG Romances

In the vast world of role-playing games, a recurring theme has been the development of romantic relationships between the player character and their companions. A notable example from earlier gaming history is the character Aerie from Baldur's Gate 2. This elven woman, a former circus performer burdened by personal hardships, could engage in a prolonged courtship with the male player. This romance famously culminated in Aerie becoming pregnant, and her offspring, somewhat bluntly labeled 'Aerie's Baby,' would occupy a permanent slot in the player's inventory—a rather unconventional outcome for an in-game romance, highlighting the era's simplistic approach to such narrative elements.

However, this model of romance, where a fully fleshed-out companion falls for a player character who might possess limited personality, has become a point of contention for many players. Whether it's characters like Liara in Mass Effect, Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3, or even options in life simulation games like Stardew Valley, the dynamic often remains consistent: a well-developed NPC engages with a player avatar whose persona is largely shaped by player choices, often resulting in a less compelling emotional connection.

Consider characters such as Shadowheart from Baldur's Gate 3. She is presented as an individual with a rich background, distinct preferences, and a history of trauma. In contrast, the player's character might be defined primarily by their combat abilities, such as a Level 9 Monk, and a tendency to select 'nice' dialogue options. This disparity in character depth can prevent players from genuinely investing in the romantic chemistry, reducing interactions to a mere simulation of affection.

Some games, however, have successfully navigated this challenge. The relationship between Geralt and Yennefer in The Witcher series stands out because both characters are presented as complex individuals with their own flaws and unique traits. This inherent complexity limits the player's ability to arbitrarily define Geralt's personality, thereby fostering a more authentic and believable romantic dynamic.

Game developers like Obsidian Entertainment have demonstrated an understanding of this nuance. While their recent RPGs have been well-received, they have consciously opted against forcing romantic storylines where they don't naturally fit. For instance, in the marketing for The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian explicitly stated that players would not be able to pursue romantic relationships with their companions. This decision aligns with their past practices, where romantic elements often occur between non-player characters, such as Christine and Veronica in New Vegas, or Parvati and Junlei in the first Outer Worlds.

When Obsidian has attempted more traditional RPG romances, such as in Pillars of Eternity, they have sometimes been less memorable. This suggests a broader preference for showcasing more robust and integrated romantic arcs between fully realized characters within the game world, rather than relying on the player's often blank-slate protagonist to carry the emotional weight of a relationship. The desire, therefore, is not necessarily for fewer romantic options in RPGs, but for more meaningful ones, built on the genuine interactions of deeply developed characters rather than superficial connections with a player's customizable avatar.

The journey of RPG romance has been long and winding, from the inventory-filling "Aerie's Baby" to the intricate dynamics of Geralt and Yennefer. As games continue to evolve, there is a clear demand for more authentic and resonant romantic narratives. By allowing companions to develop meaningful relationships with each other, independent of the player, and by crafting player characters with more distinct personalities, game developers can create richer, more immersive experiences. This shift not only elevates the storytelling but also encourages players to engage with the game world and its inhabitants on a deeper emotional level, moving beyond the mere act of "making dolls kiss" to truly experiencing the complexities of love and connection within a fantastical realm.