The inclusion of romanceable companions in RPGs has become a long-standing tradition, evolving from a niche feature to an almost expected element in many titles. However, the necessity and effectiveness of these romantic subplots are now being re-examined. While developers have long struggled to authentically portray romance, the genre's prominent studios, particularly BioWare, have cemented companion romance as a common feature.
BioWare's legacy in this area began with games like Baldur's Gate 2, and the studio's influence has been so profound that even games outside the traditional RPG sphere, such as Star Wars: Outlaws, are expected to address the potential for romantic entanglements with colleagues. Yet, the question remains: is companion romance truly essential for an RPG, or even warranted?
BioWare's Approach and Its Limitations
BioWare has undeniably created memorable relationships within its RPGs. In Dragon Age: Origins, the dynamic between the Grey Warden and Morrigan served a crucial role in the overarching narrative, offering deep insight into a complex character. Similarly, Mass Effect explored nuanced relationships, such as the evolving bond with Liara. Starting as a seemingly naive character, Liara matures significantly across the trilogy, with her relationship developing considerable depth over multiple games and DLC.
However, this approach often adhered to a formula: a series of conversations, a declaration of interest, and culminating in a sex scene near the game's end. Critics argue that companions in these scenarios often lack agency, and the romance serves primarily as a player power fantasy rather than a genuine narrative element.
Larian Studios' Different Path
Baldur's Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, offers a different model. The game embraces a wide spectrum of relationships, from purely sexual to deeply romantic, without treating sex as a mere reward. Player choices directly influence these connections, and relationships are woven throughout the game's progression, impacting companion storylines and even creating party friction. The depth and integration of these relationships elevate companion arcs and make the narrative beats resonate more strongly.
Despite these successes, a prevailing trend sees every companion being available for romance, often irrespective of their established personality or story. This widespread playersexual approach, while enabling more diverse queer romances, can dilute the impact of individual relationships if all characters are equally accessible. The fear is that romance has become a checkbox item, a conventional feature added to meet player expectations rather than serve a meaningful narrative purpose, ultimately homogenizing RPG design.
Beyond the BioWare Model
Some players now find themselves skipping romance options unless a game genuinely attempts something innovative with the concept, which is rare. Games like Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader allow players to forgo relationships entirely without feeling a sense of loss. Even when implemented, the experience can sometimes feel performative or cringeworthy, as was the case for one writer navigating Dragon Age: The Veilguard's romance options.
Conversely, the Fable series takes a humorous, mechanical approach to romance, allowing players to marry multiple characters. This method is purely for gameplay benefits, devoid of genuine relationship development, and serves as a lighthearted, if unconventional, justification for its inclusion.
The Case for Romance in RPGs
Not all perspectives dismiss the value of companion romance. Some argue that effective romance is intrinsically linked to strong character writing. The exploration of intimacy, trust, and power dynamics through romantic relationships provides powerful tools for character development. When done well, romance can be a vital narrative component, enriching the RPG experience. While some games may fail to execute it properly, its potential as a storytelling device remains significant, making its absence sometimes a missed opportunity.