Discover the Groundbreaking Visual Novel That Celebrates Polyamory Like Never Before!

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The unique appeal of Dragonroll’s latest visual novel, “Pivot of Hearts,” extends beyond its captivating setting and intriguing characters. It also sheds light on a community that is often overlooked and seldom given significant recognition.

As a gamer, I had the privilege to chat with the talented team behind Dragonroll, Wilson Kazuo Mizutani (lead developer), Lívia Amaral Santos (art director), and Livia Maki Yoshikawa (music director) before the release of their game, “Pivot of Hearts.” During our conversation, they opened up about how this game authentically portrays various relationship dynamics beyond monogamy, including non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships.

Pivot of Hearts’ Fulcrum is Polyamory

In video games like Fallout 4 and Mass Effect 2, the option for polyamory is often a design feature rather than a significant aspect of the storyline. For instance, in Fallout 4, players can pursue multiple romantic paths, but each relationship exists independently without affecting the others. Similarly, in Mass Effect 2, having a relationship with Kelly Chambers doesn’t result in infidelity, as it doesn’t lead to the Paramour achievement. These instances of non-monogamy are essentially game design loopholes that don’t challenge the assumed monogamy of the characters. Mizutani, however, aims for more substantial portrayals, expressing a desire for representations of polyamory that carry emotional weight.

In contemporary media such as video games, there’s an abundance of representation, yet the portrayal of non-monogamous relationships remains scarce. While some games do touch upon this topic, it’s noteworthy that over time we’ve seen a shift towards more diverse characters from various ethnic backgrounds. In gaming worlds, we see numerous LGBT characters, but non-monogamy is still uncommon. This scarcity can be attributed to the fact that it often challenges societal norms and expectations regarding relationships.

Pivot of Hearts” offers a genuine, authentic portrayal of non-monogamous relationships, encompassing themes such as acceptance by others and the highs and lows common to any relationship. Real life isn’t flawless; partners may cause harm, may not always be their best selves, and may face challenges. Just like any other visual novel, it depicts real and human relationships. The story doesn’t avoid the unique struggles that come with polyamorous living.

Exploring life with more than one partner can be a challenge that people in monogamous relationships might not fully understand or could misjudge. The series Pivot, however, aims to challenge these perceptions and dismantle any associated stigma by presenting deeply relatable characters. Rather than a mere exception to traditional monogamy, Pivot of Hearts offers a compelling storyline that centers around this theme. The creators of Dragonroll intentionally opted for an anime aesthetic to distinguish their work from a trend they find problematic: the common trope of harem anime, manga, and visual novels where multiple partners all seem to adore a generic protagonist. As they expressed, this is something they wanted to change.

Our aim was to portray an authentic depiction of challenges that arise when navigating non-monogamous relationships, as opposed to a fantasy where everything works out flawlessly. It’s not always simple and conflict-free; there are struggles that need addressing, rather than just assuming everyone magically finds their ‘happy harem.’

Effective communication plays a pivotal role in all relationships, yet it’s absolutely crucial in non-monogamous relationships to maintain transparency, sincerity, and openness. However, humans aren’t perfect. Occasionally, we may stray from these ideals, and when that happens, hurt is inevitable. Pivot of Hearts delves into the challenges that can potentially disrupt any relationship, but are particularly impactful in polyamory.

From my perspective as a supporter, I want to clarify that Pivot of Hearts doesn’t portray non-monogamy as a life fraught with difficulty, but rather it showcases the peaks and challenges realistically. It strives for authenticity by presenting the full spectrum of polyamory. It highlights the joyous, harmonious, and profound connections that can be formed, creating a beautiful tapestry of love and found family. The experience can offer unique, one-of-a-kind rewards, much like any relationship does. In essence, Santos articulates that this game is all about exploring the very core of human connection – the heart’s pivot points.

Monogamy, as we know it, often fails to reflect genuine feelings between individuals. It encompasses a wide range of emotions and relationships, yet society’s expectations can overshadow these complexities. This leads us to question: why are certain relationship structures deemed normal or standard? Are they truly beneficial for our emotional well-being? Could they potentially do more harm than good in the long term? Let’s explore alternative ideas and encourage each other to ponder possibilities that challenge the traditional relationship norms we’ve been conditioned to accept.

In the story titled “Pivot of Hearts“, we follow the lives of three distinct characters: Wén, a Taiwanese-Brazilian game developer, who forms a bond with his vibrant coworker Cauã, and Etsuko, a member of Brazil’s substantial Okinawan community. Each character has their imperfections and quirks, but they possess the potential to conquer these flaws and make amends for past missteps if they openly express their emotions.

The lives of Wén, Cauã, and Etsuko aren’t overly focused on sex or glamour. According to Santos, a key aspect of Dragonroll is that polyamorous individuals are people first and foremost. In the game Pivot of Hearts, they can be seen as ordinary nerds. Essentially, these characters are made to resonate with both the players and the developers, which was also emphasized by Santos.

(Note: The term “Dragonroll” is used in this context to refer to a specific aspect or approach in game development, but its meaning may not be universally recognized.)

In an unusual twist for indie games, “Pivot of Hearts” is less about mere storytelling or providing entertainment, and more about giving a voice to individuals in non-monogamous relationships – a group whose experiences might be new to many. Mizutani envisions this project as the start of a broader conversation, aiming for more narratives similar to theirs to be shared.

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2025-05-21 17:48