As a seasoned gamer and advocate for inclusive representations in video games, I find it refreshing to see the nuanced portrayal of polyamory in both “Pathfinder: Kingmaker” and “Hades.” These games challenge traditional norms and offer players the opportunity to engage in complex relationships that mirror real-life dynamics.
As romanceable characters become increasingly well-written, diverse, charming (and exceedingly attractive in high-quality cutscenes), monogamous and polyamorous gamers find common ground by wishing they could court more characters simultaneously. Dating several characters might be purely practical for players who lack time for several playthroughs to uncover every line of romantic dialogue or judge which love interest benefits gameplay most. But for polyamorous people who actually date multiple partners in healthy, consensual relationships, non-monogamous romance options in gaming reflect their real-life experiences.
It’s crucial to distinguish between polyamory in video games and non-consensual relationships; for instance, the romantic plots in “The Witcher” or “Persona 4” aren’t ‘polyamorous’ as the player secretly dates multiple characters, potentially leading to betrayal and deceit. Ethical polyamory involves dating individuals who willingly consent to sharing a romantic partner. Games like “Fallout 4” and “Fable” received praise for their multiple NPC relationships (with rewards such as increased resources per spouse), but it’s questionable whether these characters are genuinely, happily polyamorous due to underdeveloped portrayals. The ideal representations of polyamory in gaming focus on creating profound, genuine romantic connections that all characters willingly participate in and enthusiastically consent to, rather than manipulating NPC emotions for in-game benefits.
6 Pumpkin Days
Date 100 Villagers and Marry 3
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Released: 02-21-2021
- Developer: Pumpkin Interactive
- Genre: RPG, Indie, Simulation Game
In the popular farming simulator, Stardew Valley, players found themselves grappling with the difficult decision of either pursuing multiple charming villagers or committing to a single main partner. Yet, in the games Verdant Skies and Pumpkin Days, players are freed from this tough choice as they build their colony. This game offers farming, hunting, and even the opportunity to court multiple love interests without limitations. In fact, players can engage in relationships with all seven characters, earning them the Colony Charmer achievement. However, it’s important to note that while polyamory is accepted, marriages and having children are not currently options within these games.
In addition to Pumpkin Days, players will encounter 100 potential romantic interests and have the unique opportunity to marry up to three individuals during a single wedding ceremony. The game allows for a maximum of eight offspring, although it might not be feasible to have children with numerous partners due to certain restrictions. Portrayals of polyamory can become questionable if life simulation games excessively limit marriages or prohibit having children with multiple partners. Regrettably, depictions of children growing up in thriving, polyamorous families remain scarce within the gaming world.
5 The Sims 4: Lovestruck
Polyamory Debuts In A Beloved Life Simulation
In the world of The Sims 4, players have consistently found creative ways to break traditional monogamy norms. Previously, if a Sim dated multiple partners, they would face consequences such as swift slaps, angry trash can kicking, and stolen newspapers – reminiscent of The Sims 2 days. However, with the introduction of features from the Lovestruck expansion pack in 2019, the dynamics of relationships within the franchise have undergone a transformation, allowing for more diverse relationship structures, including non-monogamous relationships and serial daters seeking numerous baby daddies/mothers.
As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the latest updates in The Sims 4, allowing players to customize relationship boundaries. Now, we can decide if our Sims feel jealous over various forms of romantic connections – non-physical, physical, or intimate ones. It’s even possible to adjust these emotions through heart-to-heart conversations.
4 The Waylanders
Polyamory Defies Space And Time
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve stumbled upon an intriguing, under-the-radar RPG titled The Waylanders. It’s not just your average role-playing game; it delves into the realm of polyamorous relationships, which sets it apart from many others in the genre. This epic adventure is set in a mythical kingdom that mirrors ancient Europe and is steeped in Celtic lore. The central plot revolves around the struggle for the throne, but here’s the twist: you’re not just fighting battles; you’re navigating complex romantic relationships too!
Many mortal love interests will have perished and reincarnated, retaining their souls but reappearing with new genders, personalities, cultures, and experiences, forcing protagonists to court them from scratch. Immortal lovers will remember time-traveling players but maybe rightly miffed about centuries of romantic absence. Poly and queer relationships are perceived differently when shifting between sexually progressive ancient Celtics to Catholic Spaniards. The Waylanders has been criticized for bugs and underdevelopment, attributed to the hugely ambitious gameplay that GATO Studios aspired towards. However, the exciting complexities of their queer and poly dynamics mixed with chaotic time travel make The Waylanders an intriguing choice for exploring polyamorous dating in gaming.
3 Baldur’s Gate 3
Consent Is Key And The Right To Say No
The rich features of Baldur’s Gate 3 are abundant, but special recognition goes to how this 2023 turn-based fantasy RPG skillfully emphasizes consent-driven polyamorous relationship options. This game mirrors the excitement of tabletop 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons, providing an impressive degree of freedom in character design, builds, and party configurations; the romance options follow suit, offering a wide array of possibilities for balanced relationships. Although some characters opt for monogamy, Baldur’s Gate 3 grants players the option to court multiple companions in a respectful manner.
In this game, the character Halsin, who is an Archdruid, approaches romance with caution, only doing so if the player’s existing partners agree to his involvement. Characters like Shadowheart and Astarion are supportive of the player’s relationship with Halsin, whereas Karlach has reservations due to her fear of losing the player. Despite this, she prefers a polyamorous arrangement in the early stages, but from Act 2 onwards she feels more comfortable in a monogamous relationship. Other characters such as the Emperor, Minthara, and the Drow Twins are open to multiple relationships, but due to resentment towards Minthara, Halsin, Will, and Karlach decide against polyamorous relationships with her, highlighting that healthy polyamorous portrayals include the right to opt out.
2 Pathfinder: Kingmaker
In the role-playing game Pathfinder: Kingmaker from 2018, the concept of polyamory is portrayed in a nuanced, complex, and captivating manner, unlike the superficial romantic entanglements with unengaging NPCs. This game features Octavia and Regongar, a pre-existing couple who bonded due to shared trauma during their enslavement. Their past, marked by suffering, underpins many challenges they face, as Regongar grapples with insecurities and self-harm, while Octavia harbors reservations about commitment following her imprisonment. Remarkably, the game refrains from presenting polyamory as a solution to their problems or a cause of their discord; instead, it acknowledges that all relationships are intricate, flawed, and necessitate open dialogue to flourish.
In Pathfinder: Kingmaker, players are given the chance to participate in a triad relationship with Regongar and Octavia, where each stage requires the protagonist’s approval. Both characters openly and explicitly express their consent for romantic involvement with others, allowing the player to establish personal boundaries and decide how they feel when Octavia shows interest in other characters, leading either to conflict or understanding. However, it’s important to note that if players choose to separate Regongar and Octavia by dating one half only, the couple will tragically perish, which places a significant responsibility on players to cultivate the triad. This portrayal of polyamory in Pathfinder: Kingmaker can be seen as both progressive and problematic, serving as an imperfect example of healthy functioning polyamorous relationships but offering one of the most detailed and consent-focused polyamorous dating experiences in gaming.
1 The Hades Franchise
Monogamy Is For Mere Mortals
At its very heart, the unorthodox role-playing game Hades challenges and breaks away from established norms in RPGs. It even rewards players for failing, an unusual twist that adds to the game’s allure. The protagonist, Zagreus, seems to take sadistic pleasure from his battles, deaths, and interactions – a peculiar fascination that is evident in his courtship with Megaera, a boss who taunts him with her menacing whip, only adding to his enjoyment. Fascinatingly, Zagreus can also maintain romantic relationships with Thanatos, the personification of Death, without any adverse consequences.
In contrast to characters in other games like Persona 4 or The Witcher 3 who might face rejection or aggression for infidelity, Hades presents an unusual twist. When Megaera and Thanatos discover Zagreus’ romantic involvement with both of them, they do not exhibit jealousy or competitiveness. Instead, they propose a seductive triad relationship, provided Zagreus agrees. Unlike games that questionably and non-consensually pursue multiple lovers, Hades emphasizes the importance of consent in polyamorous relationships. Megaera ensures Zagreus that they will not cling to each other excessively, as mortals might, and he remains free to pursue relationships with others. The sequel, Hades 2, has been in early access since May 2024, and fans anticipate that the new protagonist, Melinoe, may also consensually explore queer, polyamorous relationships with multiple partners if the game allows.
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2024-08-23 14:34