Dragon Age creator says Veilguard's approach to romance "isn't a huge surprise" following Baldur's Gate 3
How does Gaider describe the community's division over romance design in video games?
Gaider describes the community's division over romance design in video games as being split between two main preferences. A large portion of the community wants the option to romance any and all characters, feeling that not being able to do so is a disappointment. On the other hand, some players prefer characters with more agency, even if it doesn't align with their personal preferences. Gaider acknowledges that these two approaches are more or less diametrically opposed from a design standpoint, but he does not see either side as being right or wrong. Instead, he emphasizes that different players want different experiences from the game, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
What specific aspects of Baldur's Gate 3's romance mechanics does David Gaider compare with those in Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
David Gaider, the creator of Dragon Age and lead writer on the series' previous installments, has shared his thoughts on Dragon Age: The Veilguard's romance options, comparing the approach to that of Baldur's Gate 3. In a lengthy thread on a social media platform, Gaider discussed how both games allow players to romance all companions, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. He acknowledged that the Dragon Age community is divided on the topic of romance design, with some players wanting the option to romance all characters while others prefer characters with more agency that may not align with their preferences.
Gaider did not take sides in this debate but instead pointed out that these two approaches to romance design are "more or less diametrically opposed." He explained that when a character becomes romanceable, it limits the stories that can be told with that character, as they must be made appealing to the player. This, in turn, restricts the potential stories to a narrow band. Gaider cited the example of Varric, a dwarf companion from previous Dragon Age games who was not romanceable, stating that this decision was made to preserve the integrity of his character.
The former Dragon Age lead writer also commented on how Dragon Age: The Veilguard's approach to romance has been described as new, even though it is similar to Dragon Age 2, where the romanceable followers were pansexual. Gaider admitted that he was not a fan of how this approach turned characters into "sex dolls" whose only purpose was to be paired up by the player. However, he acknowledged that many fans enjoy this type of romance design and that it can work well if the developers fully commit to it, as Larian did with Baldur's Gate 3.
What are the contrasting approaches to character romanceability mentioned by Gaider, and how do they impact game design according to him?
David Gaider, the creator of Dragon Age and lead writer on the series' previous installments, discussed two contrasting approaches to character romanceability in games, specifically in relation to Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Baldur's Gate 3. The first approach is having all companions be romanceable by everyone, while the second approach is designing characters with more agency, even if it doesn't align with the player's preferences.
According to Gaider, these two approaches are more or less diametrically opposed from a design standpoint. He explained that once a character becomes romanceable, it limits the stories that can be told with that character, as they become "beholden to their romance arc and their need to, ultimately, be appealing." This restriction can impact the potential stories and character development in the game.
Gaider also mentioned that in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, if a player does not romance a character, the character will find another partner for themselves instead. This approach to romance design leans into the idea of characters having their own agency and relationships outside of the player's influence. Gaider believes that if developers unapologetically embrace this approach, it can work well for the game, as it did in Baldur's Gate 3.