Dragon Age: Veilguard Is Addressing Criticism Of DA2's Romance
What are the main features of BioWare's upcoming RPG Dragon Age: The Veilguard that are similar to Dragon Age II?
Dragon Age: The Veilguard shares several similarities with Dragon Age II. These include an action-driven combat system, a focus on a three-path tone-driven dialogue, and the ability to romance any character you want. Additionally, the game features pansexual party members whose identities are independent of the player's choices.
What was the concept of “playersexual” romance introduced in Dragon Age II, and why was it criticized?
The concept of "playersexual" romance introduced in Dragon Age II refers to a game design approach where players can romance any paramour regardless of their character's gender. In Dragon Age II, all four main romanceable characters are bisexual, but the game has a storyline involving party member Anders, whose past relationship with a man is only brought up if the protagonist Hawke is male. This approach was criticized because it made characters feel like they were molded by the player's presence rather than individuals with their own identities. It also gave the impression that the characters' identities were tied to the player's choices, rather than being independent and fully realized.
How does Dragon Age: The Veilguard address the criticisms related to romance and character identity that were present in Dragon Age II?
Dragon Age: The Veilguard addresses the criticisms related to romance and character identity that were present in Dragon Age II by making it clear that each of its party members are pansexual, regardless of the player's character, Rook, or if they're initiating a relationship with them5. The Veilguard director, Corinne Busche, mentioned in an interview with IGN that the team was aware of how player-facing relationships can be off-putting and wants to make it clear that each of these characters' identities are independent of the player.
In The Veilguard, the companions can end up in relationships with each other if the player pursues them, which is an exciting feature and something Dragon Age has done in previous games. If the player chooses not to pursue a romance with a particular companion, that character may still get together with another companion. This helps demonstrate a character's identity without it having anything to do with the player.
By allowing companions to have relationships with each other and referencing their past experiences or partners, The Veilguard ensures that the player's perception, identity, or choices have no bearing on their companions' identities. This approach addresses the criticisms of the "playersExual" romance system and helps create more authentic and independent characters in the game.