2d ago

'These kids do not care about romance': Game devs want to know what today's teens want, and surveys say sex and romance isn't it

www.pcgamer.com 'These kids do not care about romance': Game devs want to know what today's teens want, and surveys say sex and romance isn't it

Young people want stories about friendship more than romance, say researchers and industry execs.

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I enjoy well-done romance in games. It's just a taste thing.
- What is the flavor of romance?
  
  Like warm apple pie.
  
  Salty milk and coins.
- Does that exist?
  
  I still miss Judy from Cyberpunk 2077 so yeah...
  
  Mass Effect did it quite well (at least some of them like Tali), although with a touch of cringe
  And The Witcher obviously
  And of course some story games like Life Is Strange, but they're character-focused so it makes sense
- What's your fave?
  
  I've played so many it is hard to have a favorite. I like when different games try to incorporate romance, but I still prefer visual novels. I have played so many where you are a guy romancing women (these usually are bad quality and an excuse to see sex, I am fine with sex but at least emphasize the romance) but have been getting into otome games where you are a woman romancing guys. There are still bad tropes in some of these games, like noncon (I only do consensual). There are also queer games like Dream Daddy I enjoyed.
  For non-VN I would say I liked Bioware's games, Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon games, Story of Seasons games, Rune Factory games, Persona games, Divinity Original Sin 2, Baldurs Gate 3 (haven't beaten yet, seems promising), Cyberpunk 2077 (Judy), Life is Strange, and Obsidian/Bethesda (sorta).
  
  Nice to see a shout-out for DOS2. I liked that it leaned into its sex scenes when called for. Too many M-rated games are still afraid to go there with it. I also feel like it's a bit more earned when it takes a while to develop, or as is often the case, the setting is so oppressive that it puts romance firmly in the background. Mass Effect 3 was great about this.
  
  Liara

131 comments