LGBTQ+ romance in games is something that is still growing. In an attempt to make in-game romances more inclusive, many studios use a “playersexual” character system. Playersexual simply means that NPCs are all romanceable, regardless of gender.
Whilethere is a debateon the best way to present inclusive romance options, there are gamers who appreciate this romance system. Playersexual characters allow players to enjoy same-gender relationships with anyone they want, even if that system isn’t perfect. The player can roleplay a bit to create a more defined sexuality in the game world as needed. Here are some of the best games with playersexual romances available.
Playersexuality is not equivalent to bisexuality. For canon bisexual characters,check out this list.
While Fallout: New Vegas doesn’t have a deep romance option like other RPGs, there are brief, intimate moments you can share with a companion. After finishing certain quests, you can have a one-time encounter with various characters.
you may have physical encounters with male or female characters, gay or straight. These brief hookups may not exactly be romantic, but they’re open regardless of your gender.
Throughout the Fable series, players have always had the option of engaging in same-sex relationships. In Fable 1, for example, a player’s sexuality would change depending on who they married or slept with. In Fable 2, however, that went away, and their sexuality wasn’t present.
In Fable 3, however, you had to discover an NPC’s sexuality to figure out if they were romanceable or not for your particular character. While the games have changed the romance system over the years, they were one of the first games to operate on a playersexual level.
Like other Bethesda games, Starfield uses a playersexual romance system. Four of the main companions are romanceable: Andreja, Barrett, Sam, and Sarah. You can romance all four of them, regardless of your gender in the game.
Each companion is tied to the main plot, so you won’t miss encountering them. The romance is straightforward; you raise their fondness by choosing the correct dialogue options. While slightly underwhelming compared to games further down this list, all romance options are available, regardless of gender.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 also engages the playersexual romance system, though there are more options. you’re able to romance nearly any NPC encountered on your travels. Some of these romances lack more depth than others, but all are available regardless of your chosen body and voice type.
There are no real limitations on courtship, regardless of class, station, or gender. While the romances are fairly simple, they are touching nonetheless.
Unlike Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4 has romance plotlines rather than mere hookups. The world may be a desolate wasteland, but people are still searching for love. There are plenty of companions to couple up with, regardless of gender or preference.
Whether playing as male or female, you can find love by raising the Affinity Levels of your chosen partner. Players can choose to follow their hearts, wherever they may lead.
Back in 2011, Dragon Age 2 coined the term “playersexual,” allowing you to romance anyone you wish. All four potential partners could be pursued by a female or male version of the main character, Hawke.
The game’s idea that romance is available for all sexualities was considered very inclusive at the time. While it wasn’t perfect, it became the blueprint for the various playersexual games on this list, giving players tools for exploration and validation.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim received a lot of praise (and controversy) after its release for its inclusive romance options. In the game, your Dragonborn is free to marry a partner of any gender or race once you have the Amulet of Mara.
The original marriage questline was tweaked even more when the huge modding community began working on the romance options. With over 60 companions eligible for marriage, you have plenty of options regardless of your preferences.
Stardew Valley is a cozy game where players can immerse themselves in a charming life on a farm. Part of this immersion is finding love. you may fully customize your character as either male or female, and you can fall for any of the 12 bachelors and bachelorettes living near you.
Whether in a gay or straight relationship, you may get married and have children, making it one of the more inclusive video games available in regards to romance.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its romance. While the overarching story of the game involves a lot of violence and tragedy, you can find love amidst the chaos. The popular game has six well-written romances you can explore.
Whether male or female, your companions can return your affections. Their approval or disapproval can make or break the romance, but if you play your cards right, you can fall in love with the companion you like best.
The Sims' main goal has always been to allow players to create the fictional life of their choosing. Letting them romance whoever they like is a part of that. The Sims 4 is the most inclusive installment yet, allowing for clothing preferences, polyamory, and customizable pronouns.
While you may set sexual preferences in Create A Sim for your playthrough, NPCs still don’t have sexualities attached to them. You can romance any NPC you would like, if you choose to play that way.
