Video games have come a long way in terms of inclusion and representation, especially regarding the LGBTQ+ community. For years, gamers have been asking game developers to create more inclusive content, with same-sex relationships being at the forefront of those requests.
In recent years, game developers have begun to answer those requests. Many video games now feature same-sex relationships and even same-sex marriage as options for players. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the top video games that have made same-sex marriage an option.
Fallout 2:
Fallout 2, released in 1998, was the second game to allow players to marry a character of the same sex. The game featured a post-apocalyptic world where players could explore and complete various quests. One of the game’s features was the ability to romance and marry non-playable characters (NPCs).
Players could marry a same-sex partner by completing a quest known as the “Renewal of the Sacred Flame.” The quest required players to retrieve a piece of scripture and present it to a same-sex NPC. Once the quest was completed, players could marry their same-sex partner and even adopt children with them.
Fallout 2 was groundbreaking at the time of its release. The game’s developer, Black Isle Studios, received criticism from some conservative groups for including same-sex relationships and marriage. However, Fallout 2 helped pave the way for other video games to include same-sex relationships.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin:
Persona 2: Innocent Sin, released in 1999, allowed players to engage in a same-sex relationship. The game was a role-playing game where players could build relationships with various characters, including romantic relationships.
The character options included a character named Jun, who was a male character that players could romance as the male protagonist. The game did receive criticism for the relationship options, but it was a significant step forward in terms of representation.
Fable:
Fable, released in 2004, allowed same-sex marriage among a wide range of domestic activities. The game was set in a fantasy world where players could complete quests, build relationships, and even own property.
The game had a unique relationship system where players could engage in various activities, such as hugging, kissing, and even having sex with non-playable characters. Players could marry characters of the same sex and raise families together.
Fable was praised for its representation of same-sex relationships. The game’s creator, Peter Molyneux, stated that he wanted to create a game where everyone could feel included, regardless of their sexuality.
The Sims:
The Sims, first released in 2000, has always been a popular game due to its open-ended gameplay. The game allows players to create their virtual world, including characters.
The game has always been inclusive, allowing players to create characters of any gender identity and sexual orientation. Since the game’s release, players have been able to build same-sex relationships and marriages.
The Sims franchise has been praised for its inclusivity and representation. In 2016, The Sims 4 added additional customization options, including the ability to create non-binary characters and various gender-neutral options.
Conclusion:
The inclusion of same-sex relationships and marriage in video games is essential for representation and inclusivity. While some games have received a backlash from conservative groups, the gaming industry has made great strides in recent years towards inclusion.
Fallout 2, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, Fable, and The Sims are just a few examples of games that have made same-sex relationships and marriage available for players. With continued efforts for inclusion, we can expect to see even more diverse representation in the gaming world in the future.
FAQ
Which JRPG games have gay romance?
In recent years, the gaming industry has taken steps towards inclusivity and representation of various lifestyles and minorities. JRPG games, an immensely popular genre of role-playing video games developed in Japan, are no exception. Many gamers are curious about which JRPG games include gay romance options, as it’s an area that hasn’t been highlighted much in the past.
One JRPG that has gained attention for its inclusion of gay romance is Eternight. Developed by indie studio Sai, Eternight is an apocalyptic dating and action-orientated JRPG that features a gay romance option. The game was showcased during Sony’s State of Play, giving players a glimpse into the game’s unique blend of action and life simulation gameplay set against an apocalyptic backdrop.
While Eternight is the only JRPG that has been confirmed to include a gay romance option, there are other games that feature LGBTQ+ representation. The Persona series, for example, has had some same-sex relationship options available to players. In Persona 4, players could build a romantic relationship with Yosuke Hanamura, a male character, while in Persona 5, players could choose to date one of their male confidants, Yusuke Kitagawa.
Another JRPG that includes a same-sex relationship option is Stardew Valley. The game features several potential spouses, including some of the same sex. The game’s developer, ConcernedApe, stated that the game’s romantic options were intentionally gender-neutral to promote inclusivity.
While there are not many JRPG games that include gay romance options, it is evident that game developers are becoming more conscious of the need for representation of all lifestyles and orientations in their games. This shift towards inclusivity has created a more accepting and welcoming gaming community.
Does Rune Factory 5 have gay marriage?
Rune Factory 5 is the latest installment in the popular fantasy game series, and as with all previous games in the series, players can expect a wide range of gameplay features, including farming, battling monsters, and romancing eligible characters. One of the biggest questions on the minds of players is whether the game will include gay marriage, a feature that has been highly demanded by the community.
Fortunately for fans who have been hoping for this feature to be included in the game, Rune Factory 5 will indeed be the first game in the series to include same-sex marriage. This means that from the start of the game, players will have the option to marry any of the 12 marriage candidates as their same-gender avatar, without any avatar-swapping or other conditions required.
This is a significant step forward for the series, as previous games in the series have only allowed players to pursue heterosexual romances. It is a sign that the game’s developers are listening to the requests of the community and working to make the game more inclusive and welcoming to all players.
With gay marriage included in the game, players will be able to explore new romantic options that were previously unavailable, and they will be able to create characters that more closely reflect their own identities and experiences. It is a feature that has been long overdue in the series, and it is sure to delight many fans who have been eagerly awaiting its inclusion.
The inclusion of same-sex marriage in Rune Factory 5 is a positive development for the game and a testament to the progress that is being made in the gaming industry towards greater inclusivity and diversity. It is a feature that many players will appreciate and enjoy, and it is a sign that the franchise is continuing to evolve and grow to meet the changing needs of its community.
What was the first LGBT in games?
The video game industry has come a long way in terms of diversity and inclusion, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. However, there were no official LGBTQ+ characters or themes in video games until 1989, when CM Ralph created “Caper in the Castro”, making it the first LGBT video game. The game was a mystery set during the AIDS epidemic, where the protagonist, private detective Tracker McDyke, had to navigate the Castro district of San Francisco to solve the disappearance of a transgender woman named Tessy LaFemme.
While the game was significant for its representation of the LGBTQ+ community, it was also notable for its inclusion of various uncommon gaming elements. It featured a playable female lead character, a type of character rarely seen in gaming at the time. Furthermore, some of its puzzles were based on real-life gay bar culture, including using a tanning bed to reveal a hidden door to a secret club.
Despite its groundbreaking content and innovative gameplay, the game faced various controversies and criticisms. Some considered it to be sensationalist and demonizing to the LGBTQ+ community, while others felt it was exploitative and offensive. As a result, it received limited distribution in stores and had a low fanbase. Eventually, the game was almost lost after diskettes became obsolete until the Internet Archive and LGBT video game historian Adrienne Shaw helped to preserve this piece of gaming and queer history.
“Caper in the Castro” set the foundation for the representation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in gaming. While the game faced various controversies and criticisms, it became a significant cultural artifact and a critical part of the history of diversity and inclusion in video games.
