Romance Systems
Ongoing coverage on Romance Systems.
Latest coverage
Exodus lets you do polyamory, but the Mass Effect-like RPG's companions won't all be happy about it
The upcoming RPG Exodus will feature a complex romance system where players can pursue multiple companions, but not without consequences. Narrative director Drew Karpyshyn explains that not all companions will be comfortable with polyamory, and these choices will impact affinity and story progression, aiming for a more realistic approach to relationships than typically seen in games.
GTA 6 has a relationship system, and it sounds as though you can make-or-break Jason and Lucia's romance
Rockstar Games has detailed a relationship system in Grand Theft Auto 6 that will track the bond between protagonists Jason and Lucia. Players can nurture their romance by spending time together in the open world or engaging in activities, with neglect potentially leading to a split. Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson stated that while relationship maintenance is not mandatory, it adds a compelling element to the narrative.
"Our players can swing different types of ways" - Warframe studio talks avoiding Protoframe burnout, and fending off fans' furious appetite for romance
Digital Extremes community manager Megan Everett discusses the approach to romanceable characters in Warframe's Protoframe updates, explaining the need to avoid "Protoframe burnout" by varying their roles. While players enjoy romance systems, not all Protoframes will be romanceable, with new additions like Ryoku and Vena serving as mentors to avoid player fatigue and maintain narrative freshness.
RPG legend Josh Sawyer says Obsidian doesn't hate Baldur's Gate 3-style romance, "it's more that it is not typically the wheelhouse we have operated in"
Obsidian Entertainment's Josh Sawyer explained that the studio doesn't typically include extensive romance options in its RPGs due to the significant time investment required and tonal considerations. While not opposed to romance in games, Sawyer clarified that Obsidian's focus has historically been elsewhere, differentiating their approach from titles like Baldur's Gate 3.
