Back when Fable made its debut on the Xbox, it was hyped up as being a competing title against The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and while it certainly was not due to its very different style, that series did bring a few things that Bethesda hadn’t yet included in their titles, such as relationships and marriage.
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players define everything about themselves, from how they conquer the many quests of the game to how their character looks and what skills they have. They will also be able to choose who they can marry…
Pete Hines, VP of marketing and PR at Bethesda, responded to a question from a fan via Twitter about marriage in the game and whether or not Skyrim would allow for same-sex marriage. As it turns out, it does and we thank Bethesda for not using that as a blatant marketing point or remaining secretive about it. Below are Pete’s tweets on the subject:
“Not hush hush, just not making a huge deal out of it. You can marry anyone.”
“Sorry, should clarify. Not any NPC, just mean any male or female. Doesn’t matter what you’re playing.”
Same-sex marriage is no big deal, it’s the beastiality that everyone’s ignoring! It “doesn’t matter what you’re playing” so do Khajiit (cat people) and Argonians (lizard people) count as animals? They’re bipedal and can communicate so it’s tough too define, other than saying they’re not humans.
So, in a way, The Elder Scrolls supports same-sex marriage and beastiality since you can marry people of the same gender and non-humans (you can assume it’s restrictive to the playable races). Tamriel is a very open land, and the province of Skyrim is no different. In all seriousness, there were inter-racial relationships presented in previous games in the series and the addition of relationships and marriage to the game is a good one and we expect to see some cool quests related to building the relationship and protecting it.
Be sure to check out our gallery of screenshots for Skyrim’s 10 playable races and the more recent gallery of 200 preset faces from the game’s character creator. If you’re as excited as we are for the sequel to Oblivion, be sure to check out the The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector’s Edition details.
So, what character are you looking to build and what are you looking for in a spouse?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim releases November 11, 2011 for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.
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Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.
Source: Pete Hines
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Homosexuality is not a choice. Just like you don’t choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose whom you are sexually attracted to. Virtually all major psychological and medical experts agree that sexual orientation is NOT a choice. Most gay people will tell you its not a choice. Common sense will tell you its not a choice. While science is relatively new to studying homosexuality, studies tend to indicate that its biological.
(Change *** to www)
***-news.uchicago.edu/releases/03/differential-brain-activation.pdf
***.newscientist.com/channel/sex/dn14146-gay-brains-structured-like-those-of-the-opposite-sex.html
Gay, Straight Men’s Brain Responses Differ
***.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155990,00.html
***.livescience.com/health/060224_gay_genes.html
***.springerlink.com/content/w27453600k586276/
There is overwhelming scientific evidence that homosexuality is not a choice. Sexual orientation is generally a biological trait that is determined pre-natally, although there is no one certain thing that explains all of the cases. “Nurture” may have some effect, but for the most part it is biological.
And it should also be noted that:
“It is worth noting that many medical and scientific organizations do believe it is impossible to change a person’s sexual orientation and this is displayed in a statement by American Academy of Pediatrics, American Counseling Association, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, and National Education Association.”
Science easily proves this.
I hate that “Homosexuality is not a choice” argument. Sounds more like another excuse to discriminate for being “different” even before birth. Yeah, i support the everyone is born with a clean slate theory.
OT: I wonder if you could marry a non-hostile dragon in this game? If so, how many video game can boast about being able to marry dragons?
So you hate the truth. Big deal.
frequently claimed, but does not account for the man who recently had some trauma or something to his head and afterwards woke up in hospital now gay. Previously engaged to a woman, now dating a man. I do not recall much of details but it was a news article somewhere so I suppose you could find it if you wanted more information.
You’re probably thinking of this: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/did-a-stroke-cause-this-man-to-become-gay-overnight/
A couple of responses to your premise:
a) A single example does not prove your point that homosexuality is a choice. Even so, it doesn’t sound like he actually “chose” to be gay.
b) If it did and homosexuality is indeed a choice, please enlighten us about the moment you chose to be straight.
“Woke up gay after a traumatic incident” still doesn’t sound like he had a choice. Unless being comatose or paralyzed is also a choice, because that happens the same way…
Dawin’s theory of evolution states that natural selection should purge the weak and leave the strong. Homosexuality does not allow for any reproduction, therefore it is a weakenss. Being “gay,” while being socially acceptable, is a crime against nature. All living things were put on the earth to reproduce. Period. If you feel like you are born that way, then fine. But keep in mind that you are a minority for a reason…
“Homosexuality does not allow for any reproduction, therefore it is a weakenss”
No. Homosexuality occurs in thousands of species. You are employing a very simplistic approach to sexuality. In ants and termites and bees, most individuals never reproduce.
Keep in mind that your prejudice is a prejudice for a reason, and in time, you will be in the minority.
The National Library of Medicine pubs confirm that sexual orientation is natural, biologically induced in the first trimester of pregnancy, morally neutral, immutable, neither contagious nor learned, bearing no relation to an individuals ability to form deep and lasting relationships, to parent children, to work or to contribute to society.
From the American Psychological Association: homosexuality is normal; homosexual relationships are normal.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association have endorsed civil marriage for same-sex couples because marriage strengthens mental and physical health and longevity of couples, and provides greater legal and financial security for children, parents and seniors.
America’s premier child/mental health associations endorse marriage equality.
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=97940#ixzz1MZsZteu8
Hey all, we’re gonna have to shut down comments if this keeps up.
This isn’t a site to debate the science, legality or religion of gender preference.
This was taken from another poster that shows why we need to legalize gay marriage. If you don’t feel for this person after reading it, you simply aren’t human.
“I am not sure what our President thinks of this dicission but coming from a poor family and knowing what discrimination is all about I would assume he would not care if “Gays” have equal rights. The whole reason why they are asking for rights to be considered married is from the same reason why I would be for it. My own life partner commited suicide in our home with a gun to his heart. After a 28 year union I was deprived to even go his funeral. We had two plots next to each other. But because we did not have a marriage cirtificate “(Legal Document)” of our union his mother had him cremated and his ashes taken back to Missouri where we came from. That is only one example how painful it is. His suicide tramatized me so much and her disregard for my feelings only added to my heartach. That happened on March 21 of 2007 and I still cannot type this without crying for the trauma I have to endure each day. Oh did I mention I am in an electric wheelchair for life? Yes I am and it is very diffacult to find another mate when you are 58 and in a wheelchair. “
OK EVERYONE:
This has gotten WAYYYY off-topic. Seriously… Let’s get this discussion back on track here.
This is a GAME-ORIENTED site. The thread is not about whether it’s ‘right or wrong’. It’s about how this affects the game.
Instead, it would probably be far more constructive to discuss the contrast between multiple generations of games that this aspect of the title is representing.
Otherwise… This is just ridiculous! You guys are all taking this WAY too far!
Please… Steer it back to the original, INTENDED conversation? Because NO ONE is going to agree here! EVER.
well said good sir
Good call.
And if it doesn’t get back on track… I’m shutting down the comments! lol
You started it Rob!
excellent stuff Cyryl and if I may quote my god… George Carlin
“There is no god, never was; everybody stop effin’ fighting about it, GOOD NIGHT” !!!
all people are worshiping is some flying spageti monster……
“THERE IS NO GOD .”
you’ll dig this song by Frank Turner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbUCzUk84fE
Looking forward to divorce in the game.
bam! back on track
LOL I wonder if you lose all your equipment if you playing as a male in this game after the divorce. Just left standing there nekked.
Lol! I’d be pissed! Have to scour Skyrim for all those valuables, I’d quit the game. Or go and find the b*tch, kill her, and loot my sh*t back
Hehehehehehe… NICE! Now THAT’S funny. LOL!
lol i would do the same the game has no limitations on what you can do one false step and the bitch is dead ill find another wife lol ill do thing that i couldnt do in the real world
*is now ROFL’ing*
Well-played! LOL!
I wonder if you can just eat the guy who serves you the divorce papers? LOL!
@Cyryl, Vanity, ATG
after divorcing; you’ll be able to pray at the altar of divorce and raise your happiness once a day; which grants a 5 point bonus to your charisma, stamina and virility
Or go to the pub and raise your happiness once an hour
Mead for me please and fresh horses and sarsaparilla for all my men!
LOL!
NOW you guys have just got me rollin’ over here!
Especially the comment about the pub! NICE! LOL!
I’d like beer for my horses and whiskey for my men please… oh wait where am I? This isn’t fallout! And there is a strange number of horses! Wait i dont have a horse they all died… give me a weapon i’ll just skip all those papers!
Hel, wouldnt i love to do that……
“Sorry, should clarify. Not any NPC, just mean any male or female. Doesn’t matter what you’re playing.”
So to be clear, when he says not any NPC, he means things like horseshoe crabs or enemies, right?
I highly doubt you’ll be able to settle down and build a home with your childhood sweetheart Miranda the Mudcrab.
But hey, who knows, right?
I LOVE IT! Allow for PLAYER choice and a few select people scream “WAIT A SECOND! A few people may choose to make their character gay or attracted to humanoid creatures.” Two words: PLAYERS CHOICE. Its a game, a fantasy world. NOT “good” ol’ USA and this so called “reality”. This will be a small (I believe) portion of the game, aswell as interesting I’m sure.
I was thinking about being an Orc/Orismer and marrying a high elf, Would that be a good mix? Because in Oblivion i remember it saying the Orcs were fighting the altmers which are High Elves.
so wait… what happens if i say.. marry a lizard in one town, a cat in another, and finally spend my last days with a mudcrab. you think i could get the wives to fight it out? hahahah
If they do i real life i bet they would in the game…..
Bestiality is a generally misunderstood concept; in fact, there is more and more support in the psychiatric community for the disavowal of zoophilia as a de facto pathological condition, that is, to stop treating it as a condition per se anyway.
Furthermore, the notion that interspecies sex constitutes “bestiality” on the basis of there being contact with a partner that resembles an animal, or even a partner that is evolved or somehow more than just “resembling” an animal (do consider what the basis of bestial races in fantasy are all about — bluntly put, the allusion to a number of certain traits with which those species are associated, such as heightened agility, senses and stealth with felines), is more or less forcing a square peg in a round hole: the term would only apply if the Khajit or Argonian species were stupid or necessarily just plain animals, whereas we here have intelligent, sentient, language-capable species with a culture of their own… The question reminds me of a discussion on whether sex with a (mythical, intelligent) centaur or dragon would be bestiality (clearly, given the above, it would not be). After all, if an evolved cat species is only bestiality-capable, does that mean that an evolved ape (namely, other humans) are also capable of bestiality only?
Last, but not least, I am fascinated at how the topic was brought up so readily to mind: not the whole marriage issue, but *GASP* OMG!1ThereBfurBesteealitey!?~?~~!!121
Grow up, humanity, please…
You can’t say the fictional Khajiit do not qualify as an animal. Your explanation is subjective.
As for this discussion – which is written up as a humorous take FYI – it arose through news that same-sex marriage is featured in the game, along with interracial marriage.
So… news is about same-sex marriage with fictional creatures is the same topic you’re discussing in the comment. Why is that fascinating? lol
This is the kind of thing that only makes playing the game more culturally accurate! Remember in Morrowind when everyone was convinced that Argonians and Khajiits were inferior, so they were used as slaves? Well I guess everyone who wasn’t a native could be used as a slave as per Morrowind law, but that isn’t the point.
Adding elements like this to roleplaying games allows the player to make those kinds of choices for themselves (being able to free the slaves of Morrowind). Hopefully we’ll see some edgy quests that come along which force you to take a side in the matter and think about the related social issues that apply in real life!
Mmmmm, inter-species marriage. The guys from Enumclaw, Washington are going to go nuts over this one.
Why not go all the way and have same-sex, inter-species, and any age at all marriages? That way you could choose to express just about anything about yourself in the game. Gay? Check. Furry? Check. Pedophile? Check. It would make for some very interesting… ahem… gameplay. Of course you would need to include things *never* done in an Elder Scrolls game before. Like having children as NPCs and even as characters. In a totally non-pedo way I would love to see children in these games, and especially have to option to play as one. Picture playing as a child vampire similar to Claudia from Interview with the Vampire! Epic. Now on the seedier side that would mean having some local Lolita types in the cities and towns to tempt the player into going their way. That would make for some serious moral dillemas for the player. It is easy to decide whether or not to kill an innocent villager, but what about marrying someone not of age? Would your character get a stint in the local dungeon for doing that… or is it not illegal in Tamriel to marry someone that young? How about it being illegal in some cities but not in others? Massive moral dillemas! Adding children to Elder Scrolls would be interesting in another way too: if you marry someone you could have the option of having a child by them. It could randomly give you a son or a daughter! Or if you play as female, you could then get pregnant and give borth to the child yourself. Maybe fade to black during the birth, though. Imagine considering dealing with a horde of goblins while also dealing with morning sickness! Totally true to life issues for the player to deal with. Now that is the kind of odd little details that could make the game very complex indeed! Just my two cents worth. I mean none of this in a creepy way though. It just would make sense gameplay-wise since if you go this route with the game, then such choices seem almost inevitable for inclusion. You don’t have to play a villain, but you can. So why not give some more morally ambiguous and realistic touches to the game to make you more villainous or heroic by the choices you make? Things to consider.
I have to agree with Leto. It seems strange wandering these wonderfully realistic and detailed worlds and seeing no children anywhere. In Ultima, you even had children in the towns and cities, and that made the game feel even more real and life-like. The folks at Origin didn’t chicken out just because a player might kill the kids along with the other townsfolk. That is your choice in the game either to be a butcher or not! It is that kind of realism that made Ultima magnificent (before it went online and sort of faded out of the collective memory of the younger generations). I think not having children in the game just feels wrong, and the reson for not having them (because the player might choose to kill them) is even more wrong. You don’t HAVE to kill anyone in these games except for the monsters and such. It is all up to the player to decide these moral decisions, I believe. Give us the option! who cares if it is politically correct or not? I agree with Leto sbout taking the moral ambiguity to the next level in these games too. Just killing something or someone is hardly enough to make you wholly a villain, but in most games that seems to be how villainy is defined. Give us real evil to enact, and then the option to either enact it or rise above it and take the moral high ground thus proving how heroic we are for having not given in to the tempation. And speaking of temptation, I like Leto’s Lolita statement there. I could totally see that working in an Elder Scrolls game. You walk into some fool peasant’s home and some children could get scared and run off, some could try and be brave and fight you… while others might develop a crush on you. What do you do then? Leave, or do the unthinkable? That thought sends frightening chills down my spine, but why not make the game more dark and gritty by going that route? It could work in a less siniter way too. You go into a town park or library and the resident Lolita hits on you. How you respond says a lot about your character and by extension you. I think today’s players are more than mature enough to handle such concepts, even if their parents might freak out. But then again… you’ll never know if you don’t try it out and see how it goes over. OMG, the idea of playing as a child and becoming a vampire would be too cool! I love Claudia (not in a weird way), and that would be a blast to include as a player option. Setting a character’s age to a child’s age would go well to counterbalance the “old age” age that the game already has built into the character creation as an option. Give us more options! And like Leto said, give us more dire moral dillemas than just kill or no kill! That would make these games even greater than Ultima was at its’ height.
This article isn’t meant to spark an argument between Gays and Non-Gays just keep all of your opinions to yourself AND LETS DISCUSS THIS AWSOME GAME!
Sexual orientation is a choice be happy or be miserable.
That’s it. No being gay(or straight) isn’t a choice it is be happy or be miserable.
Actually in a lot of the Viking stories there was homosexuality.
None of this matters really, They tried to grasp the complexity of real life and dump it into one game. It is already made, and I will be getting my copy tomorrow at midnight. Lets just enjoy the great game.
Im going with a breton, or an imperal for a spouse…… possibly a argonian
fyi, it’s not technicly beastyality, it’s more like furries, it’s a type of fetish that people want or like being with a humanoid animal, basicly it’s like if animals were the dominent race instead of humans and we want to be the only human in a furry world.
If you don’t know what you’re talking about, Steven, don’t speak. You aren’t helping any.