Highlights
- Inclusivity in romance options is becoming increasingly important in video games, as players want to see their own preferences represented.
- Games like Divinity: Original Sin 2, Catherine: Full Body, and Haven offer diverse romance options that cater to different sexualities and genders.
- Fallout: New Vegas, the Saints Row series, and Undertale also feature inclusive romance options, allowing players to choose relationships that reflect their own identities.
It seems like just yesterday that news programs were decrying games for overly intimate scenes. Nevertheless, numerous titles, particularly role-playing games, continue to incorporate romance into their character-building. It's simply expected whenever a new one comes out.
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Sometimes, building relationships in games can feel bland or pointless. In these titles, though, your friendships & romances have a real impact.However, in this modern age of acceptance, where people feel more comfortable about their preferences, the "standard" romance choices may not be enough to accommodate audiences. After all, gaming fandoms are made up of various individuals, each with their own unique preferences. It only makes sense to offer that same kind of inclusivity in a role-playing game. By further personalizing the experience, these players will be more immersed in the adventure. Thankfully, several titles allow gamers to do just that.
Updated on February 9, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: LGBTQ+ representation in video games has become more important than ever before. People want to feel represented across a wealth of mediums, and video games are no exception. Children don't want to grow up feeling like they're left out as a sea of generic whitewashed heroes and heroines take over the mainstream time and time again. Games that acknowledge and let players engage in LGBTQ+ relationships go a long way in normalizing these relationships, helping bigotry and hatred become a thing of the past (like they rightfully should be).
1 The Walking Dead: The Final Season
Clementine Has The Choice Between A Male And Female Romantic Interest In Her Final Adventure
The first season of Telltale's The Walking Dead set the world on fire, and it's a shame that the two seasons that came after failed to live up to the hype. Thankfully, Telltale released the final season of The Walking Dead, which ended Clementine's journey on a high note in more ways than one.
Players are introduced to a new batch of survivors in no time, with both Louis and Violet being likable characters that can end up in a romance with Clementine. This freedom in letting players choose Clem's sexuality is one of the many reasons why players loved the final season of The Walking Dead.
2 Wylde Flowers
Tara Can Romance A Wealth Of Characters With Varying Gender Identities
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Mobile, PC
- Developer: Studio Drydock Pty Ltd
- Release Date: February 18, 2022
- Genres: Simulation, Adventure, Strategy, Adventure
Cozy sims have become all the rage in modern times, with games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley showing just how many players love a well-constructed game in this genre. Wylde Flowers is one such game that lets players interact with the residents of a town and farm to their hearts' content.
The game features a side of witchery that is very much appreciated in a genre that many people feel is getting stagnated. It helps that Tara is a lovable protagonist and the other residents of Fairhaven are pretty charming in their own right, with its fair share of romances that are both by-the-book and unique.
3 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Characters Like Sebille Are Exclusive Attracted To The Same Gender
Larian Studios has become one of the most respected developers in the modern era, with their work on Baldur's Gate 3 being celebrated by the masses. However, if players had checked out the game they released before this, then they would've easily predicted this massive boost in fame for the studio.
Original Sin 2 is one of the greatest video games ever made, featuring deep RPG mechanics, a branching story that can take some wild turns, and a wealth of romance options that cater to both genders. It's an excellent game that was considered by many to be the best CRPG of the modern era... before Baldur's Gate 3 came out, that is.
4 Catherine: Full Body
The Enhanced Edition Adds A Pansexual Romantic Option Called Rin
Catherine is a unique puzzle-based game where the main character, Vincent, must try and save his relationship with Katherine after meeting a blonde bombshell named Catherine during a drunken encounter. The original version of the game only had two straight romance options, which served the purpose of the story but did little when it came to inclusivity.
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The Fire Emblem series has a little something for everyone. Those who enjoy it should be sure to check out these similar games.This changed with the advent of Catherine: Full Body, which added a pansexual romantic option called Rin. He is mistaken for a girl early on, and his true origins are quite fascinating if the player decides to romance him in the game.
5 Growing Up
Multiple Sexualities Are Accounted For In This Life Sim
Growing Up
- Released
- October 14, 2021
- Developer
- Vile Monarch, Littoral Games
- Genre(s)
- Simulation , Adventure , RPG , Indie Games , Strategy
A simple life simulation that governs the journey of a teenager Growing Up is a simple and relaxing game perfect for fans who may be tired of more hardcore and engaging experiences. The stories are lighthearted, the characters are fun to interact with, and many romances cater to multiple sexualities in the game.
The writing in Growing Up is excellent, and it helps that each playthrough feels different and unique. Fans of simulation games shouldn't miss out on this charming gem of a title!
6 Haven
A Patch Added The Option For The Two Main Characters To Be Of The Same Gender
After their amazing work on Furi, many people were surprised to see that the next game released by The Game Bakers was a lighthearted RPG with a focus on romance. Haven was initially released with only a straight romance pairing that was changed following an update.
Now, players can go through the game as a same-sex couple if they wish. It's a simple yet powerful inclusion that shows how aware The Game Bakers is about welcoming as many new prospective players to their games.
7 I Was A Teenage Exocolonist
A Wealth Of Characters With Different Sexualities Who Can Be Romanced
A unique mix of simulation gameplay, role-playing mechanics, and deck-building is what many people noticed when checking out I Was a Teenage Exocolonist. The story-driven nature of this title is the backbone that drives this wonderful and charming game forward.
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8 Jade Empire
Both Sky And Silk Fox Can Be Romanced By Either Gender
Jade Empire
- Platform(s)
- Xbox (Original) , PC , Android , iOS
- Released
- April 12, 2005
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Given Jade Empire's status as a BioWare title, it's only expected that this Chinese mythology-inspired game has a few romance options for the player to choose from. Dawn Star is only attracted to males, but the same can't be said for Sky or Silk Fox.
These characters can be romanced by both genders, which was a huge step at the time. It's a shame that the camera pans away when players lock lips with a member of the same sex, but many people still find this title to be quite progressive for its time...even if the romances weren't particularly fleshed out.
9 Fallout: New Vegas
Romanceable Followers Aren't Restricted By A Player's Gender
Fallout: New Vegas is considered by many to be one of the greatest video games ever made. The writing is in a class of its own, with the various companions the player can interact with being pretty riveting in their own right.
Arcade Gannon, Rose of Sharon Cassidy, and Veronica Santangelo all don't conform to traditional norms of sexuality. Players who roleplay as a female with high Charisma can even flirt with NCR Corporal Betty, although there aren't any proper romances for the player to mess around with.
10 Saints Row Series
No Restrictions Regarding Playa's Identity And The Romances He Can Initiate
From the second game onwards, Saints Row has accepted its bizarre nature and given players a wealth of options across all aspects of gameplay. This includes romances as well, with absolutely no boundaries stopping the player from getting what they want.
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As times change, major video games like The Sims 4, Skyrim, and Dragon Age are getting with the times and including queer romance options for players.It helps that the Saints Row character creator allows players to choose from a myriad of gender identities and orientations. The player can dress and act exactly how they want regardless of their biological sex.
11 Undertale
Features A Charming Romance Between Alphys And Undyne
Undertale is a game full of quirky characters that don't conform to the usual boundaries of sexuality. It's a great game where characters have additional depth due to their well-written motivations and personalities.
Undertale's charming writing and great gameplay are one of the many reasons why it's considered to be a masterpiece by many. Fans of this indie title will have an absolute gem of a time with Undertale.
12 Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
The Name Of This Game Makes It Clear How Inclusive And LGBTQ+ Friendly It Is
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
- Released
- July 20, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Game Grumps
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel , Dating Sim , Simulation , Adventure , Indie Games
A dad dating simulator where players take on the role of a father themselves is the perfect pick for this list. The unique premise of Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is what drew so many eyes to it.
Of course, it helped that the game itself was a blast to play through, with quirky characters and great writing. Fans of romance-heavy visual novels would have a great time going through this absolute gem of a title.
13 Life Is Strange
Max And Chloe Can Share Some Intimate Moments
Life is Strange has transformed into one of the most popular adventure games around, in no small part due to the massive impact of the first game. The time-bending story present in this title was easily its biggest highlight, with Max playing a central role in this narrative.
Of course, it helped that Life is Strange also featured some rather compelling characters in their own right. One such character who deserves all these plaudits is Chloe, a brilliant character whom Max can initiate a romantic relationship with.
14 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Both Erik And Sylvando Are Romanceable (Although The Former Is Shown As A Bromance At Best)
While Dragon Quest 11 only has one canon romance in the form of Gemma, that's not the route that players necessarily need to take in the game's enhanced release. The sheer number of options present in Dragon Quest 11 S is pretty impressive.
In fact, the player can choose from any member of the main party to spend the rest of their life with...with the obvious exclusion being his grandpa. It's a neat inclusion, although Dragon Quest 11 S does pull back on the male romances a bit by implying a 'bromance' of sorts, as opposed to a proper romantic relationship, which is pretty disappointing.
15 Hades
Zagreus Is Revealed To Be Bisexual After A Few Interactions With Notable Characters
Hades
- Platform(s)
- PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch , PC
- Released
- September 17, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Hades is one of the most popular hack-and-slash indie titles to come out in quite some time. Given Supergiant Games' immense pedigree as a video game studio, it's great to see them getting the mainstream credit they deserve.
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These RPGs had romantic moments so powerful they could pull at the heartstrings of the most cold-hearted gamers.In Hades, Zagreus can become entwined romantically with three characters in the game. One of them is Thanatos, who is Death Incarnate himself and one of the most interesting romance options in the game.
16 Monster Prom
A Progressive Dating Sim With Varied Romanceable Options
Monster Prom is another romantic visual novel that is absolutely brimming with personality. The fact that the story of this game is slightly random makes repeated playthroughs quite exciting in their own right.
Players who want to try out a progressing dating sim that is full of great characters and funny dialogue should look no further than Monster Prom. It's easily one of the most overlooked games on this list.
17 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Marriages With Viable Characters Are Possible Regardless Of Gender Or Race
Gamers the world over have spent hundreds of hours in Skyrim. To many, it's like a second life of sorts, so why not seal the deal with marriage? It's a fairly simple process; wearing the Amulet of Mara enables players can have romantic dialogues with numerous NPCs, regardless of gender or race.
The NPCs in question can be from any of Tamriel's numerous races: Nords, Imperials, High Elves, Dark Elves, Orcs, Argonians, and more. Physical differences don't come into play during the courtship. Granted, the whole affair is a little impersonal, but it's also open to dozens of couple variations.
18 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Byleth Can Romance Many Characters Completely Indepentent Of Their Gender
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Released
- July 26, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Strategy , RPG
Social standing informs many a decision in this tactical title. Because of this, the player character Byleth has countless romance options at his/her disposal. The game offers more freedom in this area than any other in recent memory.
Unlike most of its peers, though, Fire Emblem's romances don't simply depend on gender. Rather, they also hinge on houses. For example, certain characters won't take a female player from the Black Eagles. Thankfully, whatever players pick, they won't be strapped for choices in any path.
19 Night In The Woods
The Main Character Is Pansexual, And Other Characters Don't Conform To Usual Gender And Sexual Tropes
Night in the Woods is one of the better adventure games around that has a solid focus on the narrative. While there aren't any romantic options per se, the game does a great job of representing LGBTQ+ relations.
For starters, the main character, Mae, is pansexual. Her friends include a trans woman and a gay couple, who are engaging characters that add plenty of value to the story.
20 Dragon Age Series
Many Romance Options For Players Who Don't Want To Conform To A Straight Relationship
Although BioWare's medieval fantasy series is mostly merciless in its lore and laws, the denizens of Dragon Age don't seem to care who sleeps with whom. A few strategic dialogue choices and a handful of gifts will win over practically any party member, regardless of gender or race.
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