BioWare has been very open with the inclusion same-sex relationships in their latest games. The original Mass Effect allowed for a relationship between female Sheppard and Liara T'Soni, whereas both of the Dragon Age games also included the option. That trend will once again continue with Star Wars: The Old Republic.

BioWare's upcoming, eagerly anticipated monster (rancor?) MMO will offer players the ability to partake in same-sex relationships, albeit after launch. Huh?

While some may attribute this reasoning to the flak BioWare has received in the past from disgruntled fans about same sex relationships in Dragon Age 2, the true reason has less to do with avoiding agitated fans, and more with time and size constraints. Due to the scale of The Old Republic, some features needed to be cut, though BioWare has said they will implement the options at a later date.

Although it is unfortunate that the option will not come at launch for those interested in it, it is good to hear that BioWare plans to continue supporting the feature in their games, avoiding alienation of any group. Below is BioWare's official statement on the matter:

"Due to the design constraints of a fully voiced MMO of this scale and size, many choices had to be made as to the launch and post-launch feature set. Same gender romances with companion characters in Star Wars: The Old Republic will be a post-launch feature. Because The Old Republic is an MMO, the game will live on through content expansions which allow us to include content and features that could not be included at launch, including the addition of more companion characters who will have additional romance options."

As homosexuality becomes more accepted in society, it is also becoming more commonplace in video games. Many role playing games have already begun to offer options for same-sex marriage/relationships, such as Bethesda's upcoming and highly anticipated title, Skyrim, which will offer players not only the ability to marry almost anyone they want, but almost anything as well thanks the to the game's multiplayer playable races.

While BioWare has always been supportive of same-sex relationship options, the choice was surprisingly absent from Mass Effect 2, even for female Sheppard. Luckily it will return this time around, because - and let's be honest- whether one plays as female or male Sheppard, everybody loves Garrus.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set to release this holiday for the PC.

-

Source: SWTOR Official Forums

Follow me on Twitter @AnthonyMole