Poll: Do people even WANT sex in their video games?
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I'm going with the fade to black, primarily because I know some people like it. I honestly could care less, and find the romance system more interesting in most games than the actually "romance" itself. The acting and dialog are typically horrible, but can be good from time to time (as in very rarely). That said, even though I don't enjoy it, I know others do so why nix it all together. Perhaps make it an option you can toggle on or off for the fade to black for people who want to see it?
Thanks everyone for the input.
The reason there isn't an "all of the above" option, is because if I included it, I thought everyone would choose that option. I think we would all like to see a hardcore AAA sex scene for the novelty of it, if it doesn't already exist. Also everyone would see that option and go "choosing one is hard, you know, I can watch all of them" which doesn't tell me anything. What I wanted to know what kind of sex did people most prefer, what were they comfortable with, or what did they consider optimal for enjoyment. Might have been a bad idea, I thought it was a great idea.
Well I tried. The reason is because I wrote this at 5 in the morning because of another thread about sex games, and wrote that tl;dr as the best witty conclusion I could come up with, so I could go to sleep. To rephrase that for better or for worse, I wouldn't call a sex scene mature to justify its existence, at the end of the day it's "high-brow pornography" or something.CaitSeith said:
The reason there isn't an "all of the above" option, is because if I included it, I thought everyone would choose that option. I think we would all like to see a hardcore AAA sex scene for the novelty of it, if it doesn't already exist. Also everyone would see that option and go "choosing one is hard, you know, I can watch all of them" which doesn't tell me anything. What I wanted to know what kind of sex did people most prefer, what were they comfortable with, or what did they consider optimal for enjoyment. Might have been a bad idea, I thought it was a great idea.
I like my games to have as much sex as my real life, none. I'm against all romance in my games, much more fun to just have violence without any of that strange stuff. I'm saying this as a 26 year old male virgin who never had a sex ed course.
Well, the best kind of sex scene is the one that fits the best to the narrative. The real problem with games is that developers aren't good at representing it as something meaningful (or even visually appealing when using 3D models). So while they manage to pull the authenticity of sex correctly, I think something indirect (more implied than exposed) will be better.A Fork said:
I've read a number of the books as well as played the games and this is the first I'm hearing about some sort of Witcher pheromone thing. The wiki also mentions nothing of the sort.DoPo said:
Incidentally if you want I can go into why I don't consider Geralt a 'Mary Sue', but perhaps that's better left for another thread if you're genuinely interested.
Wait, what? No.Jute88 said:
Triss has a thing for Geralt because, as childish as it seems, she's envious of Geralts relationship with her bf Yennefer, something she's never had. As for why Geralt would have a thing for Yennefer and other sorceress, it's because they're similarly sterile and long lived in the Witcher setting giving both something to commiserate over. Also he just likes Yennefer, and through her was introduced to a number of other sorceress who regard him as a bit of a novelty.
No magical aphrodisiacs or drugs or anything of the sort.
Oh, I wouldn't actually think he is a Mary (or Marty) Stu. He does happen to have way more agency than them for one and actual flaws. He can still be portrayed as wish fulfilment, though. At least by the games - I've not read the books.The Madman said:
Different strokes for different folks. I'm the kind of person who is very comfortable with all manner of displays of sexuality, and actually enjoy them in many instances (I'm currently really digging Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus which is ALL about dat fanservice).
I think by and large, it all comes down to intended audience. If the intended audience is one who appreciates sex in video games, then by all means, give them sex in video games. The issue lies in games where the intended audience may be more broad, not necessarily in age or maturity, but in sensibilities and draw.
If we look at games like Mass Effect or The Witcher series, which have a lot of sex, ranging from underwear barbies humping to softcore porn. Many cases can be made that there is a sizable audience for both games in terms of gameplay, story, setting, etc. that may not be comfortable with that level of sexuality. I actually think it's a mistake for game companies to attempt compromise in this case, because while I still believe the best way to include sex in video games is to make it optional (ala romance subplots), ultimately if you try to appeal to the "sex is awesome" crowd while still keeping things tame enough to not offend the other side, you ultimately end up with a product that alienates both. In the case of The Witcher 3, many longtime fans of the series "mature elements" were letdown by the tameness of the sex scenes present, and likewise the more reserved fans felt it was much too much. Granted it certainly didn't hurt the game overall, as it won many awards and sold very well, and I'm sure there were some who were perfectly satisfied with the level of sexuality presented in the game, but it ultimately felt like an unnecessary sacrifice, especially since all the sex scenes in the game were optional (though an argument could be made for blindly stumbling into one or two of them)
I think sex in games is fine, but I wouldn't try to convince those who dislike them for whatever reason to play the games where that is present, nor do I feel that sex should ever be shoehorned into a game to try and appeal to that "crowd" (though having sexy characters is another story). There's a diverse and wide enough games market out there to clearly allow for everyone to have their cake and eat it too.
I do admit to frequently being disheartened however by my fellow gamers who take their distaste for sex in video games into the realm of slander against those who do enjoy it. I know I can't really change anyone's opinion of course, but I think it's worth mentioning that there's a common stereotype I see where fans of such content are considered "horny losers who can't get any in real life" or some common variant, and while it's clearly offensive, I think it does a great disservice to such discussions about sex in video games when one side is left completely unrepresented for fear of ridicule and mockery rather than attempt at rational understanding.
I think by and large, it all comes down to intended audience. If the intended audience is one who appreciates sex in video games, then by all means, give them sex in video games. The issue lies in games where the intended audience may be more broad, not necessarily in age or maturity, but in sensibilities and draw.
If we look at games like Mass Effect or The Witcher series, which have a lot of sex, ranging from underwear barbies humping to softcore porn. Many cases can be made that there is a sizable audience for both games in terms of gameplay, story, setting, etc. that may not be comfortable with that level of sexuality. I actually think it's a mistake for game companies to attempt compromise in this case, because while I still believe the best way to include sex in video games is to make it optional (ala romance subplots), ultimately if you try to appeal to the "sex is awesome" crowd while still keeping things tame enough to not offend the other side, you ultimately end up with a product that alienates both. In the case of The Witcher 3, many longtime fans of the series "mature elements" were letdown by the tameness of the sex scenes present, and likewise the more reserved fans felt it was much too much. Granted it certainly didn't hurt the game overall, as it won many awards and sold very well, and I'm sure there were some who were perfectly satisfied with the level of sexuality presented in the game, but it ultimately felt like an unnecessary sacrifice, especially since all the sex scenes in the game were optional (though an argument could be made for blindly stumbling into one or two of them)
I think sex in games is fine, but I wouldn't try to convince those who dislike them for whatever reason to play the games where that is present, nor do I feel that sex should ever be shoehorned into a game to try and appeal to that "crowd" (though having sexy characters is another story). There's a diverse and wide enough games market out there to clearly allow for everyone to have their cake and eat it too.
I do admit to frequently being disheartened however by my fellow gamers who take their distaste for sex in video games into the realm of slander against those who do enjoy it. I know I can't really change anyone's opinion of course, but I think it's worth mentioning that there's a common stereotype I see where fans of such content are considered "horny losers who can't get any in real life" or some common variant, and while it's clearly offensive, I think it does a great disservice to such discussions about sex in video games when one side is left completely unrepresented for fear of ridicule and mockery rather than attempt at rational understanding.
I would actually agree with that.DoPo said:
Witcher 3 does a pretty good job of portraying Geralt personality wise, but definitely ramp up his badassness compared to the books while also toning down some of his shortcomings for obvious gameplay reasons. As an example in the books his magic is pretty shitty, especially compared to any actual mages from the setting who tend to regard Wither signs as a bit of a joke. Meanwhile he's also a bit less of a playboy in the books since he tends to spend more time moping over Yennefer than the 'pick a waifu' the games provide.
In the books he also gets his ass kicked a fair bit, but for some reason spending weeks in recovery after a nasty wound gained trying to fight some random swamp monster for barely enough coin to pay the hospital bill is seen as a poor gameplay decision.
Really, it's all about context.
Does it serve a purpose? Does it develop the characters? Does it advance the plot? Is it more meaningful than some cheap fanservice?
It definitely has a place in story-driven games, but it still has to be handled carefully. Otherwise, it just turns into GoT-level fanservice and is only there to drive the M Rating home.
Good example: Katawa Shoujo. It might be a visual novel, but as far as the sex goes, it's handled quite nicely, fits the characters, and isn't overdone. After all, sex is a healthy part of a romantic relationship, so it'd be a little weird if it were absent completely. Still, the sex isn't there for its own sake; it truly does help to develop the characters.
Bad example: The God of War series in general. Although that might stem from that one time a student came into the Tech Center on campus, brought his own copy of GoW 3, and just played the sex scene over and over until we told him to leave. Still...it just kinda felt like it was there for its own sake, and didn't really do anything to develop the characters or advance the plot.
Does it serve a purpose? Does it develop the characters? Does it advance the plot? Is it more meaningful than some cheap fanservice?
It definitely has a place in story-driven games, but it still has to be handled carefully. Otherwise, it just turns into GoT-level fanservice and is only there to drive the M Rating home.
Good example: Katawa Shoujo. It might be a visual novel, but as far as the sex goes, it's handled quite nicely, fits the characters, and isn't overdone. After all, sex is a healthy part of a romantic relationship, so it'd be a little weird if it were absent completely. Still, the sex isn't there for its own sake; it truly does help to develop the characters.
Bad example: The God of War series in general. Although that might stem from that one time a student came into the Tech Center on campus, brought his own copy of GoW 3, and just played the sex scene over and over until we told him to leave. Still...it just kinda felt like it was there for its own sake, and didn't really do anything to develop the characters or advance the plot.
I agree with most of what you said, but there is clearly something in witchers that witches find attractive instinctively, or atleast Triss does. In the book Blood of the Elves Triss avoids one of the witchers (can't remember his name, Co?n, Lambert?), but she senses that, whatever Geralt has that gives her this wonderful feeling, this other witcher has a lot more of it, and Triss doesn't want to ruin this special thing she and Geralt may have.The Madman said:
I would really like to see a game that handled sex well. However, I've yet to see a game that came remotely close.
In all the instances I can think of, sex has been in the game for one of two reasons:
- Pure titillation
- A reward for pursuing a romantic relationship with a character
Often a way as saying "Yup, our relationship has risen to it's climax, there's no further to go from here". I think that's bull, and a totally juvenile approach to it. That's the way that a horny teenager thinks of sex, "I've got to be nice to them, and treat them well, and if I do that long enough they'll let me fuck them."
There's so much better you could do with it. It's not like sex scenes can't be attractive, I think it's good that they are, but there's a difference between being sexual and pandering. I want to see a sex scene that evolves naturally, isn't the culmination of a relationship, and actually has some human interaction in the middle of it. None of that bullshit magical music making it something grand and mystical.
I don't know about other people's experiences, but when I've had sex, it hasn't just been two people thrusting into each other. It can be awkward, it can be fun, and you can find yourself laughing and making stupid jokes during it. Sex is between people, and people's personalities don't go away when their pants come off. You should be able to see the character's personalities in the lead up and act of sex. That's one great part about characters being in relationships, you get to see parts of their personality that don't come out in public, and sex should just be more of that.
I don't really have a burning desire to see sex in all my games, but I really want to see someone doing it right, because it kind of pisses me off how everyone does it terribly. I would love to see a sex scene where a guy ejaculates prematurely and you see how they respond to that. No pandering, no reward, just two characters working their way out of an uncomfortable situation.
In all the instances I can think of, sex has been in the game for one of two reasons:
- Pure titillation
- A reward for pursuing a romantic relationship with a character
Often a way as saying "Yup, our relationship has risen to it's climax, there's no further to go from here". I think that's bull, and a totally juvenile approach to it. That's the way that a horny teenager thinks of sex, "I've got to be nice to them, and treat them well, and if I do that long enough they'll let me fuck them."
There's so much better you could do with it. It's not like sex scenes can't be attractive, I think it's good that they are, but there's a difference between being sexual and pandering. I want to see a sex scene that evolves naturally, isn't the culmination of a relationship, and actually has some human interaction in the middle of it. None of that bullshit magical music making it something grand and mystical.
I don't know about other people's experiences, but when I've had sex, it hasn't just been two people thrusting into each other. It can be awkward, it can be fun, and you can find yourself laughing and making stupid jokes during it. Sex is between people, and people's personalities don't go away when their pants come off. You should be able to see the character's personalities in the lead up and act of sex. That's one great part about characters being in relationships, you get to see parts of their personality that don't come out in public, and sex should just be more of that.
I don't really have a burning desire to see sex in all my games, but I really want to see someone doing it right, because it kind of pisses me off how everyone does it terribly. I would love to see a sex scene where a guy ejaculates prematurely and you see how they respond to that. No pandering, no reward, just two characters working their way out of an uncomfortable situation.
I'm fine as long as it doesn't break up the flow of the story, or gameplay for that matter. For instance, if I'm playing an action RPG and I hook up with someone, and we start to have this long drawn out hardcore sex scene, while I might find myself aroused, it also just breaks things up. Like, going into great detail really only makes sense if things are building up to that sex scene. If I meet some bloke at the inn that I'm just wanting a roll in the hay with for the night, taking five minutes to go and show everything he's doing with me just feels unwarranted, but if I've been romancing this person all game, trying to win their heart, and we've even shown quite a bit of affection towards each other, and then we finally have our night together, showing everything can be a rather tasteful thing. A great analogy for this honestly is just with sex in general. Having a big sex scene may as well be the orgasm, while building up to it properly with well done background that makes it obvious that these two people have this great spark for each other makes it all the more satisfying and enjoyable. Having an orgasm with no build up is just kind of boring, and so for someone that I'm just having a quick throw with, a fade to black is perfectly acceptable and much more appropriate for the situation.
Now, to go with a different example, like just a hentai game, the entire point of it is the sex scenes, so everything is built around sex, so going into great detail just makes sense. But this is a completely different kind of game, so of course it should handle things in a completely different way. Each game and each story should handle sex in the way that is most appropriate. In a game like Dragon Age, eventually having sex with you partner and even showing a bit of the action seems appropriate because it's an entire system built into the game. Sex is a mechanic of the game, so for it to be done well, it just needs to be a well thought out mechanic. Sex in a Mario game would make zero sense, as there is nothing to even do with romance in the game mechanics. You could argue that's why Mario is doing what he's doing for Peach, but ultimately that's secondary to him just wanting to save the kingdom. It's completely in the background and their relationship is almost entirely built up around player inference, and so to throw it in a game would be completely uncouth.
My whole point is that in some games I'm fine, and even could want sex to be in my games. Whether others see it as mature or not is completely moot, it's something I enjoy in certain video games and would miss it if it were taken out of the ones that already do have it. Just as long as it doesn't upset story or gameplay flow or break with the tone of the rest of the game, it's perfectly acceptable to me, and if they were completely optional this would also be good as well.
I think games should work better on having more options, and more realistic ones at that. For instance, in a lot of Bioware games if you turn down someone's romantic advances, you're suddenly an asshole, which is bullshit. Maybe you really care for them, just not in that way. Or hell, maybe you do care for them in that way, but just don't want to have sex. It's unfair to act like you're some sort of monster for liking someone but not wanting to fuck them. On the other end of the spectrum, and looking at Fallout 4 in this one, don't be lazy about the romancing mechanics. You can look at the fact that you can marry each and every follower you come across as a progressive step towards inclusion with poly relationships, but the fact that all of them are cool with it just isn't realistic, and just comes across as them being too lazy to slap you on the wrist for running around having sex with everything. That's not how real relationships work unless all parties have agreed upon this setup, and it's very unlikely that every person that you meet is going to be okay with this. It might be the future, but acting like one on one relationships would somehow disappear, especially when everything is based on the American 1950 mindset, just doesn't fit in with the world building already setup in the game. If you want to make a game where this is the case, you can, but making everyone act the same in a relationship just feels lazy and pulls me out of any sort of immersion I might have in the game world.
I think I've ranted too much already, but my major point is still the same. I like dating sims, and I'll be more than happy to see them more prevalent in more RPGs with better fleshed out mechanics, and if I get sex thrown in there too, well that's just fine and dandy for me. Just keep it optional and keep it at least somewhat realistic.
Now, to go with a different example, like just a hentai game, the entire point of it is the sex scenes, so everything is built around sex, so going into great detail just makes sense. But this is a completely different kind of game, so of course it should handle things in a completely different way. Each game and each story should handle sex in the way that is most appropriate. In a game like Dragon Age, eventually having sex with you partner and even showing a bit of the action seems appropriate because it's an entire system built into the game. Sex is a mechanic of the game, so for it to be done well, it just needs to be a well thought out mechanic. Sex in a Mario game would make zero sense, as there is nothing to even do with romance in the game mechanics. You could argue that's why Mario is doing what he's doing for Peach, but ultimately that's secondary to him just wanting to save the kingdom. It's completely in the background and their relationship is almost entirely built up around player inference, and so to throw it in a game would be completely uncouth.
My whole point is that in some games I'm fine, and even could want sex to be in my games. Whether others see it as mature or not is completely moot, it's something I enjoy in certain video games and would miss it if it were taken out of the ones that already do have it. Just as long as it doesn't upset story or gameplay flow or break with the tone of the rest of the game, it's perfectly acceptable to me, and if they were completely optional this would also be good as well.
I think games should work better on having more options, and more realistic ones at that. For instance, in a lot of Bioware games if you turn down someone's romantic advances, you're suddenly an asshole, which is bullshit. Maybe you really care for them, just not in that way. Or hell, maybe you do care for them in that way, but just don't want to have sex. It's unfair to act like you're some sort of monster for liking someone but not wanting to fuck them. On the other end of the spectrum, and looking at Fallout 4 in this one, don't be lazy about the romancing mechanics. You can look at the fact that you can marry each and every follower you come across as a progressive step towards inclusion with poly relationships, but the fact that all of them are cool with it just isn't realistic, and just comes across as them being too lazy to slap you on the wrist for running around having sex with everything. That's not how real relationships work unless all parties have agreed upon this setup, and it's very unlikely that every person that you meet is going to be okay with this. It might be the future, but acting like one on one relationships would somehow disappear, especially when everything is based on the American 1950 mindset, just doesn't fit in with the world building already setup in the game. If you want to make a game where this is the case, you can, but making everyone act the same in a relationship just feels lazy and pulls me out of any sort of immersion I might have in the game world.
I think I've ranted too much already, but my major point is still the same. I like dating sims, and I'll be more than happy to see them more prevalent in more RPGs with better fleshed out mechanics, and if I get sex thrown in there too, well that's just fine and dandy for me. Just keep it optional and keep it at least somewhat realistic.
not... really? Like, I don't mind if it's there, but unless the whole point of the work is to be provocative, it's a distraction that adds nothing but some fanservice to the finished work, whether it's artful or not. It's never really necessary, in any media, to show two characters shtuping to show that they've complete their romance arc. Most audience members are adults who are capable of picking up on subtext. Throw in the sex if you want to titillate the audience, throw it in as a move to try to come across as edgy, hell, throw it in just because you want it in there, it's your story, but don't try to claim that it's ever necessary for character development.
That said, while I wish the discussion was on an aspect of story more substantial, I'm always happy when discussion on gaming turn away from hot-button politics and discuss storytelling, since that's one aspect of the medium that has been trying to find its voice the longest. The stigma of video games as nothing but fanservice for introverted teenage boys has thankfully been fading as more and more of the population plays them, but in terms of storytelling we still have a long way to go.
That said, while I wish the discussion was on an aspect of story more substantial, I'm always happy when discussion on gaming turn away from hot-button politics and discuss storytelling, since that's one aspect of the medium that has been trying to find its voice the longest. The stigma of video games as nothing but fanservice for introverted teenage boys has thankfully been fading as more and more of the population plays them, but in terms of storytelling we still have a long way to go.
My attitude towards sex in video games is the same as my attitude towards sex in movies. I don't really want to see it, but if it has to be there I'd rather it be done tastefully and be necessary to the plot and just not thrown in for fanservice.
I propose a context for this.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that if I fight some kind of demon, the demon's gonna have a huge demonic dick AND huge demonic boobs.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that if my character enters a brothel they will see lewd sex acts that make the atmosphere.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that if you, say, play as a hitman, one of your targets might be caught while having sex in some kinky way, pulp fiction style.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that I can have fully naked characters in fighting games as long as it makes some kind of sense.
So essentially yes, I want sex in videogames in that I want the same freedom we use when we display violence in videogames.
It may add for more creativity and designs and plot elements.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that if I fight some kind of demon, the demon's gonna have a huge demonic dick AND huge demonic boobs.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that if my character enters a brothel they will see lewd sex acts that make the atmosphere.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that if you, say, play as a hitman, one of your targets might be caught while having sex in some kinky way, pulp fiction style.
I want "sex in videogames" to mean that I can have fully naked characters in fighting games as long as it makes some kind of sense.
So essentially yes, I want sex in videogames in that I want the same freedom we use when we display violence in videogames.
It may add for more creativity and designs and plot elements.
The Thread make no sense.
Why the Poll is related with the opinion of OP?
We Discuss how much immature is the Sex in Videogames, but the Poll ask you what kind of Sex you like in the games.
Anyway:
For Reason 1: Nope. If we follow the logic that the Sex Scenes are immature, then maybe they are because they want to make them more interesting and exciting. I won't deny of course there are a lot games which have boring as f*ck sex scenes. But for that reason why I look reviews for the whole package before I get a game with a lot of Sex on it. LewdGamer is the recent site I use for my waifu games.
For Reason 2: Yes and No. Yes if the game have a story which doesn't give a solid reason why 2+ people shall have sex. No if the Theme and Story are made specifically for characters have a lot of time sex. Also even if it isn't your waifu, then maybe you apreciate the "moves" the sex scene have. I am just saying yo.
For Reason 3: I am the guy I appreciate more a good make out than the actual sex, so....yeah, if the developers do a good work on the start of a sex scene, thumbs up! However if they do a solid work with this, then I guess is possible to a good actual sex scene.
For Reson 4: I don't get it. Do you mean who the authors describe how the sex scenes play out if it isn't graphical heavy?........Corruption of Champions. Don't Judge me, I am Happy, Have a Nice Day Sir!
Why the Poll is related with the opinion of OP?
We Discuss how much immature is the Sex in Videogames, but the Poll ask you what kind of Sex you like in the games.
Anyway:
For Reason 1: Nope. If we follow the logic that the Sex Scenes are immature, then maybe they are because they want to make them more interesting and exciting. I won't deny of course there are a lot games which have boring as f*ck sex scenes. But for that reason why I look reviews for the whole package before I get a game with a lot of Sex on it. LewdGamer is the recent site I use for my waifu games.
For Reason 2: Yes and No. Yes if the game have a story which doesn't give a solid reason why 2+ people shall have sex. No if the Theme and Story are made specifically for characters have a lot of time sex. Also even if it isn't your waifu, then maybe you apreciate the "moves" the sex scene have. I am just saying yo.
For Reason 3: I am the guy I appreciate more a good make out than the actual sex, so....yeah, if the developers do a good work on the start of a sex scene, thumbs up! However if they do a solid work with this, then I guess is possible to a good actual sex scene.
For Reson 4: I don't get it. Do you mean who the authors describe how the sex scenes play out if it isn't graphical heavy?........Corruption of Champions. Don't Judge me, I am Happy, Have a Nice Day Sir!