Poll: Do people even WANT sex in their video games?

[The Almighty Aardvark]

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.

 

[klaynexas3]

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.

 

[balladbird]

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.

 

[Canadamus Prime]

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.

 

[Nature Guardian]

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.

 

[SweetShark]

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!

 

[SweetShark]

Only if it's interactive.

Do you want to suggest you one with Voice Commands?

 

[CritialGaming]

Only if it's interactive.

Do you want to suggest you one with Voice Commands?

OR VR!!!! YEAH VR sex games! 100% perfect!

In all seriousness though I would like to ask everyone here a question.

Would you rather have sex in your video games with a narrative and contextual purpose. Or fan service with no purpose? I.E. skimpy female outfits that make no sense, or upskirt and tit camera angles for no reason other than to show it.

Frankly this whole thread kind of highlights the immaturity of the gaming audience as a whole because we don't have the maturity to handle nudity and sex in video games without some kind of argument about it. Sex is sex, be grown up about it. If you don't like it you can either play games that don't feature it, or simply move past the scene with little more than an eyeroll. The conservative prudish views upon sex, just scream at the immaturity to handle such things. If you are a high functioning adult you should be mature enough to handle such things in your media, or if you aren't, then you should be a responsible enough adult to not purchase media with material you disagree with in it.

After all, every video game has this little box on the cover that will tell you about the potentially objectionable content before you even purchase it. If that label contains something you can't handle, be an adult and don't purchase it.

Be Mature, as difficult as some may find that.

 

[Alma Mare]

Was it really pheromones? I always thought it was that little bit of magic that witchers have worked as some sort of aphrodisiac for witches (which explains why Geralt is so popular with them). Triss only seems to react from physical touch, not proximity (which would possibly imply hormones).

Wait, what? No.

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.

Actually, yes. In Blood of Elves Triss aknowledges the touch thing when she notices Eskel has it to a greater degree than Geralt. It's not like an instant-death-panties-down-moist-klingon-vulcano touch, but it's definitely there. Jute88 may be right, maybe pheromones wasn't the term used, maybe it was magical in nature. The point remains however, that they have a 24/7 mild aphrodisiac going on, and the results tend to be a lot less awesome than one might think.

We're talking about fictional human beings, not fictional rutting rabbits, so that doesn't rule out what you've written about Triss and Yen. I agree with most of it.

 

[Metalix Knightmare]

and gives those R34 channers too many ideas. And I think we can all agree, those are bad things.

You say that as if anything WOULDN'T give them ideas. There's R34 of The Brave Little Toaster. A game that actually includes sex scenes wouldn't really do much to affect that.

Actually, I take that back. It might actually LESSEN it. I've noticed that the more explicit media out there doesn't tend to get a lot of attention from R34 types.

 

[CritialGaming]

and gives those R34 channers too many ideas. And I think we can all agree, those are bad things.

You say that as if anything WOULDN'T give them ideas. There's R34 of The Brave Little Toaster. A game that actually includes sex scenes wouldn't really do much to affect that.

Actually, I take that back. It might actually LESSEN it..

Overwatch certainly has plenty of R34 and there is no sexuality or even fanservice in that game.

 

[Danbo Jambo]

I've no issue with how it's been handled in games, but I'd actually say that the only 2 games which handles it significantly enough for it to effect the plot & game, and carry the weight it deserves, for me were Dragon Age:Origins and Mass Effect 2.

*Spoilers*
Namely DA:O - where you can get Morigan pregnant and have an alternate ending option, and ME:2, where you can die from sleeping with Morinth.
*End spoilers*

I'm fine with games including it in future, but I would like to see it carry more weight. Let sex, and the even act of flirting etc, cause jelously & upset among companions. Let pregancy scares occur, or stat-damaging STD's occur too. What about that companion you've spent half the game chatting up, have now slept with, and then found out a certain trader or healer in the game has a crush on them and now shuns your business etc.

It often feels far too much like a "reward" for persueing a character. It should feel more natural and come with said natural concequences, both good & bad.

 

[Cold Shiny]

I have never played, nor have I ever seen a game where the sex actually added something meaningful to the game. That should be the only argument right there.

 

[Aerosteam]

Asking the thread's question in general, yes. People want sex in their games. If mods are anything to go by.

As for myself, I don't mind it being present in video games. However, I don't want to SEE the actual sex happening. What benefit does seeing the characters have sex give me? Do I have to know what positions/moves they use? All I need to know is that they had sex. Nothing that important nor is necessary to go into detail about.

 

[Metalix Knightmare]

and gives those R34 channers too many ideas. And I think we can all agree, those are bad things.

You say that as if anything WOULDN'T give them ideas. There's R34 of The Brave Little Toaster. A game that actually includes sex scenes wouldn't really do much to affect that.

Actually, I take that back. It might actually LESSEN it..

Overwatch certainly has plenty of R34 and there is no sexuality or even fanservice in that game.

I'd argue about the fanservice due to the spandex Widowmaker, Mercy, D.Va, and Tracer wear, alongside Symmetra's leg exposure, but by and large it's pretty justifiable. (No, really. Spandex is actually very easy to move around in, and due to it clinging to you is very hard to actually snag on things. Try doing acrobatics or good stretches in Blue Jeans. Not easy. No real excuse for Symmetra showing off so much leg though beyond wanting to show she has a touch more class with somewhat fancier form of dress.)

I'd also argue about the sexuality, but that's purely on Widowmaker, and seeing how she's supposed to be a Femme Fatal character, it's again pretty justifiable.

 

[SweetShark]

Only if it's interactive.

Do you want to suggest you one with Voice Commands?

OR VR!!!! YEAH VR sex games! 100% perfect!

In all seriousness though I would like to ask everyone here a question.

Would you rather have sex in your video games with a narrative and contextual purpose. Or fan service with no purpose? I.E. skimpy female outfits that make no sense, or upskirt and tit camera angles for no reason other than to show it.

Frankly this whole thread kind of highlights the immaturity of the gaming audience as a whole because we don't have the maturity to handle nudity and sex in video games without some kind of argument about it. Sex is sex, be grown up about it. If you don't like it you can either play games that don't feature it, or simply move past the scene with little more than an eyeroll. The conservative prudish views upon sex, just scream at the immaturity to handle such things. If you are a high functioning adult you should be mature enough to handle such things in your media, or if you aren't, then you should be a responsible enough adult to not purchase media with material you disagree with in it.

After all, every video game has this little box on the cover that will tell you about the potentially objectionable content before you even purchase it. If that label contains something you can't handle, be an adult and don't purchase it.

Be Mature, as difficult as some may find that.

Google "Wolf girl with you".

About your question:
Both if the developers handle them correctly. It is what the people want if they play a specific game. If the players knows he expect fanserves, then the developers make worth the time the player "waste" in the game.
No problem for me if are good in other words.

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

If it makes sense for the characters and the story I say put in as much sex as you want. A lot of people in this thread are saying that sex should be excluded due to modeling and animation limitations but I really don't see that as an issue. If the writing and story are doing their jobs I'm invested in what happens to these characters enough to ignore the occasional janky animation. I hope I never become so jaded that every little imperfection completely disengages me from the immersion and story.

I thought the scenes in the Witcher 3 with either (or both) Triss and Yen were relatively touching, and CDPRED are smart enough to weave in some slapstick to lighten things up a bit.

 

[aegix drakan_v1legacy]

I prefer "fade to black" or "heavily implied" personally.

Mostly because it allows the mind to fill in the gaps and give you exactly what you want out of the scene.

For example:

The sex scene in the first Mass Effect with Ashley really didn't do much for me. I didn't super like her, personally, so that might add something to it, but I still got nothing from it.

In ME2, with Tali? Oh hell yes, that scene was amazing, and the sex wasn't even shown at all. Just Tali being all flustered and nervous and then when Shepard removes her face mask, her voice goes all soft and choked up at the end of her sentence and she just TIGER POUNCES him and we fade to black. It felt AMAZING and I got way more emotional high out of that then I did with Ashley's more explicit scene.

Besides, most game sex scenes are done incredibly poorly and really take you out of the experience. I'll take a good leadup with enough implication to fill in the blanks as I please over two models bumping awkwardly any day.

Oh, and to the point about "universal shame", I feel like that's more of a societal thing than innate.

 

[CritialGaming]

snip
About your question:
Both if the developers handle them correctly. It is what the people want if they play a specific game. If the players knows he expect fanserves, then the developers make worth the time the player "waste" in the game.
No problem for me if are good in other words.

Except there is often far more outrage about fanservice than there is about actual sex. Hell they almost didn't even release the latest Dead or Alive Xtreme Volleyball titty game in the west because they were afraid we couldn't handle it. Do you know how many weird nude anime games get made and translated in english that the west never sees? Why? Because the West can't handle it due to a prudish immaturity regarding sex. And it is immaturity, plain an simple.