Poll: Ladies and Gentlemen, a hypothetical situation concerning homosexuality in games

[thirdsonsaburo]

Would prominent gay relationships/characters in a gay have an effect on whether or not you would buy/enjoy the game? How would you react to something like that?

I've always wondered about how other gamers feel on the subject, especially considering the recent discussion about Mass Effect 2, and now I feel compelled to ask in the form of a hypothetical situation. Bear with me.

Say that there was a game that was very technically solid. For the sake of this example, a third-person shooter, similar to Gears of War, with very solid and enjoyable single-player and multiplayer modes. In every technical aspect, it's guaranteed success. But in addition to being a promising game in terms of play, it has a homosexual main character. Not an ambiguously gay one. Not a humorous side-character or an obvious antagonist: a gay main character. Would this aspect make you want to play the game more or less? Would it even matter?

What if it was an even more character/story-driven game, like an RPG, or an action-adventure game? Especially if there was a set main character with a personality and a backstory, rather than the variable leads of Fable II and Dragon Age: Origins, whose sexuality and gender are of the player's choosing. Would it matter there?

I'm genuinely curious. Please share your thoughts on the matter!

 

[SnowdensOfYesteryear]

It really depends on how it's treated. If it's treated with respect, and the main character's not made into a character that is a total wimpy stereotype, it won't affect anything.

If it is made into a stereotype, no buying. No thanks.

 

[technoted]

Doesn't bug me in the slightest.

 

[Mattallica]

As long as he wasn't just gay for the sake of it, then I'd have no problem with it.

 

[Marv21]

As long as thats not the only thing the game has going for it...if the cover had him dressing in drag shooting a rainbow at anti-gay protestors than I would be less likely to plan said game.

 

[Parallel Streaks]

Probably more likely to buy it, I would like to see one of my people rising above the stereotype and kicking arse.

Then again, there are a lot of gay jokes in Metal Gear, especially the festering bromance between Otacon and Snake.

 

[maninahat]

Sure I'd buy a game. I already have played a game mod (the "Radiator" Mod series for Half Life 2) which features gay protagonists. Incidently, they are very good, so if you have the half Life series, I suggest you go download them now: http://www.radiator.debacle.us/01/. The maker of the mod (himself being gay) did several blog posts on the homophobic reception of his games. Many people seemed to struggle with the idea of a gay protagonist. "Re-release the game, without the gay", was the first comment on his download page. Pretty sad that people can't handle a bit of homosexuality, really.

In answering the question, it would make me more likely to buy the game, just for the novelty of being able to play as a gay character for once (how often does that happen?) I'd of liked to have picked the medium answer, but the unfortunate rarity of gay protagonists in general will create an extra appeal: unfamiliar and original characterisations will always attract me.

 

[Kajt]

It doesn't matter if the main character is straight, homo or bisexual to me. As long as the game itself is good.

 

[SturmDolch]

As I said before, a game with a flamboyant, mean, sarcastic gay man might be pretty funny. But I don't really see how gameplay fits with sexuality anyways. I can't recall a game that was significantly heterosexual, without it being a game like Dragon Age or Mass Effect where you choose it.

 

[Thwarted]

I wouldnt mind the option. I like to play characters that resemble myself, so I personally would not use that option, but It would be a nice touch that many would appreciate.

 

[Sky Captanio]

To me homosexuality is completely normal. It doesn't affect me in any way.

 

[aPod]

I find all relationships in games to be lame and tacky and most of the time just god awful (Mass Effect).

Basically though, yea it would have a negative effect. Why the fuck should i care or have to watch some bs "romantic" story branch that doesnt add anything to the actual game. If it was for more than to simply say "Wahaha we are edgy because our main character is gay and look he's making out with his boyfriend! You have to buy this."

If it isnt relevant it doesn't need to be in there just like i wouldn't care wether or not Marcus Fenix is gay. Or master chief. It isnt pointed out to me one way or the other and i like that, I dont need to know I just need to kill some fucking aliens.

 

[Woodsey]

I couldn't care less.

 

[The Heik]

Would prominent gay relationships/characters in a gay have an effect on whether or not you would buy/enjoy the game? How would you react to something like that?

I've always wondered about how other gamers feel on the subject, especially considering the recent discussion about Mass Effect 2, and now I feel compelled to ask in the form of a hypothetical situation. Bear with me.

Say that there was a game that was very technically solid. For the sake of this example, a third-person shooter, similar to Gears of War, with very solid and enjoyable single-player and multiplayer modes. In every technical aspect, it's guaranteed success. But in addition to being a promising game in terms of play, it has a homosexual main character. Not an ambiguously gay one. Not a humorous side-character or an obvious antagonist: a gay main character. Would this aspect make you want to play the game more or less? Would it even matter?

What if it was an even more character/story-driven game, like an RPG, or an action-adventure game? Especially if there was a set main character with a personality and a backstory, rather than the variable leads of Fable II and Dragon Age: Origins, whose sexuality and gender are of the player's choosing. Would it matter there?

I'm genuinely curious. Please share your thoughts on the matter!

I generally wouldn't mind if my character was gay. I'm not, and confrontations are not (likely) gay sex orgies where you win by plugging rear ends, so my sexuality is not affected in the least.

 

[NeutralDrow]

To be perfectly honest, I'd be more likely to buy the game, out of curiosity.

 

[WaywardHaymaker]

Going off of the Gear of War comparison, it would be a welcome change from the usual protagonists of that particular genre. A gay protagonist might actually be able to show a conscious or an emotion here and there.

 

[jamesworkshop]

I guess it depends if it had a god of war style sex mini quicktime event game but obviously depicting a homosexual sex act between two men in this case having a gay protagonist then I would be extremly unlikly to play that game.

 

[KimberlyGoreHound]

Really would not care one way or the other. Though it could get the lesbians wanting to be treated fairly, and have a game with a lesbian protagonist.

Now THAT would probably increase sales, especially among teen males.