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Reed Devany
Production
Parsing the Paramour : How Players ’ Sexuality , Motivation , and UDO Influence Their Romantic Subplot Decisions in Western RPGs
Roleplaying video games represent a massive , rapidly growing market . And LGBTQ + gamers make up an increasingly sizeable portion of consumers who play them . Building upon existing critical theory and human research into the perception of non-hetero sexualities and romances in AAA Western roleplaying games ( WRPGs ), I conducted a study of 1,001 players of Mass Effect : Legendary Edition , Mass Effect Andromeda , Dragon Age Inquisition , Divinity : Original Sin II , and Baldur ’ s Gate 3 .
I found that while the perception of representation of non-hetero romances has improved over time , non-straight players are less likely to believe their sexuality is well represented and fits on games ’ critical narrative path .
I also discovered a non-directional , statistical association between player sexuality and the frequency with which their sexuality influences their romantic subplot decisions . I investigated the relationship between this new variable (“ FSI ”), real-world human behaviors ( Universal Diversity Orientation ), and game-world player motivations . I aimed to support claims of real-life influences permeating into the game space and viceversa .
I hope this thesis contributes to the larger body of work that supports the inclusion of more diverse romances in WRPGs . This meets consumer expectations and respects the vessel that games provide in giving players a safe space to experience and grow their sexual journeys .
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