Sex Scenes in games: Deep gameplay or CHEEEEEEEEEEESE

[Nique]

And if 'bangin' the hot chick', as you so eloquently put it, comes only at the end of a slowly built relationship spanning the majority of the game, and allows you insights into the 'hot chick's personality and character that you would otherwise be unable to attain?

If you're asking me if I think there is a place for a scene of love-making (better?) in a game if it is presented in a plausible if not at least semi-realistic way and which also serves to expand the story or development characters in a way that matches the pace and style of the rest of the game, then I would say yes.

However, the paticular scene in 'Alpha Protocol' seemed incredibly contrived and if there was something there the writers were trying to do it other than just 'hur hur sex', it probably could have been better accomplished in an entirely different way. Although I think that's probably far from the worst example, and it's not like video games in general are not guility of other terrible writing cliches and faux pas.

I don't think he was calling God of War plot heavy.

I think the game kind of pretends that there is something going on there but I mean, yeah plot-wise it's a wading pool.

[Krylo]

Originally Posted by Nique

However, the paticular scene in 'Alpha Protocol' seemed incredibly contrived and if there was something there the writers were trying to do it other than just 'hur hur sex', it probably could have been better accomplished in an entirely different way. Although I think that's probably far from the worst example, and it's not like video games in general are not guility of other terrible writing cliches and faux pas.

Well, I was thinking more the ME series or DA, as I haven't played Alpha Protocol, but I would point out that were I to link you to say, the scene when Morrigan has sex with you, or Ashley, or Liara, or Leliana, or Thane, or whoever else, it would appear similarly contrived because it would lack all context--though admittedly not as bad as that. Well maybe Morrigan's would, as she's a bit playful about hers ('Tis cold in my tent...).

My point is that, short of having played the game, we don't actually know if that scene took place at 75% of the way through the game after continuous back and forth flirting and mutual (or even non-mutual) attraction between Michael and the Russian woman.

It's presumptuous to assume that Obsidian just threw in a bondage sex scene for no reason. And even if they did, it's even more presumptuous to use a single example to complain about the industry as a whole.

[Nique]

but I would point out that were I to link you to say, the scene when Morrigan has sex with you, or Ashley, or Liara, or Leliana, or Thane, or whoever else, it would appear similarly contrived because it would lack all context--

Maybe in order to be 100% sure that a sex scene had proper context or not, sure you would have to play the game (or read a wiki article on. something). But... I dunno I feel like you can just sort of tell sometimes. Maybe it was the amount of terrible one-liners or something.

And even if they did, it's even more presumptuous to use a single example to complain about the industry as a whole.

I don't feel like I'm doing this. At least not in spirit, I think. I can come up with lots of other examples of bad writing in games, it's just we're talking specifically about how some games handle sexuality.

[Krylo]

Originally Posted by Nique

I don't feel like I'm doing this. At least not in spirit

Maybe, but...

Originally Posted by Bells

I mean, this is a trend i really really really want to stop. These scenes aren't good. They do nothing [...]

Bells sure seemed to be, and as the OP he was setting the tone for this thread.

Originally Posted by Nique

I can come up with lots of other examples of bad writing in games, it's just we're talking specifically about how some games handle sexuality.

Yeah, and I'm not sure that games handle it any worse than any other form of media. At least not in the context that has been presented (sex scenes).

There's a pretty good argument for the industry handling sexuality poorly in how female characters in games tend to dress and what not, but that's not really the topic this thread was going for.

[DFM]

Originally Posted by Krylo

It's presumptuous to assume that Obsidian just threw in a bondage sex scene for no reason. And even if they did, it's even more presumptuous to use a single example to complain about the industry as a whole.

In that scene you're rescued by a number of possible characters based on who you've supported/helped/killed throughout the game (That scene is basically the start of the end) and they'll all free you in different ways that compliment their personality/skillset.

Sei rapes you.

[Nique]

Yeah, and I'm not sure that games handle it any worse than any other form of media. At least not in the context that has been presented (sex scenes).

You know, I can't decide if video games actually fit the oft used excuse used by apologists that 'they are a media form in it's infancy' and mature subject matter will eventually be handled at the same level we think we see in film and literature, or if that is totally bogus. I'm not seeing a lot of middle ground there.

There's a pretty good argument for the industry handling sexuality poorly in how female characters in games tend to dress and what not, but that's not really the topic this thread was going for.

Here there are a lot of variables - does cheesecake being the entire point of the game excuse the DOA series? Maybe, I guess? I mean, for the record I really like DOA 2. But uh, what about the issues with the new girl in the Resident Evil series. Her alternate costume? Yeah. Not 100% sure about that.

[krogothwolf]

Originally Posted by Nique

You know, I can't decide if video games actually fit the oft used excuse used by apologists that 'they are a media form in it's infancy' and mature subject matter will eventually be handled at the same level we think we see in film and literature, or if that is totally bogus. I'm not seeing a lot of middle ground there.

uh, they don't do it any differently then most films do though. A lot of films handle mature content with the same vein as GTA does.

[Krylo]

Originally Posted by Nique

You know, I can't decide if video games actually fit the oft used excuse used by apologists that 'they are a media form in it's infancy' and mature subject matter will eventually be handled at the same level we think we see in film and literature, or if that is totally bogus. I'm not seeing a lot of middle ground there.

Well in so far as the subject of this thread goes, I'm not sure that video games actually handle it at a lower level than we see in film and literature already--infancy or not.

If anything, it seems to do a slightly better job. I've yet to have my video game action hero fuck his damsel in distress with alien corpses a few feet away, but I've seen suggestive fade to blacks in just that situation in all kinds of movies.

Here there are a lot of variables - does cheesecake being the entire point of the game excuse the DOA series?

Maybe if this were an exception to how women were portrayed in video games as opposed to a rule.

However, it's hard to justify DOA as just going all out Cheesecake when female side kicks (and heroines) in many contemporary games don't dress much more modestly.

But uh, what about the issues with the new girl in the Resident Evil series. Her alternate costume? Yeah. Not 100% sure about that.

Wrong on more levels than one.

And yet so right.

[Nique]

uh, they don't do it any differently then most films do though. A lot of films handle mature content with the same vein as GTA does.

Yeah thats part of why I have a hard time buying that, I mean, video games aren't really even a new media they're just combinations of exsiting media technology.

If anything, it seems to do a slightly better job. I've yet to have my video game action hero fuck his damsel in distress with alien corpses a few feet away, but I've seen suggestive fade to blacks in just that situation in all kinds of movies

Give me one example.

No no, not cause I don't belive you! I just need to know becuase that is (very darkly) hilarious.

[Seil]

Totally relevant.