Most people who know gaming are fully aware that Bioware, makers of such iconic games such as the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series, the original Knights of the Old Republic as well as others are not afraid to tell a deep character story including romance options into their games. More over they have never been too shy about including same sex romances. While one can argue that there are times the gaming giant seems to “ tip toe” with the issue, or pander more to the female/female options more than the other to win over the 16-35 year old male demographic more- the fact remains that they are still one of the only companies to approach the subject in a way that feels more ' natural' and not overloaded with a stereotyped characterization many other games have used. “ oh, a gay male quest giver? write him as flaming as you can for lols!”
What makes Bioware stand out more in this field came with the launch of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic back in 2003 with the introduction of the Cathar Jedi Juhani, whom earns a special place by being the first, and only Star Wars character to walk the same sex line. Her role starts as a Jedi on the brink of slipping to the dark side after an impassioned slip of control where she strikes her female master down. In a wash of grief and pain over such an act she allowed herself to be consumed. Having the option so save her, or kill her both lead to eventual scenes that reveal her romantic connections to her master- including a scene where said master challenges the player to win back the hand/revenge for the murder of her beloved.
As with most Bioware games a player had the ability to start romance plots with several of the companions. Interestingly enough only a ' female Revan' ( the players character) could trigger the romance options with Juhani. At a time both gender versions of Revan could romance the Cathar, however this was considered a bug, and was fixed through patching so that only a female Revan could continue the romance. The romance itself lacked any real substance in the eyes of many fans of the series. Limited to the simple lines; "I. I. I care for you. I do not know why. I do not know if anything will be possible or if you even return what I feel, but I do know it is there."
Fast forward a few years- and a slew of movies and games that arguably place a lack luster, detached and stale feeling to romance in general ( many site that this is a reflection of George Lucas's troubles following his own divorce shortly after the release of the first film.) Bioware once again were able to get their hands on a Star Wars franchise. This time continuing the lore started in KotOR with the MMO spin off “ the Old Republic” and in true bioware flare once more included companion characters to interact with and even romance; something new entirely to the MMO genre. Fans wondered if Bioware would follow their normal pattern of allowing same sex romances- even though it seemed more taboo than not in Star Wars given the brands fickle and sometimes negative outlook on love in the first place. Bioware however stated that they would indeed be bringing that option to the game. However while in Beta, and at launch said option never appeared, leading many to wonder if Lucas Arts, or EA- Biowares parent company had stomped the content out. Stephen Reid - Senior Community Manager for Star Wars: The Old Republic had this to say
”Due to the design constraints of a fully voiced MMO of this scale and size, many choices had to be made as to the launch and post-launch feature set. Same gender romances with companion characters in Star Wars: The Old Republic will be a post-launch feature. Because The Old Republic is an MMO, the game will live on through content expansions which allow us to include content and features that could not be included at launch, including the addition of more companion characters who will have additional romance options.”
Will they deliver as promised? My Jedi Sentinel seems to be wanting to spend a great deal more time around Kira. Nobody can say for sure at this point, simply due to the nature of gaming it could be mere weeks or years away. None the less still an important and much appreciated step in celebrating the diversity and universal needs for companionship of our culture and species, and transporting it to a galaxy far, far away.