299 réponses à ce sujet

[Allan Schumacher]

The romance system interferes with the story?  Interesting when its optional....going to assume you know this. EDIT: Also, that marriage stuff would just be as optional as romance and not interfere just like romance wouldn't if someone doesn't want to go that path.

 

At least its not centered into the story like many other games have.

 

My concern would be more along the lines: Would it's optional nature frustrate people?  Because by virtue of it being optional, it runs the risk of not being satisfying.

 

Would people be okay with it if it was "yes lets get married" but there was no real wedding scene, for example?

 

What things would people expect that they are just sort of taking for granted now, but when playing the content they would suddenly notice and it'd be seen as subpar as a result?

[Hanako Ikezawa]

I don't think it would be at all. In all honesty, I don't have a problem with it. At the very least, maybe include a conversation branch or two among a few of the LIs (not all of them) and let the player just briefly discuss getting married and maybe later in the game act on such a desire. I think that if there is a marriage, it'd be best to have it as more endgame content as well.

 

It doesn't need to be endgame. I wouldn't mind hearing companions making some comments/banter about it.

 

If I was able to choose when it happened, I'd say around 2/3s the way through the story feels like a good place.

 

The first third is building friendship that develops into a budding romance.

The second third is the romance developing to the point where they get married and/or intimate.

The final third would be them as lovers/spouses. 

[Dabrikishaw]

The romance system interferes with the story? 

No, they never have. I apologize if I never made that clear.

[Hanako Ikezawa]

My concern would be more along the lines: Would it's optional nature frustrate people?  Because by virtue of it being optional, it runs the risk of not being satisfying.

 

Would people be okay with it if it was "yes lets get married" but there was no real wedding scene, for example?

 

What things would people expect that they are just sort of taking for granted now, but when playing the content they would suddenly notice and it'd be seen as subpar as a result?

 

Maybe something like in Mission Impossible III, where Ethan and his fiance have a small, quick secret wedding since he is about to go on a mission one last time and doesn't want his enemies to know her. In the games' case, only the companions and followers at most would attend it. And then in the Epilogue of the game there can be a bigger wedding scene like the Alistair Wedding mod if getting married is chosen.

 

Just an example of something that I think would be satisfying. 

[aTigerslunch]

@Allan I think it being unsatisfying would be in lines of, nothing said or taken notice of in some cases. Example: in origins companions have brought relationships up once, then let it be unspoken. At the last battle it comes up with the LI and if married, just saying wife husband could be inserted. Of course I don't say it would be easy as picking up a pencil.

 

I think some would like to hear about, yes lets get married and set that to the side but get dismayed later if nothing comes of it. Kallen gave a good example to make it work as a small step, to show marriage is done. To keep the costs from raising for adding the scene.... I don't mind a cut to black and some sounds of marrying, but at same time some will want it shown.

 

Honestly, I think the two mentioning marriage, and accepting to be married, allows the concept they did get married later. Say in case of Warden and Leliana, they are lovers and beyond that, have to imagine they would possibly get married but that is individuals only, if it was talked about between the two, then it could be off screen, ending thinking they did get married. Instead of....Leliana is just out in the world, doesn't care about said Warden, cause it was never brought up. DA2, when confronted and Leliana was romanced, it could of been, yes we got married later on as a mention if was chosen by Warden saying yes in Origins.

 

DAI however couldn't benefit like that example, but to say yes or no for marriage would allow people to think, they are fiancé's now, that means they could get married after the world is saved or beforehand, but its there, not questionable to say, did they or didn't they get married?

[aTigerslunch]

Just in case my last one is getting quoted, want to add.  Some get married quickly, very short immediate wedding cause when the world is exploding around them, there isn't time for big ceremonies. This could be done in DAI as an option logically pre-final fight. Then make notice of it on epilogue screens.

[Icy Magebane]

The only way I'd be in favor of this is if you could still do a full romance but not get married.  I hated how in DA2, the LIs wanted to move in with you after spending the night once.  I know that Hawke had a nice mansion, but geez... give a guy some space. 

 

There should be some way of saying that things are going too fast (marriage after only a few months sounds like something I wouldn't want to be a part of) that leads to a different, less invasive romance branch.  If it's up to the player to propose, then that's not really a big issue since you can just never take that route... I guess I'd also be fine with certain LIs breaking off the relationship if you don't want to get married.  I wouldn't like it, but that's somewhat realistic... if that were the case, I'd want to be able to pursue a different LI if that one didn't work out.  Sometimes in these games you get one chance and then you're locked into "forever alone" status if you change your mind later.

 

So the bottom line for me is that it's not a bad idea but without multiple options to avoid marriage, I don't want it included.  I know that what I wrote is pretty complex, but I don't want to be pressured into this.

[HK-90210]

My concern would be more along the lines: Would it's optional nature frustrate people?  Because by virtue of it being optional, it runs the risk of not being satisfying.

 

Would people be okay with it if it was "yes lets get married" but there was no real wedding scene, for example?

 

What things would people expect that they are just sort of taking for granted now, but when playing the content they would suddenly notice and it'd be seen as subpar as a result?

 

I think most people who would want marriage in a Dragon Age game would not be expecting the big wedding, with bridesmaids and flowers and all that. That is something that would have to take place during a time when there is not nearly as much conflict in the world. But a private, personal ceremony, with only the two people concerned could easily be done. Just a little dialogue and a plot flag or two indicating that they should be treated as married by the party during banter and other dialogues.

 

It could also be done like Donnic/Aveline in DA2, provided you guys decide to use time jumps again in some future game. Just describe it in the codex or party banter. That could be kind of nice. The most I would ever expect is dialogue letting the player talk about it in passing to someone.

 

Random Party Member: So, Protagonist, how was the wedding?

Diplomatic: Wonderful. All I could have asked for.

Sarcastic: Well, the dress was too long, the catering arrived late and my new mother-in-law decided to get drunk at the reception. In short, it was perfect.

Harsh: Fine.

[DemonMajor]

I'd also like to see the option of marriage in future games, with the limitations addressed previously in this thread (ie. only being available to certain LI's with the appropriate backstories, or some LI's requiring you marry them). With marriage being such an ingrained institution worldwide, I was actually kind of surprised/confused to see it never really show up in either of the previous Dragon Age titles, especially after the developers worked so hard to create fully fleshed characters for us to fall in love with. Granted, a ring on one's finger doesn't change the feelings one has toward another, but at the same time, said ring is more than just a band of metal (or wood or what-have-you), and I think it would be a rewarding experience to be able to see and hear the effects of pursuing a relationship that far.

 

 

My concern would be more along the lines: Would it's optional nature frustrate people?  Because by virtue of it being optional, it runs the risk of not being satisfying.

 

Would people be okay with it if it was "yes lets get married" but there was no real wedding scene, for example?

 

What things would people expect that they are just sort of taking for granted now, but when playing the content they would suddenly notice and it'd be seen as subpar as a result?

You bring up valid concerns, of course, but I believe that as long as the marriage option was implemented with as much care as the current romances, people would be more than satisfied.

Just a few things I can think of to be added that would (in my books) be considered a fully realized marriage:

   - additional in-game banter regarding the marriage (much like what is already in Origins and DA:II with respect to developing romances)

   - perhaps additional dialogue with one's spouse regarding their future (something that, when speaking with them, reinforces the idea that the two are married)

   - sharing a room/bed, if applicable

   - small marriage scene (just the two, or maybe allow the player to invite the companions), although I can see other ways of handling the event

   - (maybe) an additional epilogue slide/VO/whatever-is-being-used

 

At the same time, @Icy Magebane makes a good point: whatever is implemented would have to still allow the majority of romances to continue without a marriage for those players who simply prefer to play without taking that path.

[Greenface21]

Introducing marriage into this franchise would be a bad idea. Nothing kills the sense of adventure like marriage.

 

Bioware already has enough trouble with their games being labelled "dating sims". Let's keep the happily ever after in the realm of head-cannon.

 

Although I might agree to this feature if it advanced the plot like the DAO city-elf origin. You get married, you lose your spouse in a horrific George RR Martin style wedding. 

[Bayonet Hipshot]

Well...

 

If there is marriage, there should be divorce and divorce court as well. Or in this case, some form of Chantry hearing or Dalish clan gathering of some form. 

 

Make that no fault divorce where the female spouse can leave the male spouse, take the home, take the kids and take half his income with her without any concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the male spouse or because the female spouse just feels dissatisfied. 

 

After all, we want things implemented in-game to be believable and to have a grounded, real-world feel to it, don't we ? There is no such thing with happily ever after with marriages, that's Disney nonsense. At best you have a loveless, boring, cheaper to keep her marriage. At worst, there is divorce and all the crap you get with that. 

 

Marriage is for the suckers and the naive who think that they system even works in any shape or form. 

 

It would be best for marriage to not be in game. 

 

After all, if players want the whole love thing, there is already romance with all its not-very-necessary drama, conflict and bad endings, just like the real life one. 

 

Some failed / badly failing real life social norms should stay in real life, not be brought into a video game. 

[Hanako Ikezawa]

The only way I'd be in favor of this is if you could still do a full romance but not get married.  I hated how in DA2, the LIs wanted to move in with you after spending the night once.  I know that Hawke had a nice mansion, but geez... give a guy some space. 

 

There should be some way of saying that things are going too fast (marriage after only a few months sounds like something I wouldn't want to be a part of) that leads to a different, less invasive romance branch.  If it's up to the player to propose, then that's not really a big issue since you can just never take that route... I guess I'd also be fine with certain LIs breaking off the relationship if you don't want to get married.  I wouldn't like it, but that's somewhat realistic... if that were the case, I'd want to be able to pursue a different LI if that one didn't work out.  Sometimes in these games you get one chance and then you're locked into "forever alone" status if you change your mind later.

 

So the bottom line for me is that it's not a bad idea but without multiple options to avoid marriage, I don't want it included.  I know that what I wrote is pretty complex, but I don't want to be pressured into this.

I think that if Bioware were to do it, their best bet would be to have the protagonist be the one who proposes. I believe they said the Inquisitor will be the one to start the romance rather than have the LIs be the first to flirt, so same principle. 

 

 

I think most people who would want marriage in a Dragon Age game would not be expecting the big wedding, with bridesmaids and flowers and all that. That is something that would have to take place during a time when there is not nearly as much conflict in the world. But a private, personal ceremony, with only the two people concerned could easily be done. Just a little dialogue and a plot flag or two indicating that they should be treated as married by the party during banter and other dialogues.

 

It could also be done like Donnic/Aveline in DA2, provided you guys decide to use time jumps again in some future game. Just describe it in the codex or party banter. That could be kind of nice. The most I would ever expect is dialogue letting the player talk about it in passing to someone.

 

Random Party Member: So, Protagonist, how was the wedding?

Diplomatic: Wonderful. All I could have asked for.

Sarcastic: Well, the dress was too long, the catering arrived late and my new mother-in-law decided to get drunk at the reception. In short, it was perfect.

Harsh: Fine.

Yeah, it doesn't have to be a huge scene. Just a little scene would do and then have that scene recognized with a plot flag like you said. 

[Hanako Ikezawa]

I'd also like to see the option of marriage in future games, with the limitations addressed previously in this thread (ie. only being available to certain LI's with the appropriate backstories, or some LI's requiring you marry them). With marriage being such an ingrained institution worldwide, I was actually kind of surprised/confused to see it never really show up in either of the previous Dragon Age titles, especially after the developers worked so hard to create fully fleshed characters for us to fall in love with. Granted, a ring on one's finger doesn't change the feelings one has toward another, but at the same time, said ring is more than just a band of metal (or wood or what-have-you), and I think it would be a rewarding experience to be able to see and hear the effects of pursuing a relationship that far.

 

 

You bring up valid concerns, of course, but I believe that as long as the marriage option was implemented with as much care as the current romances, people would be more than satisfied.

Just a few things I can think of to be added that would (in my books) be considered a fully realized marriage:

   - additional in-game banter regarding the marriage (much like what is already in Origins and DA:II with respect to developing romances)

   - perhaps additional dialogue with one's spouse regarding their future (something that, when speaking with them, reinforces the idea that the two are married)

   - sharing a room/bed, if applicable

   - small marriage scene (just the two, or maybe allow the player to invite the companions), although I can see other ways of handling the event

   - (maybe) an additional epilogue slide/VO/whatever-is-being-used

 

At the same time, @Icy Magebane makes a good point: whatever is implemented would have to still allow the majority of romances to continue without a marriage for those players who simply prefer to play without taking that path.

I agree with your jotted down suggestions completely. 

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Just in case my last one is getting quoted, want to add.  Some get married quickly, very short immediate wedding cause when the world is exploding around them, there isn't time for big ceremonies. This could be done in DAI as an option logically pre-final fight. Then make notice of it on epilogue screens.

Yeah, with the world possibly ending any day, I can see them skipping the long preparation stage until it the crisis is dealt with, yet at the same time have the desire to do it so have a quick, small ceremony. 

 

Introducing marriage into this franchise would be a bad idea. Nothing kills the sense of adventure like marriage.

 

Bioware already has enough trouble with their games being labelled "dating sims". Let's keep the happily ever after in the realm of head-cannon.

 

Although I might agree to this feature if it advanced the plot like the DAO city-elf origin. You get married, you lose your spouse in a horrific George RR Martin style wedding. 

How does being married to a companion or follower kill the sense of adventure any more than just being in a romance? I'm genuinely curious. 

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Well...

 

If there is marriage, there should be divorce and divorce court as well. Or in this case, some form of Chantry hearing or Dalish clan gathering of some form. 

 

Make that no fault divorce where the female spouse can leave the male spouse, take the home, take the kids and take half his income with her without any concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the male spouse or because the female spouse just feels dissatisfied. 

 

After all, we want things implemented in-game to be believable and to have a grounded, real-world feel to it, don't we ? There is no such thing with happily ever after with marriages, that's Disney nonsense. At best you have a loveless, boring, cheaper to keep her marriage. At worst, there is divorce and all the crap you get with that. 

 

Marriage is for the suckers and the naive who think that they system even works in any shape or form. 

 

It would be best for marriage to not be in game. 

 

After all, if players want the whole love thing, there is already romance with all its not-very-necessary drama, conflict and bad endings, just like the real life one. 

 

Some failed / badly failing real life social norms should stay in real life, not be brought into a video game. 

Please be respectful to others. It's fine that you don't like marriage and don't want it in the game, but saying that everyone in the real world who is married are naive suckers trapped in a loveless, empty situation is going too far.

[aTigerslunch]

I find it laughable. Bioware a dating SIM, when they're optional. I wont list the other games where that "dating" was unavoidable. I guess some still think optional means unavoidable versus those other stories are wrapped around romance as the basis. Lol about it...

[Hanako Ikezawa]

I find it laughable. Bioware a dating SIM, when they're optional. I wont list the other games where that "dating" was unavoidable. I guess some still think optional means unavoidable versus those other stories are wrapped around romance as the basis. Lol about it...

It is a dating sim that has combat and exploration minigames.

[TheUnknownDude14]

I doubt the protagonist has time for marriage when the world is busy killing itself, but if a marriage made sense in terms of the plot, sure. Just so long as it doesn't turn into pure fan service.

[DemonMajor]

Introducing marriage into this franchise would be a bad idea. Nothing kills the sense of adventure like marriage.

 

Bioware already has enough trouble with their games being labelled "dating sims". Let's keep the happily ever after in the realm of head-cannon.

 

Although I might agree to this feature if it advanced the plot like the DAO city-elf origin. You get married, you lose your spouse in a horrific George RR Martin style wedding. 

I have to disagree. I see it the opposite way; the option to marry your LI furthers the romance arc, which is a form of exploration. Regardless of what people label Bioware games, the romances are an integral part of the DA franchise that many players enjoy and are thankful for. And even if marriages were to be implemented in a future DA title, all the proponents here seem to agree that they should be optional. In other words, you wouldn't be forced into one. I see no reason people should argue against something if it doesn't negatively impact their own playing experience.

 

 

Well...

 

If there is marriage, there should be divorce and divorce court as well. Or in this case, some form of Chantry hearing or Dalish clan gathering of some form. 

 

Make that no fault divorce where the female spouse can leave the male spouse, take the home, take the kids and take half his income with her without any concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the male spouse or because the female spouse just feels dissatisfied. 

 

After all, we want things implemented in-game to be believable and to have a grounded, real-world feel to it, don't we ? There is no such thing with happily ever after with marriages, that's Disney nonsense. At best you have a loveless, boring, cheaper to keep her marriage. At worst, there is divorce and all the crap you get with that. 

 

Marriage is for the suckers and the naive who think that they system even works in any shape or form. 

 

It would be best for marriage to not be in game. 

 

After all, if players want the whole love thing, there is already romance with all its not-very-necessary drama, conflict and bad endings, just like the real life one. 

 

Some failed / badly failing real life social norms should stay in real life, not be brought into a video game. 

While bringing in the option for marriage does raise also the subject of divorce, one does not necessarily preclude the other. It seems to me that you are coloring your reply with personal experience. The reason we are (or at least I am) lobbying for marriage to be considered is not to make the game more realistic; it's to add another level to the already well-made romance arcs that few, if any, other games have. Bringing the institution of marriage into the player experience also allows the player to live through such a scenario in a fantasy setting away from everyday problems. I get that it's not for everyone, but again, we are discussing making it into an optional addition. Key word: optional.

[Mes]

 

 

Why da heck not.

[DemonMajor]

To add to my list from before:

 

   - small addition to the spouse's backstory only available if married(?)

 

I can see where this might turn into something where people argue that it's taking it too far; that they would be missing content if they didn't want to marry their LI. But in response to that, I'd like to point out that the same argument can be made about romances in general.

[Andraste_Reborn]

I'd be fine with the romances including marriage where it makes sense - I can't see Morrigan, for example, marrying the Warden in DAO, for example. I don't want it to be like the situation in TOR where all the love interests bring up marriage, including my free-spirited space pirate. (I'm not saying you can't be a free-spirited space pirate and still get married, mind you, just that it made little sense for Andonikos Reval to propose to my Sith Inquisitor given his personality and the type of relationship they had.)

 

There are also some lore issues to consider when it comes to the gay and bisexual characters - does anywhere in Thedas have gay marriage? Do the characters care about that, or do they have a commitment ceremony and exchange rings regardless? (That would actually be an interesting issue to explore, I think.)

 

As long as I can continue cheerfully avoiding it, I have nothing against there being some love interests that you can marry.

[SomeoneStoleMyName]

Doesent really change anything. A relationship/love doesent change in any way (Enforces/strengthens - Diminishes/weakens) just because you are married. Having such signature on a paper, or doing some meaningless ritual - does not change a relationship.

Marriage is a practical tool in society needed for legal reasons and for security, Id say getting married is inconsequential emotionally.

Living a life with someone I love
OR 

Living a life with someone I love + marriage

Identical scenarios in my eyes.

That said I understand those who would want it. Be it traditional values or otherwise. This is just my personal opinion

[Lukas Trevelyan]

Thank you so much for finally bringing this topic to the table in addition to how incredibly well you represented it. I completely and whole-heartily agree with you, the lack of even bringing up the topic of marriage let alone the absence of marriage in Bioware games has always bothered me because in real life I am waiting till marriage, and I firmly believe that this trope will always exist due to teachings and traditions. Probably the reason I went for a Samara/Nomance playthrough in Mass Effect. I was glad to hear that you could turn down a sex scene while still keeping the romance. I do hope this is seriously considered for future franchises since one of Bioware's great goals is a fair option for everyone. 

 

[Lukas Trevelyan]

My concern would be more along the lines: Would it's optional nature frustrate people?  Because by virtue of it being optional, it runs the risk of not being satisfying.

 

Would people be okay with it if it was "yes lets get married" but there was no real wedding scene, for example?

 

What things would people expect that they are just sort of taking for granted now, but when playing the content they would suddenly notice and it'd be seen as subpar as a result?

 

I don't think it being optional would frustrate anyone, because we all understand the purpose of options; a fair chance for everyone. 

A romantic scene that establishes the idea of marriage is sufficient, as said above a small celebratory scene in addition to a slight change in dialouge and banter and sharing a room if applicable. 

I think a good example would be Doc's marriage scene in SWTOR, it was completely simple and secret yet very satisfying (from my point of view) because of how romantic it was.