As a bisexual, I was fine with it. I didn't consider those characters to be Bi at all. They were whatever sexuality complimented my PC.
Yes that's how I felt about them, too, but I've seen people say they felt insulted that BioWare was sort of broadcasting that bisexual people are available to anyone. I can understand how that would be very hurtful.
Aww, timebean, that is a very sweet story about your dad!! Yeah, it's true portrayals of gay people in the media can lean towards stereotype (actually Jack in Will and Grace is a good example lol) but at the same time it's better than nothing.
One of my favorite portrayals of a groundbreaking gay couple were the couple in Six Feet Under.
You mean like DA2? While I don't think the DA2 companions had no sexuality, I think you could RP their sexuality, which I was totally fine with. They are characters, not real people. And that works out best for me, and it's what I hope DA4 does (but I'm not holding my breath).
However, there are people who say they felt insulted as bisexuals with the way DA2 was set up, and I fully respect that. Also we can't underestimate the importance of having characters like Dorian and Sera; they mean a LOT to some gay and lesbian gamers. On the other hand, do I think we really needed three straight men, no lol
No . In DA2 they made everyone Bisexual (and alot of ^peeps didnt like that....not me though). I mean no sexuality at all.............like a faceless Hero .
When I say as a I lesbian , I cant romance Cassandra .
The Answer I get is : Then RP and play a DUDE !
Then I believe the same could apply . RP and Think of whoever you want as you want them . If you are already RPing the whole game anyway , may as well walk further a bit more and RP Anders or whoever you want as Hetero . And there would be no need for Gating . And everyone will RP then....since all companions will have NO SEXUALITY . None .
Some may say : Ewww but thats just like if they were Bi and they become just muh..not special anymore . And in real life everyone has a set sexuality ! and so our companion to feel authenthic should have a set orientation .
For this , I really don't know what to reply . I mean on one hand the whole 'Special' come off slightly offencive as if saying 'Yeah put orientation so I know who I should avoid' . And the other hand , I feel like it cheapen the charachter . I do not believe a charachter need to yell his orientation to be SPECIAL .
They are all special . They always are and always will be . A charachter isn't worth more or less just because of his orientation . You wouldn't like X or Y just because he is gay or not gay .
Just remember in previous games , some character rub us wrong . But it wasn't because of their orientation . (well for some peoples) . But in general , it is their belief , their personality , or at some extent their look .
In a romance cutscene , the whole 'take you to bed' is just a plus . THE WHOLE romance is the talk , the flirt and everything before we get there . And that is what a romance is . Not the Sex scene in the end that make you 'Eww' or 'Aww' .
But the game it self is fantasy . I mean we fight dragons , we wield magic , and we kill without any Cops showing up anywhere .
It doesn't kill the realism now does it ? None of the dragons , magic is real . Yet we still love it !
But do the same for romance ? And scream murder ! they have to be realistic in a world where nothing is realist .
I really don't get it . To me , DA2 was fine . the game has it flaw sure . But the only flaw I saw and bugged me was the lack of choices that had consequences . Everything else (recycled map and what not ) Didn't bother me at all . I actually loved Kirkwall and the beach and all the area I visited .
I think I prefer gating for orientation and race, only if, as I said there is someone for everyone.
I say that even though I wanted nothing more than to romance Alistair in DA:O, and then I took a step back and realized that he was pretty much just like my RL best friend. Once I had that epiphany, it changed my perception of the game. Now I head canon that when in Denerim or Redcliffe Alistair is totally my bro wingman, talkin me up to all the other guys in the tavern, whether I like it or not.
Some people just have trouble putting themselves in other people's shoes. Then again, some people don't try to understand other people's perspective.
Perspective is of utmost importance when it comes to situations like this. Obviously, not everyone plays the game the same way. Especially a game like this one which aims to toe that line between giving the player a wide variety of control in their roles and actions, while still limiting it all in a way so as to tell coherent, quality story. When there are so many choices and such a vast array of characters to create and ways to play, it is easy to just tell someone to just do something different; it further compounds confusion when someone intentionally limits themselves and then seemingly "complains" about it.
But, you know, it is each person's decision how they want to play, which is actually the beauty in games that give you this amount of choice. A player doesn't have a responsibility to play the game a certain way and by implying that they do, you actually miss the point of having such choices entirely.
Unless the game supplies the player with infinite choice, people will be disappointed in certain aspects. It doesn't fall on that player to "get over it", as it were. Yes, they limit themselves to playing the game the way they enjoy it the most, which is obviously the most important thing. People should play the game in whatever fashion that makes them the happiest and gives them the fullest enjoyment of the game, and regardless of what way that is they have just as much a right to feel disappointed that the game doesn't include something they really wanted.
I think I prefer gating for orientation and race, only if, as I said there is someone for everyone.
I say that even though I wanted nothing more than to romance Alistair in DA:O, and then I took a step back and realized that he was pretty much just like my RL best friend. Once I had that epiphany, it changed my perception of the game. Now I head canon that when in Denerim or Redcliffe Alistair is totally my bro wingman, talkin me up to all the other guys in the tavern, whether I like it or not.
But considering the numbers of games who offer romances and the ability to play the gender you are (male or female) . If you come from that zone...where there are no romances , no gender choice (you are stuck with being a dude) . Then you walk in this zone of Bioware , who offer a game with gender choices and Romance . And then they start Gating......
Let just say the zone you though would be wide open...start shrinking .
I think I be for race gating then orientation gating (maybe dwarf will have a Li then lol) . Or even..maybe a class gating ? Smooche only if you are a mage too ? 
But considering the numbers of games who offer romances and the ability to play the gender you are (male or female) . If you come from that zone...where there are no romances , no gender choice (you are stuck with being a dude) . Then you walk in this zone of Bioware , who offer a game with gender choices and Romance . And then they start Gating......
Let just say the zone you though would be wide open...start shrinking .
I think I be for race gating then orientation gating (maybe dwarf will have a Li then lol) . Or even..maybe a class gating ? Smooche only if you are a mage too ?
Which is why I found Bound by Flame to be so disappointing. Here comes a third person RPG that isn't a Bioware game that offers the choice of gender, numerous companions, and fully scripted romance dialogue for specific companions and then they gate all of the companions by gender, making them all o/s romance options only. I have still never bought that game to this day even though it's right in my wheelhouse because of this. So disappointing and a perfect example of why the inclusive approach by Bioware is still so important in gaming.
First, I think it's always great to hear people's perspectives on their experience, so that's for sharing. Second, I think it's really cool DA:O brought someone new to the RPG genre - we need that sort of outreach to get the genre fresh.
Third, I think your perspective is really interesting. It didn't occur to me how much variability there is in character concepts and LIs, mostly because I have a few I want to take through the games multiple times (e.g. a Qunari Mage/Warrior who's definitely going to siege the Cass-tle gates and pierce through Dorian's witty exterior).
I don't have a plan in advance for who to romance - and if to romance - beyond that. I think it's about an organic experience.
But might I ask - would you feel different about DA:O if the opening flirts were different? That is, if each character had an origin specific ice-breaker, but otherwise the romance went along in a similar way, with a similar culmination, would that matter?
Edit:
To share a reaction, I did find DA:O to be pretty impactful in the romance storyline. Just before the saving Anora sequence, I triggered the Morrigan and Sten troll dialogue (about how qunari have sex, with the hot iron pry bar and all) and one of Morrigan's lines was that "he wouldn't mind" about her hooking up. My HN was really hurt by that, so when Anora comes up, his plan is all.. let's make her jealous by saying I'll be Anora's betrothed. Expect her reaction is all pragmatic, which makes it worse, which makes him want to go through with it, until it comes down to Alistair (his best friend) vs. Loghain, the man who (in his eyes) helped Howe murder his entire family. And so then there was no choice - because petty jealously didn't and couldn't trump friendship.
Then we then DR came along, it was a double-whammy. Morrigan (in my HN's eyes) was so very pragmatic about the whole thing because she knew it couldn't last, because her mission was to get an OGB out of you. Just so happened love wasn't part of the plan. So for him - who never really wanted a family - the DR became the only way to create a lasting tie with Morrigan, who he'd otherwise lose forever.
My warden found it amusing about Morrigan flirting with Sten and him trolling her. She never really struck me as her being very serious about wanting to actually have sex with Sten and was more trying to get a rise out of him.
Which is why I found Bound by Flame to be so disappointing. Here comes a third person RPG that isn't a Bioware game that offers the choice of gender, numerous companions, and fully scripted romance dialogue for specific companions and then they gate all of the companions by gender, making them all o/s romance options only. I have still never bought that game to this day even though it's right in my wheelhouse because of this. So disappointing and a perfect example of why the inclusive approach by Bioware is still so important in gaming.
I never heard of that game................so they were what ? all hetero??
But considering the numbers of games who offer romances and the ability to play the gender you are (male or female) . If you come from that zone...where there are no romances , no gender choice (you are stuck with being a dude) . Then you walk in this zone of Bioware , who offer a game with gender choices and Romance . And then they start Gating......
Let just say the zone you though would be wide open...start shrinking .
I think I be for race gating then orientation gating (maybe dwarf will have a Li then lol) . Or even..maybe a class gating ? Smooche only if you are a mage too ?
But I think gender makes more sense in terms of...well everything. It's the first identifiable thing about a person in most cases. So at first look, one would determine "Oh you have breasts? Not interested."
Well race would come first, actually, but I think that would either limit many more players, or put tons of more wok onto the developers of the game in terms of making sure there was someone for everyone.
And some class gating would be understandable too (sorry mage femquisitors, it makes no sense for Cullen to want you).
sorry mage femquisitors, it makes no sense for Cullen to want you).
haha not nice to say that 
Actually it make sense . Cullen was still young and not completely brainwashed and his hormones are still working even if he was wearing a Templar full armor
Close contact , not leaving the tower....and you have a blooming crush right there . He wanted the Amell (mage warden) cose she was beautiful , she was smart , she was a prize pupils and gained renow in the circle from the 1st enchanter . That alone make her 'safe' in a way .
damn ya..u made me defend cullen now
haha not nice to say that
Actually it make sense . Cullen was still young and not completely brainwashed and his hormones are still working even if he was wearing a Templar full armor
Close contact , not leaving the tower....and you have a blooming crush right there . He wanted the Amell (mage warden) cose she was beautiful , she was smart , she was a prize pupils and gained renow in the circle from the 1st enchanter . That alone make her 'safe' in a way .
damn ya..u made me defend cullen now
But then he was taken prisoner (by mages), tortured with blood magic (by mages) and then went to Kirkwall...where I'll just say...by mages.
The only reason I was fine with gating this time around was because of the massive amount of romantic options, 8 out of 12.
Given that there are at least two options per sexual orientation, it worked out for me. Iron Bull isn't my cup of tea (although I will definitely have a go at him with a male Qunari), but at least I had a choice. I have Dorian or Iron Bull for a m/m relationship.
Given that this is the first time in any RPG where we'll interact very deeply with a gay male character, I'm actually quite content with Dorian, despite my ... enthusiastic response to seeing Cullen yesterday.
So what I'm trying to say is that BioWare has improved a lot in offering increased options for everyone but it comes with some collateral damage in terms of accessibility.
Just like how we choose to limit ourselves in our playthroughs, we are also responsible for our experiences in the game. We can't get mad because an LI is unavailable. Our origins are our choice. In an alternate universe where you can only play a gay male character, then Cullen (for example) is simply not an LI option at all. We deal with it, while staring at his magnanimous cheekbones.
On a personal note, it seems that gay PCs are class AND race gated against human warriors. Why? I demand satisfaction.
What I would like in future games is to have a gay male human warrior. One of the same archetype as Alistair, Blackwall, and Cullen just into dudes.
Perhaps it will be remedied in the next Dragon Age game.
The only reason I was fine with gating this time around was because of the massive amount of romantic options, 8 out of 12.
Given that there are at least two options per sexual orientation, it worked out for me. Iron Bull isn't my cup of tea (although I will definitely have a go at him with a male Qunari), but at least I had a choice. I have Dorian or Iron Bull for a m/m relationship.
Given that this is the first time in any RPG where we'll interact very deeply with a gay male character, I'm actually quite content with Dorian, despite my ... enthusiastic response to seeing Cullen yesterday.
So what I'm trying to say is that BioWare has improved a lot in offering increased options for everyone but it comes with some collateral damage in terms of accessibility.
Just like how we choose to limit ourselves in our playthroughs, we are also responsible for our experiences in the game. We can't get mad because an LI is unavailable. Our origins are our choice. In an alternate universe where you can only play a gay male character, then Cullen (for example) is simply not an LI option at all. We deal with it, while staring at his magnanimous cheekbones.
On a personal note, it seems that gay PCs are class AND race gated against human warriors. Why? I demand satisfaction.
What I would like in future games is to have a gay male human warrior. One of the same archetype as Alistair, Blackwall, and Cullen just into dudes.
Perhaps it will be remedied in the next Dragon Age game.
I'm quoting you because I already like it. So...yea. More likes, have them all. GAWD...Maybe we can convince Carrol to come back with us.
But then he was taken prisoner (by mages), tortured with blood magic (by mages) and then went to Kirkwall...where I'll just say...by mages.
Yet peoples want him . Don't ask me why...I wouldn't know . 
Yet peoples want him . Don't ask me why...I wouldn't know .
Oh I know why they want HIM. Just saying that HE shouldn't want THEM. lol.
I never heard of that game................so they were what ? all hetero??
Yeah, they had two male and two female companion romances and all were hetero. They also didn't have racial options, but I think it might be because there are only humans in that setting, but I'm not sure.
Yeah, they had two male and two female companion romances and all were hetero. They also didn't have racial options, but I think it might be because there are only humans in that setting, but I'm not sure.
ugh 
Oh I know why they want HIM. Just saying that HE shouldn't want THEM. lol.
But he is a Mini-Li......
I couldnt get into any of those mini-Li like the one for the Dalish and the dwarf.....safe for Shianni... dont judge !
What I would like in future games is to have a gay male human warrior. One of the same archetype as Alistair, Blackwall, and Cullen just into dudes.
Perhaps it will be remedied in the next Dragon Age game.
Well, the handsome and dashing knight in shining armour thing was something I've always been attracted to ever since I was a little kid. I mean, there's Dorian and he qualifies despite being a mage, so I'm pretty stoked, but...
Hopefully in the next game, there will be a gay warrior. I mean, they can't backtrack now that Dorian and Sera set a benchmark for Dragon Age games in terms of gay companions.
Yeah, they had two male and two female companion romances and all were hetero. They also didn't have racial options, but I think it might be because there are only humans in that setting, but I'm not sure.
Feh. I was interested when I first heard of the game and then... it's pretty much expected that only straight players are going to play so.
Yep. I'm out. **** that.
Well, the handsome and dashing knight in shining armour thing was something I've always been attracted to ever since I was a little kid. I mean, there's Dorian and he qualifies despite being a mage, so I'm pretty stoked, but...
Hopefully in the next game, there will be a gay warrior. I mean, they can't backtrack now that Dorian and Sera set a benchmark for Dragon Age games in terms of gay companions.
Feh. I was interested when I first heard of the game and then... it's pretty much expected that only straight players are going to play so. Yep. I'm out. **** that.
Agreed on both counts: 1.) Handsome knight in shining armor is awesome and I want a gay version, please; and 2.) Since they decided that the protagonist has to be straight, despite putting forward an air of "you can be whoever you want through your choices", I've also decided to vote with my wallet on that one.
Sidenote: I emailed the company to express my disappointment that they didn't offer s/s options in that game and one of the community managers emailed me back very quickly (within a day, if I recall correctly). She was awesome and said that they had gotten alot of feedback similar to mine and they were currently in development with another game that would offer romances and they were committed to have s/s options in that game based on customer feedback. So that makes me feel a million times better. If they make good on that offer, I'll probably pick up both the new game and Bound by Flame (on a discount, natch).
But I think gender makes more sense in terms of...well everything. It's the first identifiable thing about a person in most cases. So at first look, one would determine "Oh you have breasts? Not interested."
Well race would come first, actually, but I think that would either limit many more players, or put tons of more wok onto the developers of the game in terms of making sure there was someone for everyone.
And some class gating would be understandable too (sorry mage femquisitors, it makes no sense for Cullen to want you).
In terms of characterization though... race- and class-gating add more depth than gender-gating. I mean... Fenris likes girls instead of boys... aaaand? Doesn't really add anything to his character. But how about: Fenris refuses to romance a mage and is harder to romance with a human than an elf. That's way more interesting.
Sidenote: I emailed the company to express my disappointment that they didn't offer s/s options in that game and one of the community managers emailed me back very quickly (within a day, if I recall correctly). She was awesome and said that they had gotten alot of feedback similar to mine and they were currently in development with another game that would offer romances and they were committed to have s/s options in that game based on customer feedback. So that makes me feel a million times better. If they make good on that offer, I'll probably pick up both the new game and Bound by Flame (on a discount, natch).
WOW!!!! You go! Good for you; that's a lesson for us all: actually write to them and they may listen!!!
Well, the handsome and dashing knight in shining armour thing was something I've always been attracted to ever since I was a little kid. I mean, there's Dorian and he qualifies despite being a mage, so I'm pretty stoked, but...
You think so? I want to hope for that. If Dorian is noble and chivalrous that would go a long way towards encouraging me to romance him.
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