In Defence Of Anders

The flames of controversy started burning after a perturbed 'fan' on Bioware's official forum commented that the creative giant's latest fantasy epic - Dragon Age 2 - ignored the game's core audience 'Straight Male Gamers'.

User 'Bastal' put forward the argument that instead of catering to the game's main audience, straight males, Bioware instead went for an all-inclusive approach in regards to romance options, accessible to all sexual orientations. Lead writer David Gaider responded to the accusations stating that romances were designed to cater for everyone and not just the "Straight Male Gamer". He put forward the ideal that Bioware should deliver an option for all rather then alienating any particular group.

The relationship most criticised by Bastal, and others who may have shared similar views, was that of Anders - an interest for both a Male and a Female protagonist. The main reason for criticism was that Anders would openly make his feelings for a male Hawke (the playable character) known in a way that some deemed uncomfortable.

Without spoiling too much of the game I will briefly describe the way in which Anders makes his feelings known. I will also draw a parallel with another Bioware game in which a heterosexual relationship was presented, which received no complaints.

Part way through the game the player will meet Anders, a rogue mage whom you need to befriend in order to continue your quest. In exchange for his services Anders will ask you to aid him on his own personal quest. Once said quest is complete - the climax of which is very emotional for the mage - Anders will subtly flirt with the playable character, be it male or female. The player can choose to respond in any way they deem fit and can, at this point, shoot down any possibility for a romantic relationship further into the game. If this is chosen no more flirting between the two will occur.

Now this open portrayal of emotion seems to be the main problem amongst critics of Anders' romance - the fact that he will make the first move, regardless of your gender. Thus, critics argued that the game as a whole alienates the straight male and the way romance was approached was done in a way to pander to the tastes of females or homosexual males. However I see several main problems with this argument, and they are as followed:

• It is unreasonable to expect Bioware to deliver a believable and engrossing narrative (which many will agree is the strongest asset of their works) with no character outwardly making their feelings, romantic or otherwise known. Not only does this create a conflict within the portrayal of characters (For example strong and outspoken characters having to be coerced into reveal their feelings) but it also limits the varied quality of the romances encountered throughout the game.
• Anders is NOT the only character to make his feelings known first, he may be the only male character to do so but Isabela (who can be romanced by both a male and female protagonist) does the same. Not only is this the case but Isabela is far more forefront in regard to her flirtation - even uttering the line "And I have a room at the hanged man (a tavern in game) if you're looking for company later" - not the most subtle of proposals you'll agree.
• The open nature of sexuality seems to be something that coincides with the lore of the Dragon Age universe. In a similar fashion to the attitudes held by the ancient Greeks the world of Dragon Age doesn't appear to have the same social-stigma attached to same-sex relationships as the real world. Since Dragon Age: Origins players have been able to commit to such a romantic pursuits without any issues about morality or a need for feelings to be hidden being raised. It seems the same stigmas that may exist in part of the real world don't apply in the fantasy realm.

• Another Bioware RPG 'Mass Effect 2' presents a remarkably similiar potential romantic pursuit, with no complaint (So I don't potentially spoil a second game I'll leave the details as vague as possible) A character by the name of Tali is helped by the protagonist during their adventures. She then develops an infatuation with the player-character that is made particularly obvious - a remarkably similar portrayal to that of Anders. However Tali is only a romance option available to a Male player - strictly heterosexual. This was never criticised.
• A main point of Bastal's argument relied on the implication that straight males would only play as a straight male character. Though it is often the case that players of either gender play as the opposite sex from time to time - even taking advantage of  the romantic pursuits available. Thus the addition of non-heterosexual relationships doesn't necessarily alienate heterosexual gamers.

Thus I put forward the argument that Dragon Age 2 doesn't alienate the Straight Male Gamer, but instead panders to them and all orientations in full - for the sake of believable narrative and characters. Instead I think the problem that critics of this particular issue have is the idea of open homosexual expressions of love - maybe a thought too radical for some.

To read the original post from User Bastal : Visit here