International Journal of Games and Social Impact, Vol. 3, Nº. 1 (2025)

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Existential love : romance in single-player RPGs
(Lusofona University, 2025-02-27) Anand, Anubhav; Kumar, Ajay; HEI-LAB (FCT) - Digital Laboratories for Environments and Human Interactions
The impact of romantic interactions within the game world varies significantly, especially in RPGs due to their intricately detailed worlds. Unlike linear games where romance unfolds passively through cutscenes, exerting minimal influence within game world, RPGs that offer high player agency create an immersive virtual environment that resonates with existential tenets. The choices made by players in terms of romance can have significant repercussions, haunting the player throughout the game. These games often feature complex and realistic love mechanics, offering a diverse range of experiences akin to real life, including inclusivity and infidelity. Many modern RPGs offer path-specific romance options, acknowledging that not all characters will be equally charismatic to every player as individuals have varied dispositions. Video games with high agency allow players to exercise authenticity and make decisions that align with their individuality. This article explores how these variables manifest in the context of romance in single-player RPGs. Keywords: In-game Romance, Choices and Consequences, Existentialism, Game-mechanics of Love, Authenticity