Mass Effect 3 goes gay: Lesbian and gay sex scenes spark debate
BioWare released the third installment of the action role-playing game series Mass Effect on March 6. And this time around, there's an option to play gay or lesbian characters.
But not everyone's happy about it.
Like the world of sports, the gaming world has been slow and resistant to addressing homophobia or including gay content. Early efforts to include gay characters have often been deemed stereotypical or derogatory but there have been experimental efforts made to try and change that.
Now there's Mass Effect 3, which offers players the chance to play lead characters involved in same-sex relationships.
This scene depicts Commander Shepard in a physical intimate relationship with crewmember Cortez.
This scene portrays Shepard getting it on with human Sentinel Kaidan Alenko.
In this scene, specialist Samantha Traynor seduces FemShep (the female version of Commander Shepard) in the shower.
Explicit sexual acts aren't actually shown but same-sex flirtation, physical intimacy, and kissing are depicted.
In spite of some positive response, a backlash of negative and homophobic comments have been posted on several websites, particularly in response to the gay Commander Shepard video.
But as is the case whenever taboos are broached, there's bound to be resistance. The question is how this will affect any future developments in the gaming industry.
You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at twitter.com/cinecraig. You can also follow the Straight's LGBT coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/StraightLGBT.
Comments
6 Comments
Martin Dunphy
Mar 10, 2012 at 9:25pm
Of course, straight male gamers would never object to a scenario wherein two gorgeous <em>female</em> characters make out in a nude lesbian shower scene.
That's just hot.
foxxe.wilder@gmail.com
Mar 11, 2012 at 3:37am
yeah but the reality is, 1) no matter what guys fantasize, they won't get a piece of THAT action, 2) not all lesbians are raving beauties, in fact many avoid that look all together, 3) who cares WHAT gamers think? They won't be getting it from either end of the gender spectrum... people require attention for that stuff and gamers just don't give it there.
Kieran
Mar 23, 2012 at 10:53pm
Why would we, Martin? Are you saying we should only want to watch men?
Martin Dunphy
Mar 24, 2012 at 12:12am
Who is "we"? You make my point for me. (Ha, run circles around you logically!)
Ben hood
Feb 17, 2013 at 8:07am
How does Kaiden go from straight to bisexual in the course for three years (game time)
Derek
Mar 3, 2014 at 10:54am
I think that this is a great idea. Gay flirtation and intimacy should be used in games (only if it makes sense). Who cares what straight gamers think? I'm straight but I honestly would like to play a character that has same sex feelings towards another character. It's a new twist and I think it should be appreciated. If you don't like it, then play the straight version.