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 by Sol Invictus, Level 53
Last updated at July 8, 2009, 8:11 am
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Mass Effect came under fire in 2007 when Fox News, being typical of itself, published a saucy report which claimed that Bioware's mainstream title, Mass Effect, featured graphic nudity with hardcore sex among other baseless accusations against the critically acclaimed RPG.
When asked whether it was necessary for games to feature any kind of sex scenes, BioWare co-founder Dr. Greg Zeschuk told CVG that he didn't think games needed to have them, but that it “makes sense” in certain types of games, arguing that their context in the storyline is important.
In his defense of Mass Effect, Zeschuk stated, "It's interesting because I think the Mass Effect thing was completely over-blown. There wasn't even really nudity; it was like the side of a leg. I think some of the press took huge advantage of the situation. The reality was that it was the kind of stuff you'd see on evening television.”
“That said, I think from our perspective we want to reflect real human relationships. If you're trying to have a relationship with a character we want to reflect that and the impact of the connection with that character. And if that involves some sort of intimate scenes, we want to provide those for the player.
“It's based on the fact that this is a sophisticated, mature experience,” he added.
If the trailers are anything to go by, then we can expect to see a romantic scene or two in Bioware's upcoming Dragon Age. Unlike the nudity blatantly featured upon the collectible cards in The Witcher, Mass Effect's sex scene–which I experienced first hand, if you'll pardon the pun–is remarkably tasteful and more importantly, it made sense to the story.
What is your take on the spicy subject?
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13 comments
Deafdefiler Jul 8, 2009 at 8:36 am
+1 votes
I think sex in video games should be allowed, if not outright promoted. To be completely honest with you, I'd rather have 12-year-olds ******* than killing, but guess which is more acceptable for them to do in video games?
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Agamemnon Jul 8, 2009 at 10:30 am
+1 votes
I still find it funny that television and movies are panned when a lot of violence is included in them but video games get panned when there is some sex in them. Isn't that ironic? Anyways, as someone who has also played Mass Effect to death, the sex scenes are about as softcore as you can get. There isn't even any grunting of huffing to go about; honestly, you DO find worse on television. A naked leg here, the side of a boob there...it's over in fifteen seconds anyway (though I suppose that's enough time for some people).
Dragon Age, I imagine, is going to be a lot different, because, from the trailers, that game doesn't look in the least bit tasteful. I think they'll go the God of War route, sadly, and put in some real naked digital bits and even a sex mini game with moaning and the like included. That has nothing to do with the story, sorry, and more about appealing to the oldest common factor in marketing; sex sells. Unfortunately it doesn't mean the game will be any better.
Dragon Age, I imagine, is going to be a lot different, because, from the trailers, that game doesn't look in the least bit tasteful. I think they'll go the God of War route, sadly, and put in some real naked digital bits and even a sex mini game with moaning and the like included. That has nothing to do with the story, sorry, and more about appealing to the oldest common factor in marketing; sex sells. Unfortunately it doesn't mean the game will be any better.
Sol Invictus Jul 8, 2009 at 10:43 am
+1 votes
You know, despite the game's crumby marketing, I highly doubt that any sex within the game will be graphic.
Agamemnon Jul 8, 2009 at 10:57 am
+1 votes
I don't think it'll be hardcore porn either, but I'm willing to bet we'll see digital naughty bits and hear lots of moaning and huffing during the sex scenes. Putting something as rediculous as a Marlyn Manson song on the trailer for your game and then having 10% of it showcase women in suggestive positions wearing a towelette and then have the other 90% of the game having people's heads caved in certainly sets the tone for what kind of "maturity" we can expect from this game. Personally I think it's a shame that Bioware is even doing the unnecessary "blood and boobs" title. I say leave that to Sony titles like God of War.
Sol Invictus Jul 8, 2009 at 11:01 am
+1 votes
I honestly think that it's more to do with EA's hold over the marketing than anything Bioware wishes to do. A number of Bioware writers were on Penny Arcade's G&T forums to defend the game, stating that it was every bit as serious as Mass Effect and Baldur's Gate, though you wouldn't be able to tell that from the way the game's been marketed.
That being said, it really does look second class behind Mass Effect and its upcoming sequel. Mass Effect is quite easily one of the best games I've ever played, so maybe that's not such a bad thing.
That being said, it really does look second class behind Mass Effect and its upcoming sequel. Mass Effect is quite easily one of the best games I've ever played, so maybe that's not such a bad thing.
Uthgar Jul 8, 2009 at 12:00 pm
+1 votes
Hmm you liked mass effect that much? I thought it was good, but all those side quest planets were somewhat annoying. Defintely a good game, but I don't think it can compare to some of Bioware's other work.
Sol Invictus Jul 8, 2009 at 12:17 pm
+1 votes
The sidequest planets were rather a bit of a chore but I felt rewarded by the vocal cutscenes with the well-voiced Admiral Hackett (Lance Henrikson) who never shows up physically in the game. I'd love to meet the character in the game's sequel.
chaospherezero Jul 8, 2009 at 12:00 pm
+1 votes
It's so cute when other forms of media criticize video games for sex and violence. Who came up with the tasteless reality show Temptation Island? Oh, that's right, Murdoch's company.
I don't get the puritanical notion that we should somehow pretend sex doesn't exist in the United States, whether it's in literature, film, or television. It's called expression, people. If you get your panties in a bunch every time someone expresses something you don't find "tasteful," too bad.
I'm glad the founders of this country were smart enough to write a First Amendment so the worst these idiots could do is whine rather than take our rights of expression away.
I don't get the puritanical notion that we should somehow pretend sex doesn't exist in the United States, whether it's in literature, film, or television. It's called expression, people. If you get your panties in a bunch every time someone expresses something you don't find "tasteful," too bad.
I'm glad the founders of this country were smart enough to write a First Amendment so the worst these idiots could do is whine rather than take our rights of expression away.
Lonethar Jul 8, 2009 at 12:48 pm
+1 votes
Its completely hilarious that ANY reference to the sex in Mass Effect is negative. Its a mature game and that aside, as Ag said, you see nothing. Without programs to block it, a child could see limitless porn on the internets and THIS is something people get worked up about? I say if there is an honest market for this stuff then go ahead. It interests me personally not at all, but that means nothing. Its completely harmless.
Blackhand Jul 8, 2009 at 5:14 pm
+1 votes
Its just the media being sensationalist as usual.
They heard the words "sex" and "game" in the same sentence and just had to write up over the top articles, just short of calling Mass Effect porn, which is absolute nonesense.
Those scenes in Mass Effect were nothing more than suggestive, were done tastefully and actually contributed to the development of the characters. It worked well as just one more way to connect the player with the in game characters.
I look forward to more "porn" in Mass Effect 2.
They heard the words "sex" and "game" in the same sentence and just had to write up over the top articles, just short of calling Mass Effect porn, which is absolute nonesense.
Those scenes in Mass Effect were nothing more than suggestive, were done tastefully and actually contributed to the development of the characters. It worked well as just one more way to connect the player with the in game characters.
I look forward to more "porn" in Mass Effect 2.
Xul Jul 8, 2009 at 7:21 pm
+1 votes
I find it amusing how something as natural as sex is offensive while simulating chopping/ripping/tearing someone apart with blood/gore and all isn't.
Camo Jul 8, 2009 at 7:59 pm
+1 votes
Most game stores wont sell 'm' rated games to minors (I know because I worked at gamestop for 3 years.) Therefore, io believe YES, sex should be allowed. You have to be 17/18 to buy the game, so in a sense, you could just go to an adult store if you REALLY wanted sex. Sex adds to the realism factor in MassEffect.
The Extremist Jul 9, 2009 at 4:12 am
+1 votes
It looks to me like Bioware is trying to dredge up this old topic again in the hopes that someone (Fox) does embark on a slander campaign against Dragon Age. Nothing sells games like a good ol' conservative media controversy. Money can't buy viral marketing like that.
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