Do sex scenes add anything to games? (beyond being sexy or attempting to be sexy)

@gamefreak9 said:

@PillClinton said:

Porn exists for a reason. Keep this pseudo-porn shit outta my entertainment.

I think we've been spoiled too much by porn... we can't even enjoy some little side boob or some implied sexual tension! Come on! Its not all about the actual sex! Its about the build up to it!

Nah, that's all good. Really, I mean some of the more explicit sex scenes in some R rated movies, which I don't have a problem with inherently, but it can make group watching really uncomfortable.

Also, I completely agree that we've been spoiled (if that's even the right word, not sure what is) by porn, and I kind of fear for little dudes that are like 5-10 or younger now, because damn! It's just so easy to find now and there's soooo much of it.

This isn't a yes or no question. It's entirely individual from game to game. In some it can add to the story just like a movie would. What then makes the scene/interaction "right" or "wrong" is how then player perceives its explicit nature. Does it take you out the story making it feel out of place, or does it add to it? For example, I would argue that the sex scenes in the God of War games adds to it. Now, don't get me wrong. It adds nothing at all to the story, but it adds to the character (here Kratos) and his absurdity as a violent maniac that takes what he wants. There is of course a split in the audience about this subject, but I, personally, find it most fitting (in this example). There's just something poetic about tearing a beasts guts out and then afterwards go fuck a god while the on lookers engage in lesbian sex cause you're such a bloody turn on.

To conclude, this differs from game to game.

I voted yes - not because of any definitive evidence that sex scenes in video games have added to the characters and the story, but because they could in the future. The industry is still too focused on sex scenes as a gimmick; "We're mature! We're grown up! We're big boys! Wee-wee! Va-jay-jay!"

To make a sex scene that compliments the characters and the story, you need to think of it in a very different context. It isn't about what (tits, dick), but who and how (no Dragon Age dry humping, please).

In the Mass Effect games, I always like the conversations between the two characters before the sex scene. I thought they had some nice emotional weight to them. As far as the sex scene itself goes I don't think it ever really did much.

The original Mass Effect actually has a good sex scene that contributes to the sense of tone. In both cases, Liara or your Alliance subordinate, there is a sense of taboo in having sex; at that moment in the plot, you've just stolen the Alliance's most advanced frigate to chase down a man who might destroy all life as we know it. If you fail, it's the end of everything. If you succeed, you may still suffer consequences for your actions. The subtext is that the characters want to do what is right, regardless of the consequences, and that having each other is right for them. Even the pure way the scene is shot and performed conveys a sense of exploration and breaking boundaries.


The idea that we can only see characters during certain intimate moments but not others, entirely dependent on how much clothes they have on, is corrupt. Or that as soon as people start fucking, their characterization ends. There is literally no difference in watching a character smile as they hold their child or watching them sigh as their lover undresses them. It only goes to reinforce their feelings and their personality.

Not until better graphics anyway

For every Witcher 2 there's another Bioware game that pulls sex scenes in games down 10 levels. (if you can even call that Bioware shit a sex scene). gh

I think they can matter, but, first and foremost, you need to care about the characters that are in the scene. If you don't already have some investment in those characters, a sex scene with them is almost worthless.

Most of human experience and history has alternated between the poles of violence and sex, and many incredible films, works of art, and books deal deeply with both of them.

Unfortunately, video games only really renders one of those well and generally treats it amateurishly. We've got a ways to go.

Eluding to stuff like that can have more impact than showing it. I have always found it to be the case in movies as well.

Perfect Example: That movie with Gerard Butler where he chops the dudes legs off after surgically tying off the pressure points so the dude wouldn't bleed out. It was way creepier than if they had shown him actually cutting off his limbs. Bad game makers have to pornigraphically show off sex scenes and it isn't to as great effect as if you are eluding to two people doing it.

Mass Effect are probably the only scenes I've seen that I've felt added to the narrative. They are tasteful without showing anything and since you really grow attached to the characters and in the third, you aren't sure the outcome of the war and you are making the most of what you've got, I feel they nailed the emotions spot on.

@FluxWaveZ said:

They can add to a game just as much as movies or books can. It just needs to be executed well.

So far, I don't believe I've seen a sex scene that I've cared for in a game. That doesn't mean they should not be attempted.

Pretty much this.

Pervs.

You're telling me I can choose between ANY of the Mass Effect girls and they all want ME!? That's great because I W.fhhvkbnf,mcfadjcgje0;

No. They don't add anything to movies or TV either... They're only there to get a reaction out of simple folk. You can convey romance and love without resorting to soft core porn. I'm mostly referring to movies and some television on that point.. I've seen some pretty gritty sex scenes in both mediums and they never make me feel more invested in the story. Games are really tame with the sex for the most part.. Probably because Fox News and other outlets like it would throw a shit storm if they got any worse. Oh wait they already have.. For side boob.

I guess it has the same potential as other media do. Depictions of sex are never meaningful when they're just meant to be sex, but when they aren't actually about sex I guess they can help with character development.

I'mma get really pretentious here, but in 1984, when Winston and Julia have sex, it's less about sex and more about defying the totalitarian state they're in. The sex scenes in Network aren't about sex, but instead show how much of a selfish workaholic Diana is. That being said, I haven't seen a single game attempt such themes and can't imagine any one that does, so yes, at the moment, sex scenes in games are nothing more than porn.

i'm all for boning in all forms of media, really

Adds comedy; puppet fuckin' just funny to me.

They can, but they rarely do. The Mass Effect sex scenes were tasteful and provided something to the story you were creating.

I can't really recall one in recent history that made me think "man, this is sexy" or that was particularly titillating. The Katawa Shoujo stuff was all cartoony, and that doesn't do anything for me at all. I think the game that came closest to being really sexy was probably Mass Effect 2 for me. The build up was great, but then they cut away and the whole thing just flops. I guess I'm not really looking for sex scenes in games though. I have thought characters look sexy, but I don't particularly want them to have sex that I can see.

I do think it matters and it comes down to how its used. I don't need porn in a game because there are better places to find that stuff. I don't think the details in the act itself even matter much. What it comes down to for me is that if you are building great characters and building great relationships the more these relationships can function like a real relationship the better it is at least in my opinion.

I just think the sex part should stop being the carrot on the stick that you work for and it just happens within the relationship. Also the relationship should grow even after the act of sex.

No, I much rather have more realistic relationships that have an effect on character development and story. No awkward humping please

@ikaruga said:

No, I much rather have more realistic relationships that have an effect on character development and story. No awkward humping please

I agree.

I don't see that sex scenes should have much use in any video game. Other than for people who truly care to watch these stuff...

Sex scenes in a game are just other ways to promote it to the society and to get more money off of it. It really isn't needed.

Vouile

No, they're awkward. I am not a 13 year old who needs to be pandered to, I have porn.