Dragon Age Origins: A Look Back at 15 Years of Sex and Fantasy
Dragon Age Origins is celebrating its 15-year anniversary today, November 3, 2024. Below, we examine its role as a daring, if awkward, attempt to use sex as a central theme and mechanic.
Sex and video games have always had a complicated relationship. From early Atari games to modern titles on Steam, the depiction of sex has often been cringeworthy. Even mainstream games like Mass Effect and Baldur’s Gate 3 have faced backlash for their portrayal of sexual themes. However, two decades ago, Dragon Age: Origins took a bold step in exploring sex within a fantasy setting.
The Fantasy World of Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins combines traditional high-fantasy elements with a dark and mature storyline. The game draws inspiration from works like A Song of Ice and Fire, focusing on political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and existential threats. This darker tone extends to the game’s treatment of sex and romance, which plays a significant role in character interactions and plot development.
Transactional Nature of Sex
In Dragon Age: Origins, sex is often portrayed as transactional, serving specific purposes without emphasizing romance or love. Characters like Morrigan use sex as a means to achieve power or fulfill their objectives. The game subverts traditional notions of romantic encounters by presenting them as rewards for gameplay achievements.
Character Backgrounds and Sexual Ethics
The game delves into the backgrounds of characters like Morrigan, Leliana, and Zevran, exploring how their sexual histories and cultural beliefs shape their attitudes towards sex. Each companion has a unique perspective on intimacy, with their experiences influencing how they interact with the player and other characters throughout the game.
Exploring Themes of Consent and Vulnerability
Dragon Age: Origins navigates complex themes of consent and vulnerability through its characters’ interactions. By examining the power dynamics in sexual relationships, the game prompts players to consider the implications of their choices beyond mere romance.
The Good and the Ugly
While Dragon Age: Origins excels in its narrative exploration of sex, it falls short in visual presentation. The game’s graphics are criticized for being unappealing and awkward, particularly during intimate scenes. Mods offer some solutions to improve the visuals, but they can also alter the game’s aesthetics drastically.
Despite its flaws, Dragon Age: Origins stands out for its mature approach to sex in gaming. While other titles may touch on sexual themes, few delve as deeply into character development and storytelling through the lens of intimacy. The game’s willingness to tackle adult themes sets it apart from many contemporary AAA titles.