As the gaming industry continues to evolve, so too does its understanding and representation of diverse identities. Once dominated by heteronormative relationships and cookie-cutter love interests, modern video games are increasingly embracing inclusivity—offering romance options that reflect the broad spectrum of gender identities, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds found in the real world. For players who have long yearned to see themselves in the stories they love, this shift marks a welcome and necessary change.
Here are some of the most inclusive games when it comes to romance options:
- Mass Effect Series (Especially Mass Effect: Legendary Edition)
BioWare’s Mass Effect series has long been a leader in relationship diversity. In the original trilogy, players control Commander Shepard, who can form romantic relationships with a variety of characters across genders and alien species.
While earlier games in the series had some limitations (e.g., fewer same-sex options in the first game), the remastered Mass Effect: Legendary Edition updated some of those elements to be more inclusive. The later entries, particularly Mass Effect 3, introduced same-sex romances for both male and female Shepards. Characters like Liara, Kaidan, and Cortez are available to players regardless of gender, offering deeper emotional storylines that aren’t merely token gestures.
- Dragon Age Series
Another BioWare title, Dragon Age is often cited as one of the most progressive RPG franchises in terms of romance. Each game features a variety of companions with different sexual orientations, and the player character’s gender doesn’t restrict romantic choices.
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, for instance, players can romance characters like Dorian (gay male), Sera (lesbian female), Iron Bull (pansexual), and Cassandra (straight female), depending on their own character’s identity. This level of diversity allows for meaningful representation, and the narratives are handled with respect, depth, and care.
- Cyberpunk 2077
Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 by CD Projekt Red includes a remarkably diverse set of romance options. Depending on how players customize their version of V (including voice and body type), they can pursue relationships with characters like Judy Alvarez, Panam Palmer, River Ward, or Kerry Eurodyne.
What stands out is that the game locks certain romance options behind identity-related choices, meaning these characters are canonically queer and not just “player-sexual.” This provides a more authentic portrayal of sexual orientation and reflects the real-world complexities of attraction and identity.
- The Sims 4
Few games offer the sheer freedom of The Sims 4 when it comes to romance. EA and Maxis have steadily updated the game to be one of the most inclusive life sims available. Players can now create Sims with customizable gender identities, preferred pronouns, and romantic/sexual preferences.
Whether your Sim is a nonbinary pansexual or a cisgender asexual, the game allows you to reflect that with ease. Plus, with mods and expansions, players can dive even deeper into inclusive storytelling, making The Sims 4 a sandbox for love in all its diverse forms.
- Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 has been widely praised not just for its gameplay but for its rich character development and romance mechanics. Every companion has a distinct personality, backstory, and romantic orientation, and the game doesn’t shy away from same-sex or nontraditional relationships.
The game also includes a nonbinary character, and players themselves can create nonbinary avatars. The relationships feel organic, driven by meaningful choices and character chemistry rather than checkbox diversity.
- Boyfriend Dungeon
This indie action-dating sim from Kitfox Games brings a unique twist—your weapons are also your romantic interests, and they come in various genders and personalities. Boyfriend Dungeon includes gay, straight, and nonbinary characters, and allows for player freedom in pursuing any of them, regardless of gender.
The game also addresses topics like consent and boundaries, providing content warnings and letting players opt out of specific narrative elements—something rarely seen in the genre.
- Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
An unconventional hit, Dream Daddy centers around a single dad who dates other dads. Created by Game Grumps, the game puts LGBTQ+ relationships front and center in a heartfelt and humorous way. Its diverse cast of dads features various body types, ethnicities, and personalities, each with unique stories to tell.
The game is unapologetically inclusive and helped normalize LGBTQ+ romance in the visual novel space.
Conclusion
Inclusive romance in video games isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about making players feel seen, respected, and empowered. Games like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Sims 4 are leading the way by normalizing diversity and telling meaningful, representative stories. As the medium continues to mature,
