Dragon Age: A Legacy of Inclusivity and Queer Romance Through the Ages

The world of Dragon Age has long captivated players not just with its rich lore and epic quests, but also with its surprisingly progressive approach to representation, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ relationships. From the early days of Dragon Age: Origins to the expansive landscapes of Dragon Age: Inquisition, BioWare has consistently pushed boundaries, offering players the chance to explore meaningful same-sex romances in a fantasy setting. But how did this journey begin, and what does it reveal about the evolution of queer representation in video games?

The Groundbreaking Steps of Dragon Age: Origins

When Dragon Age: Origins (DAO) first launched in 2009, it was a revelation. At a time when mainstream video games were largely silent on same-sex relationships, DAO dared to offer genuine romance options for players regardless of their character's gender. The game featured two prominent bisexual characters: the charming Antivan Crow, Zevran Arainyai, and the devoted Seeker of Truth, Leliana. This was a monumental achievement. Zevran, famously inspired by real-world espionage recruitment tactics involving agents without familial ties, was penned by David Gaider, who himself is gay. Gaider recounts the initial push for inclusivity, noting that the studio debated making Zevran exclusively gay, but ultimately decided on bisexuality to broaden the appeal and impact. This decision, he explains, wasn't just about representation; it was about opening the door to conversations about inclusivity that hadn't even been on the table before. Consider the context: in 2009, gay marriage was far from legal in many parts of the world, with the UK legalizing it four years later and the US Supreme Court following suit six years after that. The Matthew Shepard Act, which expanded US hate crime laws to include sexual orientation, had only recently passed. In such an environment, BioWare's inclusion of bisexual characters in a major RPG was not just progressive; it was downright revolutionary. Leliana's storyline also offered a poignant exploration of faith and identity. As a former Chantry sister who finds solace and resistance in her queer identity, she challenges the established norms of the institution. Her journey, as noted by analysis from Gaymingmag, highlights how faith can be a form of resistance, and how queerness can exist and even challenge oppressive structures from within. This nuanced portrayal resonated deeply with players seeking complex characters. It's easy to forget how much progress has been made when looking back. Gaider's anecdote about Juhani, a lesbian character from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, vividly illustrates this. Juhani was initially forbidden from saying "I love you" or even uttering the word "love" due to content restrictions. By comparison, DAO's ability to feature open same-sex romances was a massive leap forward, proving that BioWare was committed to creating a more inclusive gaming experience.

Dragon Age 2: A Step Sideways?

While Dragon Age 2 (DA2) continued the trend of offering diverse characters, its representation of queer relationships was somewhat less impactful for some players. The narrative, while featuring compelling characters and a unique art style, was criticized for recycled environments and combat mechanics. Though players could still engage in same-sex romance, the overall reception of DA2 left many feeling that the series had faltered in its ambition compared to its predecessor.

Dragon Age: Inquisition and Expanding the Horizons

Dragon Age: Inquisition (DAI) marked a significant return to form for the series, boasting vast open-world exploration, improved combat, and a robust cast of companions, many of whom were open to same-sex relationships. Players could romance characters like the complex mage Dorian Pavus, who navigated the societal pressures of his homeland, Tevinter, and was expected to marry a woman to uphold his family's lineage. DAI also introduced Commander Cullen Rutherford, who, through player choices and expanded lore, could be revealed as having had past romantic involvements with men, offering another layer of representation. Furthermore, the character of Krem, a transgender warrior, was a monumental step forward. While Krem was voiced by Jennifer Hale, a talented voice actress, the decision sparked debate about the importance of casting transgender voice actors for transgender roles. Despite this, Krem's inclusion was widely celebrated as a significant stride in normalizing trans characters in mainstream gaming. The game's approach to relationships, while broadly inclusive, also saw discussions around "playersexuality" - characters whose romantic orientation is fluid until the player begins to flirt. While this can offer great freedom for players to explore their desires, some, like the author of the provided text, express a yearning for more defined and canon sexualities, reminiscent of earlier Bioware games. This highlights a desire for representation that feels both authentic and grounded, rather than purely player-driven.

Navigating the Nuances: Inclusivity and Imperfection

It's crucial to acknowledge that the representation within the Dragon Age series, particularly in its earlier installments, wasn't without its flaws. The controversial "surprise me" option in the Pearl brothel in Origins, which involved a dwarf in drag and was intended as a joke, is a prime example of how even well-intentioned content can age poorly and be perceived as offensive. Similarly, Dragon Age 2 faced criticism for a scene involving the deep-voiced drag queen Serendipity, which left many feeling uncomfortable. These instances highlight the evolving understanding of representation in the gaming industry. What might have been considered edgy or progressive at the time can now be viewed through a more critical lens. The series' journey reflects a broader societal shift in understanding and portraying gender and sexuality. The writer's reflection on Zevran's backstory, inspired by the darker aspects of espionage and the need to suppress emotion, is particularly compelling. This nuanced approach, exploring how real-world societal pressures and historical contexts can shape character identity, adds depth to the representation. It's a reminder that inclusive characters can also be complex, flawed, and deeply human.

The Future of Queer Romance in Dragon Age

The Dragon Age franchise has undeniably paved the way for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in video games. By consistently offering rich, engaging, and meaningful romantic pathways for queer players, BioWare has fostered a dedicated fanbase that values this commitment. As the series looks towards its future, the desire for authentic, nuanced, and intersectional representation continues to grow. While the initial steps might have been imperfect, the legacy of Dragon Age: Origins and its successors lies in their willingness to embrace complexity and challenge the status quo. The inclusion of characters like Zevran, Leliana, Dorian, and Krem demonstrates a powerful evolution in how video games can reflect and shape our understanding of love, identity, and belonging. The conversations sparked by these characters continue to inform the development of future narratives, ensuring that the world of Thedas remains a place where all players can find a place to call home, and perhaps, find love along the way.