Sorry Obsidian, But The Outer Worlds 2 Just Makes Me Want Romances Even More
I’ve heard every argument against including romances in RPGs, but I can’t help thinking that The Outer Worlds 2 feels like it’s missing some emotional depth. Sure, not every game needs romanceable companions, and forcing them can lead to weak writing or disrupt the story’s natural flow.
There’s also the concern that romance can take away a companion’s agency or make players who skip those paths feel left out. Even one of the most talented writers in the genre understands how complex this balance can be.
“It’s a delicate balancing act,” said David Gaider, known for creating some of the most memorable romantic storylines in games like Dragon Age, especially those involving Morrigan, Alistair, and Dorian.
His characters felt alive whether you pursued friendship, rivalry, or love. That’s what makes great writing — the sense that characters breathe on their own, regardless of the player’s path.
Obsidian, however, has often stated that it isn’t interested in incorporating romance systems in its recent titles. Ironically, it excels at creating characters that players can’t help but form attachments to.
With The Outer Worlds 2 on the horizon, I find myself once again hoping that Obsidian experiments with romance. After all, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 remains one of the few pieces of Star Wars media that truly acknowledges adult relationships and mature themes, largely thanks to the subtle undertones of affection woven through its story.
Author’s Summary
The writer argues that while romances in RPGs are tricky, Obsidian’s storytelling would benefit from exploring them in The Outer Worlds 2.