In a recent conversation with Anatoly Shestov, the executive producer of Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy, the topic of romance in video games emerged, particularly in light of the bold narrative choices made in Baldur’s Gate 3. Shestov, who has invested considerable time into Larian’s acclaimed title, shared insights into how its expansive role-playing elements have influenced his team’s approach to game development.
Exploring New Dimensions of Roleplay
Shestov’s experience with Baldur’s Gate 3, which he describes as having “50 to 100 hours” of gameplay, was not primarily about its more sensational moments, such as the infamous bear encounter. Instead, he emphasized the game’s remarkable capacity for self-expressive roleplay. “What differentiates Baldur’s Gate 3 from other games isn’t its reactivity or romances,” he explained. “It’s the sheer palette of ways that you could express yourself at any given time.” This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of how players engage with their characters and the world around them.
He elaborated on the diverse party dynamics within the game, highlighting how players can adopt various agendas, from the whimsical to the serious. “I’ve got a party of five,” he noted, referencing characters with distinct personalities that contribute to a rich gameplay experience. This level of complexity, he believes, was previously deemed too costly to implement, but Baldur’s Gate 3 has demonstrated that such investment can yield significant returns in player engagement.
Romance as Character Development
When discussing romance, Shestov acknowledged that while Owlcat’s Rogue Trader featured a simpler system, the team is committed to evolving their approach in Dark Heresy. He stated, “We are genuinely making the games we like to play, and for us, a good RPG comes with the option to become intimate with the precious people around you.” This perspective underscores a belief that emotional depth—whether through love, hatred, or envy—is essential for character development.
Shestov clarified that their approach to romance is not merely about including provocative content for its own sake. “It isn’t just a check-box task to deliver kinky stuff,” he asserted. “It comes from what you think will allow this particular character to evolve.” This philosophy suggests a thoughtful integration of romance into the narrative, aiming to enhance the overall storytelling experience rather than serve as a superficial addition.
Looking Ahead to Dark Heresy
As for what players can expect from Dark Heresy, Shestov teased the possibility of “crazy romances,” thanks to the talent of their narrative design team. “We’re pretty open-minded,” he remarked, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver compelling romantic storylines. While the game may not feature encounters with bears, the potential for unique interactions with other characters, such as Kroot, promises to keep players engaged.
As the landscape of RPGs continues to evolve, Shestov’s insights reflect a growing trend toward deeper emotional connections within gameplay. With Dark Heresy on the horizon, fans of the genre can anticipate a fresh take on romance and character development, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors.
