I’m possibly about to open a can of worms here, but given how obsessive people are about age gap romance options in the new Dragon Age, I can’t hold my tongue any longer. It’s fair to say that I have reason to take such issue with this nonsensical debate, for I’m someone currently in an age gap relationship. There are 33 years between my partner and me.
To some, that’s an unthinkable number. Questions about how our relationship works are many whenever strangers try to analyse it. Relationships are nuanced experiences, not easily defined or rigid in their development; although a universal experience, love takes many forms, not every one we personally relate to.
This month, a new Dragon Age chapter will begin
When it comes to romance in video games though, it’s much less multifaceted. This isn’t to say inclusivity isn’t important, but rather that the intricacies of the relationships the characters form aren’t nearly as impactful as the ones we form in real life. And I say this as someone who thinks about these characters as if they’re real people.
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It’s odd then, that fans are getting hung up over the age of one ofDragon Age: The Veilguard’s companions. Emmrich is one of seven possible romantic avenues you can explore. What makes Emmrich stand out from the crowd beyond his distinguished demeanour, is the fact that he’s one of the older human companions of the group. Emphasis onhuman.
We’re in control of Rook in this adventure. They can be as young or as old as you want (within the confines of character creation). Consequently, you can romance them with whoever you want. Yet, our freedom to choose, to create, is being stripped away as judgement is being bandied about like corked wine. If you don’t like the option, don’t pick it.
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You could use that defence to call me out for airing the dirty laundry of the fandom’s debate, and the ring of truth would remain. I could feasibly ignore this discourse, for it doesn’t directly impact me. That said, as someone who’s faced the backlash of living in a real life age gap relationship, I can’t abide people infantilising characters – or people – in an attempt to strengthen their argument. As a society, we’re far too quick to see predatory behaviour in every age gap pairing, yet not every relationship is cause for alarm.
Romance whoever you want in-game, but please don’t smear the names of others who take a different route, one that leads to the arms of an experienced necromancer. Not every older person dating someone younger is a creep. Problematic older individuals are out there - most of us have met one or two of them - but Emmrich’s character doesn’t necessarily reflect that. Maybe he’ll end up being a jerk, but I highly doubt it’ll be due to any age gap relationships with Rook.
Topics:Dragon Age,Bioware,EA,Xbox,PlayStation,PC
