BioWare may typically be known for allowing players their own dalliances with romantic relationships in its past games, but it looks like that’s not going to be the case with the upcoming Anthem. The action RPG is doffing its ties to sex and romance as we saw with series like Mass Effect and Dragon Age for a more platonic approach.
BioWare may typically be known for allowing players their own dalliances with romantic relationships in its past games, but it looks like that’s not going to be the case with the upcoming Anthem. The action RPG is doffing its ties to sex and romance as we saw with series like Mass Effect and Dragon Age for a more platonic approach.
In an interview with Game Informer for the publication’s full Anthem cover story, lead producer Mike Gamble explained the decision and what we can expect instead.
“There are no romances,” Gamble said. “There are friendships. Some of the stuff we did with Mass Effect – the Citadel DLC specifically – there was a lot of friendship moments. You and Garrus sitting up, shooting – that kind of stuff, we want to lean into that. The romantic stuff, we’re moving away from that for Anthem.”
Essentially, any relationships you build in-game will contribute toward more friendship levels and camaraderie that one builds with members on the same team. It’s a surprising direction that many may be disappointed to hear about, but the game doesn’t really look like the type of adventure that romance would make much sense in, anyway.
Additionally, the game won’t have any kind of PvP focus, opting instead for a focus on co-op play. You won’t even be able to play the game with AI party members, so you’ll have to settle for flying solo or grabbing a few friends to go with you if you plan on not being alone.
Anthem is scheduled for a Feb. 22, 2019 release on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
